Dr. Elizabeth M. Waters, Director of Cooper’s STEM Outreach, has collaborated with Lesley University and the Inquiring Minds Institute on a recent publication in the Oregon Journal of the Social Studies (Vol. 9 No.1). 

The publication, “Grow Good Citizens: Educating for Civic Hearts and Minds in a Complex Democracy,” outlines how educators can guide the development of civic values, civic-mindedness, and, ultimately, the civic heart of a child. The developmental framework lays the groundwork to recognize and employ small learning moments beginning in early childhood and continuing through high school when values are in conflict and students are ready to grapple with the complexities of democracy.

“I'm excited by this work as it lays out a framework for educators to develop learning environments that support curiosity and civic engagement,” Waters shares, “It's not curriculum- the students don't need to change- rather the adults practice recognizing and elevating opportunities to use teachable moments. Recognizing the child’s voice and perspective during challenging situations gives them agency and allows them opportunities to practice skills needed in a democracy.”

Co-authors on the recent publication includes Dr. Patricia Crain de Galarce, Associate Dean of Lesley University; DK Holland, designer/writer and Co-Founder of Inquiring Minds Institute; and Teresita Galarce Crain, journalist currently working on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”

You can read the full publication here.