Ongoing educational reforms and the accountability movement in public education can pose significant challenges for teachers as they strive to meet a critical, social-justice vision for the social studies. Teachers' continued professional growth and learning are viewed as the main factors towards achieving this goal; however, quite often the…

The authors explore how graphic novels can be used in the middle and high school social studies classroom to teach human rights. The article begins with a rationale on the benefits of using graphic novels. It next focuses on four graphic novels related to human rights issues: "Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds" (Speigelman…

Anecdotal evidence shared by teachers appears to support the iPad as a useful tool for working with children with autism. However, there are thousands of possible applications, known as "apps", available in the Apple iTunes store for download and trying to decide what would be most useful for students can be daunting. This article will…

The current study builds on previous research and theory in social studies curriculum to address how democracy is interpreted by secondary students through visual texts. The author begins with a brief exploration of hermeneutics as a theoretical framework for this work and a sketch of methodology employed in this study. The author then presents…

One way that people learn, remember and communicate is visually. We combine past experiences with new visual information to construct meaning. In this study, elementary teachers introduced their students to the peoples and places of the ancient silk routes using illustrations from two children's picture books, "Marco Polo," written by…

Offers secondary social studies teachers instructional strategies for using wordless picture books, or short, often complex books that tell a story or present a concept through illustrations. Includes a list of such books and offers four instructional strategies for their use. (JDH)

A look at the use of visuals in the teaching of social studies in Great Britain. (HB)

Criticizes the overwhelming emphasis placed on printed material in school learning. Shows how a variety of physical and visual stimuli can provide as much or more information than written statements. Includes examples based on two historical photographs and a modern plastic food container. (GEA)

Examines how students use geographical maps in history and social studies textbooks for comprehension purposes. Reports training 32 eleventh graders to use maps as aids in their comprehension of information. Finds a positive impact upon comprehension and learning of the original training passage. (MG)

Argues that, to maximize a child's educational experience in history/social science, it is imperative that teachers utilize a whole-brain teaching approach by using a variety of experiences that stimulate both sides of the brain. Discusses the three general modes in which students appear to learn: oral, visual, and kinesthetic. Suggests specific…

Suggests the use of picture books to teach the five fundamental themes of geography in the primary grades. Describes the use of maps which follow the paths of characters in children's literature. Discusses the use of four stories that are accompanied by maps and follow-up activities. Includes reproducible maps. (KO)

To help preservice and inservice social studies teachers develop systematic ways of integrating skills and content, this manual offers a model and simple instructional exercises for the diagnostic teaching of how to investigate a cartoon. Designed mainly for use with children in grades 4-6, the material is adaptable for use at other grade levels.…

Describes a field sketch mapping project conducted with a sixth-grade class. The project involved selecting appropriate sites around the school to map, organizing the students, and instructing them about measuring distances and drawing maps. Illustrations include assignments and examples of students' work. (MJP)

Defines remote sensing as the examination of something without touching it. Generally, this refers to satellite and aerial photographic images. Discusses how this technology and resulting knowledge can be integrated into geography classes. Includes a sample unit using images. (MJP)

Outlines a variety of activities using each of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences to teach map reading skills. The Multiple Intelligences are logical/mathematical, linguistic, musical, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Includes multiple activities for teaching six key ideas and four skills. (MJP)