This response to recent criticisms of the new social studies deals with some of the problems in areas of inquiry, value clarification, humanization, current events, and conflict resolution found in social studies texts. (JR)

Recommends a social studies activity that combines geography and history within a current events framework to make the curriculum more interesting and challenging to the students. Explains that students investigate natural disasters from around the world and determine the effect humans have on these "natural" occurrences. (CMK)

Presents a lesson plan teaching students to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and importance of human rights to world peace. Instructional handouts form the basis for student discussion on the history, need, and future of human rights. Debriefing serves as a check to determine whether students understand the material. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students the relationship between basic international doctrine and the proliferation and control of weapons of mass destruction. Assigned readings and handouts, including the preamble to the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, facilitate student reports and group discussions. (MJP)