This article outlines a conceptual framework for a high school or college level unit on local history and demonstrates use of the framework through a case study of Whitehall, Georgia. Information is presented on planning the unit, selecting a community, teaching methods, collecting data, and identifying likely sources of information on community…

Provides suggestions for turning the search for local history materials into a coherent package for the classroom. Teachers should choose a project that teaches skills and helps shape student values. A thematic approach (for example, transportation) contributes to selectivity and is useful for producing a sourcebook. (KC)

This article describes an economics trail which aims to encourage elementary and secondary students to use their knowledge of economics in looking at their local surroundings. For availability, see SO 505 564. (Author/AV)

Designed for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz, California, this book outlines an experiential approach to community study. Because the term community can encompass a scope as narrow as the school or as wide as the region, these guidelines are adaptable to several elementary grade levels. The book is arranged in six sections. The first…

Describes a writing course for undermotivated students which focuses on careful precise observations through the study of other time periods in the history of the town where the school is located. (DD)

Presents a case study of an Indian village to show how and why values change as a result of environmental change. Objectives, suggested teaching time, materials, teaching techniques, and discussion questions are included. (Author/DB)

Trip maps and trip boards are described, as are suggested destinations for class trips. The maps are used as multipurpose tools that any teacher can tailor to the needs of his or her own community and environmental studies and to the skills of children of any age. (Author/KC)

Suggests the study of local issues as an active approach to citizenship education in the elementary and secondary grades. Presents a model activity for high school civics students on investigating the impact of a new shopping mall. (SJL)

Describes instructional strategies for stimulating student awareness of their membership in global society. Included are learning objectives, required materials, sample letters to parents and community members, and explanations of 22 activities students might undertake in an inventory of global links in their home, school, and community.…

Presents a case study showing how Seattle, Washington, has transformed a freeway into an attractive addition to the city. Students are directed to study roadways in their communities and suggest ways of beautifying the less desirable ones. (Author/DB)

Suggests creating transparencies of municipal plans and maps as an impetus for environmental studies of the local community. Six teaching activities are outlined. (SJL)

Presents six position statements for developing a multicultural arts curriculum. Suggests strategies for implementing curricula and resources for gathering community information. Provides examples of implementation, including a sample interview to use with artists and sample questions to ask students when analyzing works of art. (KM)

Described are two approaches for using newspapers to teach local, regional, or state geography courses to college students. In the first approach, the instructor developed a manual to supplement an introductory geography course which examined spatial patterns of various phenomena as they are found in the Cincinnati (Ohio) metropolitan area. He…

Advocates teaching history through children's fictional and nonfictional literature in elementary social studies. Offers seven criteria for selecting books for elementary history units. Provides activities for teaching about American Indians, communities, and U.S. history based on award-winning children's books. (CH)

Describes a college-level course in psychology in which students study community issues and problems. Outlines how students work in community program internships and participate in individual and group research projects. Includes course objectives, recommended instructional resources, and evaluation strategies. (CFR)