Disrupting Public Memory: The Story of the National Day of Mourning
Breaking down the historically one-sided narrative about Thanksgiving in the US has been a decades-long effort, led by historians and Indigenous communities.
![The First Thanksgiving, 1621.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/The_First_Thanksgiving_BW_FH2185279.jpg?h=fbba1660&itok=dpPgVloR)
Supporting Question 4: Memory of the Founding
Students explore the supporting question "How should we remember the nation’s founding?"
![Washington DC, Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Building Southwest Pavilion. The Library has had an ongoing exhibition entitled "Thomas Jefferson's Library", which presents the Library's efforts to completely recreate Thomas Jefferson's personal library. The exhibit is located on the Building's second floor in the Southwest Pavilion, called the Pavilion of the Discoverers due to the paintings and bas-reliefs that adorn the space.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/2F36F1J.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=uc3dLkqF)
Activities to Connect and Celebrate at the End of the School Year
These six activities help students reflect on the past school year, celebrate their school community, and look ahead to what comes next.
![Two students in conversation with each other. Both appear to be joyful.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/FacingHistoryandOurselves_PressPhoto2_0.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=uUpzXtUW)
Reimagining School after COVID
This mini-lesson asks students to reflect on how education has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to propose changes they would like to see in schools when the pandemic ends.
![School hallway with lockers.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/iStock-1267107338_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=b5d63aee&itok=XtP85FT0)
Co-design Your Classroom with Your Students
This mini-lesson asks students to start the school year by designing their ideal learning space.
![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/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287162.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ipY6dvE3)
The Common Good in Times of Crisis
This mini-lesson invites students to explore how their actions and the actions of their leaders can help promote the common good in a time of crisis.
![Demonstrators stand in a crosswalk to protest climate change.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/2019_GlobalClimateStrikeActivists_FH2178688.jpg?h=5dcf5df9&itok=kLIXIfcm)
Own Your Impact: A High School Senior’s Reflections
Mark S. discovered Facing History through his high school leadership initiative, and in the process discovered a lot about himself and how he wants to walk through the world.
Haitian Migrants at the US–Mexico Border
This mini-lesson uses images and firsthand accounts of Haitian migrants to humanize the events happening at the US–Mexico border and give shape and nuance to the news.
![A group of adult and children migrants from Haiti stand in line to regularize their migratory situation.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/HaitianMigrantsinTijuana_FH2178689.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=84nyyZXu)
Reflecting on Climate Change and Ecological Grief
Use this mini-lesson to help students reflect on their emotional reactions to climate change, their connection to the natural world, and the power of collective action.
![Earth Day Young Climate Activists.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/AP_20107762919256_Medium_res.jpg?h=ffeece36&itok=nBqZ-xmX)
Mob Violence, Human Behavior, and the Capitol Insurrection
This mini-lesson on the Capitol insurrection invites students to reflect on how seemingly small choices made by individuals can contribute to larger acts of injustice and violence.
![January 6th 2021 Capitol Riot.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/RTX8KRI5_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=u6vuxxho)
Hardship and Hope: Teaching Amanda Gorman’s “New Day’s Lyric”
This mini-lesson invites students to analyze Amanda Gorman’s poem “New Day’s Lyric” and create a class poem about hope and collective action during challenging times.
![Amanda Gorman at the 2021 InStyle Awards At The Getty Center](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/GettyImages-1353568867_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=kEYjOlqQ)