Argues for the use of news media as a way of teaching major ideas. Shows a graphic (taken from a 1981 survey) depicting how Canadians view the mass media. Offers a collection of activity ideas for using radio, television, and newspapers in the classroom. (JDH)

Describes an economics lesson which requires students to make observations regarding the make, model, manufacturer, year, cost, and country of origin of the cars in the student-faculty parking lot. Students then relate their collected data to the economic impact of imports, student-teacher values, and the impact of the automobile on personal…

Outlines a framework for designing enriched learning activities in social studies for gifted students. Two examples of learning activities are presented, and analyzed in terms of the framework. The examples, because of their structure and open-endedness, can be used with many age and ability levels. (RM)

Nine learning activities can prepare elementary school social studies students for group work. The activities teach students how to organize a group, recognize the value of all contributions, and how to take responsibility to contribute, respond to other contributions, listen carefully, encourage contributions, and form a group decision. (KC)

Presents a role-playing activity for Canadian upper-elementary and secondary social studies classes on the debate which led to the entry of Newfoundland into the Canadian Confederation in 1949. Historical background, role-cards, and procedures for organizing the activity are included. (AM)

Describes a learning activity for secondary school students in which they experience and analyze the potential effect of culture, sex, and age on job selection and discrimination. From several biographical cards, students select the person most qualified for a predescribed job. (KC)

Recommends approaches which social studies classroom teachers on the elementary-school level can use to help students become better decision makers and learn the skills of social action. (DB)

Describes how Canadian retail history can be used to study Canadian history. Claims such activities can help students learn the economic development of Canada. (RKM)

Offers seven activities based on three instructional strategies designed to aid children in learning history. The three strategies are: (1) teaching to the future, (2) interactive time line, and (3) taking on a role. (JDH)

Presents a classroom exercise to involve secondary students in a plausible discussion of the impact of a technological phenomenon on the future of society. (RM)

Poses two questions regarding use of television in the social studies classroom--"How can television be used as motivation for learning?" and "How can teachers assist students to make rational evaluations concerning the issues presented on television?" Answers to these questions focus on teaching methods involving television in the classroom.…

Explains how history courses can be enlivened by an approach which encourages students to imagine how history would have turned out if certain events had happened differently. (DB)

Using cartoons and comic strips to teach the concept of social class and newspapers to teach economic principles are suggested classroom activities for elementary and secondary courses. A lesson plan for teaching democratic values is also included. (JR)

Suggests that one way social studies classroom teachers can make students more interested in doing reports is to clearly explain what writing the report is supposed to accomplish. Report activities will improve students' ability to learn a process, perfect a particular skill, and/or present a highly polished product. (DB)

Some general suggestions for using films to teach values education are discussed, and two specific lessons for using films to teach secondary students about the conflict over the use of French and English in Quebec and Canada and about war are presented. (RM)