The purpose of this article is to introduce text sets of picture books that address 10 ancient civilizations commonly taught in middle school and also offer instructional strategies that could be used for critical and multicultural literacy exploration. Beginning with discussion of the importance of picture books and text sets in the middle school…

The social studies classroom can and should be a place where students learn critical thinking skills, but too often, especially in the middle grades, students are asked to focus on discrete facts on which they can be tested. The purpose of this article is to suggest that sixth graders can learn the critical thinking skills of "historical…

The author provides a dramatic account of a historical incident--the last cruise of the Pontificial--Navy which was found as an indirect result of educational research. (JR)

GRADES OR AGES: Grade 8. SUBJECT MATTER: Social studies; civilizations. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The central part of the guide is divided into four subunits, each of which is laid out in three columns, one each for topics, activities, and materials. Other sections are in list form. The guide is mimeographed and staple-bound with a…

GRADES OR AGES: Grade 8. SUBJECT MATTER: Social studies, contemporary East Asian civilization. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The central part of the guide is divided into 11 subunits, each of which is laid out in three columns, one each for topics, activities, and materials. Other sections are in list form. The guide is mimeographed and…

GRADES OR AGES: Grade 9. SUBJECT MATTER: Social Studies; Indian civilization. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The central part of the guide is divided into seven subunits, each of which is laid out in three columns, one each for topics, activities, and materials. Other sections are in list form. The guide is mimeographed and staple-bound…

GRADES OR AGES: Grade 8. SUBJECT MATTER: Social studies; Muslim civilization. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The central section of the guide is divided into eight subunits, each of which is laid out in three columns, one each for topics, activities, and materials. Other sections are in list form. The guide is mimeographed and staple-bound…

This issue of "Calliope," a world history magazine for young people is devoted to "Great Explorers of the East" and features articles on famous explorers of the eastern hemisphere. The following articles are included: "Ancient Egyptian Mariners"; "Alexander: The Great Reconciler"; "Marco Polo:…

This article points to the study of contemporary Europe which was squeezed out with the emergence of the new social studies. It calls attention to a re-examination of the curriculum to correct the deficiency. A list of sources which assist social studies teachers in preparing and teaching European history is provided. (JR)

Describes eight activity ideas designed to assist students in understanding the historical background of the dispute between the Palestinian Arabs and the Israeli Jews. (DH)

This collection of lessons was developed by teachers in an institute focusing on teaching about India and the Ramayana. Essays providing background information are "The Oral Tradition and the Many 'Ramayanas'" (Philip Lutgendorf) and "Bringing Ramayana into the Classroom" (Hazel Sara Greenberg). After an introduction by Susan…

This resource guide was published to assist those who are trying to increase their knowledge and understanding of the subcontinent of India. It is divided into three parts: 1) an annotated list of selected periodicals including both western and Indian journals and Indian newspapers in a variety of fields: Asian studies, economic and social…