Social Studies Education

American lawyer-turned-sociologist David Riesman published his first book, The Lonely Crowd, in 1950. Aimed at academics, it nonetheless gained a large popular audience. In it, Riesman explores the links between social character - the ways in which members of a society are similar to one another - and social structures. Riesman's work popularized sociology, helping to establish it as an academic discipline, and today it provides a fascinating window into the 1950s American psyche.

In the 1920s cotton buyer Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had a klutzy wife who often cut herself. The son of a doctor, Earle set out to create an easier way for her to bandage her injuries. Band-Aids were born, but Earle's bosses at the pharmaceutical giant weren't convinced, and it wasn't until the Boy Scouts of America tested Earle's prototype that this ubiquitous household staple was made available to the public.

In Birmingham, Alabama, on September 15, 1963, it is one little girl's 10th birthday. Excited about Youth Day at the 16th Street Baptist Church, she puts on her patent leather shoes and practices her choir solo. But her birthday will include no cake and no candles this year. A group of men have tucked a bundle of dynamite under the church's steps, and when it goes off, four girls are dead: AddieMae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair.

Safe Is Not Enough illustrates how educators can support the positive development of LGBTQ students in a comprehensive way so as to create truly inclusive school communities. Using examples from classrooms, schools, and districts across the country, Michael Sadowski identifies emerging practices such as creating an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum; fostering a whole-school climate that is supportive of LGBTQ students; providing adults who can act as mentors and role models; and initiating effective family and community outreach programs.

Audiobook summary of Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg.

What do taxes, jury duty, and being good citizens have to do with helping our government? Using engaging, age-appropriate language, listeners understand our responsibilities as American citizens and learn how to take active roles in our government. Fully translated Spanish text.

When election season starts, the race is on! But what do campaigns, candidates, polls, and the Electoral College have to do with voting for our nation's leaders?

Zoos are busy places filled with animals and the visitors who love them. Who are the people who keep zoos running? From vets to performers to groundskeepers, many people work together to serve the needs of a zoo. Learn about their important work in this book from the Wonderful Workplaces series.

What are our civil rights, and how are they different from our legal rights? What do gender, age, discrimination, and the U.S. Constitution have to do with our civil rights? Learn to decipher our nation's civil rights laws and learn how they protect our citizens.

Hospitals are busy places filled with sick and injured people and their caregivers. Who are the people who keep hospitals running? From schedulers to doctors and nurses to IT staff, many people work together to serve the needs of a hospital. Learn about their important work in this book from the Wonderful Workplaces series.

Movies are fun to watch with your family and friends. Who are the people who create these entertaining escapes? From special effects artists to writers to animal trainers, many people work together to serve the needs of a movie set. Learn about their important work in this book from the Wonderful Workplaces series.

Airports are busy places with people and things taking off and landing from trips across states, countries, and oceans. Who are the people who keep airports running? From security officers to baggage handlers to gift shop employees, many people work together to serve the needs of an airport. Learn about their important work in this book from the Wonderful Workplaces series.

In 2018, the gaming industry made over 100 billion dollars worldwide. Professional gamers, designers, programmers, and writers all received some of that money. Learn about the different jobs in video games, and maybe someday you'll get paid to game.

How do people earn money? They might start their own business or work for a company. Find out more about different kinds of careers.

Order in the court! What do free speech, due process, freedom of assembly, and search and seizure have to do with our legal rights? Learn to decipher our nation's complex legal system and understand their rights under the law.

Imagine getting paid to play with toys! Toy influencers can make big money just for giving their opinions on the latest games and gadgets. Discover what it takes to be a social media influencer while learning basic economics and business skills, as well as important safety tips.

What does the U.S. Supreme Court do? Learn about who can be on the Supreme Court, how they are chosen, where they work, and more. Descriptive main text, fast facts, and callout definitions work together to support understanding.

What is the U.S. Senate? Learn about senators, how bills become laws, where senators work, and more.

Many kids say the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school. But what does it mean and where did it come from? Francis Bellamy wrote it more than 100 years ago. Join Bellamy in The Pledge of Allegiance for more of the story.

If you love your country, sing! Since 1931, "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been the national anthem of the United States. Journey back to 1814, and join Francis Scott Key, the man who wrote the words to the anthem, for a close look at this song of freedom.