This essay is a critical analysis of elements of the Social Studies Toolkit and related materials developed by the New York State Education Department. It addresses misunderstandings of historical theory and method and the presentation of historical knowledge and information by department staff and affiliates, the consequences of which puts…

Describes the development and contents of a computer database which helps social studies educators identify available curriculum materials. Materials can be located by using one or a combination of the following elements: Acquisition number, publisher, institution or sponsor, author, title, grade level, copyright date, cost, number of pages, and…

Discusses recent trends in Asian studies, such as emphasizing an inquiry approach, and lists general references and primary sources relevant to the topic. States that today's social studies literature reveals a greater awareness of Asia, although some gaps are still evident. Identifies additional areas in which Asian studies must be strengthened.…

This new curriculum project in the social studies is designed to draw upon a variety of sources, to have students gain political knowledge and skills in such a way that they are immediately applicable, to be a non-partisan, practical course. (Author/JB)

Visually impaired students need specially designed relief maps to learn map reading and to achieve geographic literacy. The development of geographic instructional materials, including relief maps and audio-tutorial cassette tapes, for low-vision students in grades 5-10 is described. (AM)

Describes a teaching model in which the teacher supplements the social studies text with children's literature to make historic events and people more meaningful to students. Suggests that teachers consider students' knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation levels when selecting activities. Includes diagrams…

Outlines the history, goals, and topics covered by social studies in junior secondary schools in Botswana. Questionnaire responses from 150 junior secondary teachers address conceptions about the definition and content of social studies, the qualities of instructional materials, the quality of social studies teachers, and other related problems.…

Recommends that media presentations can be used effectively in the history classroom as images of reality. Suggests films and television programs and documentaries that can be utilized to show how movies play a role in shaping opinion and changing perceptions. (DK)

Provides an overview of the evolution of archaeology as a discipline, citing its special strengths and the approaches used to study past cultures. Gives special attention to the problems of preservation and to understanding the value of the physical remains of the past. (MJP)

Aging is often thought of as an essentially biological process and therefore a matter for the natural sciences, but that notion constitutes a very narrow view of aging. The longevity revolution of the past century and how it affects each individual and all societies can only be understood if we also draw on the social sciences. When the young…

Described is a curriculum development effort in U.S. history--the "Reasoning with Democratic Values" series--aimed at stimulating higher-order thinking. Features of cognitive developmental psychology and of the new social studies materials are used in the lessons that ask students to examine and discuss ethical controversies. (RM)

Reviews an array of resource organizations useful for developing, implementing and evaluating service learning. Reviews practical "how-to" guidebooks, motivational materials, and resources for academic discussions of service learning. Formats reviewed include workbooks, field guides, ERIC digests, monographs, and anthologies of articles. (MJP)

Discusses the continuing contribution of "Anthronotes," a Smithsonian publication supporting efforts to teach pre-collegiate anthropology. Anthronotes works to keep teachers informed about recent findings in anthropology, help teachers use community and instructional materials in their courses, and create a support network for teachers…

Efforts to strengthen instruction in U.S. history and government resulted in the development of "Lessons on the Constitution," a book containing 62 lessons for use with high school students. The curriculum development process used in writing the book is described, and the objectives, format, and content of the lessons are discussed. (RM)

Describes the origins, development, and products of the slow- learner social studies curriculum development project at Carnegie-Mellon University (Pennsylvania) in the late 1960s. Maintains that this project represented the last wave of curriculum projects to emerge from the national reform efforts following Sputnik. (CFR)