The Maine Council for the Social Studies 2008 conference will take place on April 2^nd at the Augusta Civic Center. The conference is titled "Teaching Resources for Maine Teachers" and will be devoted to providing continued professional development for teachers to successfully address the revised Maine Learning Results for Social Studies. 

Workshops at this conference will consist of a few that were presented at the November "No Citizen Left Behind" conferences, such as Project Citizen, Service-Learning, and the Choices program. There will also be a number of new workshops including "Using Literature Activities to Teach Social Studies"; "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution"; "Wabanaki Connections: LD 291 and You"; a Geography workshop for early elementary grades titled "Digging a Hole to China"; and an Economics workshop on teaching financial literacy presented by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy called "Give the Kids Credit". A complete list of workshops is included below. 

The conference will also have a panel discussion during lunch having to do with the revised Learning Results for Social Studies that will address participants' questions.

To register for this conference, please use the link to the right.

Workshops & Roundtables for April Conference

Morning Sessions:

#1
Title: Using Literature to Teach Social Studies
Presenters: Angela Lake, 5th grade teacher and Crystal Polk, Department of Education Teacher Quality Team Member
Target Grade Levels: K-8
MLRs Addressed: Applications, Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, History

This session will provide teachers with an opportunity to create samples of literature-based, hands-on activities and assessments for their social studies classrooms. The presenters will teach participants integration and assessment design techniques. Besides explaining the literature-based activities, teachers will have the opportunity to use the provided materials to design some samples to take back to their students to use as exemplars. Teachers will also be provided with resources such as integrated book lists and web site links.

#2
Title: We the People -- The Citizen and the Constitution in Your Classroom
Presenter: Kevin Ryan, Director of Education and Communication, Vermont Bar Association
Target Grade Levels: 6-12
MLRs Addressed: Applications, Civics and Government, History

We the People -- The Citizen and the Constitution is a civic education program for upper elementary, middle, and high schools, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective citizenship in a democratic republic. The program addresses the philosophical and historical foundations of the American political system, the creation of the Constitution, the link between the values and principles embodies in the Constitution and American institutions and practices, the Bill of Rights, and the roles of the citizen in the American democracy. This interactive workshop will introduce teachers to the content of the program, discuss the ways in which the program meets the Content Standards and Performance Indicators of the Learning Results for Social Studies, and demonstrate the unique "mock congressional hearing" assessment tool used in the program. Teachers will be provided with a textbook and related materials. They will also have an opportunity to participate in a brief mock hearing designed to illustrate the value of this technique for a wide range of social studies classes.

#3
Title: Digging a Hole to China
Presenters: Susan Lahti, Maine Geographic Alliance co-coordinator and Joanne Alex, MGA teacher consultant and primary teacher
Target Grade Levels: PK-5
MLRs Addressed: Geography

In this workshop, teachers will create a three-dimensional model of the earth in order to investigate the three basic layers. The students will use play dough to create their models, discuss the relationship among the layers on the surface of the earth and the crust's impact on life on the planet. They will discuss various "routes" to China if they were able to dig to China from their home. They will then hypothesize alternate routes to China and how one could get there today. Which of the earth's features would one see on the trip? How would you map your trip? Where is China relative to Maine? What might it look like? They will conclude with a discussion of how this lesson can be extended. Geographic terms, physical regions of the earth, hotspots, are possible extensions to this introductory lesson. If time allows, we will look at children's books about the planet and China to enhance the experience. Teachers will receive the lesson plans, resource lists of books, and a bibliography of sources. World maps and posters of Asia will be distributed to participants.

#4
Title: Wabanaki Connections: LD 291 and You
Presenter: Joseph E. Charnley, World Languages teacher & Portland School District co-facilitator for LD291 -- The Teaching of Maine's Native American History and Culture
Target Grade Levels: 6-8 (other grade levels would benefit)
MLRs Addressed: Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, History

An overview of LD 291 "The Teaching of Maine's Native American History and Culture" will be provided along with lesson plans for a variety of topics, resources tools, and strategies and how to acquire and use them in the classroom. Lesson plans will include one on the loss of culture and another for creating and using a Wabanaki timeline. A Wabanaki Resource list compiled by the Native Studies Committee will be provided. The most important element of the session will be to assure educators of the wide variety of materials already available.

#5
Title: Give the Kids Credit
Presenter: Daniel Hebert, Northeast Regional Director, Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
Target Grade Levels: 6-12
MLRs Addressed: Economics

This session will be an informative presentation of the importance of teaching children the basics of sound money management. Participants will learn how bankruptcy filings have exploded over the past 20 years; how students today are overwhelmed with credit card offers with little knowledge on how to manage them; how our present culture encourages spending without any emphasis on savings. They will learn simple budget techniques to teach children and how teaching our children personal finance will result in more productive employees and responsible consumers.

#6
Title: World and National Leaders Reach Out to Maine
Presenter: David W. Leigh, High school social studies teacher (retired); Kennebec Valley Community College Adjunct Instructor
Target Grade Levels: 9-12

Since 1972, students in five Maine high schools have been engaged in sending covers of popular newsmagazines to personalities featured on the covers with requests that the covers be signed and returned. To date, over 950 covers have been returned. This workshop will teach participants how to use this collection in their classrooms. Topics include the 1950s, 60s, and 70s; modern Europe; the Middle East, Women's History Month; Black History Month; and Maine History Month.

#7
Title: Getting Started with Service-Learning
Presenter: Fran Rudoff, Executive Director, KIDS Consortium
Target Grade Levels: K-12
MLRs Addressed: Applications

In this workshop, participants will learn the KIDS service-learning model and differentiate service-learning from community based learning and community service. Different "entry points" into a service-learning project will be considered, that all provide opportunities for youth voice. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn about the three KIDS principles, academic integrity, student ownership, and apprentice citizenship, and the steps involved in a high quality service-learning project through a fully developed case study. Participants will also have an opportunity to jigsaw a variety of service-learning projects that illustrate how students can demonstrate specific content area standards and then reflect on their own project ideas.

Note: This workshop is designed for participants who are new to service-learning. If you participated in the Service-Learning/Project Citizen workshop at the November 1 or 2, 2007 conferences, please consider coming to the Service-Learning Roundtable in the afternoon, which is designed for educators with some service-learning background or experience.

#8
Title: Project Citizen
Presenters: Glenn Nerbak, Distinguished Educator for Civic Education and Service-Learning Maine Department of Education and Lucy Lloyd, Project Citizen District Coordinator fro Massachusetts and Educational Consultant
Target Grade Levels: 6-12
MLRs Addressed: Applications

Project Citizen is a nationally recognized program from the Center for Civic Education where teams of students select and research problems in their school, community, state, or nation that have personal relevance. They then develop and present public policy proposals and action plans that address their respective issues with the ability to implement their action plans through service-learning. Participants will learn the steps involved in successfully implementing Project Citizen in the classroom and how this program directly addresses all three Content Standards in the Applications component of the 2007 Maine Learning Results for Social Studies.

#9
Title: Using Local History to Bring National Themes and Events to Life: Eight Citizens of Maine Introduce America, ca 1850-1880
Presenter: John Henderson, Historian: Research, Writing, Education
Target Grade Levels: 9-12
MLRs Addressed: History

In this session, participants will be given packets of biographical data for a historical Maine individual ca 1850-1880 with instructions to construct an outline of the individual's life. Participants will present their outlines based upon the data they have received with the facilitator filling in information pertaining to the participants' subjects and then weaving a summary of the unit to be covered using the outlines. Participants will be introduced to resources for using local history in social studies learning, including Maine's emerging African/American, Immigrant, and Women's History. Discussion will follow on how to link historical biographies with present community issues through course projects.

#10
Title: From Weimar, the Rise of Hitler, the Holocaust, the Cold War, to the European Union: Germany---Case Studies in Conflict, Change, and the Future
Presenters: Connie Manter, President, Manter Educational Services, Inc; Stefan Brunner, Director Goethe Institute, Washington DC; Wood Powell, Coordinator of the Transatlantic Outreach Program at the Goethe Institute, Washington, DC
Target Grade Levels: 7-12
MLRs Addressed: History, Geography, Economics, Civics and Government

This workshop will engage participants in a variety of perspectives, instructional strategies, and resources related to Conflict, Change, and Turning Points and Enduring Themes in History (all concepts in the 2007 Learning Results for Social Studies). Activities will include a simulation from Brown University's Choices for the 21st Century program, "Crisis, Conscience, and Choices: Weimar Germany and the Rise of Hitler". A Choices teacher/student will be provided to participants. Also included will be a jigsaw activity "Postcards from Berlin": Studies in Change; and a "walkthrough" for curriculum, instruction, and assessment called "Germany in Europe -- Enduring Issues"

#11
Title: Teaching about Maine Indians: A 17th Century Cultural Comparison and Case Study
Presenter: Jay Adams, Director, Old Fort Western
Target Grade Levels: 3-12
MLRs Addressed: Economics, History

This session will provide background and content on the fur trade in 17th century Maine; the major players in that trade (Englishmen from the Plymouth Colony and Maine Natives from the Kennebec River drainage area); the cultural similarities and differences between the two groups; and the problems that dependency on the trade caused in later years.

The presentation will pay careful attention to linking the content to the history and economics aspects of the unity and diversity sections of the Maine Learning Results for Social Studies standards. The presentation will draw heavily on interpretation and artifacts associated with Old Fort Western's pre-scheduled school program, "Pilgrims and Indians at Cushnoc". A list of reading and resources will be available

#12
Title: Teaching about Economics: An 18th and Early 19th Century Case Study based on Storekeeping in Hallowell and Augusta, Maine
Presenter: Particia Violette, Education Coordinator, Old Fort Western
Target Grade Levels: 3-12
MLRs Addressed: Economics

This session will provide background and content on the practice of barter and trade; the role of the factors of production -- land, labor, and capital; calculating and understanding the implications and interactions of money, profit and loss, supply and demand, and the setting of prices; trade routes and the function of world trade; the similarities and differences between retail economics in the 18th century and today.
The presentation will pay careful attention to linking the content to the economics unity and diversity sections of the Maine Learning Results for Social Studies Social Studies standards.

The presentation will draw heavily on interpretation and artifacts associated with Old Fort Western's pre-scheduled school program, "Going Shopping in the 18th Century". A list of reading and resources will be available.
 

Afternoon Sessions:

Title: Civil Rights Revisited
Presenter: Charles Calhoun, biographer and Scholar in Residence at the Maine Humanities Council
Target Grade Levels: 5-12, MLRS Addressed: Applications, Civics and Government, History

Why do we observe Martin Luther King Day each January? A remarkable number of students have trouble answering that question. This workshop explores new ways of approaching the Civil Rights Movement, based on such primary sources as photojournalism, documentary, archival websites, and oral history. King's role as the exemplary leader of non-violent resistance is put in the context of the many varieties of Civil Rights activism in the 1950s and 1960s. Participants will be encouraged to draw on the life experiences of the many Mainers, white and black, who took part in Freedom Rides, sit-ins, the March on Washington, and the Selma-to-Montgomery March. 

Title: Teaching about the Constitution: A Case Study based on the Massachusetts Ratification Convention and the Role of Maine Delegates
Presenter: Jay Adams, Director, Old Fort Western. Target Grade Levels: 6-12
MLRs Addressed: History, Civics and Government (Unity and Diversity)

 This presentation will provide background and content on:

- The debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in Massachusetts
-  The role Maine delegates played in determining eventual ratification as reflected in the transcript of the debates
- The importance of a Bill of Rights to the ratification decision
- The concerns many delegates had concerning the power they saw the Constitution vesting in the proposed new National government

The presentation will pay special attention to discussing whether or not Maine Delegate concerns regarding what they saw as potentially excessive Federal power were justified and will draw heavily on interpretation associated with Old Fort Western's pre-scheduled school program, "This Momentous Affair: Federalist and Anti-Federalist Positions at the 1788 Massachusetts Constitutional Ratification Convention."

 Title: Using Civic Reflection in the Classroom
Presenter: Lucy Lloyd, Educational Consultant and Project Citizen District Coordinator for Massachusetts
Target Grade Levels: 6-12                                             
MLRs Addressed: Applications 

Participants will take part in a civic reflection concerning citizenship in the United States. Guidelines for facilitating a civic reflection will be given after the discussion so that participants will be able to use this valuable discussion tool in their classrooms, community meetings, and various other civic gatherings. A sample rubric will also be provided as an example of an assessment that can be used to demonstrate student achievement of the Applications standards and samples of written reflections that check for understanding.

Afternoon Roundtable Sessions

There Ought to be a  Law:  Civic Activism Meets Inquiry-Learning -- with MLTI Applications 

A new unit of study ties this award-winning film to the Maine Learning Results, with free, on-line educational tools: http://www.thereought2bealaw.com/lessons/index.shtml  Through one woman's personal journey of civic activism, students experience the process of a bill's journey through the Maine legislature.  Cathy Crowley had never even voted before she began her effort to win passage of a bill limiting youth access to guns.  As she Interacts with senators, lobbyists and the governor, she comes to understand the power and challenges of the legislative process, offering a real-life glimpse into state government.  Intended for grades 6-12, this unit covers civics, government, Maine studies, history, health, and language arts. This cross-curricular unit is also excellent for place-based and authentic, community-based learning projects.  At the Roundtable session, teachers will receive a copy of the film on DVD and take part in a discussion on how to use the on-line materials -- with a special focus on MLTI applications.  

Moderator:  Laura Richter, Technology Integrator and Social Studies Teacher, Skowhegan Middle School and Anita Clearfield, filmmaker.

Choices Program's Curriculum Units:

Explore the Past... Shape the Future
                             History and Current Issues for the Classroom

Choices teaching resources incorporate the latest scholarship to make connections between historical events and contemporary international issues. Choices teaching materials are used in a range of courses including U.S. history, world history, global studies, and government.

Choices curriculum units include extensive background readings, lesson plans, and a role-play or simulation exercise that encourages students to apply their knowledge in an authentic setting. Teacher Sets include a reproducible student text and a teacher's guide with lesson plans.

This round table discussion will introduce these materials and a deliberative approach to teaching. You'll receive a classroom activity focused on the values that underlie policy decisions and a free resource book.

Moderator: Barbara Fiore, Education Consultant, KIDS Consortium

Elementary Social Studies Discussion

We will discuss and share elementary social studies resources. A discussion about how to promote and encourage the teaching of social studies at the elementary level will occur. Teaching strategies, including integration with other content areas, and project ideas will also be shared and discussed. Resource packets will be provided to participants.

Moderators: Angela Lake, 5th grade teacher, SAD 36 and Crystal Polk, Teacher Quality Team Member, Maine Department of Education

For Experienced Service-Learning Practitioners

    Have you implemented a service-learning project with your students?
    Have you participated in a basic service-learning training?
    Do you have some implementation questions or concerns?

Attend this informal discussion with Education Consultants from KIDS Consortium to review the principles of a high quality service-learning experience for your students and discuss your particular needs and/or hear what other educators are working on.

Moderator: Fran Rudoff, Director, KIDS Consortium

Founded in 1996, the PeaceJam Foundation offers a series of educational programs that explore the lives of leading Nobel Peace Laureates, and the knowledge, skills and character traits they used to overcome major problems in their own communities, and continue to use to build peace around the world. By learning about and with these master-peacemakers, youth become committed to positive change in themselves, and being a force for change in their communities and the world.
PeaceJam Ambassadors explores issues related to the root causes of violence, hatred and oppression, social justice, and what takes to be a peacemaker. Each year, high school-aged youth learn about the life and work of one of the PeaceJam Nobel Peace Laureates, and the strategies they are using to address pressing global issues. With a strong emphasis on service-learning, groups develop their own service projects that address the PeaceJam Nobel Laureates Global Call to Action, becoming creative leaders who are committed to solving the most difficult problems facing our world. This program features the annual PeaceJam Northeast Youth Conference, where youth spend a weekend with the Nobel Peace Laureate they have been studying, giving them an unprecedented opportunity to share with, learn from, and be
inspired by a world leader for peace.

Moderator: Cathy Roberts, a PeaceJam advisor with the Mount View High School group, will share her experience with you, and talk about the impact that it has had on their youth.

TOP---Transatlantic Outreach Program: Summer Study Tours to Germany !

Join us to discover the Application Process for receiving an all expenses paid Study Tour to Germany . We will also share sample highlights and goals of the program. Hopefully, you will meet and talk with former TOP teacher participants from Maine . This Round Table will include an interactive teaching strategy: "Post Cards from Berlin ---Before and After"!

 Moderators: Connie Manter , Manter Educational Services, Inc., Wood Powell and Kelsey Smith, Goethe Institute, Washington DC  

Maine Memory Network

In this informal session, we will discuss ways teachers can use the Maine Memory Network in their classroom and ways the resources of MMN can help fulfill the revised learning results. Of special focus will be two current initiatives: Maine History Online, which will provide a narrative history of the state, with chronological, thematic, and critical essays illustrated with and tied to objects on MMN; and the Maine Community Heritage Project, a two-year, school/community partnership program focusing on local history.

Moderator: Carolin Collins, Director of Education, Maine Historical Society

Penobscot Marine Museum's Educational Resources: Addressing the Learning Results through Thematic Activities

Penobscot Marine Museum offers a guide for teachers integrating the Learning Results into nine units of maritime history, and a dedicated education Web site, www.penobscotbayhistory.org.  Together, these resources provide a flexible structure that allows teachers to access content, activities, research support, bibliographic information, and vocabulary-learning into many areas of their curriculum. The materials are cross-disciplinary: social studies, math, science, language arts, career development, health/physical education, and visual/performing arts objectives are included for all grade groupings and all topic areas.  These materials were awarded first place in the New England Museum Association's 2007 educational publications competition, and have formed the basis for many successful school/museum programs.  At the Roundtable session teachers will be able to examine products and discuss examples of their use.

Moderator: Betty Schopmeyer, Education Coordinator, Penobscot Marine Museum

Growing a Nation: The Story of American Agriculture

Growing a Nation is an interactive multimedia program that tells the story of American agriculture and its influence on important events and issues in American history. This CD-ROM gives a chronological presentation of significant historical events focused on the important role agriculture has played in America's development. Students gain an appreciation of our agricultural history and how agricultural events have affected our lives in America today. Statistical data are supplied to analyze trends and allow students a look into the future. Teachers attending this session will receive the Growing a Nation CD-ROM and instruction on utilization of the free online resources that enhance the program.

Moderator: Willie Sawyer Grenier, Executive Director, Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association

Were the House Still Standing:  Maine Survivors and Liberators Remember the Holocaust

This roundtable will showcase the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine's new multi-media installation Were the House Still Standing: Maine Survivors and Liberators Remember the Holocaust.  The installation uses excerpts from videotaped oral testimonies, archival photographs and film footage, and present-day interviews to tell the story of the Holocaust through he eyes of Maine survivors and liberators.  Participants will view segments of the installation and receive educational resources for teaching about the Holocaust. 

Moderator: Jacqueline Littlefield, Education Outreach Coordinator, Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine

High School Mock Trial Competition

Maine On Line Social Studies Mentor Project

 Contact Crystal Polk for more information.

Maine Council for the Social Studies 2008 Conference

April 2, 2008

 Registration Form
by March 20, 2008