The idea of actively involving children in the learning process can be beneficial for both teacher and student on a number of levels. Allowing students in physical education class to make choices has been incorporated into elementary-age teaching successfully. As a way to invite students to become more active participants in their learning,…

A contest for general mathematics students is briefly described. It includes tests, congratulatory letters, and face-to-face competition. (MP)

Discusses the advantages of using the stock market to add new dimensions to social studies classes. Suggests that changes in society will make knowledge of financial markets essential for students. Includes two lesson plans with handouts that use the Disney company and changes in the operation of the stock market to capture student interest. (DK)

Presents nine points that should be considered by teachers and students when writing social studies research papers for History Day and other competitions. Discusses themes, footnotes, annotated bibliographies, sources, proofing, introductions, conclusions, the use of school libraries, and the typing of papers. (GEA)

This booklet contains the official materials that student teams used to prepare for the 16th Annual California State Mock Trial Competition, held in April 1997. The mock trial process is designed to clarify for students the workings of legal institutions. As student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and receive guidance from…

Presents details for a game to familiarize secondary level students with the decision-making behavior of firms in a competitive society. Students representing firms must choose one of four options to deal with government invervention in their industry's pollution of the environment. (KC)

Justifies reasons for using an annual theme in National History Day, and suggests guidelines for selecting a topic. Stresses the importance of the last two words, "in History," urging students to keep historical context in mind. Emphasizes that current events should be considered within the historical milieu and illustrates ways that…

Each year the Constitutional Rights Foundation creates a mock trial that addresses serious matters facing young people. This year the lesson confronts the recent shootings at U.S. schools and the subsequent criminal trials. The nature of such violence and its causes including unresolved peer conflict, questions of responsibility, peer pressure,…

Describes the use of cooperative learning groups in a competitive setting. Discusses teaching objectives, delivery methods, grading procedures and results of a cooperative learning unit which is used to teach the Middle Ages to seventh grade students. Provides student instructional materials. Activities include time period newspapers and the…

In this distributive education student's guide on the free enterprise system, principles of the American economic system are introduced as they relate to marketing and distribution. This twenty-four-page document includes directions and an introduction to the material. Twelve "Principle Sheets" on various economic concepts contain…

This 4-H manual provides instructions and materials for a consumer education activity. It contains a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for a hypothetical buying situation with several choices or alternatives provided. The manual is designed to teach the participant how to rank the choices and develop oral reasons for that…

One of a series of units designed to acquaint secondary students with business issues, this packet examines the franchise as a type of business organization. Teacher and student materials are provided in separate sections. The teacher's guide provides an overview, objectives, four detailed lesson plans, answer keys, background information, and…

One of a series of units on business issues for high school students, this packet uses the example of hamburger wars ("price wars" between hamburger stands) to introduce students to the ways in which businesses operate in a competitive environment. A teacher's guide and student materials are provided in two separate sections. Following…

Maintains that there is nothing more relevant in the lives of middle school students than being caught up in the competitive spirit of a game. Describes the use of a football-type classroom game as a methodology for helping students plan for a unit test. Includes game objectives and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

This document, part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues, discusses the changes that the railroads brought to the United States economy and society. As the first big businesses in this country, railroads had to grapple with a variety of challenges: raising enough money to launch companies…