The social landscape of the United States can be mapped by using a series of cultural fault lines. This topography portrays conditions that descriptions of the surface fail to illuminate. Many of these schisms are the by-product of ideological positions that diminish personal responsibility and thoughtful civic discourse. If left unattended, these…

Describes eight ways of using "The Book of Lists" to stimulate the thinking and imaginations of high school social studies students. The author also presents examples of ways lists can be used to teach concepts and to clarify values. (AM)

The author describes values clarifiction as an educational approach which employs practical strategies, is consistent with democratic society, covers a variety of issues, adapts to all subject matter, and can be done at all ability levels. (Author/AV)

The values clarification approach contains conceptual, ethical, and practical flaws. These include failure to distinguish moral from non-moral value issues, use of methods which jeopardize students' privacy rights, reliance on assumptions and methods of approaches to therapy, and absence of persuasive research to support claims of effectiveness.

The author criticizes values clarification techniques done without parental consent in non-elective courses because they invade privacy, lead to ethical relativism, and have the potential to damage children's ego-strength. (Author/AV)

Schools should continue to teach values now that traditional institutions (church, family) have less impact on children. Although some new techniques have concerned parents, it is the school's responsibility to teach the secular value system which is an outgrowth of the religious values of our nation's founders. (AV)

Identifies the types of value issues prevalent in today's schools, such as honesty, loyalty and kindness. Realizes that teachers must address value conflicts and help students choose between two strongly-held values. Contends that part of education is the democratic process inherent in a discussion on socially accepted values. (CMK)

The "Darfur is Dying" website was the winning entry of a contest called Darfur Digital Activist, launched by MTV's 24-hour college network (mtvU). The site describes the winning game as "a narrative-based simulation where the user negotiates forces that threaten the survival of his or her refugee camp. It offers a faint glimpse of what it is like…

Presents several components of current events instruction for the elementary classroom. These serve as criteria for teachers to diagnose their lessons. Describes three classroom scenarios and analyzes the effectiveness of current events instruction in each. Models offered for designing classroom instruction are value analysis, decision making, and…

Presents five activities for grades 3-6 which show how to harness the fun of Halloween to achieve social studies goals such as values clarification, critical thinking, personal decision making, and inquiry. States that Halloween's rich history, contemporary customs, ancient rituals, and myths provide a high-interest background of common experience…

Criticizes character education programs that tend merely to present moral values to students, believing this produces socially responsible behavior. Argues listing values is simplistic and ineffective. Recognizes the situational complexity that confounds making moral choices. Suggests character education must contend with value conflicts and guide…

A compilation of 13 social studies activities suitable for immediate application in the classroom includes teaching ideas for both elementary and secondary teachers. Activities comprise a simulated mapping expedition to Jamestown colony; a folktale illustration of moral dilemmas; taped interviews with Soviet citizens; simulated employment…