Resource Library
Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
We are grateful to The Hammer Family Foundation for supporting the development of our on-demand learning and teaching resources.
![A group of high school students sit at desks in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/AdobeStock_254378868.jpg?itok=f6YAphey)
Introducing Our US History Curriculum Collection
Draw from this flexible curriculum collection as you plan any middle or high school US history course. Featuring units, C3-style inquiries, and case studies, the collection will help you explore themes of democracy and freedom with your students throughout the year.
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)
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)
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)
Staging the Compelling Question
Students are introduced to the themes of the compelling question by responding to a quote from James Baldwin that sparks their thinking about the complexities and contradictions within US history.
![Photo of student listening to student-led teaching session](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/SL_190522_0700%20%281%29.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=glf-JB3p)
Supporting Question 1: The Nation’s Founding Ideals
Students explore the supporting question "What does the Declaration of Independence state about the nation’s founding ideals?"
![United States Declaration of Independence](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/master-rbc-rbc0001-2004-2004pe76546-001%20%281%29.jpg?h=4ec2df74&itok=6j3UL0rd)
Supporting Question 2: Founding Ideals Versus Realities
Students explore the supporting question "What contradictions existed between the ideals and the reality of the founding of the United States?"
![Photo shows a group of African American slaves posed around a horse-drawn cart, with a building in the background, at the Cassina Point plantation of James Hopkinson on Edisto Island, South Carolina.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/service-pnp-ppmsca-39500-39590v.jpg?h=fd5c1401&itok=K1ckwjtu)
Supporting Question 1: The History of the Angel Island Immigration Station
Students explore the supporting question “How did the Angel Island Immigration Station both reflect and enforce borders within American society?”
![Captain examines passengers aboard the The Shimyo Maru vessel.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Examining_Passengers_Among_The_Shimyo_Maru_1931_FH2186864.jpg?h=d71efc7d&itok=qdqQhkml)
Supporting Question 3: Navigating the Borders of National Belonging
Students explore the supporting question “How does the history of immigration through Angel Island help us understand how we create and challenge borders today?”
![Kala Bagai Way Banner](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Kala_Baigai_Way_Banner_Cropped_FH2186768.jpg?h=48f19a7c&itok=AB3iL2ea)
Decorum and Sanctioning Representatives Jones, Pearson, and Zephyr
This mini-lesson helps students understand recent events in the Tennessee and Montana state legislatures and consider the implications of using rules of decorum to sanction state representatives.
![Expelled State Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, delivers remarks outside the state Capitol, in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 10, 2023. Pearson was sworn in, a week after he and state Rep. Justin Jones were banished for a gun control protest on the floor of the House, in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-05/Pictures_of_the_Week_North_America_Photo_Gallery_23103817958784.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=QhGMyfDr)