Objectives: In this Paper, I examine how high school social studies content standards in the United States address fundamental concepts of American governance, particularly the concept of democracy. Methods: I conducted a qualitative textual analysis of government/civics content standards from all 50 states, Washington DC, and the Advanced…

Despite decades of formal work with teachers, little is known about what they gain from professional development at and with historic sites. This article presents the first data-set from a 3-year Institute for Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant project designed to develop a broad-based assessment for understanding what teachers…

In this article, the author describes how he co-teaches an interdisciplinary American Studies class that fosters inquiry and reflection on the complexity of an authentic telling of US history. With the help of his partner, a social studies teacher, the author designed an American Studies course that aims to reveal to students that America's…

Historian Patricia Limerick's book, "The Legacy of Conquest" focuses on the history of American West within the context of conquest as "the historical bedrock of the whole nation" and the American West as "a preeminent case study in conquest and its consequences." To live with that legacy, contemporary Americans ought to be well informed and well…

A rationale for the study of Canada by Americans is advocated in this paper. Among the justifications for the study are: our common geographical environment; our need to comparatively understand the cultural, economic, political, and social differences and similarities of the two countries; the part Canada can play in serving as a laboratory for…

The report describes the Law in American Society Project which is designed to foster law education for elementary and senior high school students. Emphasis is upon developing unit and new course designs and training teachers in the study of law. Detailed accomplishments (paralleled with fourteen objectives for the purpose of this report) are given…

This lesson plan provides students with an opportunity to examine both the diversities and commonalities symbolized by the term "American." Includes discussion questions and activities to demonstrate the cultural diversity in the United States. (DH)

This lesson plan for elementary-age children studies some of the primary source documents and symbols of freedom which were and are important for the nation. The lesson plan uses the following documents: "The Mayflower Compact"; "The Declaration of Independence"; "The Constitution"; and the "Bill of Rights."…

Project PRIDE (Probe, Research, Inquire, Discover, and Evaluate) is evaluated in this report to provide data to be used as a learning tool for project staff and student participants. Major objectives of the project are to provide an inter-disciplinary, objective approach to the study of the American heritage, and to incorporate methods and…

This article contains the results of a survey of public secondary schools in Pennsylvania to determine their compliance with the State Board of Education Mandate to teach an interdisciplinary American Cultures course. For journal availability see SO 504 433. (Author/RM)

This seminar was part of the Council of Europe's work on education for international understanding and it was the third in a series of European teachers' seminars on the links between Europe and other regions and cultures. The aims of the seminar were to: (1) identify what is taught about the United States in secondary schools in a representative…

Five teachers describe the ways they teach consumer education: 1) through the theme of American problems, 2) through a team of teachers representing different disciplines, 3) through tandem teaching with constant representation from business and social sciences, 4) as a unit in an economics course, and 5) by activities integrated into the…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the concept of respect for self and others. Unit parts include: (1) video preview; (2)…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the concept of individual participation in the government. Unit parts include: (1) video preview;…

This resource book provides information and activity sheets on the achievements and contributions of exceptional African American women, past and present. The book contains six sections, thematically organized around the central issue(s) affecting the lives of the women featured. Introductory questions, biographical portraits and skill-building…