This volume provides references to resources and research in the field of early childhood social studies education. The first five chapters address: (1) geography; (2) economics; (3) history; (4) student texts; and (5) teacher texts. Chapters 1 through 3 contain bibliographic essays that examine the basic themes of each subject area and their role…

This unit presents lessons on the New Stone Age or Neolithic period from 8,000 to 3,500 B.C. The unit attempts to develop the profound changes in human society brought about by the domestication of plants and animals. The development of agriculture and the resultant move from wandering hunter gatherers to settled villages has been called the great…

Developed through a broad-based national consensus building process, the national history standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12 years…

The paper advocates a closer working relationship between classroom teachers and the university faculty in the following areas: (1) teacher preparation for the classroom at the undergraduate level; (2) revision of some of the graduate training in history to focus more on pedagogical concerns, along with the content of history; (3) greater…

This guide is intended to assist California educators responsible for implementing the state's K-8 history-social science curriculum and provide practical ideas for bringing this curriculum into alignment with the History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. The guide puts forth 10 principles…

This document suggests uses ways of using inventions and technologies to teach history. A list of inventions and technologies can suggest topics for student research. Books about inventions and technologies are plentiful and a good source of information for students. A field trip might be helpful, or students can interview people who are in a…

This annotated bibliography features materials concerning Christopher Columbus and the legacy of his expeditions to the New World. The following categories of materials are included: (1) adult books about Columbus; (2) articles about Columbus; (3) ERIC documents about Columbus; (4) children's books about Columbus; (5) children's magazines about…

This policy statement by a national professional association of history teachers from kindergarten through grade 12 begins by pointing out that history currently functions as the core of the social studies curriculum prior to college. This position should be expanded and enhanced as a matter of sound curriculum policy. History alone of the social…

This document, from the lesson plan series, "Teaching with Historic Places," explores the history of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri. Following an introductory section on the courthouse's role as a seat of justice and meeting place, the document sets out objectives for students and teaching activities. The teaching activity…

The Fordham Foundation commissioned experts in each of the five core academic subjects (English, history, geography, mathematics, and science) to develop criteria for excellence and apply them to as many state standards as could be obtained. This summary report compiles the numerical scores and letter grades that each state earned in every…

This study examines the influence of differing social contexts on the historical understanding of primary and elementary students in Northern Ireland and the United States. Although children in both locations learn about the past not only at school but from relatives, historic sites, literature, and the media, the U.S. emphasis on a narrative of…

This workbook, a part of the Providence (Rhode Island) Preservation Society's preservation education curriculum for elementary school students, is designed to help students appreciate the significance and the beauty of Providence's architectural heritage. (Other materials in this program are a handbook entitled, "A New Look at Old…

In 1991, the 50th anniversary of the United States' entrance into World War II was observed. This is an opportune time to reevaluate and renew the teaching of this cataclysmic event. Most people have been affected by the political, economic, and social consequences of the War. But perhaps the most important reason to rededicate ourselves to…

This unit, designed for use in both history and English classes, uses excerpts from novels as a way to view Nigerian culture and history through the eyes of its people. The literature used comes primarily from the work of two of Nigeria's important novelists: Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta. Both offer views from the Igbo culture of southeast…

This document contains an annotated listing of instructional aids for Russian and East European studies that are available for loan or rent from Indiana University (Bloomington). The materials are divided into nine sections: (1) slide programs; (2) filmstrips available from the Indiana University (IU) Russian and East European Institute; (3) audio…