Discusses the origin of the catastrophic event as to whether it was an episodic process or of extraterrestrial or endogenous origin. Develops a model of a volcanic mechanism to produce shocked quartz like those found in the Deccan basalts. (MVL)

Presents a lesson plan using the "jigsaw" method which encourages students to teach map skills to each other. Points out that this activity generates a sense of responsibility in students while highlighting each group member's unique skills. Provides detailed instructions for using the lesson. (KO)

Discusses the elementary school's social studies curriculum with references to: "James Madison Elementary School: A Curriculum for Elementary School," (William Bennett); Matthew Downey and Linda Levstik's review of research on the teaching and learning of history; and "Social Studies for Early Childhood and Elementary School…

Illustrates how teachers can use holidays to construct lessons that are academically substantial, interesting, and meaningful. Model lessons are organized around asking exploratory questions and the ensuing process scholars use to unravel an academic mystery. Designed for use in elementary or middle school during Christmas season. (KO)

Describes a hands-on geography activity that is designed to teach longitude and latitude to fifth-grade students. Children create a scale model of the earth from a 300 gram weather balloon. This activity incorporates geography, mathematics, science, art, and homework. Provides information for obtaining materials. (KO)

Discusses a new history and geography-centered curriculum for elementary and secondary school students that was developed in California and describes efforts to adopt instructional materials that include new technology and formats. Three specific technology developments in the history-social science curriculum are described. (LRW)

Presents a partial bibliography of ERIC database entries concerning Christopher Columbus and the effects of his discoveries upon the world. Includes works on historiography, the ecological impact of the meeting of the two worlds, and history lesson plans. (DK)

Discusses the development of a world history curriculum for the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District. Describes a program rooted in chronology and geography with interpretive frameworks for comparative study of change in diverse civilizations. Lists reawakening teachers' interest, updating training, and extending resource availability as…

Videotaped segments from a regular education world geography class were used in teaching three learning-disabled ninth grade students to generalize question-asking and answering skills. Training procedures implemented in a learning resource room were effective in improving generalization of target skills and increasing accuracy scores on…

Describes five themes of geography used as a model for generating classroom activities in an integrated teaching approach. Uses James Michener's book, "Texas," to demonstrate the integration of geography and literature. Includes a teaching outline, class activities, and lessons plans for a five-day unit. (NL)

Describes the process of developing performance-based tests for elementary history and social sciences in California. Explores development of open-ended questions, examples of questions and student answers, and scoring. Discusses prompts such as categorizing, chronology, cause and effect, controversy, multiple perspectives, interpreting symbols,…

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

In response to the critical need for geographical knowledge, educators and concerned stakeholders have built a national consensus regarding content standards in "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards 1994." The 18 standards for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 specify the essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives that students…

This study employed an ecological perspective to predict variations in the rate of child abuse and neglect among children aged 0 to 19 years in Alberta, Canada, in 1986. Positive correlates of the child maltreatment rate included population change, unemployment rate, percent Native, and North West region of Alberta. Implications for assessing…

Discusses effects of disease on the Atlantic basin after Christopher Columbus established contact between the hemispheres. Emphasizes the decimation of the native populations of the Americas when exposed to illnesses common in Eurasia and Africa. Relates the epidemics to the development of the slave trade and the rise of the middle class in…