A central aim of social studies curriculum is to prepare young people for making "informed and reasoned decisions for the public good" concerning consequential problems like global climate change. By developing students' "vision of a good society" and exploring what actions and policies move our society in this direction,…

Multicultural education aims for social justice and a democratic society in that education should eradicate structural inequality and unequal power among majority and minority groups. These critical aims of multicultural education have been toned down when it comes to practice. In many parts of the world, multicultural education is often…

Describes a role-playing activity designed for secondary students. Four modern dilemmas facing individuals in a changing society are presented. The students assume the roles of those who would be involved in decision making to solve these dilemmas. (DB)

This essay provides a window into an eighth-grade class engaged in a legislative curriculum drama. The author, an eighth-grade social studies and literature teacher at a private New York City elementary school, describes her use of a legislative curriculum drama to make an eight-week study of the legislative branch of government a more dynamic and…

A part of the Fuss Busters peer mediation program, this teacher's guide is designed to increase students' conflict resolution skills. Fuss Busters is intended to help elementary students resolve conflicts in a creative and cooperative manner through reflective listening, defusing anger, brainstorming, and mediation. The guide is designed to help…

Suggests promoting student critical thinking and motivation through the dramatization of U.S. history. Explains that the exercises make use of old newspaper articles, diaries, and letters, as well as physical artifact facsimiles. Discusses an activity in which students acted out the formation of the Iroquois nation, then wrote first person…

Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…

The conflict in Bosnia (Yugoslavia) has confronted U.S. leaders with fundamental questions about the use and capability of U.S. power abroad. This document brings the decision facing the United States into the classroom. The unit features a set of four divergent options for U.S. policy toward the Bosnian conflict, and a brief account of…

This state-of-the-art paper, first in a series, provides teachers and other educational decision makers with analytical and critical information about the use of simulation/games in social studies classrooms in order to promote and improve the use of this innovative educational technique. Discussed are non-computer, commercially available…

This developmental paper generally describes a task oriented model for teaching about conflict and conflict resolution, using student groups for problem solving, which can be developed in the classroom. The model involves: 1) identification of the issue, topic, or problem by the entire class; 2) identification of ideas, concepts, or facets of…

In this activity, one in a set of teacher-developed materials for elementary geography, students investigate the selection of recreational sites in urban areas. Given characteristics of four areas of a fictitious city called Urbo, students are asked to recommend sites for public recreational facilities. The personal and social values of the…

The objectives of this curriculum guide for teachers are: 1) to provide a unified list of yearly instructional objectives for each social studies classroom; 2) to provide basic standards for measuring pupil progress; and 3) to provide a guide for the continuous development in the social studies. The recommendations for each grade level cover:…

This problem-based learning unit asks students to assume roles as experts from countries that participated in World War I. These experts will meet both in expert groups and with their respective country representatives to determine what terms, in four specific areas, should be included in the treaty that will formally end the war. Next, they must…

This is the first semester teaching guide for a ninth and tenth grade United States History course. It is a survey of the nation's story in chronological order, and is designed to assist the student in forming a mental time-line of events and issues. The stress in history is on an understanding of important movements, trends, concepts, and issues…