Two noteworthy books can help young learners grapple with significant societal issues such as poverty and homelessness and can help teachers introduce students to the vocabulary of civic action.

This ninth-grade inquiry invites students to analyze arguments about banning certain books while also asking them to consider what makes a book worth reading.  

Elementary teachers can help nurture the next generation of citizen-activists with two books that explore examples of young people engaging in civic action.

Inviting students to ponder the meaning of secure elections can launch an important discussion about public trust in election results.

Teaching students about the history and patterns of authoritarianism can help bolster our own collective awareness of the vulnerability of democracy.

An examination of three recent Supreme Court cases and two that are upcoming can generate stimulating classroom debate on issues ranging from Native American interests to Fourth Amendment rights.

Two recently published books offer behind-the-scenes insight into the 2012 presidential campaign and can help teachers illustrate important electoral concepts.

This probing discussion of the Electoral College offers new approaches to teaching about this often-perplexing political system. 

These key prompts can help social studies teachers and students gauge a compelling question’s rigor, relevance, and functionality.

A “Dinner with Democracy” event encourages civil discourse, promotes deliberation, and exposes students to different perspectives.