This post-professional development evaluation study (based on in-depth interviews) assessed the experience of ten educators who had participated one year earlier in workshops about the use of museum digital resources through the Smithsonian Learning Lab (SLL) for curricula development. The project focused on creating SLL collections to integrate…

As the Texas board of education prepares to adopt controversial new standards for social studies in May, many observers and news outlets have emphasized that the action may have ripple effects that reach classrooms far beyond the Lone Star State. Yet the extent of Texas' reach is a matter of debate, and recent legislation opens up new sources of…

On an earlier column titled "What I learned at the NCSS Annual Meeting," the author wrote about the Internet-oriented materials and resources featured at the 2006 NCSS convention in Washington, D.C. Having received many e-mails from readers telling him that they appreciated having the opportunity to see which companies, not-for-profit,…

In this case study, the work of an exemplary high school social studies teacher is highlighted. In her class, late-arrival immigrant students participated in oral, writing, and demonstration activities as they learned the physical, cultural, and historical traditions of geography education. As newcomers to the English language, the students'…

Describes five themes of geography used as a model for generating classroom activities in an integrated teaching approach. Uses James Michener's book, "Texas," to demonstrate the integration of geography and literature. Includes a teaching outline, class activities, and lessons plans for a five-day unit. (NL)

Reports on a study trip by 13 U.S. social studies educators and publishers to Japan. Compares development, marketing, and selection of textbooks in the United States and Japan. Concludes that both nations should improve textbooks and textbook selection processes. (CFR)

Contends that future citizens will be required to understand and interact with people, cultures, and ideas throughout the world. Argues that this goal can be achieved only through an integrated approach to the social studies curriculum. Reviews the Texas social studies curriculum guide and points out how it exemplifies this approach. (CFR)

This Fort Bend (Texas) social studies curriculum guide for second grade covers six six-week periods, and the 11 course outlines include the topics to be covered, the main goals and their supporting objectives, and a materials correlation chart. The 11 topics include holidays, citizenship, you and me, the community and my family, communication,…

This Fort Bend (Texas) social studies curriculum guide for fourth grade covers six six-week periods, and the 13 course outlines include the topics to be covered, the main goals and their supporting objectives, and a materials correlation key. The 13 topics include map skills, personal, social, and civic responsibility, forest, desert, plains and…

This teacher's guide utilizes the subject matter in the 1998-99 Texas Almanac in a variety of interdisciplinary student activities for grades 3-8. The guide includes a grade-by-grade curriculum chart detailing which lessons correspond to specific Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) objectives and Essential Element requirements. The 45…

This guide was developed as part of a plan of action related to prevention of school-age pregnancy and was designed to help school personnel implement a program that fosters self-responsibility in all areas of living. A section on background information and a plan for action presents statistics on school-age pregnancy and its implications for…

Engages students in writing their autobiographies through the Family Heritage Booklet, a student-compiled family history social studies project, designed for Texas seventh graders. Includes objectives, materials, and procedures. Contains letter to parents seeking their knowledge on family history. Suggests project boosts student self-esteem and…

The appearance of this collection of readings partially fulfills one of Programa de Educacion Interamericana's objectives described in SO 001 424: that of helping our students become better acquainted with the literature of Latin America. This volume was not prepared for just literature or Spanish classes; the introductions and the works cover a…

This bibliography was compiled by the Programa de Educacion Interamericana for teachers who need ready sources of good information useable in the classroom, and suitable for a given grade level. The major division of entries is by country in Central and South America, with sections for Canada and the United States. Within each section, entries are…

Designed for use in secondary school social studies classes, this guide provides activities for helping students understand some of the fundamental principles of government as well as its structure, politics, and effects on the individual. Information, articles, and cartoons from the Austin-American Statesman form the basis of the readings, along…