A review of the literature in social studies education is divided into six subfields: overview, objectives, methods of instruction, structure, broad coverage of social issues, and evaluation. (KM)

Simulations for teaching environmental issues are described

Describes a method for eliciting student ideas and involving them in a discussion of problems of authority and self-determination and presents the results of a study employing this method with elementary, middle, and junior high school students. The study demonstrates that children are very willing and able to discuss real social issues in a…

A discussion of the current position of social studies in relation to teaching technique and method leads to advocating a social studies curriculum that provides for relevance to students' lives, examination of social issues, and strategies to help students deal with values and value conflicts. (Author/ND)

Describes a social studies unit for teaching high school students about energy. Entitled "Energy Tradeoffs in the Marketplace," the unit focuses on economic aspects of energy, economic-related educational games, social decision making with regard to energy, and social studies skill development. (DB)

Outlines a lesson in which students learn how the constitutional protection of religious freedom has been applied to the Amish. Includes readings from which students can analyze three seemingly contradictory decisions related to the Amish and attempt to understand judicial interpretation. Asks students to apply the concept of judicial…

Socio-civic elements basic to society are the imperative for a social studies program emphasizing process skills, human understanding, cultural goals, population problems, environmental protection, peace education, political responsiveness, interdisciplinary approaches, futures, and globalism. (Author/ND)

Described is a preservice, social studies methods course. Two fundamental premises provide the foundation for the course: (1) students need to learn how to investigate and discuss societal issues, develop personal positions, and make decisions through democratic processes; (2) secondary education should relate to the nature of today's teenagers.…

Lists Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) resources that will help bring science, technology, and society (STS) into the classroom. The annotated bibliography of seven references includes Faith Hickman's framework for curriculum reform, which compares the present trend of teaching STS-related social problems with historical trends. (LS)

Considers the role of economics education within the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." Economics education provides a unique perspective on social issues and extensive opportunities for students to exercise critical thinking skills. To help teachers integrate economics information into curricula, a list of California…

Discusses the use of melodrama as a method of historical research that provides students with an opportunity to study historical events and themes. Presents an activity based on the civil rights movement. Includes an example and handouts for creating a melodrama in class. (DK)

Proposes an alternative way of addressing the California Framework through an issues-centered approach to teaching social studies. Describes issues-centered education as instruction infused with reflection on problematic questions related to social issues. Discusses ways of implementing issues-centered social studies curricula and note resources…

Depicts the lackadaisical attitude of students in a high school government and history class. Cautions that without a sound knowledge of and appreciation for democratic rights and the political struggles from which they developed, future generations may lose the privileges that they currently enjoy. (DSK)

Cautions that with growing access to new technologies, the expansion of Internet pornography and hate sites is fast becoming a danger for students, teachers, parents, and communities. Discusses technological possibilities for regulating Internet use available at school and at home. Relates Internet regulation with the goals of character education.…

Society wants its citizens to have precise social understandings which can be applied towards solving social issues. Implications for social studies teacher education and for the classroom teacher are examined. Social studies teachers should step outside the classroom and assist citizens in clarifying social concerns. (RM)