Statements by proponents of the new'' social studies are examined. A perspective is developed from which there may be choices among goals, methods, curriculum materials, and approaches to value issues in teaching social studies. (SM)

Considers how elementary school classroom teachers can employ exploration methods (gathering, evaluation, and synthesis of data related to a specific topic) to help students develop readiness for intellectually complex problem solving. (Author/DB)

The purpose of the article is to expand on one kind of conceptual conflict, contradiction, to illustrate how it might be used in a junior high school educational context. Presents an example relating to concepts of evolutionary development and explains how teachers can expand on examples presented. (DB)

Discusses the benefits of individualizing inquiry for students. Describes using this method in the social studies classroom in step by step guidelines. Offers an illustration of its successful application. Notes factors to be considered before teachers commit to this instructional method. (KO)

Criticizes schooling for showing student progress toward developing questioning skills. Suggests that a student-centered classroom can give students the freedom to ask substantive questions and empower them to control their own learning. Describes how student questions can be utilized in the classroom. Urges teachers to avoid imposing knowledge on…

Contends that what is being proposed as thoughtful or authentic teaching in the social studies, particularly in geography and history, is similar to the "New Social Studies" movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Discusses the origins, development, and decline of the new social studies, using one program, Project Africa, as a model. (CFR)

Describes an instructional activity in which fifth graders identified geographic and economic factors that caused a town to become a ghost town. Discusses instructional procedures and materials used in the activity. Includes extension activities, maps, and suggestions for adapting the activity to other geographic regions. (CFR)

Describes the procedures, preparation, and background material necessary for a class to produce an updated version of a living newspaper puppet play. These plays, originally produced by the Federal Theater Project, took a strong editorial position while examining and satirizing political issues. (MJP)