During the 2002-03 school year, one Philadelphia fifth grade class developed a core curriculum designed to teach every child the 21st century basic skills: the ability to think, learn, and create. This effort was a pilot for a rigorous Harvard University based program to develop proficiency for each child in a mixed ability classroom of 29…

Nazi education stressed the importance of physical education, and considered the education of boys much more important than that of girls. Curriculum changes affected subjects like history, biology, and the German language. In a few years, this highly effective education transformed millions of young people into loyal Nazis. (CS)

Provides an overview of the structure and topics included in undergraduate course on Indian and Chinese history. Briefly reviews such topics as Land and People, Emergence and Evolution of Traditions, Expansion of Islam in Asia, European Imperialism, Nationalism and Independence, and Democracy and Development. (MJP)

Contrasts two approaches to achieving depth in an 8th grade U.S. history class. One presents a detailed and chronological approach, the other a discipline-based matrix structure with chronological and regional evolutions as a backdrop. Favors stressing major principles and generalizations while focusing in depth on prototypical examples. (MJP)

Outlines several historical cases that can be used to illustrate and teach paradoxical concepts concerning democracy. For example, can an "undemocratic" action be correct (the Louisiana Purchase)? The combination of historical incident and controversy provokes a lively and challenging discussion of democratic principles. (MJP)

Reviews three geography and history CD-ROMs: "GeoSafari Platinum Edition," a multimedia game on history, geography, and science; "Destination: Time Trip USA," which allows students to create an interactive electronic book while exploring a fictional town; and "SkyTrip America," with which students fly across America, reviewing maps, time lines,…

Presents a roundtable discussion among several high school and university educators who have conducted oral history projects. The teachers discuss their specific projects and extrapolate some general guidelines for conducting oral history research. Examines the influence that Foxfire has had on these efforts. (MJP)

Explores how to integrate history content and skill development in elementary social studies. Suggests ways to combine history, language arts, reading, and critical thinking, including teaching history through children's literature, story telling, story writing, and mock trials. Identifies community resources for history projects. Introduces an…

Contends that, in several important ways, 20th-century American Indian history anticipated the new western history. Discusses academic trends after World War II that stimulated new interest in American Indian history and culture. Includes 15 endnotes and a 44-item bibliography. (CFR)

Maintains that the U.S. government policy of Indian removal in the 1830s provides a focus for exploring issues of cross-cultural relations during the first half-century of U.S. history. Presents a high school lesson plan, including student objectives, teaching materials, instructional strategies, and a bibliography. (CFR)

Contends that research confirms that too many names, dates, and facts can make social studies boring and irrelevant. Proposes a four-step approach to help students examine issues rather than merely learn facts. Describes a lesson on ethnic discrimination and presents a composite teacher-student dialog. (ACM)

Reviews 12 books related to social studies education in Canada. Includes history and geography textbooks, supplementary materials for student reading, descriptions of effective schools, and recommended instructional strategies for social studies teachers. (CFR)

Presents a learning activity to help students see themselves as part of the historical process. Describes the nine-week project in which students solicit written or oral remembrances of family, local, and national history. Maintains that the project integrated history and writing in a meaningful way for students. (CFR)

Maintains that the Jewish Holocaust is now part of the history curriculum for 11- to 14-year-old students in England and Wales. Argues that teachers need to know how children in this age group perceive culture and identity. Reports on a study of 72 students and discusses the policy implications of the findings. (CFR)

Explains that, until the decay of the post-World War II consensus on U.S. history, the history of American Indians remained in academic limbo. Contends that the events of the 1960s, including the civil rights and antiwar movements, resulted in a strong interest in American Indian studies. (CFR)