Describes the use of current events for term paper subjects in a freshman chemistry class to address such problems as the detachment of freshman chemistry principles from world issues, and the tendency of high achieving students to memorize facts without thinking critically. Students gain appreciation for the relationship between textbook…

Notes that there is a rich literature within social studies education promoting the teaching of controversial issues. Observes that, despite this, teachers continue to be cautious, only giving controversies a token nod in curricula. Suggests four reasons why controversial content continues to be difficult for teachers to implement. (DSK)

Internet users continue to develop new ways of communicating online and disseminating information; one of these methods, the blog, also known as web log, has become a significant cultural phenomenon. Blogs offer an interactive medium for internet users to create and contribute content to the web. In some social studies classrooms, teachers are…

This document suggests that the main purpose of the study of current affairs in the social studies program in Alberta, Canada, is to add relevance, interest, and immediacy. It defines current affairs as the study of news events presented by the media. Because the study of current affairs must be tied to the achievement of social studies…

Students must be informed about what is going on in the United States and the world. They must be able to understand, analyze, and evaluate what they hear and read. Newspaper and magazine editorials are excellent sources of argument and information for class study. Genuine understanding of written material requires thinking during reading.…

The guide offers a compilation of teacher-developed career education materials which may be integrated with secondary level curriculum in social studies. Suggested activities and ideas are presented for the following subject areas and related units in social studies: history and government (26 pages), contemporary issues (49 pages), consumer…

Recommends classroom activities and student projects designed to foster an interest in the news. Argues that student participation in active news gathering and interpretation will enable them to recognize news bias and emotional appeal. Suggests production of a newspaper, a newscast, an editorial, and assembly of a news review comparing news from…

Presents two activities from an "Idea Bank for Teaching Germany and Europe U.S. Classrooms K-12." Includes a role playing exercise involving significant individuals from European history and a student project involving cooperative learning about individual European nations. Provides an address for obtaining a free copy of the "Idea…

History is the study of the past; some of the past is more recent than a glance over many schemes of work might lead us to think. Chris Culpin makes the case for ignoring the 20 year rule and tackling head on--and, crucially, "historically"--the big issues of the very recent past. He shows that critical historical study is precisely what…

This document is a compilation of classroom aids for teachers using statistical data appearing in World Eagle publications. Six teachers and the editors of World Eagle supplied specific examples of materials generated for classroom drills, tests, and assignments. Classroom assignments and documents are designed to teach statistical information…

Recent historical events have made it increasingly important to strengthen the study of Western Europe in U.S. schools. With full integration of the European Community after 1992, with the unification of the two Germanys, and with the newly democratic states of the old Soviet bloc seeking some form of association with the European Economic…

Presents a lesson for secondary school students that uses an area value map to increase student understanding about the geography of international drug production and consumption. Provides a list of necessary classroom materials, suggested background readings for students, procedures to be followed, and a bibliography of references. (DB)

Contends that nothing can prepare a student teacher for their feelings the first time they step in front of a classroom. Presents reflections and suggestions for student teachers. Includes recommendations on classroom management, learning resources, and student teacher-student interaction. (CFR)

This practicum aimed to improve global awareness among middle school students. One specific goal was to increase the students' concept of the world and their global perspective. A second goal was to increase the students' geographic knowledge, enabling them to locate sites of current world events and affairs on a map or globe. Students were taught…