We expand on the use of monuments and memorials in the social studies classroom, while further promoting a more inclusive curriculum that better represents women in the social studies. The way and frequency in which history textbooks and social studies classrooms represent women has improved over the decades; though, it still needs refining. The imbalance goes beyond the social studies classroom and includes the very resources we are advocating social studies teachers use, the United States' historical monuments and memorials. We, therefore, offer social studies teachers a rationale, resources, and suggested activities for incorporating monuments and memorials commemorating the role of females in U.S. history. Considering less than eight percent of the United States' cataloged, public outdoor statues honoring individuals are of women.
PurposeGeography is an exciting discipline involving the interrogation of place, space, and mobility. Film is too powerful and assessable tool that engages audiences. Therefore, this article builds a rationale for utilizing film in the teaching of geography. Particularly geographic mobility, which is the study of spatial patterns of movement and viewing them with positive or negative social meaning and as embedded within structures of power.Design/methodology/approachThis is not a research paper so there is no methodology to detail.FindingsThis is not a research paper so there are no findings to detail.Originality/valueThe article introduces three films (Selma, Hidden Figures, and The Green Book) and describes how they can be used to enrich the teaching of geographic mobility.
The goal of this article is to expand on the use of field trips in social studies education, particularly in the Common Core era. Meshing the goals of the Common Core Standards with those of the corresponding high-stakes testing while providing an experiential learning is a dilemma faced by some teachers. One launched argument suggests field trips are still relevant and pertinent to meeting various educational standards including those found within the Common Core. In an attempt to support this claim, we first discussed the literacy requirements set out by Common Core Standards for History/Social Studies. We then examined the necessary elements for properly planning and conducting field trips, which we referenced as the Field Trip Effectiveness Model. Sample ideas for field trips such as: art and history museums; living history experiences; historical sites, monuments and memorials; cemeteries; geographical sites; banks and businesses; and government buildings are provided.