The objective of this study is to better understand the process by which K-12 school districts select curricula materials in four critical subject areas: Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and History and Social Studies. This research has two primary goals: (1) to understand the process by which K-12 school districts select and adopt…

A variety of methods can be used to resolve environmental controversies, such as passing new laws, enforcing existing laws, conducting public education programs, and creating new governmental management agenceis. In many instances the courts become the site for environmental decision-making. The purpose of this activity is to help acquaint…

Thirty-eight energy related classroom activities for sixth to twelfth grade are included in this document. The activities are based on the following conceptual themes: (1) energy is basic; (2) energy's usefulness is limited; (3) energy exchanges affect the environment; (4) energy conservation is essential; and (5) people can develop and share…

The Project Social Studies Curriculum Center at the University of Minnesota developed this teacher's guide for an eighth grade course on Our Political System. The course, part of an articulated curriculum for grades K-12, draws heavily upon political science while using concepts from other social sciences. The emphasis is on decision-making at the…

This resource unit, developed by University of Minnesota's Project Social Studies as part of a course on Our Political System, introduces eighth graders to decision making at the local level. This unit, much shorter than the others in the course, attempts to have pupils use concepts learned earlier to analyze one or more crucial problems in their…

This resource unit, developed by the University of Minnesota's Project Social Studies, introduces eighth graders to the executive process. The unit uses case studies of presidential decision making such as the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the Cuba Bay of Pigs and quarantine decisions, and the Little Rock decision. A case study of…

This teacher resource manual focuses on the Alberta, Canada social studies curriculum for grades one through three. The manual has five main sections. (1) "Introduction to the Program" discusses the program goals and objectives. The importance of problem solving and decision making skills are stressed, and strategies are discussed for…

Designed for secondary level students, this guide describes the process of establishing utility rates for gas, electricity, telephone, or water services. Insights are presented into the parties and interests involved in rate changes, along with procedures and issues that influence decision-making. The goals of this teaching guide include: (1)…

This educational simulation is designed to develop planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and writing skills to teach students about U.S. history and geography as they travel the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails as emigrants. The manual is divided into two parts. Part 1, "Product Instructions," contains: (1) "The Product…

This resource unit, developed by the University of Minnesota's Project Social Studies, introduces eighth graders to an overview of the American political system. The unit analyzes political conflict, compromise, and the need for government and law. It examines American political ideals and contrasts them briefly with other political ideologies and…

The publication is intended to provide some guidance to educators who are in the process of developing career education units which will be integrated into and correlated with school subjects. The first part of the document focuses on developing resource units, and offers information on goals and objectives, on the integration of career education…