In this introduction, the author sets the tone for a series of articles which are intended to stimulate elementary teachers and school personnel to recognize the value of community resources and to undertake steps to make full utilization of such resources. (Author/JR)

The use of diaries helps students increase their understanding of everyday life of past historical persons. Using a diary is recommended as a tool for teaching the Bicentennial. One sample diary is examined. (JR)

To become an integral part of the school program, local resources must be identified, documented, and cataloged at the school or district level. A form for collecting data and sample activities and ideas for using these community resources in interdisciplinary social studies/language arts courses in the elementary grades are presented. (RM)

Describes activity for elementary social studies methods instructors to teach preservice teachers the value of field trips. Students select and visit field trip locations and prepare presentations to the class. Evaluation forms for the presentation and a field trip resource sheet are included. (KC)

A model is provided which shows how the community can become a laboratory in which the learner studies data and makes decisions. In the community laboratory, learners are both participants and observers, helping them understand why they live as they do and how citizens work together to improve community life. (Author/JR)

Examines how the objectives of open schools and those of contemporary social studies are similar in trying to make the individual a functioning member of society with a high level of participation. One is to guide the children in learning activities that emerge from their own interests and involve the community as a resource and a laboratory.…

Through field study students can actively become involved in understanding family histories by using historic houses or museum houses. The accomodations at Old Sturbridge Village are examined as an example. (JR)

This guide presents general sources which can be put together with local information to help explore the past, including books, census and public records, newspapers, maps, diaries, and visuals. (Author/JR)

Recommends that global education at the elementary school level involve all areas of the curriculum, capitalize on local community resources, help students experience interdependence, and be stressed in teacher education programs. (Author/D B)

This article examines social studies in the primary grades and shows how community resources can facilitate social learning. A three-stage model is examined which addresses the issues of citizenship and community involvement in the primary grades. It provides for teacher/school, parent/community, and learner involvement in all stages of…

Describes projects which introduce high school students to the workings of the Federal government by directing them to investigate local government functions. Projects involve telephone interviews with local officials, visits to community agencies, and written and oral reports of student experiences. (Author/DB)

How museums have changed to accommodate young children is described, the importance of pre-visit preparations is discussed, and strategies and activities to enhance the concepts gained from museum experiences are presented. (RM)

Intended for middle school social studies classrooms, this publication features articles that spotlight diverse and innovative learning activities. This document includes the three issues of the "Middle Level Learning" supplement published in 1999 and the three that were published in 2000. Articles and classroom activities highlighted in this…

Defines environment with three questions: What is it? What do we do in it? How do we feel about it? Describes developing urban environment programs in Philadelphia and recommends guidelines for other teachers to develop their own programs. (DB)

Practical suggestions to help K-12 teachers implement studies about local government are provided. Included are a list of goals, program activities, tips for involving the community, a sampling of questions concerning the government that students can research, steps for developing a local government simulation, and a bibliography of resource…