Describes high school social studies course in western civilization with an urban emphasis. Suggests that since 85 percent of the population lives in cities, few Americans can escape the reality of urban living or the influence of urban phenomena in their lives. (Author/KC)

This guide presents seven units of study for secondary level social studies classes learning about New York City. The curriculum is designed to encourage students' active participation in, rather than passive observation of, their urban environment. Therefore, the various activities presented require students to investigate their own community's…

Presented is a three-week independent study unit in which secondary students analyze present urban conditions and then create their own images of the city of the future. (RM)

Presents a case study showing how Seattle, Washington, has transformed a freeway into an attractive addition to the city. Students are directed to study roadways in their communities and suggest ways of beautifying the less desirable ones. (Author/DB)

Reported is how junior high school students, prompted by the construction of a local housing authority scheme, produced an information booklet for new residents which covered the history, facilities, and services of the community. Outlined are procedures, activities, problems, and results. (DC)

Designed to accompany an audiovisual filmstrip series devoted to presenting a visual history of life in America, this guide contains an elementary social studies (grades 2-6) unit on the American city over the last century. Using authentic visuals including paintings, posters, advertising, documentary photography, and cartoons, the guide offers…

Presents a lesson that focuses on specific places in Chicago's Black Metropolis and examines the process by which buildings become historic structures. Explains that the lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file, "Black Metropolis Thematic Nomination," and could be used in a unit on 20th-century urban…

Traces the life and career of DeWitt Clinton, who served as mayor of New York City, governor of New York, and U.S. senator. Stresses that Clinton deeply impacted the state and nation as the founder of New York City's public schools, as an advocate of higher education for women, and as a major figure in building the Erie Canal. (NL)

This lesson plan is designed to help students understand urban poverty by studying Cleveland, Ohio's social welfare services. Includes learning objectives, class activities, five scenarios of family and area conditions, and a case study of the "K" family. Describes actions taken by the social agency, The Associated Charities. (NL)

Traces development of U.S. cities through the colonial town, market place town, radial center, fringe city, and the multicentered metropolis. Notes the 1970 census showed the United States as a suburban nation. Examines the housing patterns of urban cities that continue to lose population. (NL)

Recommends using U.S. Bureau of the Census data as historical research resource and illustrates how to use data through analysis of tenement residents in New York City, at 97 Orchard Street. Census records provide information that allow an analysis of the changing social demographics of occupancy in large city tenements. Includes primary documents…

Analyzes the literature of two groups of urban historians. Contends the focus has changed from pre-1960 when the quantitative group, rooted in Marxist theory, studied nonelites in working places. Observes many historians use a variety of approaches to their analysis of cities' social and cultural problems. (NL)

Designed for use with sixth grade students, this multidisciplinary unit combines independent study of urban areas with activities to develop students' higher level thinking skills. Following suggestions to teachers on strategies for introducing the unit, four options for independent study are described. The first is a study of a topic related to…

Presents a fascinating combination of learning activities and instructional materials investigating urban ethnic enclaves in developing countries. Briefly profiles Chinatown, Little India, and the Arab Quarter, ethnic enclaves in Singapore. Activities and discussion questions incorporate geographic, economic, and historical information. (MJP)

Provides lessons plans for teaching urban history through folk rhymes written by Chinese immigrants describing their early experiences in the United States. Includes eight folk rhymes from the early 1900s. Provides suggestions for teaching objectives, class activities, and classroom questions to enrich students' understanding of ethnic cultures…