High school ethnic studies courses that address the perspectives and experiences of people of color are increasingly in demand. The author describes the thematic, inquiry-based approach she developed that reflects her school’s diversity.

Social studies teachers nationwide are invited to apply for the July 2018 Religious Worlds of New York summer institute – a three week program, with a generous stipend, that will help them teach about American religious diversity. The institute is sponsored by the Interfaith Center of New York and Union Theological Seminary (UTS), with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It will bring 25 teachers from throughout the U.S. to New York City, to work with leading scholars of religion, meet with diverse religious leaders, visit local houses of worship, and explore the…

Muslim American Identities, Past and Present: A 2017 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Seminar for K-12 School Teachers, will be held July 9-28, 2017, in Indianapolis, Indiana. What does it mean to be both Muslim and American? Participants will read compelling texts and conduct engaging field trips while studying the diverse facets of Muslim American identity, both as grounded in the past, and as experienced in the present. As NEH Summer Scholars, participants will reflect on and discuss thirty primary source documents and two major academic monographs; visit two mosques; and…

In the Mix is the Emmy-Award-winning PBS documentary series for school classrooms, middle grades through college. Several programs deal with diversity and dispel stereotypes, topics that are so important now in American society.   In the Mix is glad to offer NCSS members a discount on any DVD title ($40 instead of $70) + $8 shipping per order) in a package that includes performance rights and discussion guides. Some relevant program topics include: “dealing with differences”; racism”; “teen Immigrants”; and “media literacy.”   The latest catalog is online at www.castleworks.com, and excerpts…

Babe Didrikson pushed gender limits, fought social stigma, and broke records. Suggested teaching activities will engage students in research and critical thinking about Didrikson and why her vast achievements are largely unknown.

Studying skateboarders and skate teams can trigger an interesting classroom inquiry about socialization and group identity.

This article highlights a range of opportunities for involving students in C3 Framework inquiries using sports as a guiding theme.

Integrating sports into the classroom offers an engaging opportunity to explore issues of culture, race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation with K-12 students.

An arts-based approach to secondary social studies can promote active learning, develop critical thinking skills, and advance the study of social institutions.