Immigration is a public issue that needs student exploration. This cross-disciplinary study brings awareness of diverse cultures by studying immigration through personal history in a multiethnic urban elementary school. Research suggests the importance of integrating assets students bring into the classroom in instruction. Changing pedagogies also…

This article conveys the results of a research study that interpreted the images taken by teachers and teacher candidates of social injustices in their university communities. In this article, the authors describe results of a project that required students to use their cell phones to take two pictures of social injustices. One image was to depict…

This paper examines the ways that political contexts affect the perceptions and practices of social studies preservice teachers (SSPSTs) being prepared in a conservative "Red State" compared to those being prepared in a liberal "Blue State." The researchers analyzed how controversial the SSPSTs in each context considered the…

Outlines methods for developing a social studies curriculum by identifying community mores, student characteristics, specific outcomes expected of students, teacher behaviors, and textbook selection. The rationale is that in determining goals, it is necessary to focus on the community and the students and their development within that community.…

This social studies achievement test for grade 3 contains 50 multiple choice questions in 3 parts. Part 1 covers communities in Canada today, while part 3 focuses on knowledge about special communities in Alberta (Canada). Part 2 covers the lifestyles of the early settlers. The questions require knowledge of map reading, manufacturing, food…

The communities that individuals have created are endlessly diverse. They have followed ancient patterns and have experimented boldly with innovative ideas. This publication and the exhibition it complements present only a few of the many ways that individuals have found to live together. It is divided according to the specific forces behind the…

This document describes how to construct and compare choropleth maps for selected Iowa communities and the construction and use of scatter diagrams as a supplement to map comparisons. These tools can be used to compare social, economic, and political variations between neighborhoods and to determine if associations exist between selected…

These materials discuss the history of Chicago, Illinois, including prominent persons in the city's past, and landmarks for which Chicago is well known. A number of activities are suggested, some of which concern Chicago's industries, historical sites, architecture, newspapers, ethnic groups, and history. A list of books about Chicago for…

This magazine provides resources and models for the study of Indiana state and local history to encourage students to know more about the history of their communities and the state of Indiana. It is aimed at readers of all ages. The topics featured in this issue are: land, people, governance, emblems, heritage, commerce and industry, and…

The three lessons in this interdisciplinary curriculum unit invite students to explore the meaning of landmarks, places, people, and ideas that distinguish their environment. Lessons include: (1) "Looking Close to Home"; (2) "Moving Out into the Community"; and (3) "Celebrating Landmarks." Each lesson contains student…

Elementary and secondary school teachers interested in developing a local history unit can adapt this fourth grade program created for three school districts in Cortland County, New York. Material is divided into 13 chapters. Chapter 1 charts the New York fourth grade curriculum by concept and content and outlines specific community study…

The history of Amityville, New York, compiled by 11th and 12th grade advance placement history students, is presented in journal form. Six papers focus on: (1) South Oaks: The Long Island Home; (2) A History of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Amityville; (3) Amityville: A Vacationland; (4) Amityville School System from 1904 to Present;…

The history of an urban squatter settlement in Bogota, Colombia, and the author's experiences with its residents in the last ten years are summarized. Topics covered include the unfriendly relationship between the government and squatter settlements; the history of the relationship between the government and this particular barrio; the demography…

In this course guide to the teaching of urban ecology, six learning activities on the following topics are outlined: (1) city location and growth; (2) an in-depth study of New Orleans; (3) city shape and structure; (4) size and spacing of cities; (5) cities with special functions; (6) local community study. Educational objectives for each activity…

Addresses three commonly cited justifications for historical study in considering the value of local history. Speaks to the idea that ignorance of the past condemns persons to the same mistakes, that history offers moral guidance, and that history should be studied for its own essence. Discusses the intrinsic and practical values of history. (KO)