At the intersection of social studies and world language curricula are opportunities to explore students' prior learning with vocabulary-rich content designed to support language acquisition goals. "Funds of knowledge" is defined as socio-cultural, economic, and historical knowledge from home and community settings. The instructional…

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

The major goal of social studies education is to provide students with the skills and knowledge essential for effective participation in society. As a supplement to more traditional social studies material, newspapers can help students make the connection between the classroom and real life. The social studies activities suggested in this guide…

Active learning is not a new concept, and recent research suggests that students who have opportunities to participate in the learning process are much more successful students in terms of achievement test scores and individual happiness. This paper discusses some recent research on active learning, including a description of a microsociety school…

Demonstrates the use of Bloom's Taxonomy in planning participation projects for elementary education. Illustrates the integration of a social studies theme with other curriculum areas. Provides charts that: (1) delineate the structure of a participation project; (2) take a topic through that structure; and (3) list activities appropriate to all…

This ERIC Digest examines: (1) the meaning of the term "Pacific Rim"; (2) reasons for emphasizing the Pacific Rim in the social studies curriculum; and (3) useful strategies for teaching about this part of the world. The terms, Pacific Rim and Pacific Basin, are used. interchangeably; however, the "Rim" refers to those nations…

Suggests greater emphasis on middle school music education, both as part of general education and of the curriculum's exploratory component. Argues that music can add emotion to social studies and promote learning in all subject areas through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Calls for student opportunities to explore instruments and composition. (SG)

Reports a research project with the goal of learning about the barriers to promoting higher-order thinking in high school social studies. Compares social studies departments that are successful at promoting higher-order thinking with less successful departments. Describes the technical aspects in the development and use of the 17 observational…

It is important to reaffirm the teaching of recent United States history in secondary schools. Diane Ravitch and Chester E. Finn state: "If we think it important that they (17-year-old students of 1986) understand the three decades between the Second World War and their own sixth birthdays (in 1975), we cannot expect this instructional job to…

A model for Continuous-Integrated-Sequential (C/I/S) curricula for social studies education is presented. The design advocated involves ensuring continuity of instruction from grades K-12, an integration of social studies disciplines, and a sequential process of refining and reinforcing concept and skills from grade-to-grade along the K-12…

The development of the Pennsylvania State Department of Education's Tests of Essential Learning Skills (TELS) program objectives is described. A conceptual framework is presented that incorporates reading skills into the social studies curriculum. Instructional strategies designed to assist in the development of reading skills in the content areas…

Eight lessons on integrated global economics provide detailed instructional materials on world food and energy systems, international cartels, and the nature and process of foreign investments. The materials are designed to help high school social studies teachers develop student understanding of key economic systems and activities and reinforce…

Argues current social studies reform movement raises false dichotomy between those who would emphasize content of history geography and those who would focus on critical thinking or information processing skills. Contends real goal of social studies should be practical citizenship competencies/participation. Concludes that teachers should create…

Describes how collaborative efforts between the Florida Department of Education and a private company led to a K-8 technology-based social studies curriculum. Describes the social studies content included in the primary, intermediate, and middle school years. Provides examples of how teachers might use the curriculum. (CFR)

Discusses how empathy is promoted in the United Kingdom's National Curriculum. Notes that the concept is ambiguous, especially as it is used in the subject of history. Describes how this concept impedes planning, teaching, and assessment. Suggests that understanding how children reason is more productive that making assumptions about how they…