Why include environmental literacy in your curriculum? Many, if not most, of the teachers I work with say that they are constantly searching for ways to make history and the social sciences more interesting and relevant to their students. One way to do so is to incorporate environmental themes into lessons. As Appendix B (my favorite Framework chapter) describes, the influence of the environment on the development of human civilization — and human civilization’s influence on the environment — is a theme that connects to every grade level. Given the interest many of our students have in this topic, there are natural connections that teachers can make between studies of the past and current events, thus making the content more relevant to their lives.
In this month’s edition of
The County Crier, you will find several links to resources and professional learning opportunities that support teaching about the environment.
History-Social Science Coordinator, San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
858-292-3820
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California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts
California's Environmental Principles and Concepts (
EP&Cs) highlight the deep relationship between humans and the natural world. Legislation required the development of the EP&C’s and called for their inclusion into frameworks and instructional materials, across several content areas. The EP&Cs are not a set of standards. Rather, they identify “big ideas” that support standards and standards-based instruction. These EP&Cs can be applied to topics in history-social science at all grade levels and were included in the 2016 History-Social Science Framework.
The Environmental Literacy
Compendium
The Sacramento County Office of Education, in partnership with the San Joaquin County Office of Education and the CREEK Network, developed the
Environmental Literacy Compendium to the 2016 History-Social Science Framework. This document is intended to help teachers see the alignment between the framework and the EP&Cs, and to help educators develop lesson ideas.
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Facing History and Ourselves: Transitional Justice — South Africa (Sub reimbursements available)
This workshop focuses on a case study that explores the history of apartheid in South Africa and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to build student skills in ethical reasoning, critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement.
In this one-day workshop, teachers will:
- Learn about apartheid in South Africa through close examination of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Increase their ability to facilitate respectful classroom discussions on difficult issues such as racism, antisemitism, and other forms of exclusion in a way that invites personal reflection and critical analysis
- Discover teaching strategies that support the state Framework approach to inquiry and literacy by helping students interrogate text, think critically, and discuss controversial issues respectfully
Thanks to its generous supporters, Facing History and Ourselves will reimburse participants’ schools up to $150 to offset the cost of a substitute teacher.
This workshop will be held March 19 at the SDCOE main campus in San Diego. The registration fee is $35.
Click here to register.
Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute
Applications for scholarships to attend the 2020 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute will be opening soon. Twenty-five San Diego area 5th-grade teachers will be selected to attend a one-week summer institute in Williamsburg, Virginia. Scholarships cover participants’ airfare, accommodations, and institute registration fees. Educators who receive the scholarship also attend an evening orientation meeting, two follow-up meetings, and the annual convocation at SDCOE's Linda Vista campus. Visit the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute
website to learn more about this opportunity.
2020 Colonial Williamsburg Convocation
Come learn more about the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute, talk to past participants, and receive lesson ideas for teaching about American history. This year’s convocation will be held on March 12 from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. at SDCOE's Linda Vista campus. This is a free event.
Register today.
Teaching for Sustainable Communities
SDCOE is excited to partner with the
California Global Education Project on this year’s Teaching for Sustainable Communities (TSC) institute. TSC includes a one week summer institute and a follow up day in the fall. The focus is on:
- Building knowledge about sustainability and the environment
- Developing student global competence
- Engaging students in relevant learning and problem solving
- Facilitating student-driven action projects for sustainable communities
This year’s summer institute is scheduled for the week of June 15. Registration will be opening soon.
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The professional learning opportunities and resources contained below are intended solely to provide access to information. The inclusion of an opportunity or resource is neither an endorsement nor recommendation by SDCOE.
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California Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference
The California Council for the Social Studies will be holding its annual conference in Costa Mesa. The conference theme is A 2020 Vision for Social Studies: Preparing Today’s Students for College, Career, and Civic Life. The conference will be at the Hilton Orange County from Feb. 28 to March 1. Visit the conference
website for information and to register.
California Geography Education Conference
The California Geographic Alliance is proud to be hosting the first California Geography Education Conference at San Diego State University on May 1 and 2. The conference will kick off with an afternoon plenary session featuring Dr. Alexander B. Murphy speaking about coping with a fast-changing world and why geography matters, followed by a reception. May 2 will feature a full day of professional learning sessions focused on helping all students develop geographic knowledge. Teachers (all grade levels and subjects), informal educators, pre-service teachers, and advocates of geographic, environmental, and global literacy are encouraged to attend.
- Registration is $35, $20 for current students and unwaged workers. Register now.
- Interested in leading a session to share your instructional experience, strategies, or resources related to geographic learning? You can indicate that on the registration form.
The Midway Institute for Teachers
The USS Midway Institute for Teachers is a content-focused summer institute intended for teachers. It features presentations and lectures from university historians, veterans, and other individuals who experienced the events of World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Participants also receive special tours of the USS Midway Museum and other local landmarks in addition to a $500 stipend, materials, meals, and parking. The institute dates are:
- The Cold War, Korea, and Vietnam — June 28 to July 11
- World War II in the Pacific — July 12 to 18
Click
here to learn more and to apply. The deadline to apply is March 8.
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Statistics in the Classroom
The United States Census Bureau has developed a
curriculum that uses census data to teach important concepts in all subject areas, including history-social science. This curriculum can be downloaded for free.
Count Me In! Exploring the Historical Foundation of the Census
In order to ensure full participation in the 2020 Census, the California Complete Count agency developed
several lessons designed to help students better understand this important duty of the government. There are multiple lessons for 5th, 8th, 11th, and 12th grade.
Origins-Current Events in Historical Perspective
Published by The Ohio State University and the University of Miami, this
website provides a broader, historical context to current events. Educators can find articles, podcasts, and readymade lessons to help their students better understand the long-term patterns, trends, and foundations of the events that appear in the media today.
Judges in the Classroom
Judges in the Classroom is a free program that matches local judges with local K-12 classrooms and schools. Participating judges will address issues such as the judicial branch, the Constitution, the rule of law, and other related topics.
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