This article explores the relationship between specific cultural events such as Galileo's work with the pendulum and a curriculum design that seeks to establish in skeletal form a comprehensive epic narrative about the co-evolution of cultural systems and human consciousness. The article explores some of the challenges and some of the strategies…

This book provides a collection of patterns and activities based on the origins of customs and traditions practiced during the winter holiday seasons in countries around the world. Christmas is a Christian tradition, but it is recognized by many in the world as a time of joy, hope, peace on earth, and goodwill for all. This book examines how many…

The eight projects in this guide, developed for grades K-6, present various aspects of American Indian culture. The activities include discovering the importance of bear claw necklaces, making Kachina doll sack puppets, understanding the lifestyle of Plains Indians, interpreting the stories of Indian shields, making Indian games and toys, doing…

Brief information is given on May events celebrated by Puerto Ricans: May Day; Mother's Day; World Red Cross Day; Armed Forces Day; Memorial Day; and the birthdays of Horace Mann ("Father of the Common Schools"), Harry S. Truman, Luis Llorens Torres (poet), Ralph Waldo Emerson (poet), and Patrick Henry (stateman and orator). Designed as…

This study relates especially to African names, but can apply to all names. It aims to help students develop a more perceptive way of looking at other people and to encourage students to learn from and about them. Part 1, "Background Information," introduces people and place names in Africa and discusses their interrelationships. Part 2,…

The foreign language student must experience popular culture to fully comprehend the framework in which the foreign language functions. Traditional language learning, preoccupied with words, syntax, and pronunciation, has ignored this element, leaving students unprepared to interact with individuals in the target culture. Classroom activities to…

The 4-H Afro-American Cultural Heritage program was established to enable black youths to study historical aspects of the Afro-American experience as a way of understanding what it means to be an American of African descent. The program aims were to facilitate improvement in confidence, racial attitudes, self-esteem, knowledge, and ability to…

A rationale for the study of second languages focuses on problems encountered in communication which impede the development of interpersonal and international understanding. Difficulties caused by faulty translation, word order, stress, juncture, and intonation are illustrated. As a means of maintaining interest in second language learning, the…

Discusses theater education in the areas of curriculum, production, and criticism, as proposals in E. D. Hirsch's, "Cultural Literacy" might affect it. Explains context, cultural literacy, and contextual criticism in theater education. Traces interwoven history of education and theater. Explores how embracing Hirsch's proposal would…

This performance guide provides students with an introduction to Lakota Sioux history and culture and to the dances performed by the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre. The Lakota Sioux believe that life is a sacred circle in which all things are connected, and that the circle was broken for them in 1890 by the massacre at Wounded Knee. Only in…

This interdisciplinary resource presents 140 recipes from 22 countries and regions around the world. Research questions connect culture and food to history. Cooking safety tips are given. Brief discussions about the role of food in culture precede recipes from: (1) Africa; (2) Australia; (3) Canada; (4) China; (5) Commonwealth of Independent…

This book argues that parents, by spending 20 minutes each day imparting the wisdom found in its pages, can compensate for the lack of cultural education their children receive in school. Predicated on the idea that there is a certain background "core knowledge" that every American school child should possess, the book can also be used…

This guide provides information and suggestions for teachers planning an American Indian study unit or American Indian Day activities. The first section lists contributions of American Indians in the form of foods, words, art, music, law, government, and traditional values. The second section provides ideas for classroom discussions concerning…

The Arab states with their rich background of Islamic and Arab civilizations are continuing their efforts to enhance cultural development either through different forms and levels of education or other activities. Attaining better interaction with other nations is the goal of these efforts. The process of coordinating educational and cultural…

The Dias de los Muertos is a celebration of Mexico that is a recognition of mortality, transience, and death, and a celebration of life, hope, and resurrection. This curriculum activity book begins with a general introduction to the festival followed by sections of explanations and activities intended to engage the learner in various aspects of…