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.
Understanding Social Systems as an Element of Setting
Students explore setting by analyzing the impact social systems can have on how individuals think, feel, and care about issues, choices, and actions.
![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)
Voice and Choice in Literature
Students analyze the voices and choices in a text in order to identify the perspectives that are represented.
![Female students raises her hand.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101532.jpg?h=2e5cdddf&itok=XcIu0If_)
Staging the Compelling Question
Students are introduced to the themes of the compelling question by exploring the concept of borders and learning about the Chinese Exclusion Act.
![Long border fence.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Long_border_fence_FH2185286.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=ouYCfOSu)
Supporting Question 1: The History of the Angel Island Immigration Station
Students explore the supporting question “How did the Angel Island Immigration Station both reflect and enforce borders within American society?”
![Captain examines passengers aboard the The Shimyo Maru vessel.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Examining_Passengers_Among_The_Shimyo_Maru_1931_FH2186864.jpg?h=d71efc7d&itok=qdqQhkml)
Supporting Question 2: The Impacts of Detention on Immigrants and Their Descendants
Students explore the supporting question “How did border enforcement at the Angel Island Immigration Station impact immigrants and their descendants?”
![Angel Island Immigration Station Graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Immigration_Station_Graphic_FH2185645.jpeg?h=76207c4d&itok=ATkcH65D)
Supporting Question 3: Navigating the Borders of National Belonging
Students explore the supporting question “How does the history of immigration through Angel Island help us understand how we create and challenge borders today?”
![Kala Bagai Way Banner](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Kala_Baigai_Way_Banner_Cropped_FH2186768.jpg?h=48f19a7c&itok=AB3iL2ea)
Civic Self-Portrait
Students reflect on the meaning of civic participation and create a self-portrait that helps them visualize the elements of being a civic agent.
![Picture of students writing in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Facing-History_SJLA_218.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QW12Ek9J)
Speaker Visit Checklist
This checklist provides guidance for thoughtfully hosting a witness-to-history guest speaker in your classroom.
Common Core Writing Prompts and Strategies: Civil Rights Historical Investigation
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This resource connects our Civil Rights Historical Investigations unit with writing prompts that align with the expectations of the Common Core State Standards.
![Common Core: Civil Rights Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/CommonCoreCivilRights_cvr.png?h=88ddef7e&itok=4J-1TEKp)
Democracy in Action: A Study Guide to Accompany the Film Freedom Riders
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Use this guide to the documentary film Freedom Riders to help students explore the stories of the brave activists who challenged segregation in the South in 1961.
![Democracy in Action: A Study Guide to Accompany the Film Freedom Riders](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Democracy_in_Action.jpg?h=50887407&itok=CFLQDGyp)
Examining the Holocaust and Human Behavior: 18-week Curriculum Outline
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Recommended for 8th and 10th grade, this outline provides an instructional pathway for middle school educators teaching the Holocaust.
Exploring Civil Rights and Migration: 18-week Curriculum Outline
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Recommended for 7th and 8th-grade, this outline provides an instructional pathway for middle school educators to teach an 18-week curriculum exploring membership, belonging, and the power of individual and collective choices.
![Students working together in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/20150813_TreyClark_0826.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=yhllecYr)