A practicum was designed to interest and motivate students to participate in social studies, an area in which lack of motivation has caused many elementary students to do poorly. An active learning, cooperative, and collaborative approach to social studies was taken with a class of 30 fourth graders. Through cooperative learning, simulated touring, thematic units, technology, and online communication, students became interested in social studies to the point that social studies became their favorite activity during "free time." Online experiences were provided through the National Geographic Society Kids Network project "What Are We Eating?" in which 12 schools located throughout the United States worked cooperatively. Analysis of the data revealed that the goals set forth for the practicum were met. Not only did the students become interested in social studies, but the new attitudes and participation were reflected in improved report card scores. Cooperative grouping and learning were essential elements of the approach. Appendix A lists 15 curriculum resources, and Appendix B gives telephone numbers for state instructional plans. (Contains 5 tables and 49 references.) (Author/SLD)