Despite all the technology at educators' disposal, the field of social studies is more uncertain of its goals and more intellectually confused than ever before. The failure to deal in a rigorous and uncluttered way with current social problems is one of the most unconscionable defects in the social studies today. (RM)

Preserving and enhancing the quality of the human environment requires holistic approaches to problems. Educators should encourage multi-disciplinary thought in the classroom. One area that has great potential for strengthening the integrative aspects of education is geography. (RM)

Highlights and reviews a number of children's and young adult books that feature homeless children and families. Broadly categorizes the books according to qualities and plot elements, including appreciation of people, nonstereotypical portrayals, positive tone, and story appeal. Offers a bibliography of 24 recommended books. (MJP)

Maintains that most discipline problems arise when students are asked to perform beyond their capabilities. Outlines several techniques for teaching social studies to slow learners. Techniques involve students in group reading, simulations, globe and map drills, neighborhood surveys, and art projects. (Author/DB)

Psychology teachers have been encouraged to teach psychology both as a scientific enterprise and as applications to personal and social problems. Classroom problems that arise, e.g., Should a psychology teacher provide psychological counseling to a needy student? are discussed. (RM)

Two science classroom techniques that can be used in the social studies classroom to motivate students involve puzzling phenomena and relating science to social issues such as over-population, energy, and pollution. (JR)

Suggests using games to teach students how to ask effective questions. Games include "I've Got a Secret,""What's My Career,""To Tell the Truth,""Jeopardy,""Stump the Teacher,""Ten Q," and "Question Circle." (KC)

Provides background information and related learning activities for three areas of inquiry involving youth and violence: (1) "Evolution of the Juvenile Justice System"; (2) "The Literature of Crime and Poverty"; (3) "Youth Crime and Public Policy." Includes a list of six recommended Web sites. (MJP)

Maintains that the science/technology/society movement (STS) is a megatrend in science education. Explains that STS takes a holistic, problem-solving approach toward teaching science, one that is student oriented and much more accessible than traditional approaches. Lists tables that contrast STS and traditional classes. (DB)

Provides a history of youthful offenders and society's efforts at rehabilitation and punishment. Traces the development of correctional institutions from their early days in England to the current efforts involving intervention and prevention. Includes photographs, historical and contemporary statistics, and tabular data. (MJP)

Asserts educators have argued about meaning and purpose of social studies since the field's inception in the early 1900s. Contends that reform efforts associated with the America 2000 program focus on teaching factual information from history and geography. Maintains that the proper content of social studies must be persistent and contemporary…

Science is a social issue. The examination of scientific issues offers an excellent opportunity for helping students develop a synthesized perspective on science related issues--a synthesis of the technical data coupled with social, political, economic, ethical, and philosophical information. (RM)

Discusses the problems of teaching current events to primary grade students and suggests methods of instruction. Problems include determining areas of interest, levels of knowledge, extent of misconceptions, and ability to understand a given issue. Methods suggested are daily newspaper clippings, small group discussions, and opinion polls. (AM)

The potential dangers teachers face when their classes begin to study human rights are discussed and advice on how to minimize the dangers are offered. (RM)

Practical advice on teaching about genocide is provided. Specific learning activities to help secondary students arrive at a more experiential awareness of such inhumanity are suggested. (RM)