Contemporary social studies instruction should focus on objectives and concepts from many disciplines at all skill levels. In this lesson, fourth and fifth grade students successfully practiced intellectual skills while analyzing primary and secondary sources that documented the life of Belle Case La Follette. The students showed they were capable of a rigorous study of the accomplishments and tribulations of a significant historical figure.

A radio broadcast of Lyndon Johnson and Barry Goldwater during the 1964 election campaign can spark an engaging classroom discussion on candidates, campaign issues, and the role of media in elections.

An increasing number of U.S. states use the inquiry-based C3 Framework when developing new social studies standards, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to engage in ambitious social studies learning. 

A few key strategies related to the selection and framing of issues, pedagogical choices, and classroom atmosphere can pave the way for successfully teaching controversial issues in fraught times.

A Position Statement of National Council for the Social Studies Approved by the NCSS Board of Directors November 2023 Introduction In the spring of 2019, the NCSS Board of Directors affirmed its interest in adopting a position statement on racial literacy in social studies education (Resolution #19-04-6). THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the National Council for the Social Studies issue a position statement on teaching about race and racism in the social studies classroom as an essential aspect of preparing future citizens who will be informed advocates in an inclusive and equitable society; and…

In this article, the authors present three alternatives to the traditional instructional approaches to Black history education at the elementary level: family stories/oral histories, counter-storytelling, and chronological overlaying. They provide a description of the Black Historical Consciousness framework, connect theories that fit within this framework to explain our pedagogical recommendations, and share instructional approaches.