Focus on Social Studies

Social Studies Teachers
This month we place a focus on Social Studies. These resources and more that will impact the thinking and actions of Social Studies Teachers.  

• Kennedy Center - Any Given Child: This site provides tools and resources for Grades K-8.

• Political Cartoons:

  • HarpWeek examines presidential elections, the Civil War, Reconstruction and other events of 19th century America through the articles and cartoons of Harper’s Weekly.

  • The U.K. National Archives examines the use of political cartoons throughout world history.

  • Daryl Cagle’s Teachers’ Guide for the Professional Cartoonists Index offers lesson plans for using modern editorial cartoons in the classroom.

• Primary Source promotes history and humanities education by connecting educators to people and cultures throughout the world. In partnership with teachers, scholars, and the broader community, Primary Source provides learning opportunities and curriculum resources for K-12 educators. By introducing global content, Primary Source shapes the way teachers and students learn, so that their knowledge is deeper and their thinking is flexible and open to inquiry.

• PBS - Social Studies:

  • Civics and Government

  • Economics

  • Geography

  • United State History

  • World History

• New York Times Learning Network: The New York Times has a wonderful selection of articles and lessons that have a wide range of social studies ideas. You will find categories covering regular social studies, civics, american history, global history, this day in history, geography, current events, and economics. The lessons contain wonderful readings, graphics, and ideas to add to any social study class digital collection.

• National Center for History in the Schools: A nationally known organization that has engaged the talents of scores of classroom teachers and provided history educators across the nation with new historical resources and teaching strategies. NCHS’s double mission is (a) to aid the professional development of K-12 history teachers; and (b) to work with teachers to develop curricular materials that will engage students in exciting explorations of United States and World history.

• The Library of Congress’ Chronicling America displays images of late 19th and early 20th century American newspaper pages.

• Iowa History Online: High quality instructional tools and online access to excellent teaching resources.

Check out more resources for Social Studies Teachers!