This twelfth grade curriculum guide explores the five behavioral sciences: sociology, social psychology, anthropology, economics, and political science. The overall objectives of the units are: 1) to survey these sciences within a complex society; 2) to realize the importance of individual to the total group; 3) to be aware of the major social…

I intend to identify some of the important propositions which issue from fourteen empirical studies on political socialization, and to point to implications for schools and especially civic education programs. I define political socialization as the process of acquiring and changing the culture of one's own political environment. Among the…

This resource unit, used either at the end of the 8th grade course or as an alternate course during non-election years in grade nine, provides an area study on the Middle East. Since emphasis in each of the five previous units designed for grade nine is on the American economic system and problems, this particular unit offers a contrasting study…

These micro-units of instruction are designed to teach fourth and fifth grade students the multi-ethnic heritage of America. They emphasize the free and open acquisition of knowledge through the inquiry method. Multiple sources are used in each unit and the range of difficulty should enable the student to show progress in skill development as well…

Unit I for grade six deals with the American Indian in a cross cultural approach. Pupils use case studies to examine the Aztecs, who were later conquered by the Spanish, and the Iroquois, who came into contact with the French and English, as total cultures and draw comparisons between the two. The main part of each resource unit is set up in a…

Classroom activities for directing student inquiry into the role of the individual in the future are provided in this text. Activities are presented within a framework of respect for and understanding of the past and the present. A matrix for the study of the individual as a whole person is presented. The matrix is devised along the present, past,…

The resource unit in urban studies is designed to be used by suburban social studies classroom teachers in grades 7-9. The unit aims at developing a positive attitude in suburban students toward the central city. Students are introduced to the social dynamics and cultural resources unique in large urban centers. They recognize that solving urban…

Stepping Stones to Literacy is a tool for elementary school improvement teams to evaluate and strengthen their reading programs. Each Stepping Stone is a guided activity to stimulate reflection and guide systematic inquiry. It is a collaborative, active research approach to evaluation (Levesque & Hinton 2001). The goal is to eliminate the gap…

Universities and colleges accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education are facing the prospects of measuring dispositions related to teaching. Dispositions selected for teacher candidates at the University of West Alabama are characteristics desirable in N-12 candidates. This pilot study was designed to assess…

Sciencing with Watersheds, Environmental Education, and Partnerships (SWEEP) is a professional development program designed to help elementary teachers improve the way they teach science using partnerships among teachers and resource professionals. SWEEP follows a thematic approach using watersheds as the core concept of an integrated elementary…

This paper presents the results of the Science Parent, Activities, and Literature (Science PALs) project. This project aims to promote parent involvement in children's hands-on science education by using take-home, literature-based inquiry, problem solving, and design activities that connect school and home. Parents are the most effective source…

Hands-on science activities and first-hand experiences of kindergartners studying trees demonstrate the true meaning of authentic assessment. The activities and teacher interactions had several things in common: (1) they asked students to perform or create something; (2) they invoked real-world applications; (3) they showed that there is more than…

Examines the literature on the effectiveness of computers in social studies instruction and learning. Topics include drill and practice, tutorials, study guides, games and simulations, inquiry and problem solving, graphics, and word processing and writing. Contains 58 references. (LRW)

Presents an inquiry-based approach to promoting critical thinking in psychology. Maintains that the model emphasizes helping students ask thoughtful questions. Discusses research results supporting the use of questioning techniques to enhance critical thinking. (CFR)

Discusses the use of science process skills to help students think positively about writing assignments. Examines the four language arts skills of narration, description, explanation, and persuasion, as used in writing about hands-on science activities. (MDH)