Resources for Civic Education in Massachusetts
Explore resources that meet the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework.
![Students working in groups in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2017_FH256875.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ZaNxWg2h)
Angel Island Immigration Station: Exploring Borders and Belonging in US History
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question “How does the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station help us understand how borders are erected, enforced, and challenged?”
![Immigrants arriving at Angel Island.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Immigrants_Arriving_At_Angel_Island_1911_FH2186765.jpg?h=d1f0e8ce&itok=6TRmkYH9)
Discussing Contemporary Islamophobia in the Classroom
This unit is designed to help students in the UK reflect on how Islamophobia manifests in contemporary society and what needs to be done to challenge it.
![Students participating in a discussion.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/High_School_Students_Classroom_2015_FH137533.jpg?h=1116cd87&itok=W0ZFmcjY)
Media and Strategies for Teaching Enrique’s Journey
Find all of the digital resources you need to use the Teaching Enrique's Journey guide.
![Cropped Enriques Journey Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Enriques_Journey_card.jpeg?h=24afd704&itok=mdxEup0d)
Developing Media Literacy for Well-being, Relationships and Democracy
Teach students about media literacy, helping them develop as critical consumers and creators of information, in order to support their well-being, their relationships and our democracy.
![A teacher helps students during class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/2020_DSC04333_FH2122257_teaser.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=QfWGU4nH)
From Fitting In to Belonging: Understanding the Forces That Shape Belonging
Designed for students in grades 7 and 8, this text set includes lesson plans and multi-genre texts for a two-week unit exploring the essential questions, “What are the forces that shape belonging? How can we reduce barriers to belonging for ourselves and others?”
![Students eating together](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/Facing-History_SJLA_184.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=saVDWo2D)
Back to School: Building Community for Connection and Learning
These back-to-school activities and teacher resources will help you lay a foundation for a reflective and caring community at the start of the school year.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LA_ClassroomImage_2018_FH287148.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=lbbZPe6H)
Activities for the First Days of School
These first-week-of-school activities create welcoming learning environments that prioritize care, relationships, and community.
![Students sit around a table working on a big paper activity while receiving feedback from an educator.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_StudentDiscussion_FH287359.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=jnyJGnz9)
Establishing Opening and Closing Routines
These opening and closing classroom routines will set a welcoming tone, allow students to connect with one another, and encourage goal setting.
![Two students in conversation while looking down at a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_ClassroomImage_2017_FH256365.png?h=2992ba0a&itok=w8q-uOp9)
Identity and Storytelling
Designed for students in grades 9-10, this text set includes lesson plans and multi-genre texts for a 1–2 week unit exploring the essential question, "What makes me, me?"
Contracting and Re-Contracting in the New Year
Elizabeth Carroll, New England Program Director at Facing History, explores the value of contracting and re-contracting in January each year.
![Photo of students smiling in class with a teacher](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/students_smiling_class_teacher_photo.png?h=a6c55029&itok=m-jGZ2IZ)