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: The Reconstruction Era and the Fragility of Democracy
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This resource guides students through a deep exploration of the pivotal era of American history when a nation divided by slavery and war was challenged to rebuild.
Barometer
In this classroom video, middle school students learn how to participate in a Barometer activity during the first week of school.
![](/sites/default/files/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_1473.jpg)
Contracting
In this classroom video, a middle school teacher leads his class through the contracting process during the first week of school and students discuss expectations and norms of how class members will treat each other.
![](/sites/default/files/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_1474.jpg)
Identity Charts
In this classroom video, students create identity charts about themselves as they prepare to write narrative essays.
![](/sites/default/files/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_1447.jpg)
Introducing Universe of Obligation in an English Language Arts Classroom
In this classroom video, an English language arts teacher introduces the idea of a “universe of obligation."
![](/sites/default/files/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_913.jpg)
Free and Fair Elections
This Explainer describes the standards that governments need to meet before, during, and after an election to ensure that the election is "free and fair."
![A line of U.S. voters submitting their ballots behind privacy screens.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Midterm_Elections_high-res_AP_17307716664453__Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=qQHpMtyK)
White Nationalism
This Explainer is intended to describe key characteristics of the white nationalist ideology and clarify some of the terms surrounding it. It is important to note that many of the beliefs described here are based on false and dangerous assumptions.
![Overhead image of candlelight vigil.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Candlelight_Vigil_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=8VNp3isr)
Political Polarization in the United States
This Explainer defines the term political polarization and provides information on how it impacts US politics and society.
![Abstract red, white, and blue painting with thick brush strokes.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/PoliticalPolarization_full-res.jpg?h=5eef411c&itok=dyNgzenB)
Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter?
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The ideas and tools in this guide will help you prepare students to engage in reflective conversations on topics that matter.
![Student art on the topic of "we choose"](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/we_chose_ctp_344330005_o.jpg?h=c6d0d1c4&itok=r8HMDWBE)
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)
Fostering Civil Discourse (South Africa version)
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This guide provides strategies designed to help you navigate these challenging times and support your students to develop effective skills for participation in the classroom and the wider community.
![Students working at a table](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/DSC08346.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=73MsimsB)