Course Objectives for
Teaching Elementary Social Studies

~Develop a sense of skepticism and empathy-Political Involvement/Letter to Editor
~Analyze and criticize the Social Studies through technology immersion-Virtual Reality Scene
~Establish a professional teaching and learning community-Lime Hollow Teaching Experience
~Develop integrated disciplinary learning experiences that apply critical pedagogy-Web Module
~Engage in participatory citizenship activities-Community and Political Involvement
 

Participation in a Political Function
A major part of Social Studies, is learning about political functions and actions.  I had the opportunity to become involved in a political organization on campus.  Through my involvement, I learned how to speak and be heard.  It takes  a lot to share one's opinion, but NYPIRG hears that voice and lets it be heard.  I was also able to see how those less fortunate live, and remain part of the community.  Click here to find out more about my experience in NYPIRG.

Virtual Reality Scene From Raquette Lake
As part of my experience at Raquette Lake, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, I was able to create a virtual reality scene, using my knowledge of the digital camera.  I first had to learn how to use the equipment, and then I had to apply it to my assignment.  This was an incredible experience, and I really have thought more about technology since this experience.

Lime Hollow Teaching Experience Photos and Reflection
The following are pictures of me actually teaching a lesson at Lime Hollow Nature Center in October of 2001.  Though I have taught lessons before, it is difficult to get pictures to be displayed on the web.  The following are just a few I have from one of my many teaching experiences!  I have also included a reflection of my time spent there, and what I learned.  This was a great way for me to build a teaching community because of my interactions with the students, while, at the same time,  learning how to work better in a group.

Geography Web Module
working with a group, we had to construct a web presentation in relevance to geography.  As a group, we decided to create our presentation on Old Growth forests, by using what we have learned throughout the semester.  this was an opportunity to elaborate on what we have learned and apply it in a way we can teach others about what we learned.

Community Service Project in Cortland
Hunger is often something that goes overlooked.  People tend to think everyone has access to the grocery store when, in actuality, thousands of people go hungry everyday.  This fact was made apparent to about 50 people who turned out for NYPIRG's annual "Trick-Or-Eat."  This was a time for the SUNY Cortland student body to gather and collect non-perishable food items to be donated to the local soup kitchen.  I was able to become part of a community, in an effort to help others less fortunate within that community!  Click here to find out more about this charitable event.

Letter to Editor
An editorial in the November 18th, 2001 issue of The Press & Sun Bulletin really made me think about "the other side" in all that has been going on in our country the past few months.  It's not just our country suffering, look at those who are innocent in afghanistan.  As Americans, we have been deeply wounded, and in return, we are doing the same thing to other innocent people.  The following is a letter in response to an article I read about helping to rebuild Afghanistan.

Letter to Elected Official
When reading John Slade's book: Acid Rain, Acid Snow, I realized there was something I could do to voice my concerns about pollution in the Adirondack region.  I decided to write a letter to Senator Bob Graham, voicing my concerns to him.
Influential Teaching Narrative
What makes a good teacher?  How does a teacher really know if their students are learning or not?  The following is  a narrative written by myself, and two of my classmates, on what we feel makes a good teacher, and a good learner.  This narrative is based on an article we read in class.
 

Social Studies-Based Children's Books
The following books are examples of excellent literature to use in the classroom to incorporate into a social studies lesson.