The purposes of this study were to develop social biology units emphasizing the social problems of pollution, drugs, and disease; and to assess the level of interest and acquired attitudes among students participating in the field test of the units. The three units written were: Pollution: A Threat to Your Community; Drugs, Life or Death; and…

The role of history in a modern social studies program is unclear. The reason for the weakening of history's place in the curriculum is also unclear since educators generally agree that history and literature should be the core subjects in any humanities or cultural studies program. The problems posed by history instruction in a modern educational…

Part I of this social studies report presents the results of curricular research, at Utah State University, to develop a set of "critical thinking" concepts appropriate for the analysis of political-ethical public issues, and to prepare materials and suggestions for teaching those concepts. The analytic concepts, presented in both outline and…

This monograph explores aspects of science and technology in contemporary society and suggests methods for teaching about social policy issues which have resulted from scientific and technological developments. Section one offers an argument for teaching about science and social policy; surveys the sociology, politics, and history of contemporary…

One of a series of social studies curriculum guides, this publication outlines a second-grade course on neighborhoods. Material is presented in two parts. Part 1, an overview of the program, contains an introduction, a statement of philosophy, an outline of the elementary level scope and sequence, a description of Michigan mandated essential skill…

One of a series of social studies curriculum guides, this publication outlines a fourth-grade course on Michigan and other regions. Material is presented in two parts. Part 1, an overview of the program, contains an introduction, a statement of philosophy, an outline of elementary level scope and sequence, a description of Michigan mandated…

By focusing on controversial social/political issues in high school American history and social studies courses, classroom teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills. Contemporary issues of a controversial nature are particularly good topics for high school because students are generally familiar with the issues through exposure…

This guide is designed to aid social studies classroom teachers develop and implement programs using the community as a social sciences laboratory. The document describes how to prepare a social profile of the community. Based upon the Colorado System-Based Social Science Project which was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the study…