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!

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12:30pm CDT

Ignite Inquiry in Elementary Classrooms: Exploring Social Studies Wisconsin

Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

SENATE B

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Exploring Social Studies-Wisconsin places inquiry at the heart of K-5 social studies, challenging students to think critically and ask compelling questions. Through primary sources and inquiry-driven activities, this program fosters curiosity and deep understanding, transforming social studies into an engaging and meaningful experience for every classroom.

Speakers

Kara Ball

Academic Officer, Teacher Created Materials

Kara is an Academic Officer specializing in inquiry-based teaching in STEM and social studies. As the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills, she champions innovative approaches to education. With experience as a District Elementary STEM Education Specialist and K-5 educator... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
SENATE B

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Teacher Created Materials
Company Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:45pm CDT

Should students memorize the 50 states? Facts, Knowledge and Critical Thinking in K-8 Social Studies

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

SENATE B

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This session combines presentation and discussion about how foundational social studies in K-5 classrooms supports learning in middle/high school. The presenter will highlight what she learned when she set out to have her 7th graders learn the locations of all 50 states on a map, and then seek participant feedback on the implications for elementary level social studies teaching and advocacy.

Speakers

Lauren Brown

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE B

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Oak Park District 97, Illinois
Company It’s Elementary!, Social Studies Advocacy
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:45pm CDT

Storybook Adventures: Bringing Social Studies to Life

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

SENATE A

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Ignite your students’ curiosity and bring social studies to life through storytelling and art! Learn how integrating storybooks and art activities can make social studies MATTER. Walk away with practical strategies, lesson plans, and resources to create engaging, multi-sensory experiences that transform social studies into meaningful learning.

Speakers

Renee Schumacher

Arts Integration Coordinator, Oshkosh Area School District

I was a K-12 visual arts teacher for 8 years before transitioning to the District Arts Integration Coordinator position in Oshkosh, WI.I received my Master's in Educational Leadership and got certified in Arts Integration and curriculum coaching. Now I get to work with and coach amazing... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE A

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization Oshkosh Area School District
Company Engaging Pedagogy, It’s Elementary!
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

3:00pm CDT

Integrating Social Studies Inquiry in Elementary Classrooms

Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

UNIV CD

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Many elementary students do not have chances to engage in social studies inquiry. Learn how to integrate elements of inquiry into your day-to-day instruction by hearing how early preservice teachers (i.e. novices) were supported in developing inquiry projects, exploring examples of quality inquiries, and identifying areas you can incorporate student inquiry.

Speakers

Matt McParker

Associate Professor/ EME Program Director, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Company It’s Elementary!, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 60 minute General Presentation