Michael M. Yell and Geoffrey Scheurman with Keith ReynoldsIn this lesson, the authors use a unit on the Black Death to demonstrate a strategy that helps students read the textbook by activating their prior knowledge.

Merry M. Merryfield and Masataka KasaiEducators can successfully prepare students to be effective citizens by using strategies that promote multiple perspectives, global interconnectedness, and cross-cultural experiences.

Douglas SelwynWhen the world is divided into "us" and "them," there may be no more important lesson for our students to learn than that to the other person "we" are the "other."

Diana E. HessInviting politicians, lawyers, police officers or other outside resource people to participate in interactive classroom lessons engages students more deeply and helps them focus their attention on important issues.

Mary E. HaasLearning about such things as voting procedures, the secret ballot, polling, the president's duties, and the Electoral College can teach primary and upper elementary students about their own roles as citizens in a democracy.

S. Kay GandyThese creative lessons teach younger students about political parties and campaigns, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the powers of local, state, and national governments.

C. Frederick RisingerThe battle over values may be a determining issue in the race for the White House. The author identifies various websites to help teachers examine this topic.

Social Education staffVoter turnout in the United States is somewhat below turnout in other industrialized nations. Our younger voters have the lowest rate of all. In this information section, several NCSS teachers share strategies for making students informed and active voters.

Social Education staffTelevised debates offer students a rare opportunity to see candidates discuss issues face-to-face. This guide outlines handy teaching tips for incorporating the debates into the classroom.