Resource Library
Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
We are grateful to The Hammer Family Foundation for supporting the development of our on-demand learning and teaching resources.
![A group of high school students sit at desks in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/AdobeStock_254378868.jpg?itok=f6YAphey)
Introducing Our US History Curriculum Collection
Draw from this flexible curriculum collection as you plan any middle or high school US history course. Featuring units, C3-style inquiries, and case studies, the collection will help you explore themes of democracy and freedom with your students throughout the year.
Supporting Question 2: Defining Democracy
Students explore the supporting question, “What can democracy mean in the United States?”
![Definition of Democracy](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/iStock-531943280.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=juTZbmTu)
Supporting Question 3: Using Democratic Tools to Pursue Freedom
Students explore the supporting question, “How have people used the tools of democracy to fight for their freedoms in the United States?”
![Supporters of the Grape Boycott demonstrate in Toronto, Ontario, December, 1968. Jessica Govea is in the center, front row (wearing poncho).](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/UnitedFarmworkers.jpg?h=deb88887&itok=22kEDdQ_)
Contracting for Back to School
Develop a classroom contract to create a brave and reflective community of mutual respect and inclusion.
![Students in classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Students_In_Classroom_2019_FH2101711.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=88A4tcOe)
Building Connections with Concentric Circles
Students build connections with their peers by sharing small details about themselves in paired discussion.
![Uniformed students work together in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101464.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=eqY000u8)
Create a Goal and Discover Your “Why”
This student goal-setting activity helps students set SMART personal goals for the school year and discover their source of motivation.
![Student raising hand while seated at desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/5-1-17FacH07288.jpg?h=99fc88d3&itok=hU3cnDTF)
Staging the Compelling Question
Students explore the compelling question, “How can we make real the ideals of democracy and freedom?”
![Student and teacher in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/Community_Teach_In_FH2185452.jpeg?h=ddfec3f4&itok=gg3IvWas)
Supporting Question 1: Defining Freedom
Students explore the supporting question, “What can freedom mean in the United States?”
![Norman Rockwell, The Saturday Evening Post March 13, 1943](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Freedom_from_fear.png?h=8f326fd3&itok=hJMGduZU)
Café Conversations
Students practice perspective-taking by representing the point of view of an assigned personality in a small-group discussion.
![Five students sit around a table in discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101461.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=UwjT0kqz)
Café Conversations (UK)
Students practice perspective-taking by representing the point of view of an assigned personality in a small-group discussion.
![Five students sit around a table in discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101461.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=UwjT0kqz)
Assigning Roles for Group Work
Make your students’ group work more effective by giving each member a specific role to fill.
![Four students at their desks, working in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101383.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=spLBW7yj)
Think-Pair-Share
Think-Pair-Share activities facilitate thoughtful group discussions by having students first reflect individually and discuss their ideas with a partner.
![Two students talking in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_%20FH151324.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=VDhPgu6s)