Introducing Ideas This Week
Welcome! We've created a list to help you explore the best of what we have to offer. It covers topics including educator competencies, classroom resources, inspiring stories, and more.
![Picture of teacher in classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/2019_UK_Classroom_FH2177573.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Zs3pE68x)
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)
Supporting Question 2: Founding Ideals Versus Realities
Students explore the supporting question "What contradictions existed between the ideals and the reality of the founding of the United States?"
![Photo shows a group of African American slaves posed around a horse-drawn cart, with a building in the background, at the Cassina Point plantation of James Hopkinson on Edisto Island, South Carolina.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/service-pnp-ppmsca-39500-39590v.jpg?h=fd5c1401&itok=K1ckwjtu)
Why We Remember Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) (UK)
Kristallnacht is a stark reminder of the violence that can occur when antisemitism is left unchallenged.
![Torn apart shelves and damage in the department store Uhlfelder in Munich during Kristallnacht.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-12/Bundesarchiv_Bild_119-2671-07%2C_Mu%CC%88nchen%2C_Kaufhaus_Uhlfelder%2C_Zersto%CC%88rungen.jpg?h=0429cc9e&itok=x4NOC_DW)
Post-Viewing: Responding to Hate in Our Communities Today
Students begin to relate Schindler's List to the contemporary world by examining recent stories of racial hatred in Charlottesville and Germany.
![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)
Post-Viewing: Building a Toolbox against Hate
Students create a "toolbox" of the skills, attitudes, and actions that are necessary to respond to and prevent hatred from taking hold in their communities.
![Picture of high school students collaborating in the library.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-12/facing-history-sf-drew-bird-a-162.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=o32EbRi4)
Exploring The U.S. and the Holocaust, a Film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein
On-Demand
Virtual
Join us for a special discussion of three-part documentary series The U.S. and the Holocaust, featuring director Sarah Botstein.
![Boston Educator Attends an Event (FH153301).](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-02/Boston_Educator_Attends_Event_FH153301.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=uvRqEJZy)
The Audacity of a Vote: Susan B. Anthony’s Arrest
Students explore Susan B. Anthony's choice to vote illegally in the 1872 presidential election by analyzing her speech “Is It a Crime For Women to Vote?”.
![Seated portrait of women's voting rights advocate Susan B. Anthony.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Ch02_Image05.png?h=498cfac0&itok=w8RpswXr)
Responding to the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Use this mini-lesson to help students learn about who is impacted by the earthquake and what individuals, organizations, and governments can do to help.
![Picture of Aftermath Of The Deadly Earthquake In Kahramanmaras.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-02/RTSG076X%20%281%29.jpg?h=15d58d62&itok=KXnIqORA)