In recent years the range of problems and concerns that we categorize under the banner of environmental issues seems to grow in number, magnitude and scale. We have determined that many of humanitarian failures in the developing world have their causes rooted not just in the political or economic systems but also in the need to accommodate the…

This paper examines issues that K-12 science and social studies teachers need to keep in mind when teaching about nuclear power. The information needs to be presented in as objective a manner as possible. Science needs to become more social oriented. Team teaching should be encouraged. Elementary and secondary inservice teacher education is…

An issue-oriented approach to the teaching of personality involved students from one class in formal debates with students from another class. Evaluation of student attitudes and achievement in the course showed that high motivation and sharpened critical thinking resulted from the course design. (Author/AV)

Describes some of the contributions made by the field of paleontology to theories in geology and biology. Suggests that the two best examples of modern evolutionary paleontology relate to the theory of punctuated equilibria, and the possibility that mass extinctions may be cyclic. (TW)

Explores questions raised in discussions of genocide and reviews ways in which the topic can be investigated. Argues that no matter what the outcome of student inquiry, it is essential that schools carefully and comprehensively include the study of genocide in social studies curricula as a means of reducing the potential for its occurrence. (GEA)

Discusses the use of classroom debate as a teaching resource which generates argumentation and, hence, new ideas. Advocates the use of debate to increase student involvement and commitment to a topic. Describes case construction, debate protocol, and student evaluation procedures. (GEA)

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools" (Tennessee), a case involving a controversial reading textbook offending fundamentalist parents of six middle school children. The Court of Appeals reversed a district court ruling, holding that uniform use of the Holt textbook was not essential to the state's goals to teach reading.…

Educators are increasingly responsible for teaching students about the deadly AIDS virus. This article discusses curricular approaches for certain age groups, summarizes progress in various communities, and provides blunt facts for decision-makers, an AIDS resource list with addresses, and an urgent plea from the Center for Disease Control. (MLH)

This study examined 12th-grade biology students' opinions and beliefs on the desirability of the use and/or development of various biotechnologies. Describes the development of and presents results from the three questionnaires employed in the study. Includes a listing of the 15 biotechnology topics investigated in the study. (ML)

This is the report of an ad hoc committee on global education appointed by the National Council for the Social Studies. The report details the charges against global education raised by United States government critics, examines issues underlying global education curricula, and draws implications for social studies. Concludes with recommendations…

Recommends and offers methods for teaching decision making skills to developing adolescents using controversial topics pertinent to their stage in life. (SRT)

Examines literature from several fields that supports the four roles teachers may take during the discussion of controversial issues: exclusive neutrality, exclusive partiality, neutral impartiality, and committed impartiality. Maintains that committed impartiality is the most defensible teacher role. (Author/JDH)

One's conceptions define what is worth learning about war and peace and why. Educators must make important choices of content. Three conceptions of peace education are discussed: those that focus on information, those that center on issues, and those dealing with attitudes. (RM)

Rather than just becoming a source of intense frustration and a symbol of America's supposed weakness of will, the Iranian hostage crisis could have led to greater interest in a culture different than students' own, American foreign policy and how it is achieved, world religions, and media coverage of crises. (Author/RM)

A fundamental aid in maintaining equilibrium is establishing a policy of providing the opportunity for the study of controversial issues, rather than teaching the issues per se. Other tips for managing controversy include anticipating controversy and criticism and establishing procedures for processing issues. (MJL)