ENGAGE: Teaching the Social Studies Podcast

ENGAGE Podcast

A bunch of social studies teachers sharing their thoughts, tips, tricks, resources, and ideas...while also doing some interviews with some amazing social studies teachers from throughout the United States.

  1. 12/04/2025

    26. Wait for It… Using Slow Reveals

    In this episode, Justin shares how slow reveal graphs, texts, and images have transformed engagement in his social studies classroom.  By revealing information piece by piece, students are encouraged to observe closely, discuss what they notice, and think critically about what the data or image represents. https://slowrevealgraphs.com/

    7 min

  2. 11/24/2025

    25. Roll the Dice: A Simple Engagement Hack That Works

    Looking for a quick engagement move you can use tomorrow? Justin shares his go-to dice routine—an adaptable strategy for reviewing concepts, checking understanding, and giving students a fun challenge. Whether you teach government, AP courses, or anything in between, you'll walk away with ideas you can plug into your classroom right away.

    11 min

  3. 05/13/2025

    24. Teaching Human Rights: A Path to Global Citizenship

    In this episode, Justin shares practical strategies for bringing global citizenship into the classroom, with a strong focus on human rights education. He outlines how foundational concepts like the Bill of Rights, natural rights, and the UN Declaration of Human Rights can be powerful tools for student inquiry and critical thinking. From comparing historical documents to creating their own list of rights, students engage in meaningful discussions about justice, equity, and global responsibility. Justin also explores how themes of rights and citizenship can be tied into a wide range of topics—like war, civil rights, slavery, migration, and labor history—making global connections across social studies content. Whether you're teaching US Government, World History, or Current Events, you'll find actionable ideas to deepen your students' understanding of the world and their place in it.   Past Civics-Focused Episodes Teaching the Foundations of Democracy Teaching Civil Liberties Teaching the Policymaking Systems Teaching Elections and Interest Groups Teaching Political Parties and Elections Healthy Debates and Discussions Cultivating a Civil Classroom w/ Sphere Education

    16 min

  4. 04/18/2025

    23. Simple Review that Creates a Classroom Showdown!

    It’s review season, and Justin’s favorite time of year is in full swing! In this episode of ENGAGE, we dive into two tried-and-true strategies to get students fired up about reviewing content—The Race and Trivia Showdown. Learn how to turn your classroom into a competitive, high-energy review arena using nothing more than a good set of questions, some upbeat music, and a healthy dose of team spirit. Whether you’re teaching AP or gearing up for end-of-year exams, these low-prep, high-engagement games will help your students recall, reflect, and win. Grab your dice, get your playlists ready, and let the games begin.

    10 min

  5. 03/28/2025

    22. Recharging Your Teaching: Takeaways from a Social Studies Conference

    Fresh off the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Conference in Madison, Justin and Alisha break down their biggest takeaways—from innovative teaching strategies to the power of professional development. They share engaging classroom activities, including gamified lessons inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and hands-on learning methods that bring history to life. Plus, they discuss how attending conferences fuels creativity, builds connections, and enhances teaching effectiveness. Whether you're looking for new ideas to implement Monday morning or inspiration to attend your next conference, this episode is packed with insights and energy!

    20 min

  6. 03/10/2025

    21. Using AI to Make Realistic Scenario Activities

    In this episode of ENGAGE, Justin dives into using AI to create dynamic classroom simulations. From Model UN to government crisis scenarios, he shares how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline the process, making simulations more interactive and adaptable.  Learn how he designed a choose-your-own-adventure style UN Security Council simulation, where student decisions shape the evolving crisis.  Plus, discover tips on leveraging AI to create engaging, real-time learning experiences without hours of prep work.  Tune in for innovative strategies to enhance your social studies classroom! UN Simulation Document

    11 min

  7. 02/21/2025

    20. Navigating Civic Education -- Political Parties and Elections

    In this episode of Engage, Justin continues exploring civics education, focusing on political parties, elections, polling, and voter behavior. He shares engaging classroom strategies, including a political party jersey design project, a political socialization pie chart activity, and mock elections that simulate real voting experiences. Plus, he discusses polling analysis and debates on voter turnout, voter ID laws, and election systems. Tune in for creative ways to bring civics to life in your classroom!

    13 min

  8. 02/03/2025

    19. Navigating Civic Education -- Teaching Elections, Interest Groups, and More

    Join Justin as he dives into creative and engaging ways to teach civics, focusing on elections, political parties, and interest groups.  From candy primaries to interest group speed dating, this episode is packed with interactive strategies to make government lessons come alive in your classroom.  Stay tuned for part two, where Justin continues exploring the best ways to bring civics to life! Previous CIVICS focused episodes: 5. Foundations of Democracy 7. Civil Liberties and Citizenship 11. Policymaking Institutions 18. Civic Engagement Through Discussions and Debates

    13 min
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A bunch of social studies teachers sharing their thoughts, tips, tricks, resources, and ideas...while also doing some interviews with some amazing social studies teachers from throughout the United States.

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