Professional Development

Elementary Advanced Sessions

The Science of Reading and Social Studies (K-3)

How does the Science of Reading support Social Studies instruction and vice-versa? In this session we will learn about the connection between these two subjects and discuss actionable strategies that you can use in your classroom to support comprehension in both ELA and social studies. This session is tailored by grade-level band and offers practical examples of how to intentionally incorporate the Science of Reading with Social Studies.

NEW-Indigenous Wonders: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (K-3)

Discover the significance of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and learn about the people who built this ancient marvel. How have archaeologists and historians gained insights into the culture and practices of the people who built these sites? What are the structural, geometric, and scientific features of the Earthworks, and what social and sacred roles did they play?

After exploring this fascinating site, educators will access lesson ideas and activities that bring the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks into the elementary classroom, aligning with social studies standards about maps as tools for understanding places and the diversity of cultures and people who have influenced Ohio. Teachers will also learn how to use inquiry-based and object-based learning methods to teach about the past.

Social Studies Standards: K.5, K.6, 1.4, 1.5, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.4

NEW-Ohio and the Underground Railroad (3-5)

Ohio really is the heart of it all! Learn more about the role of Ohio on the Underground Railroad, review common misconceptions, and access primary sources on the topic. For elementary educators, lessons and resources shared will align with standards that teach how to:

analyze photographs, letters, maps and artifacts to learn about the past
define the importance of the Northwest Ordinance and
identify the key role that Ohio played in the national conflicts surrounding slavery

Social Studies Standards: 3.2, 3.3, 4.7, 5.4, 5.9, 5.14

Middle Grades Advanced Sessions

Using Project-Based Learning to Develop Curious Student (4-8)

Project-based learning can be a powerful tool to upgrade student inquiries to be more authentic and focused on taking action. Teachers will discover how PBL doesn’t just engage students in inquiry, but gives them the tools to identify and nurture their passions and unique interests. During the session’s accompanying activity, teachers will get a hands-on lesson to get them thinking and talking about PBL –as well as ways to incorporate PBL into their classroom.

The Science of Reading and Social Studies (4-8)

NEW-Indigenous Wonders: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (4-7)

After exploring this fascinating site, educators will access lesson ideas and activities designed to bring the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks into the middle school classroom, aligning with social studies standards about how historians and archaeologists use contemporary and historical sources to learn about people of the past. Teachers will also learn how to use inquiry-based and object-based learning methods to teach about the past.

Social Studies Standards: 4.2, 4.3, 4.12, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.1, 6.9, 7.1, 7.12, 7.15, 7.16

NEW-Ohio and the Underground Railroad (6-8)

Ohio really is the heart of it all! Learn more about the role of Ohio on the Underground Railroad, review common misconceptions, and access primary sources on the topic. For middle school educators, lessons and resources shared will align with standards that teach how to:

examine primary and secondary sources and analyze them for accuracy and credibility
study events from multiple perspectives and be able to use evidence to defend ideas
identify disputes over economic developments in the US resulting in slavery, as a key cause of the American Civil War

Social Studies Standards: 6.3, 6.9, 7.1, 7.13, 7.16, 8.1, 8.4, 8.12, 8.13

High School Advanced Sessions

Using Project-Based Learning to Develop Curious Student (9-12)

The Science of Reading and Social Studies (9-12)

NEW- Indigenous Wonders: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (8-12)

After exploring this fascinating site, educators will access lesson ideas and activities designed to bring the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks into the high school classroom aligned with social studies standards about how historians develop theses and gather knowledge about the ancient past. Teachers will also learn how to use inquiry-based and object-based learning methods to teach about the past.

Social Studies Standards: 8.1, 8.15, American History 2, Modern World History 2, World Geography 13, C3 Framework Dimension 1, Dimension 3

NEW- Connections and Causes of the World Wars

While the World Wars took place decades apart, the connections between them are vast. In this session, educators will explore resources that can help demonstrate the causes of these wars in the classroom. Help students gain an understanding of how social and cultural changes flamed the fire of nationalism, militarism, and expansionism and contributed to tensions that led to global conflict. Activities focus on using primary and secondary sources and Ohio specific topics to develop theses on the links between the causes of World War I and World War II.

Social Studies Standards: American History 1, 2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 30; Modern World History 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 15

Workshop	In-Person*
Indigenous Wonders: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (K-12)	$800
The Science of Reading and Social Studies (K-12)	$800
Ohio and the Underground Railroad (3-8)	$800
Using Project-Based Learning to Develop Curious Students (4-12)	$800
Connections and Causes of the World Wars (9-12)	$800

Advanced Workshops

Live, on-demand and in-person workshops at your school or the Ohio History Center

*NEW 2025 Sessions-Content Focused for K-12 Ohio Social Studies Standards

Book an advanced session or consultation for your school or school district today.

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