Many textbooks define economics as the social science that studies how people make choices when faced with scarcity; or how a society decides what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce. Regardless of the definition, students' economic understanding is fundamental to their financial well-being and their ability to build successful…

In an effort to promote cultural literacy in children and young adults, the Racism and Social Justice Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies created the Carter G. Woodson Book Award. The purpose of the Woodson Award, given annually since 1974, is to promote the writing, publishing, and dissemination of sensitive and accurate…

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills places an important emphasis on fundamental social science subjects including history, geography, government and civics, and economics as well as a stress on other important subjects such as English, foreign languages, arts, and science in the school curriculum. It has also identified what it calls 21st…

This article defines the subject matter and methods of sociology. It reviews recent developments in the field and summarizes reasons for these changes. (JDH)

Most students assume that a thriving society runs smoothly because people abide by the laws. But there are various informal, as well as formal, means of social control such as gossip, ridicule, and shame that function even in complex societies to achieve social control, or conformity to group norms. Good teaching ideas have the potential to lead…

The behavior of scientists who studied the moon rocks from the various Apollo missions was examined over a three year period. Methods of interviews ranging from discussion to written questionnaires were designed to explore issues connected with lunar missions and to focus on specific attitudes towards these issues. The central question emphasized…

Ten conclusions about childrens' learning are presented from 15 years of research by the Educational Research Council of America. These include effectiveness of short textbooks, interest in learning technical words, need for social science curriculum to challenge, and detrimental effect of ingrained teacher attitudes to teach social studies by…

This article presents several teachers and school Web sites that offer teaching strategies in using the Internet to teach social sciences. These Web sites include: (1) Mrs. Cori Culp's Website (www.bv229.k12.ks.us/bvw_culp); (2) Mr. Williams's 5th Grade(teachers.santee.k12.ca.us/cwilliams/index.htm); (3) Ms. Stewart's Classroom Page…

As President of NCSS, the author urges the membership to accept the goal of social studies as education for citizenship, and to make the necessary commitment in that direction as a professional organization. (JB)

In this article, the author relates how he uses media literacy activities in his classroom when discussing issues involving the Middle East countries. He relates how this strategy helps him to teach accurate information about the most challenging and controversial aspects of the contemporary Middle East. He shares that through media analysis,…

Presents results from the 1984 High School and Beyond Supplemental Teacher Survey which pertains to social studies teachers. The data provide information regarding such topics as job satisfaction, subjects taught, educational attainment, instructional practices, teaching load, certification, and professionalism. (JDH)

Discusses the positive value and usefullness of the Barth and Shermis definition of social studies and points out that in spite of circumstances which wmay limit its classroom influence, it should serve to focus attention on the important question of professional identity. Related article SO 500 188. (JB)

This article suggests specific themes and approaches to integrate a more global perspective into courses presently taught at the secondary level. (Author/DE)

In light of the goal of the Social Studies, the development of good citizens, the author explores the character of a necessary and sufficient" social studies program and its relationship to the Social Sciences. (JB)