Compares social studies transportation units for primary grades in 2 books published 71 years apart: one in 1931 the other in 2002. Includes examination of content selection, standards, literacy, view of the learner, instructional focus, and teacher direction. (Contains 22 references.)(PKP)

The traditional K-3 social studies curriculum has focused on food, clothing, shelter, communication, transportation, and other cultural universals. Very little information exists about children's prior knowledge and thinking about these topics. This study was designed to provide such information with respect to the topic of transportation, and in…

This book implies that other social studies textbooks lack the content that K-3 students need to develop basic social understandings, despite the fact this is one of the goals of most state and district curriculum guides. The volume offers an alternative or an enhancement to the textbook. The book provides units structured around powerful ideas,…

Very little information exists about children's prior knowledge and thinking (including misconceptions) about transportation, a topic commonly taught in elementary social studies. To develop such information, individual interviews were conducted with 96 K-3 students, stratified according to grade level, achievement level, and gender. The students…