Discusses the use of historical novels in social studies curriculum. The author explains why the novel is useful as well as how an inquiry and aesthetic reading novel curriculum approach can be used and the benefits of using this approach. (AM)

Presents ideas to aid high school social studies classroom teachers as they teach students the impact of media advertising for political candidates. Students are involved in activities to decide which candidate for president they would select on the basis of several media presentations. (DB)

Suggests that social studies teachers on all levels include material on energy in their curricula. Reviews various ways in which this material can be presented (interdisciplinary approach, current events, subject area perspective, skills approach, and/or social studies skills). (DB)

Discusses the benefits of using literature in classroom instruction and describes its inclusion in California's new English-Language Arts Framework as well as in the new History-Social Science Framework. Lists several works appropriate for use in K-6 instruction. (GEA)

Addresses the teaching of social studies in a changing world. Suggests that the Pacific Rim can be a focus area for teaching in a global context. Describes two curriculum models using either individual countries or aspects of life as the basis of organization to give learning a structure. (DK)

Recommends that simulation games be used to teach high school students in social studies courses about contemporary and controversial issues such as nuclear power. A simulation is described which involves students in deciding whether to build a nuclear power plant in the California desert. Teaching and debriefing tips are also provided. (DB)

Addresses differences in process and content teaching in the social studies. Suggests a curriculum with a conceptual approach and outlines educational objectives in terms of knowledge, concepts, and skills. (KC)

Argues that the California History Social Science Framework brings challenges to elementary teachers. Reviews five of these challenges and recommends solutions. Contends that staff development is the key to successful implementation of the Framework. (CFR)

Discusses the development and implementation of an elementary-level unit on grandparents. Recommends student reading materials and other resources for replicating the unit. Describes the final day of the unit when grandparents visited the classroom. (CFR)

Presents abstracts of 10 documents, selected and reviewed from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) that deal with the debate over how to teach history. Includes information for accessing or ordering documents. (NL)

Examines an earth-focus in social studies as a means of fostering better understanding of the physical environment. Presents evidence that this type of study will improve students' knowledge of the economic, historical, and social processes of the earth's inhabitants. (DB)

Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)

Discusses socio-civic education as it occurs in schools and nonschool social organizations. Advocates a cooperation between these institutions to promote civic attitudes and behaviors needed by young citizens in today's society. Lists several interrelated factors affecting and methods for improving citizenship education. (AEM)

Urges that the teaching of social studies should be integrated with other subjects. Recommends starting out with a story that the teacher has cleared for reading level, elements of literature, and social studies content. Suggests novels combining literary elements with information on different cultures and historical periods. Includes lesson…

Contends that learning skills taught in science classes are of equal value for social studies. Discusses a two-step formula for establishing principles, hypotheses, and theories and then validating them. Presents and discusses eight skills used in science instruction that are applicable to social studies. (CFR)