Integrating the visual and performing arts is one clear and concrete strategy to engage students in learning social studies content and concepts while making them interactive and relevant to their daily lives. In this article, the authors offer a rationale for teaching integrated arts with social studies, provide a framework for planning, and…

Maintains that young children view the world holistically, and thus the social studies curriculum should emphasize the concept of integration. Provides two sample lessons on soup in which students explore geographic concepts, history, economics, and the sociology of soup consumption and production. Includes teaching strategies and learning goals.…

Reviews criticism of elementary social studies textbooks, focusing on how the written text, the pictures, and graphics often seem unrelated. Asserts that the inclusion and use of literature selections in K-3 social studies textbooks is a newly emerging strategy. (CFR)

Asserts that the thematic approach used in the National Council for the Social Studies national standards marks a fresh era of thought in social studies instruction. Maintains that the strands can serve as a framework for social studies curriculum development and effective classroom learning experiences. (CFR)

Describes a middle school class that incorporated social studies and state history into a course on African American history. Recommends the children's book, "African Americans in Florida," a model for an exploration of state history that can be used as a guide by teachers looking for similar books. (MJP)

Contends that existing social studies curricula do not prepare students to deal with rapid advancements in communications, technology, international politics, and the emerging global economy. Emphasizes that social studies curriculum reform must include a global perspective. (CFR)

Maintains that the United States needs an environmentally literate citizenry capable of taking individual action and making informed public policy decisions. Asserts that environmental education is interdisciplinary and draws from the social studies, the sciences, language arts, and the fine arts. (CFR)

Contends that, although the concept of integrating language arts or science activities to social studies can be a powerful instructional strategy, it may neglect social content. Suggests that social studies teachers introduce books to their colleagues in other subject areas so they can integrate social studies content into their instruction. (CFR)

Asserts that children's literature is an effective tool to access and present sophisticated social studies concepts in the elementary classroom. Maintains that realistic fiction can integrate the social sciences with philosophy and religion. Presents a bibliographic essay including children's books and teacher resources. (CFR)

Emphasizes that educational technology seems ideally suited for reinforcing constructivist theories in learning. Defines constructivism and asserts that it moves away from the traditional objectivist approach to learning. Provides five characteristics of a constructivist lesson. (CFR)

Discusses the curriculum approach recommended by Lucy Sprague Mitchell in the 1930s that emphasized real life experiences and discoveries. Asserts that the underlying principles of the "here and now" curriculum are appropriate for today's educational environment. Describes five instructional strategies using this approach. (CFR)

Maintains that, although museums are visited by children and adults for their unique learning experiences, few people understand how museums and their exhibits are created. Discusses the Museum-in-Progress program. Describes four examples of elementary class projects in two states and includes a list of teacher resources. (CFR)

Describes three computer-based lessons using constructivist learning principles. Includes a telecommunications lesson using an online vendor, an interactive video lesson on van Gogh's paintings, and a CD-ROM lesson on ancient lands. Includes figures depicting screens from all three lessons. (CFR)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to organizing primary school subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics around social studies concepts. The strategy known as the storyline strategy, developed at Jordanhill College of Education in Scotland, is based upon concept development and experiential learning. Illustrates the method with a chart…

Reviews research on the development of social attitudes by elementary children. Reports on a study of the impact of children's literature and response activities on attitudinal shifts among 18 second-grade students. Recommends further research and provides a 12-item annotated bibliography reflecting cultural similarities. (CFR)