Kid Citizen and Elementary Social Studies, with Michael and Ilene Berson (University of South Florida) Artwork

Education for Sustainable Democracy

This show explores how we can prepare the next generation for informed civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and the development of a more just and peaceful world. Host Brett Levy is a researcher of civic and environmental education and an associate professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Episodes feature interviews with leaders, innovators, and scholars in civic and environmental education. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or listen from your computer. For information about upcoming episodes, guests, and more, please visit www.esdpodcast.org. Thank you!

All Episodes

Education for Sustainable Democracy

Kid Citizen and Elementary Social Studies, with Michael and Ilene Berson (University of South Florida)

March 01, 2022

How should young children learn about their social world? How should elementary educators prepare students for life in a democratic society? What is Kid Citizen, and what can children learn from it?

In this episode, Brett talks to Professors Ilene and Michael Berson from the University of South Florida. They discuss their online civic education site, Kid Citizen, which includes activities and curricula to strengthen young children’s civic learning. In addition, they share their ideas and research on how elementary school children learn about their social world. You’ll also hear a bit about how the Bersons met, got married, and ended up working together.

Thanks for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

Links Related to KidCitizen

KidCitizen

Library of Congress Teachers

TPS Teachers Network

iCivics Exploring Primary Sources

Educating for American Democracy

Social Studies Innovation Network

About this Episode's Guests

Ilene R. Berson

Michael J. Berson

ESD Podcast Resources:

Education for Sustainable Democracy Homepage

Brett Levy's Open-Access Research Articles

ESD YouTube Channel (Please Subscribe!)

Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

ESD Episode on iCivics, with CEO Emma Humphries

Support the show