Presents four techniques to bring current science controversy into the classroom: (1) daily reviews and discussions of current science articles; (2) weekly group analysis of an assigned article; (3) individual student reports of a science controversy; and (4) a yearlong cooperative group study of a science issue. (MDH)

Five teachers of English as a Second Language describe activities used in their classrooms, including topical student journals in an intensive language course; current events journals; postcard-writing to promote authentic, communicative expression; student-designed bumper stickers; and a fashion show to teach adjective use. (MSE)

This publication shares three "best teaching practices" as identified by the Ohio Literacy Resource Center from responses from Ohio's adult literacy programs. "Identifying Errors in Writing" (Mary Cupilary) is a writing improvement strategy/lesson that involves selecting one sentence from a paragraph written by each student,…

OPT, a newsletter consisting of a student and a teacher edition, is published monthly during the school year. Emphasis is upon presenting information and materials on current topics of interest for junior and senior high school students. The periodical, announced here on a one time basis, is unique for the following reasons: 1) it is an…

Discusses the "flashback" method of history instruction that begins with analyzing specific, current conditions and then traces their historical evolution. This method allows students to feel connected to the subject while participating in its historical investigation. Compares the "flashback" and the traditional chronological…

Urges social studies teachers to help students understand and identify sociocentric, national bias in the news media. Illustrates how the media fosters "us versus them" thinking and how word choice often reflects bias. Outlines activities to help students recognize bias. Provides weak and strong examples of students' analyses of bias in news…

The annotated bibliography cites law-related curriculum materials for elementary and secondary education. Most materials listed have been published in the 70's with the exception of a few dating from the 60's. The bibliography consists of the following seven sections: 1) origins and concepts of law; 2) the constitution; 3) the bill of rights; 4)…

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

In this six part handbook, secondary school teachers and students are provided with information and concepts needed to analyze the energy situation from an economic perspective. Part 1 begins with an economic analysis of the U.S. energy situation. It includes charts, graphs, and readings on energy use before 1970, consequences of oil supply…

The study measures student attitudes toward certain subject matter and teaching methods in the social studies. Three hundred ninety-one seventh and eighth graders from suburban and rural areas of Cherokee County, Georgia, participated in the study. Two rating scales were developed from responses to an open-ended questionnaire which asked students…

This is the sixth of seven resource units for a twelfth grade course on value conflicts and policy decisions. The topic for this unit is war and peace. The objectives are listed as to generalizations, skills, and values. The double-page format related objectives to pertinent content, teaching procedures, and instructional materials. This unit…

For more than 250 years, Americans have shared a vision of a democracy in which all citizens understand, appreciate, and engage actively in civic and political life. In recent decades, however, increasing numbers of Americans have disengaged from civic and political institutions such as voluntary associations, religious congregations,…

Presents an introduction and overview concerning integrating use of the Internet with citizenship education. Briefly reviews Web sites useful for citizenship education. These include Thomas, which provides summaries of bills currently going through Congress, and the Electronic Policy Network. (MJP)

Maintains that controversial issues related to social studies can be addressed using a three-step process. Step one consists of expressing the issue as a dilemma. In step two the students analyze every aspect of the dilemma, engaging in discussion and argument. Step three, the class reaches a consensus. (MJP)

Activities and teaching strategies proposed in this resource manual are intended to help social studies teachers at the high school level in adapting the career education philosophy to the classroom. The manual consists of two parts. Part 1 identifies goals and objectives of career education and various social studies subjects (world culture,…