Describes Ptolemy's map of the world. Discusses the idea of mapping the ecumene or known world. Lists Ptolemy's map making conventions still in use today including location of north at the top, 90 degrees latitude between the equator and each pole, and style of representing physical features. Emphasizes Ptolemy's view of the world as dynamic. (DK)

Presents a mathematical metaphor for the birth and decline of historical eras. Identifies conditions necessary for transition from one era to the next. Argues that each era is characterized by sigmoidal growth that declines to saturation. Suggests that only synergetic, innovative people can open new areas and criteria to issue in a new era. (DK)

Presents research findings regarding the historical knowledge of fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students and college level elementary education majors. Concludes that students learn the content of U.S. history as they progress through years of schooling. Reports student unfamiliarity with more recent historical events and difficulty in…

Explores instruction concerning the Irish role in Canadian history. Suggests that the Irish influence has been downplayed and presented to students in a biased manner. Discusses particular incidents in which Irish people have been portrayed negatively in textbooks and instruction. Argues that Irish Canadians achievements should be celebrated in…

Presents a lesson plan designed to enhance student understanding of the value of history study. Focuses on David Laushey's 10 values of the study of history. Creates a series of discussion vignettes based on these concepts. Includes questions for study and a list of vignettes for classroom discussion and problem solving. (NL)

Describes the life and work of Samuel Read Hall, an innovative educator who influenced the future of education. Includes information on his early life, his innovative use of the blackboard, and his development of the first school for educating teachers. Describes some of his methods of teaching history and geography, some of which are still used.…

Provides a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the subject of social studies as a discipline. Includes documents on proposals to improve social education and on return to traditional emphases in history and geography. Explains how to obtain copies of documents from the ERIC system. (SG)

Presents creative ways for teachers to interest students in learning history by encouraging a feel for the context and interrelationships of events. Names, dates, and events are interspersed with opportunities for students to experience history through their own lives (e.g. oral histories, personal scrapbooks, family photographs, and household…

Provides a partial listing of works found in the ERIC database on the debate between those who support social studies as a discipline and those who would replace it with history and geography courses. Includes articles, reports, and reviews covering various aspects of the debate. (DK)

Reports results of several surveys that show that social studies teachers would rather teach history than other courses. Concludes that researchers need to ask teachers why they prefer history. Argues that history is important in its own right and as part of an interdisciplinary social studies program. (DK)

Describes steps in a method for transferring critical thinking skills during a regular history lesson plan. Calls upon the instructor to ask how the skill to be transferred is a part of the lesson, when it can be used, what examples can be given, and how students will reflect on their practice. Emphasizes the necessity of consistent terminology.…

Suggests utilizing foreign coins and banknotes as teaching aids for geography. Discusses coins portrayal of such issues as societal goals, historical commemorations, or conservation of wildlife. Cites banknotes as a source of even more geographical information than coins. Suggests sources of information, coins, and banknotes. (DK)

As schools develop new curriculum and assessment models, they will need to answer four questions: What do we want students to know and be able to do? What will count as acceptable performance? How can we ensure expert judgments? How can we provide feedback? Answering these questions will help schools and teachers connect teaching, learning,…

Discussion of historical events occurring worldwide within the general time frame of 1492 includes a bibliography of 95 books suitable for fourth to seventh graders. Techniques for teachers and librarians to use to present a more horizontal view of history are suggested. (LRW)

Intermediate-level students worked as paleontologists, examining skeletal remains of Thanksgiving turkeys, hypothesizing theories, constructing skeletons, creating a scenario of life for the creatures, and selecting habitats. Students also examined ways that artifacts could reflect future archaeologists' view of contemporary society. The projects…