In the winter of 2011, this author was working late in her classroom at Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, when she opened an email offering a summer institute where 15 teachers would walk the D-Day beaches in Normandy, France. The catch--each teacher had to bring one high school student. The Albert Small Student/Teacher…

In this article, Erika Cook and Aaron Becker suggest teachers travel to "unfamiliar" lands to not only breathe life into global lessons but also to gain new perspectives and experiences as educators. For teachers who dread teaching about an unfamiliar place or culture, Cook and Becker recommend considering the very real opportunities to…

Few had heard of Irena Sendlerowa in 1999. Now, after more than 290 presentations of the student play "Life in a Jar," as well as a website with high traffic, and worldwide media attention, Irena is known to the world. Irena Sendler (as she became known), a social worker, believed in standing up for others. Her father, who was a doctor,…

The author relates the ways in which a present day visitor to Greece will be reminded of ancient Greek history. The legendary hospitality, Greek statues, the landscape, Greek dances, gestures, and customs are some of the topics discussed. (Author/RM)

The author asserts that it is time for social studies teachers to engage students in a review of the rift between historical reality and mythology about Viet Nam, especially in light of recent comparisons that many have made between the Viet Nam War and the current situation in Iraq. Few teachers dealt with Viet Nam at the time of the war, and…

These guidelines are designed to help teachers, school administrators, parents, and students investigate and select foreign excursion programs. The guidelines consist of a series of statements concerning the organization and operation of travel or study programs. (RM)

Defines an ecostudent as one who focuses on understanding the natural environment and protecting fragile ecosystems in different regions of the world. Discusses the differences between ecostudents and ecotourists and emphasizes the importance of ecotourism. Explains how the attributes of the ecotourist may benefit the experiences of students…

Describes a field trip in which 6th grade students traveled to Florence, Italy. Delineates the planning necessary to make such trips beneficial and rewarding, identifying the responsibilities of teachers, parents, students, and the school administration. Argues that international field trips offer unparalleled opportunities for growth in both…

Recounts experiences of an American teacher in Afghanistan from 1973-1975. Topics discussed include culture shock, adjustment to a foreign culture, Afghan history and culture, archaeological ruins, Islamic culture, economic and educational development, and Afghanistan's role in the modern world. (DB)

Since 2001, classroom and pre-service teachers, along with high school and university students from Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine and the United States, have participated in an international workshop that focuses on preparing students and teachers for life in an increasingly interconnected world. These intercultural…

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Discusses democracy, educational reform efforts, and the importance of tourism to the Kenyan economy. Asserts that U.S. teachers must use accurate and nonstereotypical instructional materials in teaching about Africa. (CFR)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Asserts that social studies is a transnational phenomenon and maintains that the visit provided a vivid illustration of many of the intellectual issues that lie at the heart of the discipline. (CFR)

Describes an easy project that uses postcards to engage elementary and middle school students in reading, writing, and social studies. Students write letters to the editors of different newspapers asking their readers to send postcards to the class. Follow up activities include response letters, maps, and writing assignments. (MJP)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Asserts that problems facing U.S. social studies, such as multiculturalism and individual rights, are not as important as development issues for African nations. (CFR)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Focuses on the need for an international thrust on environmental education. Discusses efforts by seven African nations to develop a common basic social studies text on curriculum and methods. (CFR)