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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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.
While Act 31 provides a mandate for educators to teach about the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of Native Nations in Wisconsin, acting on this requirement can feel challenging without context or support. Join us as we unpack, unlearn, and relearn together, and explore resources for not just including, but centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and stories in our learning spaces.
Inquiry needs a steady beat to find a groove in social studies. We explore three IDM middle school curricular loops built around different concepts (culture, artifacts, and perspective) for Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Once the background is given, participants will be able to work on their own inquiries through a challenge with the new IDM blueprint model.
Join Alisha and Justin (hosts of the ENGAGE social studies podcast) as they explore dynamic simulations designed to bring social studies to life! We’ll showcase practical examples that engage students in active learning, deepen understanding of complex topics, and promote critical thinking. Expect to see simulations in action and walk away with ideas you can implement immediately.
Learn about the process of creating an interactive simulation that engages students in primary source analysis, argumentative writing, inquiry, and collaboration through historical perspective-taking and role play. This model for learning motivates students and offers an opportunity for them to interact with and deeply understand the significance of events in history. Let the games begin!
Powerful learning happens when we share powerful evidence, ask compelling questions, and integrate edtech tools into lesson designs! We’ll showcase beginner, moderate, & veteran-level exemplar lessons based on the FIELD Guide, all guaranteed to engage students with primary sources, inquiry, and tech tools. Leave with ready-to-use materials and planning strategies.
Discover how simulations engage students in active, meaningful learning by combining physical movement, creativity, and problem-solving with real-world applications. Explore the neuroscience behind simulations, learn how to design and implement them effectively, and leave with practical tools to make social studies truly matter in your classroom.
How can students be a model for civil dialogue? How can teachers build student capacity through inquiry and discussion? The new PBS show Citizen Nation takes a behind the scenes look through the eyes of students participating in the “We The People” program to help build civic knowledge and skills.
In this session, attendees will experience a simulated lesson revolving around engaging in difficult conversations. Teaching today requires educators to navigate the complexities of diverse learners with a plethora of backgrounds. This can make discussion-based lessons a challenge for educators as well as students. Teachers will leave this session with ideas, strategies, and confidence.
Discover practical tools and strategies to foster meaningful civil discourse in your classroom. This session explores methods to help students engage with diverse perspectives, navigate controversial topics, and build skills for constructive dialogue. Empower your students to bridge divides and cultivate understanding in history and social sciences education.
Senior Director of Professional Development, EdTechTeacher
Shawn McCusker is an author and Senior Director of Professional Learning at EdTechTeacher. He has 25 years of experience as a teacher and leader in public, private and alternative schools. Shawn is the author of Becoming Active Citizens, winner of the 2022 Foreword INDIES Gold Award... Read More →
Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
CONF 2
Embrace AI and learn simple ways to use this powerful technology in your classroom now. This interactive session will demonstrate introductory ways you can use AI to create unique lessons, modify resources for special education students, and strategies to save you time. The time to use AI is NOW!!
Explore digital literacy skills to empower students to analyze historical and contemporary narratives about the Armenian Genocide and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh. Participants in this session will examine tools to empower students to critically evaluate news, social media, and academic sources, identify biases, and foster informed discussions on propaganda, denial, genocide, and human rights.
