Characteristics of exponential growth which should be taught in social studies classes are listed, and learning activities dealing with exponential growth which can be used in secondary social studies classes are provided. (RM)

Reviews responses of 30 eighth grade social studies students and 30 11th grade history students to a request that they write a definition of religion. The mass confusion indicated in the responses is intended as a reminder to social studies teachers to define concepts in the context of their use. (DB)

There are six separate features that are the building blocks of a positive self-concept. They are uniqueness, affection, belongingness, usefulness, competence, and influence. (RM)

Suggests that oral history can provide significant experiences that promote identity, empathy, moral sensitivity, community building, and decision making. Students interact with diverse groups of people, thus breaking down social isolation in the school curriculum. (Author/KC)

Fifteen maps of Florida, each containing errors to be corrected by students, are presented for use in teaching Florida geography. Among the error maps included are Florida's borders today, the rivers of Florida, cities in the Grapefruit League, and Florida's European explorers. Teachers are encouraged to reproduce the maps and students to use the…

This paper examines the need for energy education, discusses classroom opportunities and quandaries for teaching about energy, and provides some suggestions for social studies educators. Two recent studies show that there is a real need for energy education. First, the Education Commission of the United States surveyed the energy knowledge and…

Analogies help students to unlock long-term memory and to project the implications of courses of action. Gives examples of how analogies can be brought into the social studies curriculum in areas like value claims and decision making. (CS)

Offers energy education guidelines to aid social studies educators at all grade levels respond to increasing interest in energy-related topics. Guidelines are intended to serve as an outline of a multidisciplinary education program, a baseline from which to assess existing energy-related instructional programs, and a starting point for development…

Explains how artifacts can be studied in the social studies classroom to help students understand unfamiliar cultures and derive meaning from personal life stories of unknown people. Main points are suggested for students to focus upon as they view an artifact. (DB)

Five approaches to attitude change are discussed: classroom instructional models, role-playing, personal contact, media presentations, and social participation. How social studies teachers can use a combination of these approaches to improve student attitudes towards their peers who are handicapped is discussed. (RM)

A survey of 58 Florida energy educators was conducted in order to develop competencies for adult education. The modified Delphi technique yielded a list of 25 adult energy education competencies. (Author/WB)

Presents activities in creativity for use in secondary social studies courses. The activities involve students in laying out alternatives for ethical decision-making, for accomplishing a task, or for problem solving. (RM)

This exercise shows how to turn the expository treatment of a topic or event into a mystery or puzzling situation that students are asked to solve. Once a puzzle is presented, students may pose only questions that can be answered yes or no. Three sample lessons are included to illustrate the process. (JDH)

An activity is suggested as one method of examining lifestyle implications of diverse commitments and values to help students deal with both social and personal concerns. (Author/KM)

Describes activities in which K-12 social studies students (1) imagine the consequences of decisions and policies, and (2) imagine the consequences of new personal and social possibilities. Sample activities are offered for geography, world history, sociology, U.S. history, and civics. The authors include suggestions for student evaluation and…