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.
#Ferguson Brought National Attention
A New York Times article addresses the role that social media played in rapidly bringing the events in Ferguson to national attention.
![Peaceful protestor speaks to police officer in Ferguson.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/2016_PoliceOfficerinFerguson_FH231304.jpg?h=f3a37c6e&itok=IhwjQkzh)
Hands Up, Don't Shoot! Built on a Lie
Washington Post journalist Jonathan Capehart documents how difficult it is, for journalists and consumers of news, to face a narrative that contradicts what we believe.
![Peaceful protestors march with signs in Ferguson.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Corbis-42-61291523.jpg?h=24afd704&itok=HjVF38TV)
“Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco
In this poem, Julio Noboa Polanco chooses to reject conformity and instead embrace and celebrate individuality.
![Photo of two students studying](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/SL_190523_0563.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=NRWd9CQS)
Why Do People Need to Belong?
This informational text about belonging explores why humans seek belonging and the positive and negative aspects of forming social groups.
![A student highlights a paper at their desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Roosevelt_Classroom_2017_FH260867.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Du27Tsuf)
“Rehearsal for the New World” Transcript
Students use this handout to read, analyze, and discuss the poem “Rehearsal for the New World”.
![A student writing on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LosAngeles_Classroom_2012_FH116208.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=HQXpFTSl)
Letter From Birmingham Jail
Read Martin Luther King, Jr.'s response to suggestions that his nonviolent demonstrations were unwise and untimely in these excerpts from his Letter from a Birmingham Jail.
![Dr. Martin Luther King leads thousands of civil rights demonstrators out on the last leg of their Selma to Montgomery 50-mile hike.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/1965_SelmaMontgomeryMarchLeadersandCrowd_FH227.jpg?h=b82ee7a4&itok=0U1Hgtmh)
Avoid Fueling Polarization When Taking Action
This reading contains excerpts from researcher Arthur Brooks about types of activism that move beyond “us” and “them” narratives.
![Students in classroom setting.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-05/6-1-22FacH10814.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=uFU4RoiQ)
The White Citizens Councils
Historian David Halberstam describes the White Citizens’ Councils and their efforts to actively oppose integration in the South in the 1950s.
![Man "White League" shaking hands with Ku Klux Klan member over shield illustrated with African American couple with dead(?) baby. In background, man hanging from tree.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/1874_WorseThanSlavery1874_FH140921.jpg?h=7fc8cdf2&itok=807BJ2Zj)
Being Well Born: New Civic Biology by George William Hunter
Read excerpts of George William Hunter’s book about the now-disproved idea that traits like intelligence and morality are handed down from generation to generation.
![Photograph of journal bindings in an anthropology library, showing the transition where Eugenics Quarterly was renamed to Social Biology in 1969.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/2006_EugenicsQuarterlytoSocialBiology_FH2169993.jpeg?h=73f03467&itok=V_UX5PAx)
“Payos for Cornrows” by Aaron Samuels
In this spoken-word poem, Aaron Samuels reflects on his experience with the identities of Black and Jewish.
![Student highlights paper](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/RooseveltHS-29.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=SdqH9A8X)
Maggid, The Four Children
Use this reading to introduce students to the Four Children featured in the Maggid, the storytelling section of a Passover Seder.