All nine articles in this periodical issue focus on the theme of the war against illegal drug use, approaching the topic from a variety of perspectives. The articles are: "The Drug War: Meeting the Challenge" (Stanley E. Morris); "Ways to Fight Drug Abuse" (Bruce A. Feldman); "Treatment Key to Fighting Drugs" (Stan…

These lesson plans are designed to help fifth- through eighth-grade students learn about recycling, and to help them understand that recycling is one important environmental action citizens can take. The lesson plans are composed of objectives, homework assignments, main activities, and enrichment activities. (DB)

Teacher education programs of U.S. universities hold great potential for promoting new ways of thinking about the formation of a united Germany and its future role in Europe. These programs are important because they influence teacher candidates as to how they will teach about the New Europe. Three recommendations are offered to expand the…

Presented in this document is a report of an innovative approach to social studies through the use of newspapers in the classrooms in Canada. Topic Today is a one-page newspaper of current affairs geared to grades 6 through 8, but applicable to secondary grades, developed to make available resources of current affairs found in regular newspapers…

This "Crisis Paper" examines the events of October, 1973, relating to the Middle East war. A chronology of events during the month is established, followed by short editorial commentary. A multi-national view of the situation is developed, quoting newspapers and journals from France, West Germany, USSR, China, Switzerland, Austria,…

Discusses the political relevance of Miller's play about Salem witch trials to (1) the McCarthy era hearings, and (2) current cases between religious fundamentalists and school curriculum boards. Summarizes the history of these events and relates them to an interpretation of "The Crucible." (JG)

Describes a teacher's experience teaching sixth grade drama in Britain, where drama is viewed as distinct from literature and stresses role playing. Outlines particular improvisation activities, scriptwriting projects, approaches to class discussion, and the use of dramatic activities to teach other subjects. (JG)

Provides a list of 23 activities which demonstrate how constitutional issues and law are manifested in current events. Maintains that the activities help students gain a working knowledge of the U.S. Constitution in addition to seeing it as a relevant, living document which inspires critical and creative thinking. (JDH)

Reviews the problems and benefits associated with instruction of controversial issues, questioning the effectiveness of a neutral and objective position in the discussion of controversial topics. Also assesses prevalent teacher tendencies in instructional approaches and offers suggestions for classroom adoption. (ML)

Change in the way social issues are addressed depends on our recognizing the value of using issues to improve thinking and decision-making skills and to develop historicalmindedness and a global perspective rather than learning the content of particular topics or the "right" answer about an issue. (Author/DCS)

This document consists of three issues of a newsletter published during 1996 and 1997. Issues contain current events articles in Spanish and classroom language learning activities based on those articles. The articles are brief; topics include: the Beatles; the route of Don Quixote; pets; the climate, architecture, history and food of Castile and…

This document contains five middle school lesson plans that teach about East Asia, focusing on Japan, China, and Korea. Lessons deal with geography, history, cultural comparisons, and trade relations. Lesson plans include background information, materials needed, extension and enrichment ideas, a lesson script, a rubric, a list of resources, and…

After participating in a graduate level Science, Technology, and Society course, a third grade teacher utilized constructivist approaches with her students to foster life-long learning. The focus of this paper is how students searched for patterns while participating in collaborative discussions focused on current events in science. The tools in…

This is a review of important news stories of 1980 as reported in the pages of "Science News." References are divided into specific science areas and are listed after each item referring to the volume and page number in which the main article on the subject appeared in "Science News." (DS)

Results of a study indicate that beginning courses in college economics should be taught with fewer lectures and more student involvement. Current events and group activities should be an integral part of classes. (Author/KC)