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.
Analyzing Assumptions
Using visual imagery, students identify assumptions in a text and in the real world, consider the consequences of those assumptions, and build awareness of their impact on individuals and the community.
![Students with Ken Garcia-Gonzalez.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Chicago_Ken_Garcia_Gonzalez_and_Students_2019_FH2101467.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=M-Z4dibP)
Anatomy of an Upstander
Students critically analyze the choices, risks, and rewards that are involved when they are called upon to be upstanders.
![Students sit in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Chicago_Classroom_Volta_Elementary_2019_FH2101703%20.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Wg29rCsD)
Asking Compelling Questions
Students engage in meaningful discussions with their peers about a text while using text-based evidence to support their thinking and making real-life connections to what they're reading.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking and gesturing](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_%20FH151349.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=DKqBQANg)
Research Three Ways
Students learn about the different ways of researching by choosing a historical or contemporary issue in the text that interests them.
![Picture of teacher and student.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/5-1-17FacH07560_Preview_0.jpeg?h=ec041e41&itok=O3NATqIk)
Responding to Unfairness and Injustice
Students develop the vocabulary to talk about the range of human responses to injustice and then apply these labels to their analysis of a work of literature.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Classroom_Activity_Equal.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=WwcLoZIk)
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_)
Supporting Question 4: Memory of the Founding
Students explore the supporting question "How should we remember the nation’s founding?"
![Washington DC, Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Building Southwest Pavilion. The Library has had an ongoing exhibition entitled "Thomas Jefferson's Library", which presents the Library's efforts to completely recreate Thomas Jefferson's personal library. The exhibit is located on the Building's second floor in the Southwest Pavilion, called the Pavilion of the Discoverers due to the paintings and bas-reliefs that adorn the space.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/2F36F1J.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=uc3dLkqF)
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)
Staging the Compelling Question
Students are introduced to the themes of the compelling question by responding to a quote from James Baldwin that sparks their thinking about the complexities and contradictions within US history.
![Photo of student listening to student-led teaching session](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/SL_190522_0700%20%281%29.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=glf-JB3p)
Supporting Question 1: The Nation’s Founding Ideals
Students explore the supporting question "What does the Declaration of Independence state about the nation’s founding ideals?"
![United States Declaration of Independence](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/master-rbc-rbc0001-2004-2004pe76546-001%20%281%29.jpg?h=4ec2df74&itok=6j3UL0rd)