WCSS 25: Full Schedule

Welcome to WCSS 25 - MAKING SOCIAL STUDIES MATTER! We are excited to host a powerful two day conference in our state capital, sharing countless ideas and methods to continue making social studies relevant to our students. Get ready to learn, grow, and have some fun in the process!

arrow_back View All Dates

8:30am CDT

Using AI to Supercharge Your Content

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

UNIV CD

Feedback Survey

Participants will learn about interactive AI tools that they can use to help tune their content with a focus on engagement. Learn to identify and refine the conflict naturally found in our curriculum and then use that as a springboard for building highly engaging classroom experiences. Attendees will leave the session with knowledge of how to utilize AI tools and a product for their own classroom.

Speakers

Matt Bright

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
UNIV CD

General Pedagogy, High School 9-12

Host Organization Beloit Turner High School
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Literacy for the Future
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

8:30am CDT

Social Issues Matter More Than Ever in Speech & Dramatic Arts

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

CONF 1

Feedback Survey

Teachers can motivate students in grades 6-12 to consider ways of engaging in social studies and expressing their thoughts creatively through interscholastic debating, speaking, film, and theatre. These can be adapted to classroom activities and social studies standards and/or conducted exclusively after school to prepare students for in-person or online contests.

Speakers

Adam Jacobi

Executive Director (WISDAA) & Curriculum Coordinator (HDC), Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) & Harvard Debate Council (HDC)

Biography: https://www.adamjacobi.com/biography

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 1

General Social Studies, Middle & High School

Host Organization Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association
Company Literacy for the Future, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

8:30am CDT

Wisconsin Adventures Returns!

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:45am CDT

CAUCUS

Feedback Survey

Proven education foundations and dragon-slaying go hand in hand! Wisconsin Adventures combines the myths and legends of Wisconsin’s past with the inherent learning opportunities of fantasy roleplaying games. Engage your students in a new way of learning by incorporating place-based education into the ever-growing community of TTRPG (tabletop roleplaying games) enthusiasts.

Speakers

Kurt Griesemer

Manager of PK12 Education Initiatives, Wisconsin Historical Society

Kurt Griesemer has been involved in education for over 20 years, teaching in public and private schools, creating classroom media for television and the web, and currently as the Coordinator of Primary Education at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Kurt has produced several video... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:45am CDT
CAUCUS

General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization Wisconsin Historical Society
Company Local & Global Connections, Literacy for the Future
Audience 2 Hour Hands-On Workshop

9:45am CDT

The Journey Back: Teaching Holocaust History Through Immersive Technology

Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

CONF 3

Feedback Survey

Discover the power of virtual reality to enhance Holocaust education through 360-immersive technology. Based on the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s award-winning VR films, this session will introduce educators to this impactful learning experience. In addition to the films themselves, participants will explore accompanying teaching materials and learn how to book these trunks for their classrooms.

Speakers

Evan Phifer

Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
CONF 3

General Social Studies, Middle & High School

Host Organization Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Literacy for the Future
Audience 60 minute General Presentation