Social Studies Methods Class as Crucible for K-8 Curricular Change: Considering the United States Constitution

This article describes the evolution of a study of the U.S. Constitution in a social studies methods class and its effects on teacher candidates and experienced colleagues in K-8 classrooms. It provides details on how a fifth grade teacher’s curriculum was subsequently shaped by using the Constitution as a lens for investigating U.S. history. It demonstrates how the methods class can serve as a crucible for actively addressing curricular and instructional issues in local schools.