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.
Common Core Writing Prompts and Strategies Links
Find all of the readings, videos, and online tools referenced in our three Common Core Writing Prompts and Strategies supplements.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101328_teaser.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=QIVmtf4N)
Totally Unofficial: Raphael Lemkin and the Genocide Convention
This unit explores the legacy of Raphael Lemkin, who coined the word "genocide" and drafted the Genocide Convention. A study of Lemkin's work helps students understand traditional world history themes such as sovereignty, diplomacy, and law; as well as deepen students’ understanding of political responses to mass violence.
![1950 --- International lawyer Raphael Lemkin helped draft the Genocide Convention, which maps out prevention and punishment for the crime of genocide](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/U1133580INP_Medium_res.jpg?h=478e0a8d&itok=MAYHZy-W)
Power, Agency, and Voice
Designed for students in grades 11-12, this text set includes lesson plans and multi-genre texts for a 1–2 week unit exploring the essential question, "How do I empower myself to speak up and take action on behalf of myself and others?”
![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)
Policing and the Legacy of Racial Injustice
This series of mini-lessons is designed to help students think critically about the long and troubling history between law enforcement and Black Americans.
![Police officer monitoring protestors on motorcycle.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/MainPage_shutterstock_1804164265_full-res.jpg?h=790be497&itok=5EejqK6G)
We the People: Expanding the Teaching of the US Founding
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question "How do we reckon with a history full of complexities and contradictions?"
![Outside of the classroom view of students and teacher.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/5-1-17FacH07068.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=0r6yJiZ2)
Developing Student Agency through History and Literature: Middle School Curriculum
Lead middle school students in an 18-week study of identity, membership and belonging, and civic participation through analysis of historical case studies and literature.
![High school students writing in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/_O5A1295_0.jpg?h=b69e0e0e&itok=FK45gLAF)
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War
These lesson plans use the Ken Burns’ documentary "Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War" to explore what motivated Waitstill and Martha Sharp to help refugees.
![Picture of Martha and Waitstill Sharp](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Defying_the_Nazis_banner_new_for_Web_or_Office_Use.jpg?h=96b73c84&itok=SAlIA7T0)
Angel Island Immigration Station: Exploring Borders and Belonging in US History
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question “How does the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station help us understand how borders are erected, enforced, and challenged?”
![Immigrants arriving at Angel Island.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Immigrants_Arriving_At_Angel_Island_1911_FH2186765.jpg?h=d1f0e8ce&itok=6TRmkYH9)
Democracy and Current Events
This toolkit provides lessons and strategies for helping your students make sense of issues in the news related to democracy.
![Young women voting at the polls.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/iStock-1001754940.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=XzukiFzx)
Confronting Online Antisemitism
Use these resources to help students recognize and address online antisemitism.
![Children Using Mobile Phones](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/iStock-1170685355.jpg?h=362840a8&itok=aTfSjjeP)
Democracy and Freedom: US History Capstone Project
This capstone project invites students to reflect on their own role in a democracy in light of what they’ve learned about freedom and democracy in US history.
![Two colorful hands reaching towards one another](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/iStock-1257176924.jpg?h=1bdf24e3&itok=VBCv6OBs)
From Fitting In to Belonging: Understanding the Forces That Shape Belonging
Designed for students in grades 7 and 8, this text set includes lesson plans and multi-genre texts for a two-week unit exploring the essential questions, “What are the forces that shape belonging? How can we reduce barriers to belonging for ourselves and others?”
![Students eating together](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/Facing-History_SJLA_184.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=saVDWo2D)