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)
Western Imperialism and Nation Building in Japan and China
Students are introduced to the history of Western imperialism in East Asia and its influence on the identities and ambitions of Japan and China.
![An Ukiyo-e of the Utagawa school depicting foreigners in Japan, including Russians, Dutch, British, Americans, French and Chinese. A closeup of the Dutch, Americans and Chinese in the center of the picture](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Foreign_nations_in_Japan.jpg?h=bb3745a7&itok=kNJq-Ev3)
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)
Use Poetry To Teach About Identity
Celebrate National Poetry Month with this mini-lesson that uses poetry to help students grapple with the complexities of identity and inspire them to tell their own stories.
![Zoomed in photo of student writing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/118_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_113_for_Web_or_Office_Use.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=xdupak2M)
Introducing and Dissecting the Writing Prompt
Students begin to understand and stake out a preliminary position in response to the assessment writing prompt.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/111_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_116.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=TnPmRLpp)
Introducing Evidence Logs
After learning about the Armenian Genocide, students reflect on the writing prompt a second time by adding a historical lense.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/LosAngeles_Summit_2012_FH116200.jpeg?h=4997dc06&itok=1Eg7FyQv)
Adding to Evidence Logs, 1 of 4
Students incorporate new evidence from the history of the Weimar era into the position they are developing.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/111_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_116.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=TnPmRLpp)
Adding to Evidence Logs, 2 of 4
Students consider how what they've learned about the rise of the Nazi Party influences their thinking about the essay prompt and practice making inferences.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/111_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_116.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=TnPmRLpp)
Adding to Evidence Logs, 3 of 4
Students review the documents and videos from previous lessons and consider what information supports, expands, or challenges their thinking about the essay.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/111_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_116.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=TnPmRLpp)
Adding to Evidence Logs, 4 of 4
Students reflect on, gather evidence for, and discuss the unit writing prompt in its entirety.
![Facing History and Ourselves Bullying Summit September 29th 2012 in Los Angeles CA](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/111_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_116.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=TnPmRLpp)