Explains the potential role and benefits of service learning in transforming schools. Argues that service learning has the potential to reinvigorate traditional classrooms and turn passive students into dynamic and engaged learners, but its implementation carries no guarantee of "product satisfaction." Further, its success lies in the…

Advocates an inquiry perspective in high school economics rather than concentrating on economic theory. Describes the assumptions for such an approach and discusses ways to apply them to problematic cases. Benefits of this approach would stimulate interest in economics and increase students' ability to analyze problematic situations. (GG)

Discusses classroom activities designed to enhance student learning about federalism and sovereignty. Describes classroom discussions on jurisdiction, federalism, and sovereignty generated by asking students to clarify the constitutional section referring to the Writ of Habeas Corpus. Concludes that this exercise clarifies the concepts and…

John F. Khanlian, Ericka B. Gray and Sandi Dittrich offer a role playing activity on mediation. Jo Ellen Ambrose's and John Nelson's lessons deal with arbitration. Lowell Ueland's simulation is concerned with plea bargaining, and Jack Hanna's activity involves a discussion of lawyer responsibility to provide pro bono services. (KO)

Maintain that the years of 1800-1830, or the early republic, set the stage for dramatic changes in women's lives that became apparent by the mid-nineteenth century. Explores the routes scholars have taken when studying women's history in the early republic in order to identify potential topics for the classroom. (CMK)

Describes a research study (prompted by a state board-of-education mandate for English teachers to teach values) in which selected reading, writing, and discussion activities focusing on values helped high school students to develop critical-thinking skills. Describes the discussion and writing activities and how they were related to two young…

Engages students in comparing the rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with those present in the United States Bill of Rights and other constitutional amendments. Challenges the students to explore reasons for the presence or absence of certain rights and to reflect on the role of the government. (CMK)

A survey of 12 leading high school U.S. History textbooks has resulted in the opinion put forth in this book that the textbooks currently used in high schools are an embarrassing amalgam of bland optimism, blind patriotism, and misinformation. In addition to critiquing existing textbooks, the book also suggests how U.S. History should be taught.…

Designed to help students learn about courts and trials in an interesting and enjoyable way, this document provides teachers with the necessary instructions and materials on how to conduct mock trials. By using the program, students become familiar with the role of a trial court in resolving disputes. They also are introduced to court procedure…

This document contains a reprint of the 1916 "The Social Studies in Secondary Education: A Six-Year Program Adapted Both to the 6-3-3 and the 8-4 Plans of Organization and Report of the Committee on Social Studies of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education of the National Education Association" widely believed to be the most…

A study investigated how differences in student characteristics might affect the relationship between heightened interest in national news and news-seeking behavior. Data were taken from the Youth Civic Involvement component of the 1996 National Household Education Survey. Telephone interviews were conducted with 8,043 students in grades 6 through…

This publication on the constitutional principles of the U.S. Government consists of the textbook and teacher's guide. The textbook begins with a review of constitutionalism in antiquity, in early modern England, and in colonial America. Following sections outline the constitutional convention in Philadelphia, the principles of the constitution,…

This lesson plan on conflict resolution (for grades 6-12) uses a video presentation of a conflict between two individuals, "Katie" and "Betsy" and positions the students as witnesses. The lesson plan provides instructions for the teacher, gives objectives, list materials needed, and details classroom procedures. It also offers…

Designed to help classroom teachers of Alberta, Canada, this teacher resource manual implements the Integrated Occupational Social studies 26 Program, the primary goals of which are to enhance students' self-esteem and provide opportunities for students to develop into responsible citizens. The manual contains the following materials: additional…

This unit for U.S. history classes provides students with the chance to learn about the historical roots of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union in a lively, informative manner and from a variety of different perspectives. The unit enables students to use their own judgement in selecting, evaluating, and reflecting on the significance of U.S.…