Jenn Hooven, Mark Kissling, and Misty Woods show how children between the ages of 3 and 5 learn to be ecological citizens at the Child Care Center at Hort Woods on Penn State’s University Park campus. The authors demonstrate how the curriculum provides a learning focus on animals, insects, plants, weather, and nature-at-large and includes both planned and spontaneous connections to the outdoors. 

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day offers an excellent opportunity for teaching about environmental legislation and fostering action-oriented engagement in climate issues.

NCSS is looking for members to serve on awards selection committees. The selection committees review nominations and select recipients of NCSS awards and grants. Committee members serve a three-year term and most committee work is accomplished online or by telephone. Members are also asked to make a reasonable effort to attend the award winner session, awards presentation, and assist the committee chair when need arises during the review or at the NCSS conference. Application are accepted on a rolling basis

As social studies professionals, we must equip our students with the skills to navigate challenging topics with sensitivity and depth.

Purposes of the Award The Award for Global Understanding Given in Honor of James M. Becker recognizes a social studies educator (or a team of educators) who has made notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world.

Purposes of the Award The purpose of the $2,500 grant is to help a social studies educator make his or her dream of innovative social studies a reality. Grants will be given to assist classroom teachers in: developing and implementing imaginative, innovative, and illustrative social studies teaching strategies; and supporting student implementation of innovative social studies, citizenship projects, field experiences, and community connections.

Purposes of the Award The Jean Dresden Grambs Distinguished Career Research Award recognizes professionals who have made extensive contributions to knowledge concerning significant areas of social studies education through meritorious research.

Award Purposes The Exemplary Research Award recognizes scholarship with the potential to significantly impact and/or transform social studies education research and practice.