Argues that physical education can provide powerful contributions to an integrated curriculum approach. Explains how the theme of human interaction links social studies and physical education. Provides suggestions for integrating the two subjects in the primary grades, the middle elementary grades, and the upper elementary grades. (CFR)

Recommends the use of song lyrics in secondary school U.S. history, government, and economics courses. Contends that using music meets the criterion of cultural literacy in the California History Social Science Framework. (CFR)

Recommends the use of historical fiction in secondary history instruction. Maintains that careful selection of books is the key to success in this endeavor. Provides a recommended list of books categorized by chronological periods and historical topics. (CFR)

Asserts that geographic literacy plays an important role in the overall history-social science curriculum. Provides a lesson planning strategy and recommends using the Five Themes of Geography as a guide when designing history curricula. Includes recommended textbooks, professional journals, and other teacher resources. (CFR)

The new K-12 economics education program being implemented by the San Diego City (California) schools is described. A brief historical background, a rationale, what constitutes the program for grades 9-12, and how the program is being implemented are discussed. (RM)

Reports on a preservice teacher education project in which social studies and English student teachers worked on an interdisciplinary middle school curriculum. Outlines four project goals and five "start-up" conditions. Presents a chronological description of project highlights and three lessons learned from the endeavor. (CFR)

Presents Gold Rush Day, an annual eight-week project emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach for fourth graders. Describes the preparation and implementation of the project. Includes a description of interdisciplinary learning achievements. (CFR)

Describes a historical research project for students in secondary grades. Provides recommendations for evaluating student projects. Includes a student project guide and evaluation scale. (CFR)

Asserts that using a thematic approach to teach pre-twentieth-century U.S. history can help students connect historical events in a coherent pattern. Discusses the development of a history curriculum based on five recurring themes in U.S. history. Provides an outline for a nine-week unit that includes suggested student activities for each theme.…

Lauds the interdisciplinary approach in social studies instruction and specifically recommends a close and cooperative working relationship between high school English and social studies departments. Describes one such relationship, the hurdles overcome during its inception and establishment, and the creation of an interdisciplinary course titled…

Asserts that teaching social studies in the primary grades can be an exhilarating experience for teachers and encourages long-term interest in investigating the world among students. Maintains that cooperative learning, student research activities, integration of children's literature, writing and the arts, and the use of educational technology…

Provides of examples of performance-based assessments in three categories: (1) projects; (2) performances; and (3) question strategy sessions. Describes a typical performance-based assessment project including setting up the project, peer evaluation, the class presentation, and the test used. (CFR)