C‑SPAN Bus Opens its Doors to Therrell High School Social Studies Students

Lafayette Sampson, a ninth grade student at D.M. Therrell High School, is camera ready inside the C-SPAN Bus, rolling through the south for the Top Teachers Tour.

C-SPAN’s 45-foot motor coach is rolling through the south for its Top Teachers Tour, visiting educators selected by their state social studies associations for their leadership in the field and/or innovative use of C-SPAN Classroom.

On Dec. 10, the C-SPAN Bus open its doors to engage D.M. Therrell High School social studies students. The high-tech, interactive bus features 11 large-screen tablets that contain political and educational resources, a smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers, a high-definition TV production studio for taped and live programming, a Washington, D.C.-themed selfie station, and a 360-degree video station with unfiltered coverage of high-profile events and behind-the-scenes tours of U.S.landmarks.

Shannon Augustus, C-SPAN marketing representative, says the tour gives students the opportunity to learn about C-SPAN as a credible, academic resource – particularly when writing research papers.

“I learned that C-SPAN is a good resource for those who are reaching the age to vote,” said Lafayette Sampson, a ninth grader. “It’s a good source for expanding your knowledge on political issues.”

Doug Hemmig, C-SPAN community relations and marketing representative, also took the opportunity to talk to teachers and students about StudentCam, C-SPAN’s documentary competition that awards a total of $100,000 in prize money. This year’s theme – “What does it mean to be American?” – asks students to choose a constitutional right, national characteristic or historic event and explain how it defines the American experience. All eligible entries must be submitted by midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) at the end of the day on Sunday, January 20. Click here to learn more.

Since 1993, a C-SPAN Bus has traveled across the nation visiting schools and community events in partnership with C-SPAN’s cable and satellite providers. The Atlanta Public Schools visit was made possible by Comcast.

Eleventh graders Emily Fears and Janyah Morton appear to be budding journalists in the making, as they reenact an interview segment on board the C-SPAN Bus.
Eleventh graders Emily Fears and Janyah Morton appear to be budding journalists in the making, as they reenact an interview segment on board the C-SPAN Bus.