History education lends itself to considering historical problems from the perspective of people of that time and exploring their thinking or "predictions" about the problems' possible effects. Building lessons around the use of prediction-making humanizes history because it allows students to investigate historical events and understand…

Describes teaching children about historical documents as a way of illustrating the reasons behind U.S. government. Explains that the course examines the U.S. Constitution, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and Bill of Rights. Argues that children have firm opinions about fairness and justice. Describes a project comparing U.S. government with that…

Efforts to strengthen instruction in U.S. history and government resulted in the development of "Lessons on the Constitution," a book containing 62 lessons for use with high school students. The curriculum development process used in writing the book is described, and the objectives, format, and content of the lessons are discussed. (RM)

Asserts that before civics/government teachers teach about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, students should be introduced to the religious and philosophical background of religions freedom in the United States. Identifies issues and historical documents that provide the foundation. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 236 prospective social studies teachers at a Nigerian university about their attitudes toward human rights and civil liberties. Finds that most prospective teachers were aware of rights included in the Nigerian Constitution and were generally supportive of them. Includes two tabular presentations of data. (CFR)

Depicts an eighth grade unit utilizing the production of a newspaper to teach U.S. history, 1787 to 1791, in a combined social studies and language arts class at Malcolm Price Laboratory School (Iowa). Two teachers used both large- and small-group instruction to focus on the development of the U.S. Constitution. (LS)

Examines the connection between the U.S. Constitution and economics and provides numerous examples of constitutional clauses and court cases which illustrate this point. Argues that constitutional provisions, such as the taxing and spending clause, have a substantial impact on national economics and that this impact should be presented in the…

Argues that the economic implications of the U.S. Constitution should not be overlooked. Suggests four areas of study and provides a lesson plan for each. Concludes that, in addition to learning the economic ideas of the Constitution, students should recognize the unique values which sustain it. (GEA)

This play, designed for grades four to six, is a reenactment of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It shows how the proposals for equal representation, a governmental balance of powers, and the Bill of Rights led to the ratification of the Constitution. (AEM)

Introduces two recently published books helpful to those teaching about the U.S. Constitution. Includes an annotated list of five other ERIC resources for teaching about the Constitution. (AEM)

Describes the "Jefferson Meeting," an instructional program of the Jefferson Foundation which involves secondary students or adults in examining fundamental questions about the nature of our constitution. Includes ordering information for the teacher's guide and the issue discussion guides. (JDH)

Argues that teaching authentic civic values in schools frequently requires teaching about controversial issues. Asserts that adequate teacher preparation and continued inservice education is essential for effective instruction about contemporary social problems. Includes two model lessons and a list of organizations that offer materials for civic…