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…

High school students examine the structure, function, services, finances, politics, and budgeting of county governments provided in this unit containing five lesson plans. Students interview all available county officials to obtain the widest viewpoint possible on the structure and function of county government, then rank the functions as most and…

Appropriate for high school students, four units focus on the role, problems, and functions of city government. Designed to be covered in 5 to 6 weeks, the units involve students in interviewing city council members, listing community needs, inviting local officials as guest speakers, and examining problems resulting from the structure, limited…

Presents 10 ideas for service learning projects designed for elementary schools. Includes having students do local history projects complete with interviews and artifacts, learn about community volunteering, interact with the elderly, care for the environment, recycle materials, and hold canned food drives. (MJP)

Considering that the lower ability student in the seventh and eighth grades faces problems of emotion, identity, and self-motivation, there is a need for a more activity-based, exploratory curriculum that gives students responsibility for their learning and living. An interdisciplinary local studies approach was adopted for this six-week unit…

Procedures to help intermediate-grade social studies teachers implement a local history unit are provided. Although intended for teachers in Iowa, the guide can easily be used by educators in any state. The procedures are organized around three major generalizations: (1) buildings and artifacts are resources in explaining the history of a…

Maintains that the study of local wetlands provides an excellent means of integrating environmental studies, global studies, and other curricula into geography instruction. Seven tables list ways that studying wetlands illustrate the six essential elements of the National Geography Standards. Includes a list of 17 learning activities. (MJP)

Part of a sequential series of curriculum units in environmental education for grades 4 through 12, this curriculum guide for grade 9 focuses on identifying problems, formulating hypotheses, considering alternatives, and making decisions in environmental education. The activities include the showing of films, making environmental decisions,…

This issue of the Goldfinch focuses on communities. Ethnic groups, religious groups, schools, families, even the Internet, are used as examples of communities in Iowa. Forced communities are exemplified by migration, law, natural disasters, and sometimes education. Photographs from Iowa's past show the changing nature of communities and encourage…

Part of a sequential series of curriculum units in environmental education for grades 4 through 12, this sixth grade curriculum guide focuses on man's effect upon the environment. Extensive classroom activities and field trips introduce the student to population, technology, pollution, natural resources, responsibility, career opportunities, and…

Discusses the use of a mock Canadian city council to help students develop an understanding of their local government and community. Presents a plan for running a mock council, and encourages the use of simulations to enhance the learning experience. (LS)

Part of a sequential series of curriculum units in environmental education for grades 4 through 12, this curriculum guide focuses on environmental problems in the United States for eleventh grade students. This unit is designed to make the student aware of how the problems of the past become critical problems of the present. Activities foster an…

Argues that the current presentations of "nationalism" in the Alberta social studies curriculum are archaic and irrelevant. Proposes a more inclusive and critical definition of nationalism and provides some supporting references. Includes four student assignments illustrating and teaching this revised approach to nationalism. (MJP)

Discusses a cultural environment education curriculum that helps children appreciate their city, its buildings, and its history. The curriculum includes walking field trips, service projects, and collaborative efforts with other schools. Includes a table with educational objectives for the curriculum and the corresponding evaluation. (MJP)

Designed for inclusion in an eighth grade course on U.S. history or civics, this unit introduces local students to the history of Alexandria (Virginia) through a study of its buildings and urban growth. By examining factors which have changed the community (technology, transportation, economic influences) as well as the relationship between…