The 20th century saw some of the most important technological and scientific discoveries in the history of humankind. The space shuttle, the internet, and other modern advances changed society forever, and yet many students cannot imagine what life was like before these technologies existed. In the project described here, students take a firsthand…

A basic premise of social approaches to studying communication is that theories of interpersonal communication and personal relationships are reflexively defined, socially constructed, and historically situated. In contrast to the tradition of psychological models of relational processes and message transmission, social approaches encourage…

Describes a media history assignment in which students interview older adults about changes they have observed in communication media. (PD)

Presents examples of ways information gathered in oral history interviews may be used to teach home economics concepts. Sample projects are described in the following areas: nutrition, clothing, housing, family life and human development, and household management. (CT)

First year science students at University High School (Illinois State University) begin the year with a 3-week unit on science and technology. This unit, through various means, encompasses the past, present, and future technological advancements and their effects on life and life styles. Each student is given a series of years for which they…

When the author was in fifth grade, she and the other students took a field trip to a nursing home; each child had to interview an elderly person. She discusses the impact of the assignment on her life to illustrate the effectiveness of field trips and interviews as teaching methods. (RM)

The most popular activities from APA's successful "Activities Handbooks for the Teaching of Psychology" are gathered together and updated in this book of teachers' favorites. The lesson plans, which encourage active learning and involve the whole class, have stood the test of time and proven themselves to be entertaining, effective, and easy to…