Eighth-grade students gain a greater understanding of social control and tyranny when they participate in a Puritan Day simulation.

Learning the early history of U.S. government is often confusing for middle school students. In this article, the author describes the use of the book We the People and the President to give seventh-grade students a deeper understanding of government

When teachers create lessons that include historical sources, it’s important to pay attention to source choice and source attribution. 

Creating photoblogs in the social studies classroom builds on students’ interest in using images to convey messages while teaching important media literacy skills.

Teachers and students can bring history to life by donning period clothing or carrying objects common in past eras to engage students and enhance classroom presentations.

The newest exhibit from George Washington's Mount Vernon is online, and worth a visit. "Lives Bound Together" explores the personal stories of the people enslaved at Mount Vernon and George Washington's evolving opinions about slavery.  http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/slavery Invite students to also explore the various tabs at this webpage, which include: 10 Facts About George Washington & Slavery Despite having been an active slave holder for 56 years, George Washington struggled with the institution of slavery. How Much Do You Know About Slavery at Mount Vernon? Test…

Strategically designed word walls can help students build the vocabulary needed to ask and explore important questions in the social studies.

The following articles have been selected from our three main journals for K-12 teachers: Social Education, Middle Level Learning, and Social Studies and the Young Learner. These articles are grouped by topic for easy reference. Also included are recent current event responses that address racism and call for human rights education. NCSS Current Events Responses (2020)Teaching about Race and Racism in the ClassroomThe African American Struggle for Civil RightsSlavery and Its LegacyRacism and Discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and People of ColorHuman Rights EducationMiddle Level…

Resources from the NCSS Publications Archive to support your continuing instruction. Teaching Controversial IssuesHow Do Teachers' Political Views Influence Teaching about Controversial Issues?Should Schools Teach Students to Vote? YES! Electoral CollegeDemystifying the Electoral College: 12 Frequently Asked QuestionsTeaching about the Electoral College Supreme CourtIdentifying and Teaching against Misconceptions: Six Common Mistakes about the Supreme CourtSelecting Supreme Court Justices: A Dialogue (Looking at the Law) Polling…

On July 25, 1898, during the Spanish–American War, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans gained U.S. citizenship in 1917. 101 years later, the debate over Puerto Rico's political status continues.  Learn and teach about Puerto Rico's history and the Spanish-American War with articles and teaching activities from NCSS peer-reviewed publications Social Education and Social Studies and the Young Learner. Also explore a sampling of resource collections from some of our colleagues. Examine the history of Hispanic heritage in North America in this special section: "The Hispanic Heritage of…