Contends that, despite increasingly sophisticated means of communication, posters remain a powerful cornerstone of many government advertising campaigns. Describes the beginnings and evolution of Smokey Bear from a World War II homefront poster to an ongoing advertising success. (CFR)

Reports on 2 studies of 48 eighth-grade students in which mnemonic devices and strategies were employed. Finds that both regular and learning-disabled students preferred mnemonic instruction to traditional teaching methods. Concludes that mnemonic methods can help improve student learning of historical information. (CFR)

Describes five classroom activities or projects used in Canadian social studies classes. Includes discussions of the use of artifacts, a field trip to Spain, a simulation of the Earth Summit meeting, and the application of mahatma Gandhi's philosophy to current problems. (CFR)

Presents two activities from an "Idea Bank for Teaching Germany and Europe U.S. Classrooms K-12." Includes a role playing exercise involving significant individuals from European history and a student project involving cooperative learning about individual European nations. Provides an address for obtaining a free copy of the "Idea…

Contends that history teachers should help students develop critical viewing and thinking skills about visual images. Discusses the emerging practice of blurring the lines between entertainment and information in television, films, and other visual presentations. Provides two sets of questions to help students analyze documentaries, television…

Traces educational reform related to history education in Great Britain since the first Margaret Thatcher administration. Outlines the work of the History Working Group and two competing approaches to the study of history. Describes how conservative forces rejected pluralistic history in favor of traditional nationalist-based history. (CFR)

Argues that European schools must begin to deal with the issue of citizenship education in light of the emergence of the European Community. Concludes that both preservice and inservice teacher training will be critical to success efforts to promote European citizenship. (CFR)

Argues that the power of technology is its ability to transform instruction by breaking down geographical and logistical barriers; while not replacing actual museums, virtual museums contribute by bringing their collections to students. Outlines a project in which students create their own virtual museum. Includes Web addresses for virtual…

Presents an interdisciplinary unit for high school students in which the students examine life in the American colonies. Focuses on "Moll Flanders" because the students find her to be a fascinating guide to the past, bringing history alive. Gives resources, a handout, and two timed writing assignments. (CMK)

Presents middle school-level interdisciplinary activities for exploring medieval life. Students conduct research then create their own castles, design personal coats of arms, learn about jousting, go through a typical castle dweller's day, learn about carousels, discuss castle life from Mark Twain's perspective, and attend a medieval feast. (SM)

Charts the many ways teachers can use materials gathered during their vacation travels in the classroom. Details activities built around material objects easily accessible through museum gift shops or local stores. Recommends using newspapers for discussions of politics and economics germane to the area. (MJP)

Presents a brief study of the Spanish Borderlands (the southern tier of the United States from California to the Carolinas) and their hold on various cultural and historical imaginations. Discusses the groundbreaking work of historian Herbert E. Bolton and those historians who have continued and/or criticized his interpretation. (MJP)

Offers instructional activities (in the form of a three-day lesson plan and extension activities) for middle-level students that allow adolescents to recognize heroic people and actions, and then explore their own characters and behaviors for signs of courage, leadership, and sincerity. Lists resources about heroes. (SR)

Describes the application of Frederick Drake and Denee Corbin's method of "dramatization in the classroom" to teaching Chinese history. Outlines the use of the book, "The Death of Woman Wang," to study 17th-century Chinese social life and laws. Includes an outline of activities for the preparation and teaching of the lesson.…

Addresses the teaching methods of Michael Welch, a seventh grade teacher, who incorporates the humanities, such as drama and literature, into his history classroom in order to help students learn to question, think analytically, solve problems, and make decisions. Summarizes a particular unit on the Ice Age. (CMK)