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The Department has released several resources to support initial implementation of Iowa's new social studies standards. These include:
Standards
Implementation
Other
Professional Development
- Several other resources are available through attending one of the two-day elementary or secondary workshops taking place in each AEA. Check out all of the workshops here. Contact your AEA social studies contact if you have additional questions.
Save the Date- Best Practices Institute
The 2018 Best Practices in Social Studies Institute will take place June 20-21, 2018 at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. Registration is FREE for any K-12 social studies teacher or those who support social studies. Registration will open in the spring.
Two Iowa Students Selected as United States Senate Youth Program Delegates
Two Iowa students, Robert Nishimwe and Sibani Ram, were selected as Iowa delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program. Each student receives a $10,000 scholarship and an all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. Read more here.
Submit a Proposal to Present at the 2018 National Council for the Social Studies Conference
The National Council for the Social Studies is now accepting proposals for their 2018 conference in Chicago. The theme is Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow Building the Future of Social Studies. To submit a proposal and see more information go here.
Stanford History Education Group Launches New Website and New Resources
The Stanford History Education Group (SHEG) has launched a new website that now includes their Reading Like a Historian Curriculum and Beyond the Bubble all in one place. In addition, they have launched new assessments around civic online reasoning. Check out the website here.
Save the Date- Student News Net Symposium to Feature Dr. Douglas Brinkley
Student News Net proudly announces its first annual Student Symposium to be held Friday, April 27,
2018 at Iowa State University. Its goal is to bring high school students together to research and share
knowledge about the actions and accomplishments of African American women in the 1940s and
1950s. The Student Symposium will be streamed live and have an online presence. All high schools are
invited to participate. Dr. Douglas Brinkley, award winning author and historian, will deliver the Keynote Address discussing his book, Rosa Parks: A Life (2000). Students will read Dr. Brinkley's book before the April
Symposium. Students and teachers are invited to submit presentations about the book and related topics
including research on Edna Griffin, often called the Rosa Parks of Iowa; African American Rosie the
Riveters during WWII; and NASA's African American women mathematicians, known as human
computers. Their amazing story has recently been told by Margot Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures. For more information or to be put on an email list for updates, email Judy Miller, Student News Net editor, with the subject line “Student Symposium,” at jmiller@studentnewsnet.com. Updates will also be posted on the Student News Net blog at www.studentnewsnet.blog.
Bill of Rights Day
On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified. This Friday, December 15, is Bill of Rights Day. Here are some resources to celebrate the day:
Human Rights Day
I'm a little late in getting this to you, but December 10th was Human Rights Day. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This date marks the first time in which countries from across the world agreed upon the meaning of "human rights". First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation and adoption of this declaration. In 1948, she chaired the United Nations Human Rights Commission. When urging the United Nations to adopt the declaration, she stated "We stand today at the threshold of a great event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind. This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all men everywhere." Around the world, activities and events are being held to celebrate Human Rights Day. One way to celebrate is to learn about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To read the declaration, click here.
Library of Congress Launches Three New Apps
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Eagle Eye Citizen Takes Flight: Introduce your students to a new and fun way to learn about Congress, American history, and civics using primary sources from the Library of Congress. Learn more here.
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Kid Citizen: KidCitizen is now live and ready for you to use, at www.kidcitizen.net. You’ll find 6 KidCitizen episodes ready to share with your students, each with an accompanying teacher’s guide. In each interactive episode, K-5 students work with primary source photographs to explore Congress and civic engagement. You'll also get access to the KidCitizen Editor, which gives you access to create your own primary source activities.
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Engaging Congress: The Library of Congress also collaborated with Indiana University's Center on Representative Government to develop Engaging Congress, an app consisting of game-based learning activities on representative government and its current challenges in society.
Primary Source: Educating Global Citizens
Primary Source includes several resources for teaching global issues. These includes webinars, podcasts, and more. Check out the website at https://www.primarysource.org/home.
Media Literacy Resources from Project Look Sharp
Project Look Sharp has several resources for teaching media literacy K-12. The resources cover a wide span of topics. Check it out at https://www.projectlooksharp.org/.
POV on PBS
POV is the longest running documentary series on PBS. Join POV's Community Network to gain access to 100+ award winning films and other educator resources. Check it out at www.pov.org/communitynetwork.
Veterans Legacy Program
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new program called the Veterans Legacy Program. The VA is partnering with universities and schools in this nationwide program to engage students of all levels in researching their own local history. Check out their resources and more information here.
Civics 101 Podcast
NPR has released a new podcast entitled Civics 101. This is a twice weekly podcast refresher course on the basics of how democracy works. Check it out at www.civics101podcast.org.
SAS Curriculum Pathways
This website has hundreds of resources ranging from lessons, free online courses, games, etc. in social studies, but in other content areas as well. Check it out at https://www.curriculumpathways.com/portal/.
Latest Issue of History Now
Check out the latest issue of History Now. This is a quarterly publication from the Gilder Lehrman Institute. This issue is focused on Excavating American History. Check it out here.
Teaching about Genocide
If you teach about genocide, check out this resource from Echoes & Reflections. It examines the stages of genocide and presents several resources for teaching about genocides throughout history.
WWW Virtual Library on International Affairs
WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources, a cost-free academic Internet directory that is part of the volunteer-run WWW Virtual Library System, with over 2000 carefully selected, annotated links in 34 international affairs categories. Check it out at https://internationalaffairsresources.com/.
Core Documents from TeachingAmericanHistory.org
TeachingAmericanHistory.org has launched another resource for American history, government, civics, and social studies teachers. While you may be familiar with our 50 Core American Documents book, they are launching a new 35-volume document collection. The first volume of the American History and Government Core Document collection – the American Founding – is now available on iTunes and Kindle.
Make Every Social Studies Teacher a Writing Instructor
Want to motivate, challenge, and support students with the right kind of writing assignment? With One World Education, students select a social justice issue relevant to their own lives. They are then led through a rigorous and scaffolded step-by-step process in 4-8 weeks to create an effective argumentative essay. Last year, 90% of schools using the program in the Mid-Atlantic region achieved statistically significant results, with lower-performing students showing the greatest gains. Students benefit from vetted research geared both to their topic and reading level. Teachers receive tailored PD and a detailed curriculum guide. If many of your students need more support to get on track toward becoming college-ready writers, One World may be perfect for you. For more information, please contact Stacy Kirk at stacy@oneworldeducation.org.
WWI Centennial Resources
- The National WWI Museum has launched a newsletter entitled Understanding the Great War to honor the WWI centennial celebration. Sign up or view past issues here.
- Teaching WWI with Primary Sources Idea Book
- Do you have information about someone who served in World War I? Submit information about their story here.
- The World War I Honor Roll is attempting to collect stories of Iowans who served in World War I to be part of an exhibit at the State Historical Museum in Iowa. Submit information here.
Common Lit Text Sets
Common Lit has several text sets available around social studies topics. Examples include the American Revolution, Ancient Egypt, the Civil Rights Movement, etc. Check them out here.
Teaching about Rule of Law
The Center for Teaching the Rule of Law offers several lesson plans and other resources for teaching about the concept of the rule of law. Check out their website at http://www.thecenterforruleoflaw.org/. You can also check out https://worldjusticeproject.org/ to see an international view of the rule of law.
Two New Resources from Teaching Tolerance
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Digital Literacy Framework: Teaching Tolerance has released a new digital literacy framework that includes lessons around key aspects of the framework. The lessons are offered at various grade levels. Check them out here.
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An Outrange: Teaching Tolerance has a new film which discusses the violence against African Americans after the Civil War. Check it out here.
Order Iowa Ag Today
Iowa Ag Today is now available to order online! The student magazine is designed to enhance science, social studies, and language arts lessons and encourage students to explore the connections between agriculture and their everyday lives. It is produced by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation and aligned to 4th grade Iowa Core standards. There are six issues available, each with different themes, ranging from Culture, Society, Economy & Geography to STEM.
Printed copies of Iowa Ag Today are available to Iowa educators while supplies last. A minimal shipping and handling fee of $0.50 per classroom pack of 25 copies is charged. Review the publications and order your copies today at http://www.iowaagliteracy.org/resources/publications/publications.aspx.
Vote Smart OnPoint App Launched
Vote Smart’s new mobile app, OnPoint gives citizens up to day information. Once on the app, click an issue you’re interested in and read all the facts you could need at your fingertips!
World Food Prize
If you weren't able to attend the World Food Prize dialogue, you can check them out online. The dialogues include speakers from around the world. This year's theme focuses on "the road out of poverty." Check out the video here. In addition, the World Food Prize has just launched a new resource called The Global Food Security Challenge Curriculum. Check out this resource here.
Extensive List of Summer Professional Development Opportunities for Social Studies Teachers
The Council of State Social Studies Specialists (CS4) has compiled an extensive list of free, or mostly free, summer professional development opportunities in social studies. Check out the list here.
Korean War Legacy Foundation Conference
Join educators and Korean War historians to learn more about the Korean War and its legacy. Participants will hear from top experts at a conference taking place June 24-27, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina. There is no cost for conference registration, double occupancy room, and meals. New attendees may also apply to have airfare covered up to $450. To register go to www.kwdhproject.org/teacher-conference.
Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases
This course offers an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting it. It explores the Constitution’s origins, its amendment over the years, and methods of constitutional interpretation. Topics include the nature and structure of the federal government, the powers of the federal government, and individual rights. Check it out at www.coursera.org/learn/constitution.
Teaching the Constitution- Annenberg Classroom
Annenberg Classroom contains over 60 videos on major constitutional concepts and court cases with learning materials as well as lesson plans, no-cost books for download and interactive games. Check it out at www.annenbergclassroom.org.
Civic Life Project
The Civic Life Project teaches teachers how to help students create documentaries that address a civic issue in their community. Thanks to a generous grant from an individual supporter, they are able to offer their training at no cost their series of eight live interactive seminars and continuing online support for the first six teachers who enroll. Check out more information here.
National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) Opportunities
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Games of Strategy: Modeling Conflict and Cooperation in Korea. Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 7-8 p.m. EST. Lauren McKee, Berea College. Register here.
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Monstrous Archipelago: An Introduction to Japanese Yokai. Thursday, January 18, 7-8 p.m. EST. Mindy Landeck, Austin College. Register here.
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Mapping Our Connections: Ties that Bind the US and Asia. Tuesday, January 30, 7-8 p.m. EST. Introduction to a collaborative digital mapping project. Register here.
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Online Seminar: Chinese History through Its Dynasties (Secondary). January 17 – April 30, 2018. Application deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2018, or when course fills. Open to secondary social studies teachers, this 20-hour asynchronous NCTA seminar explores China’s political, social, and cultural history through examination of six major dynasties: Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing. In addition to investigating historical themes, participants will analyze exemplary curricula on each dynasty. Details and registration.
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Online Book Group: Street of Eternal Happiness, by Rob Schmitz (Secondary). January 19 – March 15, 2018. Application deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2018, or when group fills. Secondary social studies, world literature, and Chinese language teachers are invited to discuss this acclaimed portrayal of contemporary China ideally suited for secondary classroom use. NPR journalist Rob Schmitz tells the stories of ordinary people in the Shanghai neighborhood he has called home, providing layers of complexity, individuality, and humanity to our understanding of 21st-century China. Details and registration.
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Online Book Group: Contemporary China in Short Stories: The Bridegroom: Stories, by Ha Jin (High School). January 19 – March 12, 2018. Application deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2018, or when group fills. Open to high school social studies, world literature, and Chinese language teachers, this NCTA book group will consider classroom-applicable stories of contemporary China at the turn of the 21st century. National Book Award winner Ha Jin takes on changing family and courtship relations, the impact of American fast food on Chinese tastes and customer service, and other topics reflecting a changing China. Details and registration.
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Online Seminar: Japan: Past, Place, and People (Elementary). January 26 – April 17, 2018. Application deadline: Sunday, January 14, 2018, or when course fills. Especially for elementary teachers who teach or would like to teach about Japan, this NCTA seminar introduces Japan’s history, geography, and culture. Participants will consider cross-curricular ideas that integrate literacy and social studies strategies. Details and registration.
NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship
The NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship is a fully-funded professional development program that helps educators prepare themselves and their students for global citizenship. Over the course of 12 months, a cohort of educators come together through a blend of online, peer, and field-based learning opportunities. Fellows learn from experts about how to teach with a global perspective, but, perhaps most importantly, they also learn from each other about what works best to connect their students to the world beyond their classroom. And they share what they learn with educators around the country and the world by posting free, adaptable, globally focused lessons online.
Global Education Conference
If you couldn't attend the Global Education Conference, it's okay because you can now access the conference materials online. Check out the conference website at http://www.globaleducationconference.com/. View recorded videos here and conference resources here.
National Humanities Center Webinars
Each year, the National Humanities Center hosts a variety of free webinars. Upcoming topics include presidential power, environmental history, American capitalism, etc. Check out the full list here.
Nat Geo Educator Certification Program
National Geographic has created a professional development program for formal and informal Pre-K-12 educators inspiring the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and global citizens. The Educator Certification program is FREE to educators and can be completed online! The program seeks to inspire educators to teach students about the world in innovative and interdisciplinary ways. The experience will provide educators with professional recognition and development; connections and community with like-minded educators. Go here for information.
2018 Iowa Map Contest Announced
Are you teaching in an Iowa school district? Private school? Home school? Are you an adult leader of a youth organization like 4-H or Scouts? Consider engaging your students in mapping projects! William Penn University, the Iowa Geographic Information Council, and Esri are sponsoring an Iowa Map Contest with entries due in May 2018. Students in grades 4-8 (middle school division) and grades 9-12 (high school division) are eligible to submit a map about “Mapping Iowa” to the state competition, with the top five state level winners in each division receiving a $100 cash award, donated by Esri. The two top maps in the state, one middle school and one high school, will also be entered in Esri’s national competition, with winners and their teachers (or chaperones) invited to Esri’s Education Conference in San Diego in July.
Students in any subject may create a map: social studies, geography, science, technology, literature, and more. Also, students in afterschool programs, 4-H, and other youth organizations can participate; but all maps must be submitted through a public, private or home school map account (free to educators).
If you know Iowa and love maps, this contest is for you! For full contest background, guidelines, registration, judging criteria, deadlines, and resources, visit the website at https://sites.google.com/site/iowamapcontest/. Participate and put Iowa on the map! Questions? Email Debbie Stevens.
Are You the Next Great Communicator?
The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series was founded to develop engaged, informed, and conscientious citizen leaders by hosting a national series of high school debates. The debates search for students who can effectively use logic, evidence, and personality to communicate their ideas, just as Ronald Reagan did throughout his life. Competitors who qualify for the National Championship receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Southern California. The three day trip will include a private tour of the library, dinner under the wings of Air Force One, and a chance to meet an extraordinary group of young leaders. Engaging in civil discourse is a hallmark of American democracy, and this debate series encourages you to join the conversation on issues our country faces. Check out more information here.
Holocaust Art and Writing Contest
Engaging and mentoring students in studying the Holocaust and in grappling with its meaning and lessons for today is a vital part of the mission of the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education. In partnership with The 1939 Society, one of the largest and most active Holocaust survivor organizations in the United States, and with the support of the Samueli Foundation, Dana and Yossie Hollander and others, the Rodgers Center annually sponsors an art and writing contest for middle and high school students. Check out more information here.
Leadership and the American President Internship Experience
Leadership and the American Presidency (LTAP) is a new immersive and experiential opportunity for students to spend the summer or fall semester in the nation's capital, interning, taking an accredited course on leadership, and attending exclusive networking and professional development events. The Reagan Institute is looking to cultivate the next generation of citizen leaders and is offering generous scholarships to all. Visit www.reaganfoundation.org/leadership for more information.
National Geographic Geo Challenge
The GeoChallenge is a new competition from the National Geographic Society that challenges student groups in grades five through eight to develop a creative solution to a real-world problem. Participating students form teams of between four and six people. These groups respond to a problem, challenge, or critical issue by using research, collaboration, creativity, and communication to create and present real-world solutions. The best projects will have the chance to move on to a regional competition. This year’s challenge—On the Move!—invites participants to learn about the problems facing migratory species while building skills in geography, mapmaking, storytelling, theatrical techniques, and video production. Check it out at https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/programs/geochallenge.
Why Diplomacy & Peacebuilding Matter High School Essay Contest
In a 1,000 to 1,250 word essay identify two cases- one you deem successful and one you deem unsuccessful where the U.S. pursued an integrated approach to build peace in a conflict-affected country. Students should analyze and compare these two cases. The winner receives $2,500, a trip to Washington D.C to meet a member of the State Department's leadership, and a full scholarship for a Semester at Sea voyage. For more information go to www.afsa.org/essaycontest.
Grants Available to Help Teach Agriculture
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is offering grants up to $200 to support the integration of agriculture into regular classroom instruction or after school programs. Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants are designed to initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy. Grants can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, outreach programs, fieldtrips and other projects. Teachers and librarians grades PreK-12 are eligible to apply. The 2018 grant program focuses on Literacy/Language Arts and Social Studies and will only fund projects relating to these curriculum areas. The focus of the grant changes each year, to allow a variety of projects to receive funding. Grant applications must be submitted electronically by January 10, 2018. The online application and complete details are available at https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/IALF_TSG_2018.
We the Students Bill of Rights Essay Contest
The Bill of Rights Institute sponsors an annual “We The Students” essay contest which awards over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes to students. This year’s topic: To what extent in the U.S. does the government - federal, state, or local - have the duty to monitor internet content? Submissions are due by February 5, 2018.
World of 7 Billion Student Video Contest
The contest is open to all middle and high school students worldwide and the deadline for submissions is February 22nd, 2018. Participating teachers receive free curriculum resources and the student winners receive cash prizes.
2018 Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize
The Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize encourages students to explore an important historical hero, Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883), and to engage in relevant lessons his life and times offer us today. He was admired by President Lincoln, Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX and countless others from diverse nationalities, religions, and social classes. Students learn about the values and practices of Islam through the life story of Abdelkader, whose legacy serves as a powerful model of humanitarian, ethical and religious leadership. Students can join in a global effort to revive the life story of Abdelkader to encourage cultural literacy and understanding, to counter stereotypes, and to inspire courageous moral behavior. U.S. high school students receive $1,000 for 1st place and $500 for second place. Go here for more information.
Profile in Courage Essay Contest
In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. The submission deadline is January 4, 2018 and all submissions must adhere to contest requirements.
Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award
Are you passionate about seeing students learn and grow? Do you use agriculture to help students apply what they are learning with science, social studies, language arts, and other subjects? Are you interested in a trip to Portland, Maine? Then you could be the next recipient of the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award!
We want to recognize the hard work of a teacher PreK-12th grade who helps students understand the industry that feeds, clothes, and fuels America! The selected teacher will receive $500 and have up to $1,000 of their related expenses paid to attend the 2018 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference to be held in Portland, ME on June 26-29, 2018. Whether you are an elementary teacher with a farm unit, a middle school teacher with a school garden, or a high school teacher educating students on the science of agriculture, we want to hear from you! Go here to apply.
Stefanie Rosenberg Wager
Social Studies Consultant
21st Century Skills- Civic and Financial Literacy
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-7842
Cell: 515-419-2876
Fax: 515-242-5988
Email: stefanie.wager@iowa.gov
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