Social Studies
October 24-October 30, 2013

Find the latest educational resources from Iowa Public Television.

Government Shutdown Ends
Grade Range: 7-12

This update on the Government Shutdown helps students to understand how, after 16 days, a bill was passed that not only ends the shutdown, but has increased the government's debt limit.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Grade Range: 6-12

This video segment from A Walk Through Harlem features Arthur Mitchell, the artistic director and former dancer who founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In 1968, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King had a profound impact upon Miller who decided to return to his old neighborhood to teach dance, thinking the discipline, focus and technique would energize African American children in their everyday lives. Often considered to be an excellent classical ballet dancer, Mitchell was also thought of as an exception to the rule. He believed, however, given the opportunity, African American dancers could also excel in classical ballet. The school now has more than 1000 young people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.

Walter White: Reporting the Crime
Grade Range: 9-12

This video from the The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow presents experiences from the life of Walter White. This unsung hero was an African American man who put his life in danger passing for a white man while working as the chief investigator of the crime of lynching for the NAACP. White was successful on countless occasions in documenting the crime and even collecting and publishing the names of perpetrators.

Global Warming: The Developing World
Grade Range: 6-12

Thanks to technology, the world is changing faster than ever before. Unfortunately, many of these changes are probably having a negative impact on the global climate. This video segment adapted from NOVA/FRONTLINE takes a look at what the future might hold for the environment as a result of the expanding use of technology.

Slavery in the North
Grade Range: 8-11

In this video segment from the PBS series Finding Your Roots, an overview of the little-discussed existence of slavery in the North is provided. Kevin Bacon learns that his Quaker ancestor, Samuel Atkinson, owned slaves. Bacon is surprised to learn his ancestor owned slaves because of his residence in the North, but he is especially surprised because of Atkinson's religion-he was a Quaker.

Character Change: The Diary of Anne Frank
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students examine what Anne Frank's writing and a video dramatization of her diary reveal about her character and how it changed while she was in hiding. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore an English language arts focus on character change. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.

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