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Economics has traditionally been taught in a way that emphasizes the “science” side of social science. This article suggests ways to cover the concepts introduced in high school economics using discussions, simulations, and discovery-based techniques that bring the “social” back into social science. Through descriptions of five authentic economic scenarios, the authors provide examples of ways in which teachers can help their students become engaged with economic concepts without using traditional methods that students often find dull or difficult to understand.

One of the fundamental tenets of social studies education is preparing students to become knowledgeable and informed citizens. Especially in this era of increased communication and technology, one skill necessary for informed citizenship is the ability to critically understand polling data. Social studies educators, however, rarely provide their students with the mathematical framework required to move beyond face-value analysis of public opinion polls. This article outlines the basic statistical processes behind public opinion polls and provides social studies teachers with activities that encourage students to critically question political data presented in the media.

This paper looks critically at the way technology is currently used in social studies education and makes the argument that technology can better serve teachers and students as a tool of engagement and inquiry rather than as a supplement to existing practices. In this paper, social studies education is characterized as a quest for reflective inquiry, as a social science, and as a medium for citizenship transmission. Technology can assist in the teaching of all three elements from a constructivist, or inquiry-oriented, perspective. Relevant examples are provided whenever possible and deemed necessary. The paper concludes with a proposal for widespread change in the way social studies teachers utilize technology by focusing on teacher education programs. Teacher educators must contradict students’ perceptions of traditional social studies instruction with habits of increased technology usage in order to equip future teachers with the skills required to implement pedagogical change in their classrooms.

The work of John Dewey and his beliefs regarding student-centered learning are discussed in an effort to analyze the standardization of public education with a focus on social studies instruction. Using the Virginia Standards of Learning as a model, state standards are critiqued using Dewey’s views on habits and choice regarding teaching and learning. These discussions fit within Dewey’s broader view that historically situates schools as an integral part of perpetuating a democratic society by providing the necessary skills that citizenship requires. As a discipline aimed at shaping future citizens by relying on critical thinking and public deliberation of issues, social studies provides an ideal medium to compare the practices of standardization to that of student-centered instruction.