Discusses a survey of Canadians and Americans who regularly view television from both countries concerning media habits, attitudes toward the United States and Canada, and perceptions of current issues. Results indicate that there is very little if any attitudinal difference or effect associated with watching the foreign television signals. (JMF)

Combine history and current events with graham crackers and crepe paper in a Washington model. (Editor)

Making students' responses to the news a legitimate part of the early childhood curriculum contributes to their overall sense of safety and well-being, a necessary condition for effective learning to occur. Examples illustrate how children bring news violence into their play, effective responses, and how to talk about disturbing news. (MLF)

Examines ethics in contemporary U.S. society. Argues that ethics is not merely what's enforceable, expedient, or excusable. Defines ethics as the moral strength to do what one knows is right, and not to do what one knows is wrong. Contends people cannot isolate the consequences of choosing their own ethical course. (DB)

Justifies reasons for using an annual theme in National History Day, and suggests guidelines for selecting a topic. Stresses the importance of the last two words, "in History," urging students to keep historical context in mind. Emphasizes that current events should be considered within the historical milieu and illustrates ways that…

Refutes Joel Rudinow's critique of the Whittle Educational Network, specifically his remarks concerning Channel One's availability, teacher viewing discretion, and commercials. Claims that Channel One has no hidden agenda, but is intended to help teachers dispel teenagers' woeful ignorance of current events, geography, and related subjects. (MLH)

Although California and New York have banned Channel One, the Whittle Communication Project reaches an estimated one-third of the nation's teenagers. A Midwest survey shows that students appear to enjoy the programing, though they show only an 8% gain in current events knowledge. Teachers felt extremely positive about Channel One's presentation of…

Whittle Communications' Channel One and Cable News Network's Newsroom are two popular media that facilitate the study of current events in U.S. classrooms. Atlanta and Austin public school teachers identified three issues: usage inconsistencies, problems in linking programs to instruction, and treatment of controversial content. There seemed to be…

The need for uncomplicated and inexpensive language learning materials is noted, and several examples are described: "real items" such as the contents of a drawer; newspapers and magazines; and sets of instructions. Ways to use each in the classroom are discussed. (LB)

Using the latest newspaper as an authentic text in a language classroom can present the teacher with difficulties in advance preparation and reuse of activities. This article provides suggestions for preparing activities such as group work, information transfer grids, focus on content and language, and relation to other media. (10 references) (LB)

Reports the results of two sets of large-scale national studies on the effectiveness of television as a means of acquiring news information. Concludes that those who derive news information from television have less comprehension of events and issues reported than do those who obtain information from other sources. (SG)

Presents procedures for student-guided critical analyses of current topics in biology. (ZWH)

Outlines historical legislation affecting immigration to the United States, explains current laws and how they affect immigration, summarizes the process for obtaining citizenship, describes the experience of immigrants with the legal system, introduces the work of pro bono (free) legal services for immigrants, and presents related teaching…

Recommends a social studies activity that combines geography and history within a current events framework to make the curriculum more interesting and challenging to the students. Explains that students investigate natural disasters from around the world and determine the effect humans have on these "natural" occurrences. (CMK)

Many teachers advocate teaching students to deliberate on controversial political issues as a powerful way of preparing them for political participation. Support for this approach recently came from a Civic Mission of the Schools report, which endorsed including political controversies in the curriculum. Specifically, it recommends that schools:…