Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 Delicious Bookmark Links

Chapter 9

https://delicious.com/eswingle/Chapter%209%3A%20Geography

Chapter 10 

https://delicious.com/eswingle/Chapter%2010%3A%20Behavioral%20Sciences 

Chapter 10: Behavioral Sciences

The behavioral sciences consist of anthropology, psychology, and sociology.  Each program plays a key role into the understanding of behaviors and roles of individuals in the society.  When students understand the common characteristics of individuals and societies, they will be able to better understand the impact of those individuals and societies over time.  Introducing these concepts at a young age, even small details. Is very important for the development of the students understandings of behavioral sciences. 

I am surprised that anthropology is the one and only social studies subject without kindergarten through twelfth representation.  Meaning that there are no education standards to guide teachers through the curriculum.  Why would no standards be written for anthropology?  It is such an important area of the social sciences that should be addressed from kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade.

Chapter 9: Geography

After reading the chapter, I really liked the central focus topics for each grade level.  The chart below shows the benchmarks for grades kindergarten through sixth.  This chart seems to be a great learning speed for each grade level.  When I think of Geography I think of the big picture, the whole world.  I think of the locations of each country, the states and cities, characteristics of landscape and cultures in different areas.  I don't particularly think of the self in space or homes, schools and neighborhood.  But, the chart below starts out focusing on the self, then moves into the home and school; neighborhoods; community; the state, nation and world; United States, Canada and Mexico; finally Latin America, Europe, Russia, Middle East, Asia and Africa.  I think starting small will aide students in seeing the small components that make up the bigger picture and help them better understand Geography.  They would be able to take their time learning about each of the components and gain a deeper understanding of the material. 

Ch. 7 & Ch. 8 Delicious Bookmark

Chapter 7: Civics and Government

Understanding the Presidential Election Process


Chapter 8: Economics

The World We Work In

Chapter 8: Economics

Looking back on my own educational experiences I've noticed that economics had not been heavily featured.  I have only had one economics course in high school that was required. In fact, there were only two economics courses that a student could even take.  Both of which required a junior or senior status.  Looking through the standards, I am surprised how in elementary school my teachers barley touched on the concepts of economics. I wish there was more emphasis put on the subject when I was younger.  Maybe then I would not have had such a hard time in high school. 

Chapter 7: Civics and Government

This chapter provided us with a lot of good, useful information about teaching civics and government to children.  I really liked Chapin's idea of the five approaches/goals to teaching civics education.  After reading through the goals, I noticed that they are similar ideas such as Bloom's Taxonomy, which develop higher order thinking.  If used correctly, these goals would be extremely beneficial to any classroom.  The step by step process allows students to slowly gain knowledge and understanding to be able to use the ideas they have learned in practice.

Higher order thinking processes can be utilized in every subject.  They are extremely beneficial to each individual.  It allows students to retain more information and have a deeper understanding of the subject.  Why would we not try to develop our student's higher order thinking skills?  

Wiki Web Page Link

You can find my Wiki Classroom Site at:

https://eswingle.wikispaces.com/

Chapter 6 United States and World History

For chapter 6, I really liked the idea of expanding horizons curriculum. It shows a large emphasis on the social studies curriculum throughout the stages of school. This curriculum allows emphasis to be placed on the topics above, such as families, community, and world cultures. It would seem that the students would not be overloaded with too much information at each stage of their development allowing them to focus and understand the information. The context of the information gradually increases in difficulty as well to challenge the students. This curriculum also allows individuals to see the similarities and differences between the concepts and real life. Which would allow a deeper understanding and connections.

Chapter 5 Wordle & Chapter 6 Delicious Bookmark

Chapter 5 Wordle

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6808129/Chapter_5

Chapter 6 Delicious Bookmark

https://delicious.com/eswingle/tag_bundle/Holocaust%20Heroes%20Bookmart

Chapter 5

"I believe that the [new technology] is destined to revolutionize our educational system and that in a few years it will supplant largely, if not entirely, the use of textbooks."

~Thomas Edison, 1922 

The quote above by Thomas Edison (found in the chapter Powerpoint) gives a great definition of technology.  Even from 1922, Thomas Edison could see the importance and value of technology. New technology is constantly being released for the world and the educational system. Each technology created can be helpful in one way or another. Such as smart boards and how they allow interaction and collaboration between the classroom. Then there are assistive technologies, such as DynaVox that allows an individual to communicate who is unable. Technology continuously intrigues interests and never ceases to amaze me.  Where we are at technologically can seem like all we need to do is ask or generate ideas and we can make it possible with technology. With all of the technology out there, I wonder where we will be 10 or even 20 years from now. What will the world think of next?

TECHNOLOGY IS AMAZING AND CAN MAKE OR BREAK A CLASSROOM!