13 Teaching Ideas on Human Rights
During Universal Human Rights Month, in December, we invite you to use any of these Teaching Ideas grounded in social-emotional learning (SEL) that provide ample social and historical context while being concise and easy to integrate into your classroom conversations.
![Paper cut outs of face profiles in different skin tones.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/graphical_diversity_paper_faces_1894061167.jpeg?h=3a5dff94&itok=qAstbdWw)
Where Did the Word "Genocide" Come From?
Facing History informs readers on the history of the term "genocide."
![The term "genocide" is highlighted in a dictionary.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/genocide_dictionary_definition.png?h=a6c55029&itok=bw0cIvoy)
18 Teacher Resources on Native American History and Culture
Below are 18 resources that middle and high school teachers can turn to when developing lesson plans related to the roles of Native American peoples in American history and contemporary life. These resources include online exhibitions at the Smithsonian; the Smithsonian’s Native Knowledge 360° Educational Initiative; the work of the Mitchell and Hood Museums; and the growing work of Facing History in these thematic areas.
![Three members of the Sioux tribe pose in Indian Village, 1898.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Black%20Foot-Standing-Bear_Big_Eagle_Sioux_ca_1898.jpg?h=26ac82e5&itok=5rYHkhl2)
The Targeting of Uighur Muslims in China
Help students understand the Chinese government’s violations of Uighur people’s human rights, hear the voice of a young Uighur woman, and consider the international community's response.
![Two ethnic Uighur women pass Chinese paramilitary policemen](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/GettyImages-89015108.jpg?h=271dca7e&itok=dfBOIEgW)
Dismantling Democracy (UK)
Students examine the steps the Nazis took to replace democracy with dictatorship and draw conclusions about the values and institutions that make democracy possible.
![Germans look on as the Reichstag building burns on February 27, 1933.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_1933_ReichstagFire_%20FH229429.jpg?h=40d6a7d7&itok=PBcAxqXk)
Exploring Identity (UK)
Students identify the social and cultural factors that help shape our identities by analysing a story and creating personal identity charts.
![Hands raised in the air by group of people](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_2016_GroupBelonging_FH229369.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=O6H7UmzG)
The Holocaust - Bearing Witness (UK)
Students are introduced to the enormity of the crimes committed during the Holocaust and look closely at stories of a few individuals who were targeted by Nazi brutality.
![A crowd of women and children, some with Stars of David patches on their clothing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Ch09_Image02.jpg?h=991b0af6&itok=WRPl5J8e)
The Holocaust - The Range of Responses (UK)
Students deepen their examination of human behaviour during the Holocaust by analysing and discussing the range of choices available to individuals, groups, and nations.
![Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl, and Christoph Probst in June 1942.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_2016_WhiteRoseResistanceGroup_FH229473.jpg?h=dfc3751c&itok=BjXT-amv)
How Should We Remember? (UK)
Students both respond to and design Holocaust memorials as they consider the impact that memorials and monuments have on the way we think about history.
![In Kassel, Germany, artist Horst Hoheisel created a “counter-memorial” marking the site where a majestic fountain built by a Jewish citizen once stood; it had been destroyed by Nazis in 1939.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Ch11_image15_Medium_res.jpg?h=c6d0d1c4&itok=Gb3MH30L)
Introducing the Unit (UK)
Students will come together as a community of learners to develop a contract that establishes a safe, but challenging environment in their classroom.
Justice and Judgement after the Holocaust (UK)
Students grapple with the meaning of justice and the purpose of trials as they learn how the Allies responded to the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
![Criminal proceedings before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg from 20.11.1945 to 1.10.1946 against leading persons prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against the peace and against the humanity.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-V01057-3%2C_NuI%CC%80%CB%86rnberger_Prozess%2C_Angeklagte_Medium_res.jpg?h=eb24755d&itok=BXfLmrsX)