The building of historical thinking skills has historically been a lonely endeavor for AP U.S. history teachers. Many often generate their own pedagogy, perhaps modified from an AP workshop or generally gleaned from released exam essay questions. However, as currently scheduled, in 2014, the AP U.S. history exam will undergo a redesign that will…

In an attempt to deal with the problem of generating the thinking skills needed for the 21st century, this article discusses how a statewide of 30 teachers developed Grade Level Foundations. The core component of the Grade Level Foundations for Social Studies consists of a set of questions that are designed to stimulate higher level thinking about…

Seven editors from national educational journals, recognizing the need to equip students to cope with environmental disaster, commit themselves to a comprehensive, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approach to environmental education. (JH)

The purpose of this article is to propose a base from which the study of Latin American culture might be initiated utilizing ideas from two new approaches. A plan is presented for organizing inquiry into Latin American culture around main ideas. (Author/KM)

Describes Middle America (Central America) in terms of two geographical building blocks: location and place. Tables, maps, films, video resources, and a suggested instructional activity demonstrate the concepts of location, physical characteristics, and cultural characteristics in geographic education. (DH)

Concepts which represent the minimal conceptual essentials for the study of nuclear weapons in secondary level social studies classes are discussed, and issues and controversies which may rise during such a study are examined. (RM)

A short introduction to the study of the American Revolution coordinates photographs and pertinent questions to gain a perspective on history as a discipline in general and the history of the revolution in particular. (KM)

Social Studies Curriculum Guidelines, A Position Statement recently issued by the National Council for the Social Studies, is having a major impact throughout the country. Two educators draw on their years of experience to analyze this important document. (Editor)

Argues that the elementary social studies curriculum is based on unimportant and disconnected topics that are of little relevance or interest to students. Proposes a curriculum based on major social education goals such as shelter, citizen participation, and the appreciation of a multicultural society. Suggests seven steps teachers can use to…

Points out influences on and constraints to planning a social studies curriculum for the 21st century. Proposes a curriculum based on five essential concept clusters and presents a breakdown of these concepts using Zimbabwe themes and issues. Recommends innovations in teacher education to accompany the proposed curriculum. (LS)

Analyzes critical problems associated with teaching world studies. Cautions that failure to conceptualize courses has lead to an overemphasis on either general or concrete material and lack of instructional diversity. Suggests methodology for conceptualizing courses. Points out the conflicting demands made upon a well conceptualized social studies…

Describes the Chata Project, a British research project that challenged the prevalent assumption that children will construct sound causal explanations from factual information imparted during history instruction. Their research suggests that explicit instruction is required for children to understand the causal relationships among events,…

Recommends organizing U.S. history courses around central ideas rather than chronological periods. Argues that this method affords a better grasp of the principal developments in the nation's history by treating issues in depth. Lists eight broad themes around which a U.S. history course can be constructed. (MJP)