Use Game-Based Learning to Teach Civics Game-Based Learning (GBL) is another great pedagogical model for engaging students, and the term is more expansive and complex than you might think. It can range from pencil and paper games to massive online games like World of Warcraft to everything in between. Overall, it's about balancing gameplay with the learning of important content. So how can we use this model for civics education? First, you need to start with the standards -- if you don't know your learning objectives, it will be impossible for you to create or use a targeted GBL game. There are no defined learning outcomes. On the contrary, every game has a specific objective designed for the gameplay. Level One: Use iCivics to Teach the Content If you are new to gaming, the games at iCivics are excellent and free for teachers to use with their students. Level Two: Pair the Right Game with the Learning Objective This is a little more challenging and requires either a gamer's knowledge base or a colleague who is a gamer!
The Story of Stuff The Story of Stuff, originally released in December 2007, is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the Stuff in your life forever. Download the Fact Sheet Credits The Story of Stuff was written by Annie Leonard, Louis Fox, and Jonah Sachs, directed by Louis Fox and produced by Free Range Studios. Show full list of credits
Compromise of 1850: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress) The Compromise of 1850 consists of five laws passed in September of 1850 that dealt with the issue of slavery. In 1849 California requested permission to enter the Union as a free state, potentially upsetting the balance between the free and slave states in the U.S. Senate. Senator Henry Clay introduced a series of resolutions on January 29, 1850, in an attempt to seek a compromise and avert a crisis between North and South. As part of the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act was amended and the slave trade in Washington, D.C., was abolished. Furthermore, California entered the Union as a free state and a territorial government was created in Utah. Library of Congress Web Site | External Web Sites | Selected Bibliography A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation This collection contains congressional publications from 1774 to 1875, including debates, bills, laws, and journals. Words and Deeds in American History Jump Back in Time: John C. Exhibit of documents from Senators John C.