Social Studies for Kids Update

Both Sides Ignore Cease-fire in Syria
May 14, 2012
Despite the promise of a cease-fire and the presence of international observers, the violence in Syria continues.

Two Candidates Feature in Egypt's First-ever Presidential Debate
May 12, 2012
Two of the candidates thought to be front-runners in Egypt's presidential race exchanged views in the country's first ever presidential debate.

Teen Creates Melt-in-your-Mouth Hiccup Cure
May 12, 2012
A 13-year-old girl from Connecticut has solved a problem that has plagued people for ages: hiccups.

Olympic Flame Begins Journey to London
May 11, 2012
The Olympic Torch Relay has begun. At the Temple of Hera at Olympia, site and namesake of the ancient Olympics, an actress dressed as a high priestess used a mirror to transfer the Sun's rays into a flame, lighting the Olympic Torch.

Massachusetts Law Aims to Curbs Schools' Diet for Bake Sales
May 10, 2012
Massachusetts recently passed a law severely restricting bake sales in public schools. The law is an attempt to combat youth obesity. However, many parents and students are concerned about the future of school funding.

Memorial Day: A Time of Reflection
Yes, Americans remember the men and women who died in wars. But this holiday is also a time to remember the veterans still living, who also fought in those wars.

Want vs. Need: Basic Economics
A want is something you could have, and a need is something you have to have. Sounds simple, right? Sometimes, it's not that easy. Read this article, and you'll understand more about wants and needs.

Supply and Demand: Basic Economics
Supply and Demand are two of the most basic concepts in economics. This fun, illustrated article explains these terms in words you can easily understand.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously announced an end to public segregation in schools in the famous Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. It was, in a way, the end of an odyssey for Linda Brown, who suffered the indignities of a second-rate school because of the laws of the land. The decision was also, however, just the beginning of what would be a series of high-profile announcements from the Supreme Court and new laws from the Congress and the President.

Thurgood Marshall
He successfully convinced the Supreme Court to rule that segregation in education, then later served on the Court itself. Find out more about this famous lawyer.

Vasco da Gama and the Gateway to India
Vasco da Gama was the son of a famous man who became more famous than his father, perhaps the most famous of all Portuguese explorers. His life was not without controversy, however, even if it was filled with fame and fortune. On May 20, 1498, he reached India.

Sandcastle Central
Building a sand structure is serious business at this site! Check out strategies for getting the most out of your castle or any other kind of sandy presentation, including location, equipment choices, and time of day.

They have DVDs as well, for a step-by-step method of "graint" architecture.