Social Studies
October 30-November 5, 2013

Find the latest educational resources from Iowa Public Television.

Saudi Women in Cars Protest Driving Ban
Grade Range: 7-12

Women in Saudi Arabia stood up to authorities Saturday by breaking a ban on driving. The rule stems from conservative religious customs and isn't written in law -- but that hasn't stopped police from arresting women who get behind the wheel.

Super Smog Forces Shutdown for Chinese City

Grade Range: 7-12

The rise of a middle class in China has brought a better life to millions of Chinese. However, the increase of quality of life has come at a great cost to the environment. Yesterday the northeast city of Harbin came to a screeching halt as smog pollution rose to 40 times the limit of the international safety standard. Planes were grounded, schools were closed and roads were off limits to buses.

Baseball and Social Change: The Story of Roberto Clemente
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students learn about baseball legend Roberto Clemente, his early years in the United States during segregation, and changes in the 1960s that made the U.S. culture more open to Clemente's Latino culture. Students develop their literacy skills through a social studies focus on how culture shapes individual identity and how a culture changes when new groups of people enter it. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.

The Powers of Government
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students learn about the three branches of the United States government. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore a social studies focus on the powers that the Constitution assigns to each branch-legislative, executive, and judicial-and how the three branches work together. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.

Writings of the Ancient Maya
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students are introduced to the ancient Mayan civilization through their writings. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore a social studies focus on the destruction of many Mayan writings by the Spanish and what archaeologists have learned from the writings that remain. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through a video and interactive activities.

Teaching Students About Credit
Grade Range: 9-13+

Now more than ever, it's essential that young people know how to use credit cards wisely and manage their debt, before they learn the hard way. This video features Lauren Popkoff, a teacher at Brooklyn College Academy in Brooklyn, New York. As Lauren lifts the veil off of credit, she outlines a lesson she teaches her high school students to arm them with the knowledge they need to make wise financial decisions. In this lesson, Lauren presents the advantages and disadvantages of credit, compares credit card offers with her students, discusses ways to establish credit, and highlights the Credit Card Act of 2009.

Art in the Muslim World
Grade Range: 5-12

In classical Islamic art, forms of art such as calligraphy, architecture, and decorative arts are celebrated. Through the materials presented in this lesson, students will explore basic elements of Islamic art, learn about the origin and styles of the specific art of Islamic calligraphy, and create their own piece of artistic calligraphy.

Resources | PBS LearningMedia | PBS KIDS | Iowa Public Television