The Cultural Exchange program in California is a model supplementary social science curriculum available to California teachers. Students start with their own ethnic heritage and then explore cultural diversity at the community, national, and international levels. Graphics, activities, and materials are designed for fourth- through eighth-grade…

Discusses the development of a project-based approach to history instruction as a result of student dissatisfaction with a more traditional curriculum. Maintains that interested and motivated students take more responsibility for their learning. Presents project descriptions and provides recommendations for implementing the approach. (CFR)

Describes an integrated curriculum approach to world history using a "medieval" newspaper as a primary student project. Presents technical requirements, a newspaper outline, and recommendations for research and writing. Includes recommendations for student evaluation and teacher resources. (CFR)

Recommends providing fifth and sixth grade students in social studies classes with an understanding of how people lived in a specific era through original experiences. Outlines two lesson plans for studying ancient Egypt, giving students hands-on experiences. Finds lessons appropriate for special education students and those with limited English…

Outlines uses of participatory activities suggested for middle school students in the National Standards in Civics and Government. One fifth-grade group studied drug and alcohol problems from a constitutional perspective. Another simulation involved students role playing interest groups lobbying a senator about legislation concerning smoking. (MJP)

Discusses the origin, development, and current status of a history-geography-English integrated curriculum program for eighth-grade students. Summarizes the "pluses" and "minuses" of the approach. Describes classroom activities and student projects in the program. (CFR)

Describes an integrated curriculum approach to world history/language arts that employs student filmmaking as its primary instructional approach. Discusses how the production process allows teachers to assess students' content knowledge, writing skills, and research skills. Includes a list of "helpful hints," a model content outline, and…

Describes a middle school program that integrates history/social studies, language, and visual arts. Describes how the program links two different middle schools through electronic mail in their study of world cultures. Includes examples of student writing and descriptions of classroom activities. (CFR)

Recommends that students learn about Islamic civilization by presenting a "medieval banquet in the Alhambra Palace." Provides information about middle eastern culture and history that students could use to plan and produce the banquet. Includes a list of 26 "guests" who would be role-played by students. (CFR)

Maintains that content-rich, meaningful curricula can provide learning opportunities to all students. Describes an informal, nonprofit community-based learning program that extends the school's curriculum beyond the classroom by providing access to multimedia resources. Presents an 11-step collaborative model for the project. (CFR)