Classroom activities to help children learn about and celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the United States Constitution are described, including making up a class constitution, teaching about becoming a United States citizen, and researching details of a specific state's ratification of the Constitution. (CB)

The history and importance of the Statue of Liberty is developed into a teaching unit. Background information on how and why the statue was built is given. Sample activities for classroom use are included. (DF)

Acid rain has become a dangerous problem that threatens wildlife, architecture, and human health. This article offers background information on causes and possible remedies of acid rain. Classroom activities and resources for both student and teacher are provided to help in the development of a teaching unit. (DF)

Describes the use of a modified congressional constituent questionnaire to illustrate to secondary social studies students the range of political attitudes (conservative to liberal) on current issues. A sample questionnaire is included. (AM)

Presents background information and teaching suggestions about endangered species for social studies teachers. Discusses political processes, economics, current events, and ethics. Lists resource information. (DC)

Outlines a variety of activities incorporating celebration and study of the Olympic Games into the music curriculum. Suggested activities are separated by elementary, middle school, and secondary levels. Includes a list of Olympic music recordings. (MJP)

Reports on study of teacher decision making regarding instruction about Gulf War. Finds teachers were influenced by student grade level, number of students in class from another culture, and their own knowledge of Middle Eastern history and geography. Concludes that local and state curriculum officials should provide more flexibility so teachers…

Describes a teacher's experience teaching sixth grade drama in Britain, where drama is viewed as distinct from literature and stresses role playing. Outlines particular improvisation activities, scriptwriting projects, approaches to class discussion, and the use of dramatic activities to teach other subjects. (JG)

This document consists of a packet of materials published in December 1990 and designed to assist citizens in forming study circles to discuss the crisis in the Persian Gulf. The resources are designed to be nonpartisan, fair, and balanced, and try to make the strongest possible case for four different options, reflecting a broad range of…

The paper describes a current events lesson based on an editorial which quoted 10 tips from George Washington and suggested that a review of Washington's statements might be useful in making judgments about current national issues. Used in United States history, world history, and government classes, adaptation and revision of the tips lead…

This document suggests that the main purpose of the study of current affairs in the social studies program in Alberta, Canada, is to add relevance, interest, and immediacy. It defines current affairs as the study of news events presented by the media. Because the study of current affairs must be tied to the achievement of social studies…

A "maps in the news" unit can be used to help middle and junior high school students in many subject areas recognize basic map components and identify and analyze thematic maps while building writing skills. Prior to beginning the unit, the teacher introduces students to thematic maps, the parts of a map, and writing organization (topic…

Describes how a sixth grade class in Findlay, Ohio, became involved in events in McClellanville, South Carolina, where Hurricane Hugo severely damaged a school. After students viewed a videotape of the damage, they planned actions to provide relief that ultimately involved their entire school. Underscores the project's meaningfulness and…

These classroom guides, designed to accompany the daily CNN (Cable News Network) Newsroom broadcasts for the month of April, provide program rundowns, suggestions for class activities and discussion, links to related World Wide Web sites, and lists of related news terms. Top stories include: NATO includes Belgrade in its targets, three U.S.…

This mini-unit was designed to help high school students make sense of the complex issues raised by the disintegration of the Soviet Union, while letting them form their own conclusions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy. In the course of a five-day lesson plan, students have an opportunity to put recent events into perspective, deepen…