For social studies educators who want to actively engage their students in learning about government, law, economics, or citizenship, The Civic Mirrorcreated by Action-Ed Learning Resources, brings these subjects to life both in class and online. Unlike most social studies programs that ask students to learn about topics, The Civic Mirror allows students to experiment with the course content. It provides students with a voice and enlivens the curriculum by turning them into citizens of their own country, with their own families, government, court, economy, and environment. Additionally students from different states can talk with one another about the Civic Mirror and “Real World” issues, such as politics, economics, law, and business strategy. Besides participating in a General Discussion space and viewing a CM World Newsreel, students can view the discussion forums of other simulated countries (that is, classes of students) and post comments (if allowed). Civic Mirror works on iPads and tablets. Interested users can register for a freesix-week trial and check out the free five-week unit plan.
On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect.
At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered, as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were Black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the South reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.
Civic Life Project partners with educators to teach civics through a unique digital storytelling curriculum. In collaboration, Civic Life Project and National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) have launched Compelling Interviews for Civic Engagement, a civics inquiry unit to help students develop informed, diverse perspectives on social issues they care about.
Where does our food come from? Who has access to healthful food? How is climate change affecting our food? How is climate change affecting our food? ProjectS.O.W. (Seeds of Wonder), a freecurriculum developed by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), gives teachers ways to explore these issues with young people aged 13–19.