Engage in dynamic, classroom-ready discussion strategies that build civic understanding. In this interactive session, educators will experience adaptable discussion protocols designed to strengthen students’ reasoning, listening, and reflection skills. Using BRI resources, participants will model and examine inquiry-based activities grounded in constitutional principles and civic virtue. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies that help students engage respectfully with differing perspectives, practice civil discourse, and grow into thoughtful citizens prepared to participate in a pluralistic democracy.
Discover how primary sources turn classrooms into investigative labs where students question, analyze evidence, and build claims—unlocking the superpowers of inquiry and historical reasoning. Join us as we explore how primary sources drive student inquiry and help to engage and build critical historical thinking. Participants will have the opportunity to model hands on effective strategies that help students question, analyze, and corroborate evidence—turning classrooms into investigative spaces where students think like historians.
Discover the power of games! Dive into different ways to engage students in cooperation and collaborating skills as well as critical thinking through tabletop games. We will have an opportunity to play and interact with different tabletop games for elementary, middle, and high school students covering history and civics/government. Time will also be given for discussion and sharing best practices!
Come hone your craft! Van Gogh's most famous work, Starry Night, sets the scene of how to break down individual components, utilize the end in sight, and make the invisible become visible through the use of exemplars in your classroom. Teachers will not just walk away from the session a master teacher but a master artist as well!
Create space for meaningful civic dialogue—even around challenging topics. We will explore structured strategies for leading open, respectful discussions on complex and sometimes contentious issues connected to our natural rights and founding principles. Participants will analyze primary source documents on topics such as religious liberty, slavery, and citizenship, while modeling inquiry-based techniques that promote critical thinking and civil discourse. Teachers will engage with ready-to-use lesson plans grounded in constitutional principles and civic virtues, collaborate with colleagues, and leave with practical tools and resources they can immediately implement to support deep, meaningful classroom
