Suggests methods for teaching about Yugoslavia. Recommends assigning students to maintain journals of news clippings about developments in Yugoslavia. Proposes forming cooperative-learning groups for researching the country's various regions. Offers activities for teaching about language arts, fine arts, reading and literature, religion,…

Students at Hunter College Elementary School chose 10 events in the 20th century, 1 per decade, and completed research, art, and writing projects that would represent their viewpoint on each of the events. Students made collages containing photographs and headlines relating to their selected events and wrote autobiographical statements connecting…

Describes experiences in planning and conducting a workshop that combined the teaching of writing, research, and basic photography skills. (EL)

Ancient times comes to life when a student can hold in his/her hand or read about an artifact, such as a coin of the Greek or Roman era. Students are familiar with coins, and this commonality helps them understand the similarities and differences between their lives and times in ancient Greece or Rome. Many symbols on the ancient coins can be…

The "philosophes" of the Enlightenment Period were a group of free (different) thinkers who offered commentary on societal issues. Often, they were like one of today's social commentators suggesting reforms for the political system. Since the United States during the era of the Revolutionary War was seeking reform of what they considered…

Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes encountered the Aztecs in 1519 and conquered them in 1521, claiming their empire for Spain. He then destroyed the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan and rebuilt a Spanish city in its ruins. In this lesson plan, it is the year 1527 and an Independent Counsel has been chosen by the College of Cardinals of the Catholic…

In this lesson, student teams research one of the species of early humans. Teams will create presentations that include information on physical traits, habitat, era, means of survival, culture, and relationship to modern humans. Students are provided with background information, detailed instructions, on-line resources, and reflection questions.…

Addresses the importance of nurturing culturally literate individuals as a goal of the social studies curriculum. Suggests integrating studies of the global community through a thematic approach using concepts, knowledge, and skills. Provides examples of elements that will enhance multicultural knowledge, develop an ethical sense of stewardship,…

Most broadcast educators realize the importance of experiential learning as a tool for preparing students for careers in radio and television. An innovative new program was set up between West Georgia College and the Atlanta Branch of the National Archives. A pilot project involved six teams of two students each in a scriptwriting class. Students…

The ballad is a primary medium for the reliving of historic events. Described is a joint music and social studies project in which junior high school students research historic events and write song lyrics. A composer gives a lesson on lyric writing, verse forms, and rhyme schemes. (RM)

In this interdisciplinary curriculum unit, students work in groups to examine, role play, and report on how the United States should have responded to England in the War of 1812. Students take on the roles of news reporters to explain and evaluate U.S. policy and are provided with background information, detailed instructions, on-line resources,…

Describes the Dominican Study of Environmental Adaptation of Marine Organisms ("D.SEA"). Includes information organization and funding, purpose and goals, preliminary experiences with the program, and comments by the 14 students who have been working in the program. (JN)

As the United States approaches the bicentennial of the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition, it is critical to embark on a voyage of recovery to help restore the Missouri River to some of its original prominence and splendor. The mission of the Missouri River Project is to emphasize the role of the Missouri River in the physical…

Describes a research program that has active areas of research ranging from hydrology, water chemistry, geology, gene cloning, satellite image analysis and remote sensing, and molecular biology. Provides information on selection procedures, design of program, benefits, and names of participants. (RT)

Discusses a school district's plan to introduce into the curriculum civic writing activities directly linked to local history and community issues. Suggests that writing can stimulate students' civic responsibility through the academic skills of research and critical thinking. Addresses planning, implementation, assessment, and recommendations.…