Two key maps that show the known world from the European perspective before Christopher Columbus's voyages illustrate the knowledge of intellectuals of that period and reveal tales of exploration, conflict, and change.

Approaching the encounter between Europe and the Americas as an intellectual rather than a physical discovery enables students to go beyond memorization to gain an understanding of Medieval and Renaissance ways of acquiring knowledge.

The Cold War-era American film Salt of the Earth, which features a Latinx community, centers on a labor strike, interrogates unjust economic systems, and provides an excellent entry point for exploring difficult histories in the classroom.

Students will learn how the Constitution of the United States provided the framework for the country’s democratic form of government. Students also will learn how the Constitution provided for representation within the government. A short story about the Boston Tea Party gives the background related to the catchphrase “taxation without representation” and how that changed with the advent of the new nation and later the Constitution.

Working in representative groups, students analyze the Bill of Rights and rank each amendment based on its significance to the group.

The authors introduce the readers to a project that highlights digital heritage in early childhood. The highlighted teachers partnered with an anthropologically-trained archaeologist who utilizes advanced digital technologies to enhance public understanding of cultural heritage. This collaboration emphasized social studies and reinforced archaeology as the scientific study of prehistory and history through excavation and artifact analysis.

NCSS thanks all of the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2023 NCSS Annual Conference. Please visit their booths in the Exhibit Hall and thank them for their contributions.