Category: Educator Blog

Scope and Sequence for All Grade Levels are Here!

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

Whether you enjoy finding opportunities within a well-structured sequence of resources or prefer looking around for pieces and bits that can be jigsawed together, our Scope & Sequence documents are a perfect reference point for jumpstarting your lesson planning for the upcoming school year.

Our Scope & Sequence documents—available for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms—list all of our resources in one place, broken up into curriculum units.

  • Our elementary Scope & Sequence organizes over 50 mystery lessons into units broken out by grade level and topic.
  • Our middle school Scope & Sequence organizes our 14 games and over 250 lesson plans into 21 units.
  • Our high school Scope & Sequence organizes our 14 games and over 100 lesson plans into 17 units.

Most of our resources stand alone and don’t require teaching another lesson first, so you can pick and choose what will work best for your students and the timing of your curriculum. 

For those who prefer a structured approach to planning, the resources within each unit have been organized in an order that seems most logical to the iCivics Curriculum Team.

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!

Elementary
Middle School
High School

Infographics + Infografías = Visual Literacy for All!

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

A picture says a thousand words, and our infographics have a lot to say! So what, exactly, is an infographic? Well, “info” = information and “graphic” = visual representation, so it’s using visuals and graphics to present content in an easy-to-understand way. Infographics can be used to help all learners practice their visual literacy skills. iCivics has 19, which can be found in the Infographic Library. And, in honor of April’s National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, we are excited to announce that we now have infografías (Spanish versions of all of them).

 

How do infographics help English and multilingual learners?

 

“The majority of my Spanish dominant students are English Language Learners full of fear, angst, and hope. When they enter school in the United States they are confronted with grade-level material in language unknown to them. The idea of having to look up every word in a dictionary to translate a grade-level article is overwhelming. Thankfully, iCivics now offers their Infographics in both English and Spanish. There is benefit to this for both English Language Learners and Dual Language Learners as they are able to make cross-linguistic connections between the two languages. This not only helps in comprehension, but in the acquisition of language.” Verónica E Schmidt-Gómez, MEd, GradCert Dual Language Ed, Dual Language Immersion Program DRT, Hillsborough County Public Schools. FL

“As Emerging Language Learners we always view our environment first through images. Viewing the illustrations helps us anchor the language context to the lesson we are mastering. Without the visuals, we don’t have a schema to build on.” Maria Sheldon, US History & Spanish Language Arts, Ortiz Middle School, NM

Infographics present language and content together in a comprehensible way which is great for ELs/MLs. The WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework provides a foundation for curriculum, instruction, and assessment for multilingual learners (grades K–12). The updated framework, which is centered on equity and student assets, now includes viewing and visually representing, and infographics are a great way to enhance visual literacy skills.

Each iCivics infographic has a Teacher’s Guide (available in English and Spanish) with all the information you need to use it in your classroom right away. We include an introduction to visual literacy skills, guiding questions, suggested activities, and relevant background knowledge and vocabulary. 

 

How can you deepen the learning?

 

Many of our infographics are thematically linked to iCivics video games or lesson plans so you can use them along with other materials in order to extend the lesson and dig deeper into learning. They are also a good springboard for inquiry-driving instruction. You can ask questions and have students use their visual literacy skills to respond. Here are some ideas:

In the U.S., multilingual learners (MLs) are one of the fastest growing student populations. These students bring cultural and linguistic diversity and we believe all learners should have the support and tools they need in order to participate in our democracy. In addition to our infographics, we also have built-in supports for all English learners in our games, extension packs, and more. Check out our collection of ELL resources for additional details: iCivics & ELL: Resources to Engage your Multiligual Classroom.

We are always adding new resources. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know about new resources, products, and opportunities!

Written by Kristen Chapron

Kristen Chapron is Senior Editor of Digital Learning and ELL at iCivics. She has worked on all 19 infografías and looks forward to creating even more materials for English and multilingual learners.

This work supported by the National Defense Education Program (NDEP)

Annual Gameplay Giveaway is Open!

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

Who’s ready to win iCivics swag? The Annual Gameplay Giveaway is open! Play any one of our 16 games and enter for your chance to win one of five exclusive prize packs from iCivics, Nearpod, and BrainPOP.

Entering is easy! All you have to do is:

  1. Play any iCivics game with your students between Monday, April 3 and Sunday, April 30, 2023
  2. Email the gameplay completion certificate. (Here is a quick tutorial on how to screenshot your Game Certificate.) You only need to submit one game certificate to enter.
  3. Complete the form with a short write-up of top takeaways and memorable moments during gameplay to complete your entry.

Winners will be chosen at random through an automated selection process and alerted via email no later than Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Prizes will be mailed to all winners by June 2, 2023. Prizes will be fulfilled by iCivics, Nearpod, and BrainPOP directly.

Each prize pack includes:

  • 1 iCivics tee
  • 1 Nearpod tee
  • 1 BrainPOP rubik’s cube
  • 1 pair of Nearpod socks
  • 1 Nearpod water bottle
  • 10 iCivics Guides to the U.S Constitution
  • 25 iCivics tote bags
  • 30 BrainPOP (Moby) stickers
  • 30 BrainPOP pencils
  • 50 iCivics pencils

Thank you to our partners at Nearpod and BrainPOP for their generous contributions to the Gameplay Giveaway.

New High School Executive Branch Lessons & Activities Added to Unit

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

The president is the most central figure within the U.S. government. What are the powers, purpose, and limitations of the presidency and the executive branch? Dive deeper into this role with our newly-updated Executive Branch Unit! Introduce high school students to the powers of the president, the function of the executive branch, and the president’s role in foreign policy with these new resources:

Lesson Plan: Why President?

Students examine why the Framers created the presidency and how it differed from other leaders around the world.

Lesson Plan: The Second Branch

Students take a deep dive into Article II of the Constitution to understand the structure and function of the executive branch.

Lesson Plan: Foreign Policy

Students learn what foreign policy is, as well as the role of the executive branch and the president in implementation.

Lesson Plan: The Modern President

Students explore how the role of the president has expanded and evolved since it was established.

WebQuest: What Can a First Spouse Do?

The president’s job is clearly defined, but what is the role of the First Spouse and how has it evolved over time? In this WebQuest, students learn how First Ladies have contributed to the leadership of the country.

Infographic: Order Up! Executive Orders

What the president says goes… or does it? This printable infographic explains what executive orders are, how they work, and what they can be used for, and how they are limited.

Looking for more resources for teaching about the presidency and the executive branch? Find all of our games, lesson plans, infographics, and other resources for middle and high school students in our Executive Branch curriculum unit!

Explore the Unit

Prepare for Presidents’ Day with our collection of resources.

Presidents’ Day is just a week away on February 20. Use our games, lesson plans, infographics, and other resources to teach about the important role the president plays in the U.S. government.

View the Collection

Now accepting new members for the 2023 iCivics Educator Network!

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

You don’t have to navigate the challenges of teaching alone. At iCivics, we are committed to building a supportive community for educators across the country. The iCivics Educator Network is one of the key ways we do that.

More than just a professional development network, the iCivics Educator Network is an energetic group of civics, history, government, and social studies teachers from almost every state in the nation who serve as champions and ambassadors for high-quality equitable civic education.

“The iCivics Educator Network not only helped me develop best practices for teaching civics and government but has allowed me to collaborate with educators from across the country who have become great friends.”

~ Michael M., Social Studies Teacher and iCivics Educator Network member

Benefits of joining the iCivics Educator Network:

  • A monthly email newsletter packed full of learning opportunities and resources
  • Monthly virtual Educator Network meetings where you’ll connect with other members and discuss pedagogy and teaching ideas
  • First access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at new iCivics resources, special events, pilots, and other opportunities
  • The chance to share your teaching experiences with national and local media
  • Collaboration with other teachers as part of a vibrant and supportive community

 

iCivics Releases Private i History Detectives, a Curriculum that Uses Inquiry to Teach History and Civics to K-5 Students

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

Private i History Detectives is iCivics’ first product made specifically for elementary students and fills a significant need for resources that teach the fundamentals of history and civics in K-5 classes. Product will be unveiled to teachers during a live webinar Nov. 1 for educators.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – October 25, 2022 – iCivics has released Private i History Detectives, a new curriculum for K-5 that taps into young learners’ natural curiosity and uses inquiry to teach the basic skills that students need to understand history and civics.

Private i History Detectives is a powerful new tool that elementary educators can now use to help their students build foundational historical and civic knowledge, as well as inquiry and critical thinking skills early in their education. This will ensure that students understand how history has and continues to shape our country’s institutions and our own roles as citizens as they continue through middle and high school and into adult life.

Born out of a collaboration between iCivics and History’s Mysteries, through the Library of Congress’s Teaching With Primary Sources (TPS) initiative, the curriculum challenges young learners to take on the role of history detectives. They must use primary sources and inquiry skills to answer “big questions,” such as “What does it mean to be a citizen?” It then guides them through age-appropriate discussions with teachers. The curriculum is easy to use and aligned with state standards.

Private i History Detectives is the first curriculum iCivics has developed specifically for the youngest learners, a segment of the learning population that is traditionally underserved when it comes to civics. Over the next few years, iCivics will continue to expand its K-5 resources.

“For civic education to be effective, we must approach the subject just like we approach STEM and literacy, teaching the fundamental skills starting in elementary school,” Taylor Davis, iCivics Director of Curriculum and Content, said. “Private i History Detectives, breaks historical inquiry skills into simple, easy to grasp concepts in a way that is fun and engaging so that we can meet young learners where they are.”

The full K-5 curriculum is now available for teachers to use, for free, on iCivics’ website.

“After working with many educators, it became clear to us that elementary teachers were hungry for quality, primary source based lessons that would excite and engage their students,” said Laurie Risler, Elementary Education Instructor at Westfield State University, and History’s Mysteries co-creator. “Private i History Detectives requires even the youngest students to think deeply and draw conclusions based on primary source evidence. In the role of history detectives, students do the work of historians as they answer questions using evidence from primary sources.”

Private i History Detectives will be officially unveiled at a launch webinar that is open to educators and school administrators on Nov. 1, 2022, at 7 P.M. EST. The webinar will feature Taylor Davis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for iCivics, History’s Mysteries co-creators Kelley Brown and Laurie Risler, who are both educators, and Natacha Scott, Director of Educator Engagement at iCivics.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Ana goes to the WIDA Conference!

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

Last week, #FlatAna came to the WIDA conference in Louisville, Kentucky, with three members of the iCivics staff to learn more about the best ways we can continue to support ELs and MLs in our games and other resources. Ana has many roles in iCivics games. She is a campaign manager, guide, assistant, and all around helper. She’s bilingual in English and Spanish, and she believes in the iCivics mission of reaching all learners, especially multilingual and English learners. And if you follow our social media, you know that since June, #FlatAna has been doing a lot of exploring! 

The WIDA Annual Conference is for educators, administrators, and curriculum developers to share best practices and learn new classroom strategies.The opening keynote address featured Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year, who talked about the value of being multilingual: “If you speak another language, you are linguistically gifted…” Her message focused on building a “joyous and just education for all.” She said, “Celebrate your successes, compost your failures. Nobody loses when we are all empowered. It is possible when we build a world of wonder and justice around our students.” 

Game-based learning follows that idea. You get to empower your students by having them play the role of a presidential candidate, a lawyer, a county chair, a legislator, etc. In games, it’s ok to make mistakes, or fail. Like Juliana Utrubey says, you can “compost your failure” by playing again. At iCivics, we give students the opportunity to explore content through games which engages all learners and generates wonder in the classroom. What did Ana’s colleagues think?

Kristen Chapron, Senior Editor of Digital Learning and ELL: “The best part about the conference is learning new tips and strategies that we can apply to our games, activities, and lesson plans. In the session, Teaching Language Objectives Using Next Generation ESL Curriculum Resources, Dr. Jennifer Altavilla-Giordano broke down the components of creating language objectives. Participants were able to practice using and adapting the tools. Function and features are key. I also learned innovative ways to engage students with academic language from Nadra Shami, ELL Language and Literacy Trainer, in an interactive session called Developing Academic Language in the Content Areas. I also loved the energy and great ideas from other sessions, and I am excited to get back to curriculum writing, apply these practices, and share them with our team.”

Kristen Chapron with Dr. Jennifer Altavilla-Giordano, lecturer and program director for TESOL & Bilingual Education at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

 

Angela Clay, Curriculum Associate for EAD: “I had the privilege of learning about James Baldwin’s speech “A Talk to Teachers” from Dr. Carl Grant. Dr. Grant related Baldwin’s 1963 speech to the contemporary world. He articulated eloquently the significance of how a student’s self-image is mirrored in history and the classroom. When students recognize themselves in the lesson, they develop a sense of belonging in the classroom and in society. Dr. Grant was also able to illustrate the overlap between English learners and minority students. Both groups are resilient and, as Baldwin argued, they belong in today’s society. In order for all students to develop a good self-image, it is the responsibility of educators and curriculum leaders to guarantee that we educate our children and acknowledge the complex layers necessary to create a more inclusive learning environment for students to have a positive self-image. Dr. Grant charged us as educators to ensure we empower our students to build a more inclusive classroom and society.”

Angela Clay with Dr. Carl Grant,Hoefs-Bascom Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and former Chair of the Afro American Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Amanda Setters, Curriculum Associate: “As a former Social Studies teacher, I really enjoyed exploring new classroom strategies. In my new role creating resources, I fall back on that knowledge to develop materials that are not only rigorous, but also include impactful scaffolds that save teachers time and effort. In my session on Scaffolding Strategies for High School EL Students, I did just that. High School English Teacher Noel Emilius gave an excellent presentation on strategies she implements to scaffold grade level content assignments to support all learners. In addition to taking us on a tour through one of her lessons, we also took some workshop time to discuss how we have used strategies in the field. Then we had time to apply the knowledge in our work. What is so powerful is that the time investment in creating these lessons can benefit a wide range of learners in today’s classroom so it is truly time well spent. It also highlights the need to network with other teachers to collaborate and share the workload. The exhibitor hall also had tons of resources that can help classrooms leverage technology to develop language skills so I really enjoyed seeing the variety of materials and tools that are available.”

Apply to become an iCivics Teacher Facilitator Fellow (TFF)

Posted on by Luke O'Connor
  • Do you teach 7–12th grade social studies or civics in Northern California?
  • Are you interested in being a teacher-leader and facilitating social studies and civics professional development for teachers in your district, county, and state?
  • Are you interested in being part of a community of practice learning together to transform social studies and civics teaching and learning across the state of California?
  • Do you want to earn $2,100?

If you answered yes to these questions, consider becoming an iCivics Teacher Facilitator Fellow!

What is the iCivics Teacher Facilitator Fellow Program?

iCivics is building a train-the-trainer model to cultivate a strong network of California educators with the knowledge, skills, and demonstrated abilities to provide the kind of high-quality civic education to each and every student in their state, that is essential to sustaining and strengthening our constitutional democracy. We know that we can only reach this goal with the leadership and support of skilled teachers! This fellowship program creates a cohort of Teacher Facilitator Fellows who will work collaboratively with iCivics, other content and pedagogical experts, and each other to strengthen civic education content, pedagogy, and facilitation skills. 

After completion of this fellowship, Teacher Facilitator Fellows will receive a stipend to provide professional development opportunities to other educators in their district, county, and state.

The fellowship will be limited to 20 educators from Northern California for its inaugural year (School Year 2022–23). We are excited to expand the program statewide during the 2023 and 2024 school years!

As part of the fellowship, you will:

  • Attend an in-person kick-off event in late fall where you will meet, connect, and collaborate with other TFFs in your cohort, examine best practices for civics teaching and learning, and hear from guest presenters;
  • Participate in monthly professional development through webinars and coursework from iCivics staff and guest presenters;
  • Be part of a statewide community of practice learning together and supporting high-quality civic instruction;
  • Attend a statewide convening during the summer;
  • Become a certified iCivics Teacher Facilitator and be awarded a digital badge; and
  • Be compensated $2,100, upon fulfillment of fellowship obligations, with potential opportunities to participate in other stipend work. 

How to apply: 

Complete the application.

CHCI R2L NextGen Program Creates Full-Circle Moment for iCivics Team Member

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

Earlier this summer, iCivics’ Director of Curriculum and Content Taylor Davis and I held a workshop for R2L NextGen students from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) to help them learn more about their constitutional rights.

These high school students discussed the importance of our Constitution and the rights it protects for the people of the United States. They then proceeded to play our game, Do I Have A Right? While playing, students reflected on their experience of stepping into the role of a lawyer and learning to navigate their constitutional rights.

Here is what they had to say:

“I learned how critical our lawyers are in our government and how we depend on our amendments.”

– Linsi Perez, Florida

“I relearned which rights went with which amendments. I learned more in depth details about many amendments. I realized the applications of these amendments and how they help to solve issues that people have.”

– Nicolas R., Florida

“I am wondering whether or not most people are actually aware of these rights and I wonder how these games can continue to impact those who don’t.”

– Alexandra C., Florida

This session was a full-circle moment for me because I was part of the inaugural cohort of CHCI’s R2L NextGen program in the summer of 2011. This civic youth experience was pivotal to my life-long civic journey. R2L NextGen prepared me to get more involved in my hometown of Miami, Florida, and seek more civic opportunities. It taught me that civic participation was vital to your community and it empowered me to become part of my high school’s Student Government Association and later be involved in campus elections at the University of Florida.

Without the experience with CHCI’s R2L NextGen as a sophomore in high school, I would not have the motivation I have today to be civically engaged and connected to my community. I was very impressed with how engaged this group of students was during the game and all the wonderful questions they had! I hope they continue playing our games and making the most of their life-long civic journey.

Written by Michael Reyes

Born in Miami, Florida, Michael has nearly three years of teaching experience in his hometown. At iCivics, Michael manages the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship and the Youth As Civics Experts Network. He supports our Youth Fellows in finding and using their voices towards their civic passion, a similar experience he went through in high school.

Series of 35 Short-Form Videos Exploring Every Article and Amendment of the U.S. Constitution Launches for Constitution Day

Posted on by Luke O'Connor

With the support of Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, “The Constitution EXPLAINED” gives middle and high school teachers a new, no-cost tool to educate students about the U.S. Constitution with modern context and relevance.

 CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – Sept. 9, 2022 – Leading civic education providers iCivics and the Center for Civic Education today announced the release of a new short-form video series to educate middle and high school students about the U.S. Constitution using a medium that teachers are finding incredibly effective and engaging in the post-pandemic classroom.

Funded by Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, “The Constitution EXPLAINED” will be available for free in the lead-up to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, when public schools commemorate the Sept. 17 signing of the U.S. Constitution and reflect on the rights and responsibilities enshrined in this seminal document. 

The video series was created in collaboration with noted constitutional scholar Linda R. Monk, author of The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution, and produced by Makematic. The 35 short videos dig deep into the U.S. Constitution by exploring every article and amendment in straightforward and easily digestible 2- to 4-minute segments that provide both context and modern relevance. 

The information-packed animated videos provide a new approach to teaching the U.S. Constitution with maximum flexibility for multiple audiences, differentiating them from existing long-form explainer videos and publications. The videos are geared toward middle and high school students and can also be used by the general population as an engaging refresher on one of the country’s foundational documents.

A preview of the videos can be found on the iCivics website and the Center for Civic Education website.

“iCivics and the Center for Civic Education have created these videos to meet teachers where they are right now,” said Julie Silverbrook, Senior Director of Partnerships and Constitutional Scholar in Residence at iCivics. “Research shows that short videos are an incredibly effective tool, as they hold student attention from start to finish and can be a compelling entryway into teaching even complicated subjects. We know this will be an invaluable tool for educators across the country, as well as for adults and families who are looking for a fun and engaging way to learn more about the text and history of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.”

“I’m incredibly excited about the launch of ‘The Constitution EXPLAINED,’” said Christopher R. Riano, President of the Center for Civic Education. “This collaborative effort shows what is possible when organizations work together, and has produced a rich collection of resources that can be used by students of all ages. We’ve made a special effort to tell the story of American constitutional democracy in an intellectually and visually engaging way and are very proud of the result.”

The video series is already generating anticipation among teachers, who are looking for new tools to educate students about the U.S. Constitution.

“I’m really excited about this collaboration between iCivics and the Center for Civic Education,” said Katie Boland, an AP Government and We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution teacher in Trumbull, Connecticut. “These quick videos will enable teachers to bring experts in the field into our classroom and allow us to explore different topics related to the Constitution in a nonpartisan manner. It’ll be an invaluable resource to all civics teachers and also citizens to watch and learn about our government.” Katie is also a member of the iCivics Educator Network. 

For media inquiries, contact jacob@oneallen.com or gage@civiced.org.

About iCivics

iCivics was founded in 2009 by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to transform civic education and rebuild civic strength through digital games and lesson plans. iCivics is the country’s largest provider of civic education content and is currently used by up to 145,000 educators and 9 million students annually. All of its games are free, nonpartisan and available online at icivics.org. 

About Center for Civic Education

The Center for Civic Education has long been recognized as a leader in providing civic education to K–12 students and adults, with its research-based curricula reaching more than 42 million students and 440,000 educators in the United States and in more than 80 countries since 1965.