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.
Authoring My Identity
Students explore the costs and benefits of sharing aspects of their identities, discuss an informational text about “narrative identity,” and apply these concepts to their own lives in an original poem.
Introducing the Unit (UK)
Students will come together as a community of learners to develop a contract that establishes a safe, but challenging environment in their classroom.
Western Imperialism and Nation Building in Japan and China
Students are introduced to the history of Western imperialism in East Asia and its influence on the identities and ambitions of Japan and China.
![An Ukiyo-e of the Utagawa school depicting foreigners in Japan, including Russians, Dutch, British, Americans, French and Chinese. A closeup of the Dutch, Americans and Chinese in the center of the picture](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Foreign_nations_in_Japan.jpg?h=bb3745a7&itok=kNJq-Ev3)
Bearing Witness to the Nanjing Atrocities
Students confront the enormity of the crimes committed during the Nanjing atrocities by listening to survivor testimony.
![Survivors of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre pose for a photo during a ceremony in Nanjing on July 6, 2013.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/2013_SurvivorsoftheNanjingMassacre_FH131053.jpg?h=eb24755d&itok=rk1PRXzc)
Japanese Imperialism and the Road to War
Students examine sources that shed light on the underlying causes of the outbreak of World War II in Asia.
![Japanese marines during the Battle of Shanghai, 1937](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/1937_JapaneseMarinesDuringtheBattleofShanghai_FH282501.jpg?h=3777c4b7&itok=SGFks5bs)
Justice and Judgment after the Nanjing Atrocities
Students explore the complexities of achieving justice in the aftermath of mass violence and atrocities as they learn about the Tokyo Trials.
![Matsui Iwane stands on trial at the War Crimes court, receiving his death sentence from the court.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/1948_MatsuiIwaneatHisWarCrimesTrial_FH131021.jpg?h=bbc1e75b&itok=0OTyPqL2)
The Nanjing Atrocities: The Range of Responses
Students analyze the spectrum of choices available to individuals, groups, and nations during the Nanjing atrocities.
![Chinese citizens, and American and British visitors, evacuate Nanjing in preparation for an attack by the Japanese.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/IMAGE_33_5_EVACUATION_Medium_res.jpg?h=d9e3d5ec&itok=xyqP52So)
Why Identity Matters
Students reflect on how aspects of their identities are more visible or felt in certain situations and read an informational text to help them consider the interplay between individual identity and social identity.
Introducing Agency
Students explore the concept of agency, both in literature and in life, and examine the societal forces that play a role in an individual’s agency.
![Two Volta Elementary School students work at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101627.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Pd3sRqZO)
Agency, Choice, and Action
Students apply their thinking about power and agency to an analysis of four personal narrative essays written by young people.
![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)
The Power of Belonging
Students discuss the first half of Bethany Morrow’s short story “As You Were” and create character maps as a way of exploring the character of Ebony’s identity and sense of belonging in her school community.
![A student and teacher are in discussion.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101408.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=lIhPr3AR)