Argues for the teaching public issues in the forum of business communication classes. Describes how students tracked presidential election campaigns and emerged with an understanding of underlying political, economic, and social realities that affect the way America does business. (RS)

Includes an excerpt from "Tail Tigerswallow and the Great Tobacco War." Suggests using a similar story to design a social studies lesson to help students ask relevant social issue questions. Employs role playing, simulation, debate, and writing letters to editors in the lesson plans. (NL)

Whether they are learning about long division, Longfellow or a long-lost civilization, students often want to know how the subjects they are studying will help them in "real life." One of the primary responsibilities of teachers is to prepare students for "real life" as informed, engaged and inquisitive citizens. A great way to cultivate these…

Using three new computer software programs in conjunction with role playing and class discussion, teachers introduce students to the stock market, Wall Street, economics, and business while simultaneously teaching computer applications. Each program and its classroom application are discussed; companies to contact are listed. (JL)

Describes the experience of one class that used online search services to learn current events. Gives suggestions for social studies teachers interested in doing online newspaper searches with their students. Lists four online sources of newspaper articles. Illustrates eight steps involved in a typical search. (CW)

This article presents a discussion of current and future effects of telecommunication satellites. Children need to be made aware of possible satellite applications and risks. Background information, teacher resources, classroom activities, and a children's booklist are provided to help prepare a telecommunications teaching unit. (DF)

This "Third Edition" updates the decades of the 1980s and 1990s and moves into the events and issues of the 21st century. Designed as a teaching supplement for any U.S. history course of study, it can be used in its entirety or selectively to fill in gaps left by traditional textbooks and curricula. The authors seek to bring U.S. history…

Argues that teachers should teach about contemporary American Indians as well as their history. Suggests that good topics would be American Indian children of today and American Indiana leaders of today. Presents a lesson plan and recommended instructional materials. (CFR)

Outlines a strategy for using popular films in a sociology course to demonstrate the international nature of selected domestic social problems. Details two films, "El Norte" and "Cry Freedom," in terms of their storyline, preparatory lecture materials, sociological issues, students' reactions, and practical matters of use. (DB)

Suggests that an event-based science curriculum can provide the framework for deciding what to retain in an overloaded science curriculum. Provides examples of current events and the science concepts explored related to the event. (MDH)

With proper inquiry into pertinent source material, a teacher can spark discussion and intelligent analysis of current issues on days when planned curriculum is not productive. Preplanning and questions for a discussion on Vietnam are offered as an example for teacher preparation. (DE)

Discusses the issue of terrorism as it exists today and examines progress that has been made toward understanding its dimensions. Suggests how this subject can be explored in the classroom. Dispels misconceptions about terrorism by defining the term, and examines some causes of terrorism and strategies employed by terrorists. (KO)

In the early months of 2005, much of the world celebrated the 60th anniversary of the World War II Allied victory over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Around the same time, protests erupted in Asia against a revised Japanese history textbook, "The New History Textbook," which critics said covered up Japanese World War II atrocities.…