In this article we identify opportunities for students to use timelines and textbooks to meet standards. Through the use of timelines, textbooks, and selected activities, upper elementary and middle school students are able to (1) be engaged in content area reading and writings; (2) understand large themes in social studies including time,…

Learning about local government seems boring and irrelevant to most young people, particularly to students from high-poverty backgrounds. The authors explore a promising approach for solving this problem, Storypath, which engages students in authentic learning and active citizenship. The Storypath approach is based on a narrative in which students…

Voter apathy is at an all-time high in the United States. Important decisions and policies are being determined through disappointing turnouts at the voting polls. In a democratic society, this is unconscionable! Voter turnout needs to improve, but what part can teachers play, besides voting, in helping to change voter apathy? Today's students…

Maintains that law-related education provides the four basic components of social studies: (1) knowledge; (2) skills; (3) values; and (4) participation. Presents five teaching activities about personal injury law. Provides hypothetical situations and discusses how they probably would be decided in the courts. (CFR)

Presents a five-hour simulation designed for secondary social studies students that focuses on the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. Describes necessary materials, a recommended time frame, and a five-day instructional plan. Includes data sheets about individual nations, focus questions, and individual role descriptions. (CFR)

Discusses the use of globes to teach geographic concepts and geographic location. Contends that smaller, eight-inch globes can be effective instructional tools. Describes how students can produce inexpensive personal globes for classroom use. (CFR)

Maintains that Venezuela has many U.S. ties because of its relative proximity and economic significance. Asserts that the Five Themes of Geography can be used to design effective classroom lessons about Venezuela. Presents five activities that include student objectives, necessary materials, and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Asserts that one of the most important goals of education should be to help students become responsible citizens who want to be informed about contemporary events. Recommends instructional techniques and current event issues to encourage student curiosity and involvement. Includes an annotated listing of teacher resources. (CFR)

Asserts that most high school students are novices at historical research and have difficulty formulating a research question. Maintains that historical fiction can give students background and serve as a springboard for research projects. Provides a 15-item annotated bibliography of recommended novels. (CFR)