Seventy social studies educational games and simulations, designed for K-12th grade, with many applicable to adults, are described and analyzed in the major section of this book. Each of the analyses is divided into eight categories and provides an overview of the game; a description of the physical qualities and cost of the materials; suggested…

This paper describes test development efforts for measuring achievement of selected concepts in social studies. It includes descriptive item and test statistics for the tests developed. Twelve items were developed for each of 30 concepts. Subject specialists categorized the concepts into three major areas: Geographic Region, Man and Society, and…

The dominant social, political, and economic aspects of Ghanaian society are described in this handbook. Changes and developments in Ghana in the past 10 years, highlighted by the 1966 overthrough and widespread repudiation of Kwame Nkrumah and his policies and practices, have created a need for this revision of the 1962 edition. The purpose of…

This booklet, a general guide to citizen eco-action, discusses a plan of action on community environmental problems. It offers factors to be considered in any community eco-action situation, but it is not a rigid set of rules. An overview identifies seven key ideas of environmental issues, including the universal participation of all humans in the…

The Geography Educator's Network of Indiana's 2001 Exploring and Teaching Institute series led 23 educators from around the state on a six day traveling adventure. Participants explored art, literature/folklore, historical sites and archives, physical environments, architecture, economics, politics, and cultures associated with the Underground…

In this California state curriculum model for grade 10, "World History, Culture, and Geography: The Modern World," students stud the life, work, and philosophy of Cesar E. Chavez. The students learn about the historical developments of many of the ideas and philosophy of Chavez, particularly the evolution of democratic principles.…

Rural school consolidation in Iowa in the early 20th century was not simply an attempt at educational reform, but was also an attempt to transform the rural social geography of the region. Since consolidation of corporate power had resulted in economic progress in the cities, it was thought that re-centering rural life around country towns could…

This classroom guide uses a series of interactive lessons to provide middle and high school students with the foundation to address complex issues of how people use the environment, the factors (demographic, socioeconomic, political, and cultural) that affect human use of resources, and the local and global environmental impact of people's actions…

The Arctic is covered with ice and snow for most of the year. Animals that live in Alaska's arctic region must be able to survive long winters and very cold temperatures. Surprisingly, many animals live in the harsh, cold climate. This first-grade activity plan helps students learn about the animals of the far north. The plan gives six steps for…

Inhabited by humans for less than a century, Midway Atoll dominated the world news for a brief time in the early summer of 1942. These tiny Pacific islands were the focus of a brutal struggle between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The U.S. victory here ended Japan's seemingly unstoppable advance across the Pacific and began…

This book revolves around the idea that making personal connections with the material to be learned is what creates powerful learning experiences, demonstrating how personal connections can be incorporated into social studies education while meeting the National Council for the Social Studies' (NCSS) thematic, pedagogical, and disciplinary…

This project includes a mini-lesson to be used at the end of the unit on Latin America. The lesson introduces a service learning project to help Maryland students to address the service learning component needed for graduation. The specific lessons have students identify the changing role of Latin American countries in the world community. Ways in…

As the world grapples with increasing environmental, social, and security problems, population is rarely considered a cause or contributing factor. The relationship of population to the human condition, and to the condition of the Earth, is often subtle and complex. But population growth affects almost every aspect of life from education to…

This integrated unit, intended for use with sixth or seventh graders, introduces students to the trading networks and geographic factors that influenced the maritime spice trade from southeast Asia to the Roman Empire and Han China during the period 100 B.C. to 100 A.D. The unit is designed so that students work in cooperative groups in a series…

These Louisiana state social studies model lessons, developed and written with the assumption that the lessons would be presented by teachers who are certified in the content areas, are designed to be student driven instruction, is inquiry- and performance-based, and assessment is meaningful and authentic. The lessons focus on understanding…