The 40-item test measures fifth and sixth graders' ability to use inquiry skills in social studies. The test is unique in that it requires minimal prior knowledge of social studies and allows students to apply processes associated with higher cognitive thought. It can be used with any social studies program. The test has a multiple-choice format…

Presented is a series of 88 lessons designed by classroom teachers to help junior high school students reinforce social studies skills. Lessons are categorized into four main skill areas: (1) using reference aids; (2) understanding tables, graphs, and cartoons; (3) developing graphic skills; and (4) evaluating information. For each skill area,…

Presents project designed to teach eighth grade gifted and talented students about geographic themes and locational skills. Describes the lesson plan, applying the 5 fundamental geography themes to learning about 11 African countries. Explains the culminating project: organizing a bike-a-thon ("Ride for Wildlife") that raised $2784.00…

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to find ways to overcome difficulties in getting from one place to another. The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8).…

Presents the results of a study contrasting conventional instruction with protocol lessons (a sequence of lessons based on developmental stages of learning with each lesson building on the previous one) concerning sketch maps. The students taught with the protocol lessons showed significant improvement over the other group. (MJP)

Discusses a study unit that integrated geography skills, language arts, and local history. Identifies the objectives of the lesson. Explains that students gathered information through interviews, letter writing, newspaper articles, and other research. Reports that students ultimately constructed a three-dimensional model of their community. (CH)

Examines how geography is particularly well suited to classroom uses of computers. Discusses available geography software in three categories: database, exploratory, and simulation, linking programs to the skills they develop. Provides a list of catalogs and geographic computer programs that teachers may find helpful. (DB)

Intended to encourage geography curriculum development and research, the German Geography Curriculum Research Project (RCFP) is sponsored by the Association of German Geographers and administered by eight project groups and six associated project groups throughout Germany. It is similar to the American High School Geography Project (HSGP), upon…

Teachers of social studies, foreign language, science, and journalism will find these learning activities useful in integrating "The New State of the World Atlas" (Simon and Schuster, 1984) into their curriculum. The book is organized into three sections. The first section uses an area studies approach. Activities focus on geopolitical…