Austin ISD Social Studies News
Vol. 25, October 2017
October Fun!
We have several amazing professional learning opportunities this month, provided by community partners including Humanities Texas, Facing History, Texas Alliance for Geographic Education (TAGE) and the Blanton Museum of Art.
Please read all the way to the bottom of this newsletter so that you don't miss any upcoming opportunities!
Modules NOW in BLEND!
WH: Asia in the First Global Age (3rd six weeks) - An example of Talk Read, Talk Write literacy strategy
USH: Chinese Immigration and Exclusion (1st six weeks) - An example of Talk Read, Talk Write literacy strategy
USH: Changes in Civil Rights Goals (5th six weeks) - An example of a Structured Academic Controversy
GOV: Civic Participation (1st six weeks)
ECO: Circular Flow Model (3rd six weeks)
If there is a topic for the 3rd or 4th six weeks that you'd like to see a BLEND module for, email Melanie Kirchhof and let her know by 10/20 so she can get it created and uploaded to the Commons before the 3rd six weeks begins.
Questions about BLEND? Click here
AISD Professional Learning Opportunities
Doing Social Justice at the Blanton Museum
When: Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 - 4:00
Where: Blanton Museum
Audience: All interested 6-12 teachers
Register online now! Space is limited!
Participants who park in the Brazos Garage located at 210 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712 will receive a $4 parking validation. The Social Studies Department will cover sub costs for attendees.
ArcGIS Workshop for Austin ISD teachers
When: Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Time: 8:30 - 4:00
Where: Baker Computer Lab
Audience: All interested 6-12 teachers
Register online now! Space is limited!
This one-day workshop will introduce how to use technology in social studies courses to explore geographic issues and their relation to location. This introductory workshop is intended for teachers in grades 6-12. Participants will explore ArcGIS Online using GeoInquiries and StoryMaps. The Social Studies Department will pay for subs. Attendees will get a district account with ArcGIS Online that they can use all year long in their classes.
Teacher Opportunities
Facing History Workshop
When: Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Time: 8:30-3:30
Where: Baker Center
Audience: All interested 6-12 teachers
Register online at https://goo.gl/FRhN9d
The Social Studies Department will pay for subs.
Humanities Texas Workshop
When: Thursday, October 12, 2017
Time: 7:30 - 4:00
Where: Byrne-Reed House
Audience: US History and US Government Teachers
Register Online Today!
Student Opportunities
Bridge the Divide-Bill of Rights Institute
Bridge the Divide: Bi-Weekly contest
Every two weeks the Bill of Rights Institute awards two $25 Amazon gift cards, one to the person providing the best defense on each side of the debate. Each bi-weekly winner will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship for providing the best position defense of the year!
How to enter:
- Vote “YES” or “NO” to the prompt given on the Bill of Rights Institute’s Bridge the Divide webpage and provide a supporting constitutional argument for the position.
- Complete an entry form agreeing to the contest rules (and, if applicable, have your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) agree on your behalf).
Check back every other Monday to see the new topic and another chance to win!
(For rules/regulations click HERE)
If you find any resources that you'd like to share...
Austin ISD Secondary Social Studies
High School Specialist - Melanie Kirchhof
Also, if you enjoy receiving resources more frequently than once a month, follow us on Twitter @AISDSoc !
Email: melanie.kirchhof@austinisd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/austinisd.org/socialstudies/
Location: Austin, TX, United States
Phone: 512-414-4361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinisd.socialstudies
Twitter: @AISDSoc