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This article describes how to interest students in research writing and reporting as well as the steps to get them planning and working to a cohesive conclusion. Although not limited to history or geography, this article is from the Canadian Social Studies Journal and offers good information for Social Studies or any curriculum subject. I particularly found the last portion interesting - 17 ways to present research. Currently in our PDS our students are looking at determining their learning styles - auditory, visual or kinesthetic - and by offering multiple ways for students to present their assignment we are offering a form of differentiated learning.

Playing video games in school? How is THAT educational! In fact, schools are beginning to allow students to learn through interactives and video games. Video games create an environment that includes many of the positive factors school programs are looking for: immediate feedback, clear goals, encouragement and motivation to do better the next round! Video games and technological interactives provide activities that stimulate problem solving skills, strategic thinking and non-linear thinking patterns, amongst many others. For example, in Projectile Motion, students explore the properties of projectile motion. Students use the interactive to try and hit a target in varying conditions; they learn about the direction and location of the launch, the projectile's mass, shape and size, and the presence of air resistance. This article includes links to hundreds of whiteboard interactives and ideas for video games that encourage development of critical thinking, strategic thinking, communication skills and more. Incorporating video games and technological interactives is a great way to provide differentiated learning alternatives in your classroom. Check this article out and consider putting those 'dreaded' video games to educational use!

This website is a great research tool with different ways to teach social studies using differentiated instruction. The website provides different general ideas and ideas that will help spark an interest in the students. FYI on the left side there is a toolbar, it provides different activities and knowledge regarding social studies once you select a specific grade.

In the San Francisco Chronicle, "TeachWithMovies.com, Inc. Announces New Curriculum Materials to Teach Historical Fiction in Social Studies Classes" was published on October 31, 2011. This internet site has developed an innovative approach to assist social studies instructors by providing a list of films in education that suit specific expectations of the Ontario curriculum. The promotion of historical fiction films can provide enrichment to a classroom experience as it enables students to watch a combination of fact and fiction . If educators provide the tools to analyze historical fiction, students will be able to extract elements of historical accuracy from the film. Therefore, students can compare the film with the information taught from the text to establish their own ideas or beliefs. Ultimately, this allows the student to establish a deeper and meaningful connection to the content studied. This analysis of historical information is heavily entrenched in the Language Curriculum as well. Through the development of worksheets and lesson plans available on the website, instructors can choose from a list of films to engage their students in analyzing historical fiction. Discussion questions, project ideas, and links to further resources are also provided. This article highlights an alternative educational experience students can engage in to further develop their understanding of the material relayed in their textbooks.