This article describes the development process and products of a two-year project designed to improve basic skills instruction in existing secondary social studies courses. Includes a sample lesson plan and student handouts. (JDH)

Six geography lessons which teach a global perspective to fifth graders are discussed. The lessons include examining maps made in countries other than the United States, brainstorming about another culture, taking an imaginary trip over a region just studied, participating in a simulation, and researching the making of a pencil. (RM)

A survey of 59 Northeastern California high schools revealed that less than 40 percent have a required world geography course. Most of the high schools are offering some type of world view course; however, these courses are not meeting the new California state guidelines. They lack an interdisciplinary perspective. (RM)