The document initially describes Part 1 of a two-part National Association of Secondary School Principals article, "Geographic Literacy: Essential in a Global Age," published in September 1986, and written to inform educational decision-makers about the need to institute, update, and enrich geography programs in U.S. schools. The second article,…

This theme issue of "The Docket" is devoted to national standards and their effects on education reform. National standards may provide the first real opportunity for schools to address the issues of student assessment and achievement. As the touchstone for educational equity, they may be the first real opportunity for teachers to…

Serving as the journal of the Manitoba Social Science Teachers' Association, this issue commemorates United Nations Day with the editorial, "Teaching about the United Nations" (Ken Osborne). Another article devoted to the international organization is "The United Nations and International Peace and Security" (Ken Osborne). The…

Through the study of several works of art by Albert Bierstadt, George Catlin, Winslow Homer, and Thomas Moran, this resource explores the way that people felt about their growing nation during the period of westward expansion until the end of the 19th century. It introduces students to basic principles of landscape painting and has students…

This issue of Update contains four separate geography lesson plans on the topics of: (1) the mobility and interactions of people, goods, and ideas; (2) creating thematic maps and comparing the relative wealth of South American countries; (3) identifying and applying key geographic concepts; and (4) human-environment interactions. Each lesson plan…

This document summarizes the results of a national survey that tested 4th, 8th, and 12th graders' ability to analyze geographic data in a variety of formats; explain complex geographic phenomena and processes; and show knowledge of relationships between human and geographic events. The survey tested three content dimensions: space and place,…

A compilation of nine social studies activities suitable for immediate application in the classroom includes teaching ideas for middle school, secondary school, and college teachers. Activities include the use of (1) geographic skills to understand the use of solar radiation and available wind power, (2) questions to help students understand…

Based on the book, "South Africa: Time Running Out," a report of the Study Commission on U.S. Policy Toward Southern Africa, this 10-20 day unit of study is designed to help high school students learn about the history, geography, and present situation in South Africa and its relationship to the United States. The first of four sections…

Celebrating the strength of the land is the goal of this volume containing songs, bibliographies, teaching ideas, book and song reviews, and indexes for free materials. The first issue containing songs about the U.S. Constitution illuminates the vision of freedom, and the struggle for it. Visualizing the spirit of the Constitution and explaining…

A compilation of 13 social studies activities suitable for immediate application in the classroom includes teaching ideas for both elementary and secondary teachers. Activities comprise a simulated mapping expedition to Jamestown colony; a folktale illustration of moral dilemmas; taped interviews with Soviet citizens; simulated employment…