This paper examines recent behavior of public officials at various levels of government in the United States, finds a systemic failure to meet ethical standards, and concludes that the wisdom of James Madison has much applicability to current times. Given his keen perception of human nature, Madison would not be too surprised at today's poor…

The United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) is the largest country in area in the world and ranks third in world population. The geography and the people of the USSR are documented in a series of reproducible black and white maps and graphs designed for use as classroom instructional materials. Maps, graphs, charts, and tables with information…

Approximately 823 people were interviewed in a study that sought to determine (1) whether newspaper reliant and television reliant people think about political information in the same manner, and (2) what inferences can be drawn from the viewing of cognitive structures if one assumes a causal ordering from cognitive structure--level of…

The effects of using newspapers as adjunct materials in education have been documented in recent research. Research results indicate that students are seriously deficient in civic knowledge, and that the newspaper can serve as a bridge between home, school, and community by educating youth about the real world and by influencing their knowledge of…

This teaching kit includes two booklets, "Your Newspaper: An Exciting World at Your Fingertips" and "Teaching Aids for the Social Sciences." Several maps, a list of Copley films and filmstrips and order blanks, and a selection of current news service reports which are updated periodically. These materials are all designed to encourage the use of…

Describes a program to help secondary school students develop speech skills by exploring social issues through role-playing. Notes that this method motivates discouraged students, reduces communication anxiety, improves research skills, fosters appropriate verbal and nonverbal skills, and stimulates affective learning. (JG)

Discusses the importance of writing activities in the social studies, stating that teachers must plan assignments which provide opportunities for students to communicate their own understanding of the subject matter. Provides guidelines and examples of works of poetry, historical fiction, letter writing, and current events. (GEA)

Explains an experiential approach used to teach a course in state and local government at Unity College in Maine. Outlines course requirements and activities, which include field trips to the state capitol, research on current issues, and interviews with state and local officials. (JHZ)

In the changed international climate following September 11, international education, which includes teaching and research with a global perspective as well as programs that allow students and faculty to travel, is more important than ever. This issue reviews different components of successful international programs so that board members and…

This document contains issues of "The Educational Record of the Province of Quebec" from January 1899 through December 1899. Among the topics covered in this volume are: Minutes of the Administrative Commission of the Pension Fund, beginning map work, Canada, correlation of studies, Convention of Protestant Teachers, English for…

Activities are described for developing students' interest in current events through teaching about the news media: introducing major newspapers and magazines; encouraging analysis and forecasting on current issues; and teaching news reporting, interviewing, and writing techniques, culminating in a mock presidential press conference. (SJL)

Content analysis of American government textbooks published in the post-McCarthy and post-Watergate eras demonstrates that, although underlying interpretations of constitutional issues remained constant, the overall textbook presentations shifted. This finding highlights the danger of overemphasizing current events, distorting overall presentation…

Describes the impact of the expanded availability of television as a result of the Anik I satellite transmission system on the Canadian Eskimo (adults have an increased knowledge of national and international affairs). Indicates critical social and psychological effects on Eskimo children while adults have retained traditional social customs and…

Outlines a variety of activities incorporating celebration and study of the Olympic Games into the music curriculum. Suggested activities are separated by elementary, middle school, and secondary levels. Includes a list of Olympic music recordings. (MJP)

Explores reasons for paying attention to content about science/technology/society (STS) in the social studies curriculum. Examines strategies for incorporating STS in the social studies. Expresses some cautions about interdisciplinary approaches to teaching STS. (DB)