The objective of this study is to evaluate the content of social studies textbooks, which are written and taught based upon the social studies curriculum adopted between 1968-2018, in terms of the curriculum and content designs, and some general educational principles. For this purpose, document analysis, one of the qualitative research…

Given the current marginalization of the social studies within elementary classrooms it is vital that elementary educators seek integrative techniques that promote the social studies. This article explores one such example of integration taught by the authors within an elementary classroom. The three-day lesson taught to fifth-grade students aimed…

This manuscript explores the power of using inquiry in a second-grade classroom to make students' understanding of citizenship more complex. It describes an inquiry unit in which students studied primary sources, engaged with fiction and nonfiction children's literature, and participated in interdisciplinary learning to further understand the…

Relates the positive effects of using an historical document as a stimulus for class projects in the English classroom. (RL)

Considers problems encountered in researching and writing historical geography (geography focused on some particular time or period in the past). Examines research topics and discusses the problems associated with making geographical interpretations from historical sources. Recommends a continuing dialog between historical and contemporary…

This book advocates that teachers of history create for their students a workshop environment where they actually can practice being historians. Adolescents, rather than thinking analytically, prefer to identify strongly with heroes and heroines and to explore their own lives and identity, character and convictions, through heroic stories. This…

Reports on the procedures, standards, and topics involved in the 1997 National History Day. National History Day is a year-long contest where students research primary sources and prepare papers, projects, performances, and media based on a historical theme. The 1997 theme is "Triumph and Tragedy in History." (MJP)

Maintains that historical objectivity is a myth and that scholars and teachers should recognize that fact. Asserts that the use of primary sources and oral history focusing on underrepresented groups such as women and minority groups is one way of using subjective materials to achieve objectivity. (CFR)

In this grade 4 interdisciplinary unit, students are instructed to consider water issues in the city of San Francisco (California). Using Internet and other resources, participants are required to prepare a detailed letter to a U.S. Congressional committee dealing with water issues, and possibly to testify before Congress. Students may represent…

In this grade 6 interdisciplinary language arts and social studies unit, students are required to assume the role of a team and describe their country's participation in trade along the Silk Road. Countries represented in the unit include Egypt, Italy, Iraq, India, Israel, and China. The team is asked to create a display showing artifacts, journal…

A junior high school geography class in La Palma, California, offers extensive field trip experiences to teach students methods of historical-geographical research. Resulting from a course that develops research methods in social studies, a club was formed that provides overnight excursions in various field activities. The club is open to 9th and…

The resource guide is designed to help seventh grade history teachers in Ohio meet the requirements for a mandated course on state history, geography, and civics. Although history is the central discipline, the guide presents an interdisciplinary approach. It contains questions for discussion, readings from primary sources, and class activities…