Prepared for middle school students, this magazine issue covers presidential campaigns, the election process, and Herbert Hoover, an Iowan native. The articles include: (1) "Meet Clara Bell, 1848"; (2) "On the Campaign Trail"; (3) "Caucus Spotlight" (K. B. Brosseau); (4) "Kids Ask the Candidates"; (5)…

It was the purpose of this study to find answers to the following questions: 1) To what extent have teachers and administrators been trained to teach and give guidance in geography education? 2) How is geography education defined? 3) Do schools have a statement of philosophy or written objectives? 4) How important do administrators and teachers…

This report describes a program to improve student achievement through the use of music strategies. The targeted population was fifth-grade students in a small Iowa community. The absence of music integration into the social studies area was observed through data that displayed the lack of motivation and in-depth learning by the students. Analysis…

The life and experiences of Herbert Hoover are examined in this lesson from the period when he was growing up in Iowa to when he was the administrator of aid to starving and suffering children in Europe during World War I. The lesson about Hoover as a Quaker schoolboy and as administrator of the Belgian Relief Commission is based on the National…

Procedures to help intermediate-grade social studies teachers implement a local history unit are provided. Although intended for teachers in Iowa, the guide can easily be used by educators in any state. The procedures are organized around three major generalizations: (1) buildings and artifacts are resources in explaining the history of a…

Designed for middle school through high school students, this unit contains eight lesson plans that focus on Iowa state law. The state lessons correspond to lessons in the volume, "Antidote: Civic Responsibility. Drug Avoidance Lessons for Middle School & High School Students." Developed to be presented by educators, law student, or…

This document describes a curriculum model that aims to help students gain a sense of stewardship toward their community and an appreciation for their heritage. At the Sense of Place Symposium, Iowa teachers and administrators worked together to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum framework that would connect students to their communities. The…

The readings and activities in this 5-day unit for 4th and 5th grade classes are designed to introduce students to Amish culture in America. A total of five lessons are outlined in which students discuss Amish family life, role play Amish celebrations, make basic products such as bread and soap, and examine Amish customs and occupations. A…

An intermediate or junior high level unit on Indians indigenous to Iowa focuses on history, culture, and cultural conflict between the Indians and white Americans. Many of the materials can be adapted for use in other states or for a more general unit on American Indians. Twenty lessons cover the location of Iowa; prehistoric Iowa; Indian society…