Presents a review of "Communism and the Cold War," an interactive multimedia videodisk designed for teaching about the post-World War II world. Concludes that, although the program is a first step in the use of interactive media in the classroom, it provides a vision of an exciting and dynamic social studies classroom in the future. (CFR)

A Dutch teacher presents reading, film viewing, and writing activities for "Empire of the Sun," J. G. Ballard's autobiographical account of life as a boy in Shanghai and in a Japanese internment camp during World War II (the subject of Steven Spielberg's film of the same name). Includes objectives, procedures, and several literature,…

Honoring the French Revolution's bicentennial, examines its legacy for modern France. Contends that 1789's imprint appears in France's centralized bureaucracy, strong political divisions (conservative-liberal-socialist), church-state separation, and tendency for government to argue ends justify means. Maintains the Revolution also spawned…

Comprehensively reviews literature concerning immigrant history and experience in the United States. Discusses literature covering colonial immigration, old and new immigration, Hispanics, and Asians, as well as novels and autobiographical accounts providing insight into immigrants' experiences. Includes literature concerned with nativism also.…

Illustrates how U.S. history and geography teachers can locate supplementary materials for teaching about immigration using the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database system. Cites 11 documents containing units of study, lesson plans, and class activities. (NL)

Examines the origins of the U. S. Bill of Rights and constitutional guarantees, focusing on trial rights, tracing them to English antecedents and the colonial period. Explains changes in understanding and the application of trial rights, highlighting the U.S. Supreme Court's evolving influence since the nineteenth century. Outlines contemporary…

Contends that feature films can heighten student interest in history. Proposes having students create film presentations based on historical topics. Includes a model research unit on Roman civilization. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the classroom environment and student attitudes in 38 secondary Chinese classrooms. Finds that, despite considerable cultural and political differences, the classroom environment in social studies is remarkably similar to that in the United States. Concludes that diverse activities and active student involvement are related…

Compares recent educational assessment policies of the United States and England. Asserts that the two nations are moving closer in their approach to educational assessment and student evaluation. Contends that U.S. social studies educators should follow closely the ramifications of national assessment in England. (CFR)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit designed for fifth-grade students that focuses on Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican-American culture. Explains that poetry and the novel, "Felita," are used to provide a sense of Puerto Rican culture. Describes activities such as journal writing, geography webs, and exploring culture through food. (CFR)

Describes the Earthmobile Project, a tractor trailer educational exhibit that contains a working model of a Native American archaeology site. Explains how the Project appeals to both student and teachers. Outlines how teachers can develop instructional activities that would replicate the Earthmobile experience. (CFR)

Presents resource materials on the Caribbean for teachers and students. Lists works in the following areas: nonfiction for secondary students; background information and teacher guides; fiction by Caribbean writers; fiction anthologies; and poetry. Also identifies sources for books, films, and school district publications. (CH)

Suggests that the story of humanity can be presented as human groups solving the basic problems of human existence throughout time. Contends that delineating this basic theme of history can present students with a coherent view of history. Links the individual's story to the broader view and presents a teaching unit that conceptualizes this…

Presents a synthesis of the views of participants and counterviews of scholars concerning the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. Reviews historical and analytical accounts of the crisis. Describes critical areas of conflicting interpretations by historians and participants. Includes an annotated bibliography of teaching resources. (NL)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit for middle school students, focusing on the removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from Georgia to so-called Indian Territory, also known as the Trail of Tears. Outlines cooperative learning activities addressing whether or not this act constituted genocide. Uses excerpts from the novel, "The Education of…