Social Studies
September 25-October 2, 2013

Find the latest social studies resources from Iowa Public Television.

Geospatial Revolution: Food Deserts

Grades: 7-12

Food deserts is a term used to describe a region where the population has poor access to healthy, fresh, nutritious food. They exist in both rural

and urban areas and are turning into a public health concern. GIS technology is supporting the solution to this problem by vividly identifying the problem area and influencing policy-making. This video segment from Penn State Public Broadcasting's Geospatial Revolution describes one Philadelphia community's successful efforts at doing the same.

Should We Grow GM Crops?
Grades: 9-12

This FRONTLINE/NOVA: "Harvest of Fear" poll asks users to consider a series of arguments for or against growing genetically modified (GM) crops, and then vote on whether they think GM crops should be grown. A tally of votes is presented at the end so each user can see where other users stand on the issue.

After Slavery
Grade Range: 8-11

This video segment from the PBS series Finding Your Roots discusses the steps people took to help freed slaves following the abolition of slavery. In his second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln called for the re-building of the country. In response, Quakers, including Kevin Bacon's ancestor Lydia Atkinson, became very involved in the education of newly freed slaves.

What Do You Get From That?

Grade Range: PreK-1

Cows give us the milk we drink every day. We use that milk to make lots of other things we enjoy like ice cream, cheese, butter and cream. In this video, children learn about different animals on a farm and the everyday items we get from them.

Islamic Art
Grade Range: 5-12

The Islamic Empire once stretched from the Atlantic Ocean in the West, to India and the borders of China in the East. Over many centuries, the artistic traditions of these different regions merged into an identifiably Islamic style. The traveling exhibition "Palace and Mosque" from London's Victoria and Albert Museum features a world-renowned Islamic art collection. In this video from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, a guided tour of the exhibition by Tim Stanley, senior curator for the Middle East at the Victoria and Albert Museum, provides a historical perspective and cultural context for understanding Islam through religious art.

Architecture 2030
Grade Range: 9-12

Learn about efforts to protect the environment by changing the way buildings are planned, designed and constructed. Buildings are responsible for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Can a collaborative effort - government leaders, architects, regulatory agencies and building suppliers - avert a climate crisis through policy change and education? Architect-turned-activist Ed Mazria may have the answer. His Architecture 2030 organization is galvanizing commitment to a carbon-neutral building sector by the year 2030.

Immigration Debate
Grades: 6-12

Stacey Delikat reports from Arizona about their 2010 immigration law and the national debate that has ensued because of it.

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