The Hope and Fragility of Democracy in the United States
In this mini-lesson, students learn about the history of democratic and anti-democratic efforts in the United States and examine sources that illuminate this tension from Reconstruction through today.
Enacting Freedom
Students consider what it means to be free by learning about the choices and aspirations of freedpeople immediately after Emancipation.
![Black students standing outside in front of a clapboard school house](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Civil_Rights_1900_The_School_at_Pinehurst_Summerville_SC_FH2174932.jpg?h=539e276e&itok=BkLqdaXv)
The Legacies of Chinese Exclusion
Teach students about the Chinese Exclusions Act, an immigration law passed in 1882, and its lasting impact on attitudes toward citizenship and national identity in the United States today.
![The Legacies of Chinese Exclusion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chinese_Family1898_LOC_17886u_for_Web_or_Office_Use.jpg?h=6a263c61&itok=umnIvn5w)
Understanding #TakeaKnee and Athlete Activism
Explore the origin and legacy of the Take A Knee protest in the NFL, the significance of the more recent athlete boycotts, and the long history of athletes protesting racial injustice in the United States.
![Basketball Court with Athletes and American Flags.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/AP_20243625782990_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=Od4NR1jZ)
What Happened During the Insurrection at the US Capitol and Why?
This mini-lesson guides students to use an iceberg diagram to synthesize the events of January 6, 2021, and outline the complex array of causes at work.
![Photo from inside the capitol on January 6th.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/shutterstock_1888486645_full-res.jpg?h=781d8428&itok=E5Jj8lDn)
What Is Our Obligation To Asylum Seekers?
Help students understand how the United States’ complex asylum process works. Invite them to consider the question, who has an obligation to asylum seekers?
![Image for What Is Our Obligation To Asylum Seekers?.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/AsylumSeekers_RTX71YVX_teaser_0.png?h=24afd704&itok=v1j7-Aw5)
Why Do People Migrate?
In this mini-lesson, students reflect on stories of migration and learn about migration from El Salvador to the United States as a means of exploring the underlying factors that drive migration.
![Photo of Central American Migrants.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/WhyDoPeopleMigrate_RTX70WND_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=958cf23b&itok=KYhL_IVP)
Reflecting on George Floyd’s Death and Police Violence Towards Black Americans
This mini-lesson is a guide for teachers to begin conversations with their students about George Floyd’s death and the events that surround it.
![Image of people marching in a protest for George Floyd.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/GeorgeFloyd_2BWD3NW_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=A_f_D8bv)
The Power of Names
Students begin their study of Reconstruction by examining the relationship between the individual and society through an exploration of names.
![Survivors of slavery observe Juneteenth in hats, canes, and bonnets inAustin, TX](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Civic_Engagement_1900_Emancipation_Day_Celebration_FH21310.jpg?h=cb77d5da&itok=zICD1mG2)
Responding to Rising Antisemitism
Inform students about the rising number of antisemitic incidents in the United States and explore the story of one teacher’s response to an antisemitic incident involving high school students in her community.
![Photo antisemitism protesters marching over bridge.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/RisingAntisemitism_2AJTPW1_highres_-_Copy_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=RqIxUlwV)
Responding to the Insurrection at the US Capitol
This mini-lesson is designed to help guide an initial classroom reflection on the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol.
![Photo from January 6 Insurrection.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/GettyImages-1230453891_Medium_res.jpg?h=c4482f5d&itok=2V7uQTVL)