On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans took part in rallies to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. We invite you to join mankind in the global movement to create practical, creative, and innovative ways to sustain Planet Earth! Social Education celebrates Earth Day in our Jan/Feb 2020 edition. Read here.
NCSS Leads in Time of Crisis:
An Ongoing Response to COVID-19
As I listened to my morning briefing on NPR while preparing breakfast for my family, a morning ritual now that we are sheltering place, I heard remarks by Queen Elizabeth II from a rare televised address Sunday evening, “I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to ...” Read here.
Free NCSS Resources for Earth Day
Access free archived resources from Social Education, Social Studies and the Young Learner, and Middle Level Learning to teach your students about Earth Day and National Volunteer Week. Explore the resources.
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day offers an excellent opportunity for teaching about environmental legislation and fostering action-oriented engagement in climate issues. Read this recent article from Social Education.
Free Lesson Plans from Earthday.org
Earthday.org has compiled dozens of digital lesson plans for all ages to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Access here.
Earth Day Collection from Smithsonian Institute
The Smithsonian Institute has created a collection of digital images and other environmental objects in celebration of Earth Day. Explore the collection.
Teaching the Climate Crisis in Social Studies
Dan Krutka, Zack Seitz, and Jim Garrett chat with Mark Kissling and Jon Bell about their article in Theory & Research in Social Education titled, Teaching Social Studies Amid Ecological Crisis. Listen here.
Songs to
Celebrate Earth Day
Here is a playlist of songs to celebrate Earth Day featuring pop, rock, and country songs!
NCSS Invites Members to Apply for Board of Directors
NCSS seeks candidates for Vice-President and for members of its Board of Directors. You may nominate yourself, or recommend a colleague member who has experience in social studies leadership by April 15, 2020. Learn more.
Call for Expertise:
Paid Curriculum Creation
The Pulsera Project is looking for social studies teachers to create classroom activities that align with the C3 Framework and NCSS standards and promote fair trade and global citizenship. Learn more.
Upcoming Webinars
April 8, 2020 at 3 PM EDT - More Deadly Than War: How Do We Teach the Lessons of Pandemics — While We Are in One? Explore the history of pandemics with acclaimed author Kenneth C. Davis. Moderated by NCSS President Tina L. Heafner. Register.
April 8, 2020 at 4:30 PM EDT - Using The QFT with Primary Sources from the Library of Congress. Use the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) with primary sources from the Library of Congress to deepen the practice of inquiry in social studies. Register.
April 9, 2020 at 7 PM EDT - Engaging Struggling Learners with Games and Gamification. Learn how gamification platforms, games, and game-design tools can catch students' attention and encourage collaboration, cooperation, and social-emotional skills. Register.
On Demand Webinar: Available Now!
When COVID-19 Closes Your School: Ideas and Suggestions for Social Studies Instruction. Watch here.