Welcome, CS4 Members!

Ready to Supercharge Your K-12 Classrooms?

We’ve curated a collection of top-notch resources, tools, and strategies just for you—whether you’re sparking curiosity in young learners or driving innovation in your school. Dive in and find everything you need to make social studies engaging, hands-on, and effective. Let’s get started!

Why Geographic Literacy

This document dives into why geographic literacy is crucial for today’s students and how it equips them to make informed decisions about the world. It reveals startling data on the decline of geography education in the U.S. and shows how we can turn it around through innovative teaching tools, like maps and atlases, and hands-on strategies that go beyond memorization. By using smart frameworks, educators can empower students to think critically, connect with the world, and navigate global challenges. If you’re ready to boost your classroom’s impact, this is a must-read!

Webinars Live and On Demand

Our webinars, led by passionate social studies professionals and our expert learning team, dive deep into topics that will transform your teaching from preschool to grade 12. With over 150 on-demand webinars and the option to join future sessions live, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking to engage students in fresh ways or sharpen your skills, we’ve got the perfect session waiting for you. Don’t miss out—click through and start exploring!

Expert Blog Posts for Social Studies Teachers

Our blog is a go-to resource for educators looking to stay informed and inspired. With expert contributors covering topics like history, literacy, and experiential learning, there’s always something relevant and engaging to discover. Check out the latest posts and find new approaches for your classroom.

Learn More About Our Programs

Nystrom offers a wide range of K-12 educational tools, including maps, globes, atlases, and hands-on programs. Their resources cover geography, history, and social studies for both elementary and secondary classrooms. With markable maps, raised-relief maps, and digital atlases, Nystrom provides customizable learning experiences. Programs like Encompass and Nystrom World foster geographic literacy and critical thinking, making social studies interactive and accessible.

Active Classroom is an interactive online platform designed to engage students in social studies through customizable lessons and activities. With resources aligned to state standards, teachers can easily plan and supplement their curriculum using tools like quizzes, group activities, and simulations. The platform supports multiple subjects, including U.S. history, world history, civics, geography, and more, and offers flexible teaching options for both individual and group learning.

Young Citizens is a comprehensive K-5 social studies curriculum designed to build key skills through hands-on activities, engaging maps, and inquiry-based lessons. The program includes student books, leveled readers, group activity cards, and digital tools to support diverse learning styles. Each grade level scaffolds learning, focusing on themes like civics, history, and geography, with a strong emphasis on literacy integration and critical thinking.

Enhance the Classroom

Contact your curriculum specialist about bringing these exciting programs into your school!

Elementary

  • Maps: Primary: ELS
  • Maps: Primary: Readiness
  • Maps: Primary: Outline World Map
  • Maps: Intermediate: Physical
  • Maps: Intermediate: Political
  • Maps: Intermediate: Continents and Oceans Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Wealth of Countries Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Precipitation Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Temperature Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Time Zones Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Land Use Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Population Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Outline World Map
  • U.S. History:1 Native Americans
  • U.S. History:2 Spanish Explorers
  • U.S. History:3 Explorers
  • U.S. History:4 The Great Exchange
  • U.S. History:5 European Settlements
  • U.S. History:6 Thirteen Britishi Colonies
  • U.S. History:7 Slevery In the Americas
  • U.S. History:8 Revolutionary War
  • State Map

Secondary

  • Maps: Intermediate: Physical
  • Maps: Intermediate: Political
  • Maps: Intermediate: Continents and Oceans Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Wealth of Countries Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Precipitation Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Temperature Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Time Zones Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Land Use Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Population Thematic
  • Maps: Intermediate: Outline World Map
  • Maps: Secondary: Land Use Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Population Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Political Relief
  • Maps: Secondary: Land Cover
  • Maps: Secondary: Scupltural Relief
  • Maps: Secondary: Growing Seasons Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Climate Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Tectonic Plates Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Precipitation Thematic
  • Maps: Secondary: Outline World Map
  • State Map

U.S. History

  • Native Americans
  • Spanish Explorers
  • Explorers
  • The Great Exchange
  • European Settlements
  • Thirteen British Colonies
  • Slavery in the Americas
  • Revolutionary War
  • American Expansion
  • Explorations of the West
  • Trails West
  • War with Mexico
  • Slavery Divides the Nation
  • Slavery and the Economy
  • Union and Confederacy
  • Civil War
  • Conflicts with Indians
  • Railroads Tansform the West
  • Industrial United States
  • Immigrants 1895–1929
  • World War I in Europe
  • Great Depression and Dust Bowl
  • World War II in Europe 1939–1942
  • World War II in the Pacific 1941–1945
  • Great Migration 1940–1970
  • Korean War
  • Cold War
  • Vietnam War
  • Persian Gulf War
  • A Shifting Population
  • Immigrants Sinve 1970

World History

  • New Babylonian Empire
  • Ancient Egypt
  • Chinese Dynasties
  • Ancient India
  • Athens and Sparta
  • Alexander’s Empire
  • Roman Empire
  • Barbarians and the Roman Empire
  • Silk Road and Eurasian Trade
  • Byzantine Empire
  • Charlemagne’s Frankish Empire and the Holy Roman Empire
  • Spread of Islam
  • World of the Crusades
  • China in the Middle Ages
  • Mongol Conquest
  • Rise and Fall of Shogun Japan
  • Exploration
  • Maya, Aztec, and Inca
  • European Exploration and Land Claims
  • African Empires and States
  • Rise of Ottoman Empire
  • Reformation and Counter Reformation
  • European Trading Empires
  • Rise and Fall of Mughal Empires
  • Independence in the Americas
  • Napoleon’s Europe
  • Europe After the Congress of Vienna
  • Africa Under Foreign Rule
  • World War I
  • World War II
  • Cold War
  • World Conflicts Since 1991

Texas

  • Spanish Explorers
  • Western Explorations
  • Trails West
  • War with Mexico
  • Indian Wars
  • Railroads & The West
  • Great Migration
  • population Loss and Growth
  • Native Americans in TX
  • Spanish Settlements
  • Republic of Texas
  • Energy Resources of TX
  • Texas Readiness Map
  • Texas Desk Map
  • Texas State Map