Social Studies


Number One of the Century

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c.1,A
The top story of the 20th century, as selected by journalists and scholars, was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan to end World War II in 1945. Have the students find the top story in the newspaper that has the most impact on them personally. They should explain how this story affects them.

Woman on the Move

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,4,B
Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the women's suffrage movement. Women have come a long way since winning the right to vote but some still believe equality is a generation away. Women have made the most progress at school, in athletics, at home, at work and in government. Have students go on a newspaper search to find an example of women's progress in each of those areas. They can write a statement about each.

The Great Depression

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,13,B
The stock market crash in 1929 caused panic among investors and discouraged spending. Banks failed, businesses closed and millions lost their jobs bringing about the Great Depression. Have the students check the Business section and the stock market listings to determine the state of the economy. Have them find three indicators to prove the point.

Government Response

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,6,B
Many believe that the governments of the world turned their backs on Holocaust victims until it was too late. Challenge the students to find an example in newspaper article of how a government responds to a catastrophe. They can explore whether the actions are adequate to solve the crisis.

I Have A Dream

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,7,A
In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. organized a march on Washington to gain civil rights for all Americans. At this demonstration King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech in which he advocated freedom for all. The students can look through the newspaper for the major issues of the day. Using that information, they can think about their dreams for a better world. Students can write speeches about their hopes and dreams.

Transporting Materials

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,8,B
Have the students select several items from the newspaper and think about the raw materials needed to make them, the most likely place of production or manufacture, and the most likely form of transportation from the place of manufacture to or within the United States. They can locate the places on a map.

Hispanic Population

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,10,B
The rapidly increasing Hispanic population is increasing their political power, too. Have your students examine the newspaper to find issues that may be of interest to Hispanics. Have the students prioritize a list of the most important issues for Hispanics.

Natural Disasters

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,11,A
Have students skim through the newspaper examining the headlines to see whether any natural disasters happened somewhere in the world. They can write a paragraph describing the impact of the natural disaster on the people. What is the population doing as a result of the disaster?

It's The Economy

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,14,D
The current recession has forced the government to act to revive the sluggish economy. Have the students scan the newspaper to determine how the government is trying to stimulate the economy. They should write an assessment of these plans.

Brown vs. Board of Education

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,17,A
Explain to students that segregation means to separate a race from the rest of society. The Supreme Court outlawed segregated schools on May 17, 1954. The court ruled that segregation solely on the basis of race denied black children the opportunity for equal education. Have students look for an article in which race is an issue. Does segregation play a part in the story? Have them write a paragraph explaining why they believe segregation is or is not a factor. Then they can write what steps our country could take to promote integration of the races.

Student Leaders

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,19,A
Schools are always looking for a few good student leaders. Have the students search the newspaper for a story about a student who has leadership potential. They can write why they think this student will one day become a leader. What leadership qualities does he/she possess? How does each student assess their leadership capabilities? They should write why they think they are or will be a leader.

State of the Union

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,19,C
The President of the United States delivers a State of the Union address every January. Have the students use the stories in the newspaper to assess the state of the union. Have them decide what specific points the president needs to consider. The students can identify the greatest accomplishments of the current administration. Then they can write a memo to the president to persuade him to discuss these topics.

Diversity in Television

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,20,C
Have the class turn to the television page and find television shows that have characters of various races. Have them discuss if minority groups are adequately represented on television. Do they regularly watch shows that have diverse characters? Are those shows popular? The students should write a letter to the producer of a show telling whether or not the program effectively represents minority groups.

Senator Clinton

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,21,D
Hillary Rodham Clinton is the United States Senator from New York and is one of the most powerful women in politics. Have the students explain the significance of her holding this position. They should use the newspaper to determine the duties and responsibilities of a senator and then write a Help Wanted ad detailing the job description.

Today's Technology

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,23,A
Have the students look through the classified ads and identify jobs that are related to computer technology. They should create a chart showing the job, salary and responsibilities. Have them determine how a career in computer technology compares to jobs in other fields.

Reliable Sources

Skill: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction - c,24,E
It is difficult to determine when reporters are accurate. Have the students read a story that deals with a situation in the world that is controversial. They should underline the information they believe is accurate, cross out the inaccurate information and circle the information they are not sure of. Have the students list reasons for discrepancies in reporting.

Go Fly A Kite

Skill: World History Studies - c,6,C
The Chinese invented the kite about 3,000 years ago. Kites were the first aircraft. The Chinese military used kites to scare their enemies. Have the students look through the newspaper for news about various aircraft. Have them describe the purpose of the different types.

Government Comparison

Skill: World History Studies - c,9,B
A depressed economy in Germany and a call for nationalism were important factors in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in the 1930s. The dictatorship in Nazi Germany restricted the freedoms of society. The students can use the newspaper to examine the differences between a democracy and a dictatorship. They can write a comparison between these two forms of government.

Gandhi

Skill: World History Studies - c,10,B
Mohandas Gandhi was the spiritual leader in India during the movement for independence. He believed that the people of his country could gain their freedom by the use of non-violence. Have the students look in the newspaper for people who are using non-violence and those who are using violence to bring about change. Have the students write an essay to justify the actions for one of those causes.

Historical Connection

Skill: World History Studies - c,12,A
The Tigris and Euphates Rivers and the Nile River mark the birthplace of two of the earliest civilizations. Have the students use the newspaper to find mention of other places and regions that have historical significance. Then they should explain the connection of their place to history.

Give Peace a Chance

Skill: World History Studies - c,15,A
Have students search the newspaper for stories about world leaders who are attempting to work out their differences. They can make charts showing information about the negotiations. Which parties are talking? Who are the leaders? What is the issue?

Slavery

Skill: World History Studies - c,18,C
Explain to students that the slave trade began as early as the 1600s to bring free labor in the British colonies in the New World. Slaves were considered property and most were treated cruelly. Laws were passed to prevent slaves from learning to read or write, assembling or bearing arms. Have the students use the newspaper to find an example of laws that restrict what they consider basic freedoms. Have them explain their reasoning in writing.

The Great Wall

Skill: World History Studies - c,20,A
Tell students that some people say that the changes at the Great Wall of China destroyed an historical monument. Those changes include-- a Kentucky Fried Chicken concession, a chairlift and a toboggan run. Profiteers say that the Great Wall is an opportunity to make money and the profits have been used to restore sections of the wall. Have students find an example in the newspaper of an area that is being developed. Then they should list three reasons to oppose the development and three reasons to be in favor of it.

Democracy

Skill: World History Studies - c,22,B
One of the earliest forms of democracy was in Ancient Greece. In the city-state of Athens the citizens, who were the male land owners of the upper class, elected their own representatives and had great freedom. Have students find evidence in the newspaper of democracy in action. They should write about an aspect of our democracy and why it's in the news.

Cruel or Kind?

Skill: World History Studies - c,25,H
Is man basically cruel or kind? Have the class examine the newspaper to find stories that support their opinions. Each student should write an editorial justifying their position. Conduct a class debate on the issue.

Plan of Action

Skill: World History Studies - c,27,B
Have the class divide into groups and look through the newspaper for an article about an issue or cause that they think is important. Then each group should design a brochure or flyer to advertise their cause. They can plan a fund raising or awareness activity to gain attention and support. Finally, each group can design a plan of action to promote their campaign.

Map Features

Skill: World Geography Studies - b,2
Have the students find a news article that is accompanied by a map. Have them read the story and indicate the most important features on the map. They should explain the significance of each feature.

How's the Weather

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,4,A
Have the students locate the weather map in the newspaper. They can make a chart that identifies the symbols on the map. Challenge the students to write a script for a television weather report for tomorrow based on the information in the newspaper.

Project Emergency Rescue

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,8,C
Have the students find a natural disaster that is reported in the news. As the head of an emergency rescue team, how would your students tackle the problems? Have each student write a report explaining the physical characteristics of the area that might influence the crisis and the human characteristics that could affect the ability to respond to the situation. Then they should determine what course of action could provide emergency relief.

Region in Conflict

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,14,C
The conflicts in the Middle East and in Central Asia are not just political and religious. The natural resources in these regions also have a significant impact. Have the students look in the news for a trouble spot in the world. The student should explain the importance of natural resources in the conflict.

Inventions and Discoveries

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,19,A
American history is overflowing with stories of creativity and inventive thinking, from Thomas Edison and the light bulb to Bill Gates and computer technology. Have students find an invention or discovery in the newspaper that has helped humans adjust to the environment. In what ways has it made life easier?

Technology Course

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,11,C
With the growing demand for exports in technology, colleges are offering a major in e-commerce. Have the students determine what information should be taught. They should use the newspaper to help design the e-commerce class. They can write an outline of the course description.

Cartographers

Skill: World Geography Studies - c,22,A
Cartographers have been creating maps since prehistoric times. Have your students create their own maps. They can locate an article in the newspaper that would be enhanced with an accompanying map. They should use the details in the article or use a photo if there is one, and draw a map of the area to better explain the story.

J.F.K.

Skill: United States Government - c,2,D
One of this country's most popular presidents is John Fitzgerald Kennedy who served from 1961 until he was assassinated in 1963. Have the students interview a parent or adult friend about their memories of J.F.K. They should ask about the important issues then and compare those issues to the most important issues facing the president now. They should skim today's newspaper to get an idea about current issues.

Bill of Rights

Skill: United States Government - c,8,B
Explain to students that the Constitution guarantees certain liberties to our citizens. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the "Bill of Rights". Have the class select people in the newspaper who are exercising their freedoms and explain how they are doing it.

It's the Law

Skill: United States Government - c,16,A
Have the students search the newspaper for an article that discusses a law. They should determine what is the law that is being discussed. Will it have local, state or national impact and what is the effect that this law has or will have? They should outline the pros and cons of this particular law and the effect it will have. Then they should write a letter to the appropriate government official expressing their view.

Democrats and Republicans

Skill: United States Government - c,12,B
Have the students look through the newspaper for the pressing issues facing the United States. How do the Democrats believe we should address the issues? What are the Republicans proposing? Have the students write a comparison between the two parties.

Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Skill: Psychology - c,4,B
The United Nations has designated March 21st as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Have the students study the comic strips in the newspaper and identify all the ethnic groups that are represented in the comics. Is this an accurate reflection of the people in the United States? What roles do the characters play? Are specific groups stereotyped? They can draw their own comic strip that represents racial harmony.

Worried About the Future

Skill: Psychology - c,11,B
American adults say their biggest fears about the future are the growth in technology and the decline in values. Have your students find evidence in the newspaper that indicates these fears are justified. Is there a situation in the news that they are worried about? Have them write about why they are so concerned. Then have the students find a story in the news that gives them hope for the future.

National Teenagers Day

Skill: Psychology - c,14,B
National Teenagers Day is March 21. The class can look through the newspaper to find an article about a teenager. Why was the teen in the news? Was the teen recognized for making a positive contribution? Is this someone they would like to know better? Have the students write a possible conversation they would have with the teenager based on information from the article.

State of Tolerance

Skill: Sociology - c,1,A
What is the state of relations among people today? Are we tolerant of each other's differences? Encourage students to express their feelings about this in poetry form. Have them find words in articles and headlines to construct a free-form poem about our state of tolerance.

Good Parenting

Skill: Sociology - c,13,A
Factors that influence a child's behavior include providing appropriate discipline, displaying parental affection, encouraging education and teaching problem-solving strategies. Have the students examine the comics for an example of a parent who is demonstrating good parental skills. They can add a panel to the strip to emphasize this point.

Opinion Writing

Skill: Special Topics in Social Studies - c,1,D
Have the students look for an opinion piece in today's newspaper. They may want to check the editorial page first. Have them work in small groups to discuss what the writer wants the reader to conclude and what reasons the writer gives. Do they agree with the writer? Have them express their opinion in an essay.

Airline Advertising

Skill: Social Studies Research Methods - c,10,B
An airline launched an advertising campaign using clips of presidential speeches. Have the students find other phrases or statements in the newspaper that could promote a commercial endeavor. They can write a commercial using the statement effectively. Can these statements be used without permission?