A real-life experience is a "moving force" that can be part of the elementary social studies curriculum. This article discusses an experiential learning about India and describes how the author integrates the arts and service learning in his third grade classroom. It also describes class activities that enhance social studies curriculum…

Two epic poems from India, "The Mahabharata" and "The Ramayana" have endured for more than 2,000 years as important parts of Indian culture, and the study of these epics can yield insights into Indian life and religion. This paper contains a list of the major characters and an explanation of the major themes in both books. The…

As a means of studying ways to help children and young people deal constructively with questions of peace and war, Anima Bose and Zlmarian Jeanne Walker, who have worked to promote peace education in India and Brazil respectively, are interviewed. The influence of Gandhi on the concept of peace in India is emphasized. One cannot teach peace, it…

This collection brings together many of the world's leading sociologists of education to explore and address key issues and concerns within the discipline. The thirty-seven newly commissioned chapters draw upon theory and research to provide new accounts of contemporary educational processes, global trends, and changing and enduring forms of…

This unit of study introduces high school students to the idea that people of integrity often disagree and still respect each others' efforts to achieve specific goals. The lessons examine the differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the Indian struggle for independence from Great Britain and also looks at their views on…

In this paper, in response to Ajay Sharma's paper titled "Portrait of a science teacher as a bricoleur: A case study from India" and associated reviews, I address the value of bridging two narrative styles for describing teacher development, discuss questions of over-essentializing an Indian school context, propose that teacher and…

In this response to commentaries by Ali Sammel, Jhumki Basu and Alberto Rodriguez, I present my perspective on three important issues raised by the commentators. These issues relate to the role of a researcher in her field settings and society, the critique of science and science education as oppressive dominant discourses, and co-opting…

This paper examines the Georgia law mandating character education and how India has addressed a similar situation with its diversity by using the "Jakarta Tales." These children's tales are Buddhist in origin, have clearly stated morals, but lack a distinct Buddhist doctrinal bent. The paper advocates that a similar orientation could be…

This interdisciplinary unit focuses on five techniques found in the textile arts of India: tie-dye, embroidery, applique, block printing, and weaving. The unit is designed for students in third through sixth grades but could be adapted to other levels. This unit could be incorporated with a study of India's land, history, and geography. The…

This booklet consists of 10 sample lessons integrating population education into the social studies. It is one of four in a series. Materials differ from those in an earlier series (1980) in that lessons are presented at the secondary level only; there is no duplication of lessons from the earlier series in terms of content and teaching…

Provides a series of five classroom activities designed to teach about the interaction of culture and law in India. Explains that the tension between constitutional democracy and ancient traditions represents a serious challenge to India. Includes a map, four student readings, and a list of eight resources. (CFR)