Examines the historical development of the expanding environments sequence in the elementary social studies curriculum. Concludes that the sequence is obsolete because it is based on the discredited idea that children relive the cultural history of their race as they develop. Argues for abandonment of expanding environments sequence because of its…

Describes the evolution and growth in popularity of the expanding environments framework for elementary social studies. Its reliance on developmental psychology and its portrayal of an artificial, conflict-free world suggest flaws of major dimensions. Concludes that the near-universal adoption of the expanding environments approach may sustain its…

The creation of a National Commission for the Social Studies offers an extraordinary opportunity to reconsider the mission of social studies education and move in new directions. Defining what the social studies field should be will help to answer the question of what should be taught. Questions of what children can learn in the elementary school…

For historians and nonhistorians, reflecting on the past century is an enticing activity. To many present-day historians, who are just barely into the twenty-first century, the past century already seems remote. It will definitely be perceived that way by students in elementary classrooms. Nonetheless, today's teachers have endless opportunities…