We are surrounded by controversy--politics, religion, diets, and even science are all up for debate in our 24/7 world of social media and the internet. With this controversy comes a lot of misinformation and competition with what our students might otherwise be learning in our classrooms. I know this intimately, since I teach fitness and nutrition…

In this article Sarita Cargas suggests that getting honors students used to analyzing controversies will contribute to their developing a disposition toward critical thinking. She goes on to say that the value of teaching critical-thinking skills complements the movement of many honors programs toward teaching more than just disciplinary content.…

This paper discusses potential strategies and sources for approaching uncomfortable topics and reviews the challenges facing teachers who choose to do so with the topic of genocide as an example. Using a variety of techniques, including graphic organizers, political cartoons, comic books and graphic novels, films, children's and young adult…

Typically embodied in classroom-based projects, service learning aims to link community service with the school curriculum to enhance both character development and academic skills. Service learning can also go beyond these goals to prepare students to become engaged citizens, by expanding their understanding of social problems and the role of…

Discusses the debate about the presentation of world problems in textbooks. Argues that teachers need to be informed about the issues and the depth that can be provided by an interdisciplinary inquiry. Suggests that most mathematics and social studies teachers should take part in a mutual inquiry of world problems. (DK)

Many educators have been reluctant to deal with the nuclear threat and peace education in their classrooms, viewing such topics as controversial, unprofessional, or harmful. After summarizing recent peace education events in Canadian schools, this article advocates teaching about nuclear issues in the context of justice, violence, survival, and…

Addresses the teaching of world problems to elementary students. Suggests that children already are aware of world problems and the effects on their own lives. Discusses the use of group discussions, role play, and thematic resource folders to help children develop problem-solving skills for dealing with global issues and problems in their own…

The September 11, 2001 attack on the United States and the killing of thousands of innocent people mark the end of one world and the beginning of another for many. For the United States, global issues became personalized. This resource guide seeks to place terrorism in the context of world affairs, in the belief that students need to know how to…

Based on the experiences of Hiroshima, Japan, observations are made concerning the need for social studies educators to address questions of improving the quality of human life in the face of diminishing resources, global pollution, and the threat of nuclear war. Calls for education that is based on cooperatively lived experiences. (KO)

Summarized are some aspects of knowledge about the potential health consequences of a nuclear war. Discussed are fires, radioactive fallout, and synergistic effects. (CW)

This paper examines different approaches to global studies through a selective analysis of the theory in the field. Key questions are posed as criteria for deciding which issues are most adequately suited for study in an issues-based curriculum. Results of a limited survey of high school students who completed a course in global education are…

Presents excerpts from the first chapter of a report presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations during the Special Session on Disarmament. Discussed are key scientific issues regarding the global effects of nuclear war, and the findings and conclusions presented in the report. (CW)

Discusses the introduction of environmental philosophy into courses on the philosophical aspects of social and world problems, philosophical theology, modern European ideas, and moral philosophy. Describes some of the opportunities for, and constraints upon, the teaching of environmental philosophy in British and American universities. (TW)

Describes the creation and activities of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and its study on the environmental consequences of Nuclear War (ENUWAR). Reviews the major conclusions of the 1986 SCOPE ENUWAR report and highlights the workshop that occurred in Moscow, March 1988. (CW)

Provided is an update on nuclear winter research based on reports made at the Moscow meeting of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) including early results from a major field experimentation program. Describes the development and effects of smoke produced from nuclear detonations. (CW)