Breakout #5

Sergio Cercado

Dr. Dario Lujan

This interactive session introduces a forensic-based approach to teaching the historical method in AP and Dual Credit World History classrooms. By reframing historical investigation as a process of evidence collection, source corroboration, and theory building, students actively engage with content using the skills of a historian—sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and constructing arguments.

Brigette Haase

Jose Mata

In this high-energy, interactive session, participants will explore how music and Total Physical Response (TPR) can transform the way students retain and engage with social studies content. Drawing from our classroom experiences at an A-rated campus, we will demonstrate how rhythm, movement, and repetition can make abstract concepts concrete and memorable—especially for multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.

Attendees will leave with ready-to-use songs, chants, and TPR routines aligned to 8th grade U.S. History TEKS, along with strategies for adapting these tools across grade levels and topics. Whether you're new to using music in the classroom or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help make social studies stick in a fun and meaningful way.

Karen Wright-Balbier

Julie Rivas

Using Canva EDU, participants will explore how to design animated videos. Student video recording, voiceovers, and illustrated backgrounds or hand drawn historical figures can be imported. Perfect for K–12 social studies classrooms, this hands-on session blends technology with creativity to deepen understanding. Walk away with practical ideas to make history come alive through digital storytelling. 

Rebecca Morgan

In this session we will uncover the incredible power of compound interest and why starting to save early can be life-changing for your financial future. Using clear, reliable examples we will explore how time and consistency can turn even small savings into substantial wealth. You will leave with simple, practical strategies you a use yourself, and powerful ways to inspire your students to build strong financial habits early in life.