1. Among a group of peers, exchange definitions of an ”informed citizen,“ and discuss how classroom curriculum plays an important role in defining and molding informed citizens.

We seem to discuss producing "informed citizens" a lot as Social Studies teachers.  I for one am constantly amazed at how little students know about what is going on in the world.  If they don't get a tweet, a facebook post, or see it on the web they have no idea.  While we don't expect all of our students to be in the know, we strive to give them bits and pieces here and there.  For example; ISIS is not part of our US History standards (at the moment) but I regularly inform my classes of the latest news with this terrorist group because it does impact our nation.  Just want them to be aware...

I firmly believe that every Social Studies course we offer can produced better informed citizens.  From learning about different cultures, to learning how our government and economy work, to learning about the different stages of sleep (Psych).  We Social Studies teachers are known for taking a large amount of material and condensing it for the masses.  Thus, we then help get this info to the citizens (students) to inform them.