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.
We the People: Expanding the Teaching of the US Founding
This 5-7 day C3-aligned inquiry explores the compelling question "How do we reckon with a history full of complexities and contradictions?"
![Outside of the classroom view of students and teacher.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/5-1-17FacH07068.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=0r6yJiZ2)
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)
Democracy and Current Events
This toolkit provides lessons and strategies for helping your students make sense of issues in the news related to democracy.
![Young women voting at the polls.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/iStock-1001754940.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=XzukiFzx)
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)
Supporting Question 2: Defining Democracy
Students explore the supporting question, “What can democracy mean in the United States?”
![Definition of Democracy](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/iStock-531943280.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=juTZbmTu)
Supporting Question 3: Using Democratic Tools to Pursue Freedom
Students explore the supporting question, “How have people used the tools of democracy to fight for their freedoms in the United States?”
![Supporters of the Grape Boycott demonstrate in Toronto, Ontario, December, 1968. Jessica Govea is in the center, front row (wearing poncho).](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/UnitedFarmworkers.jpg?h=deb88887&itok=22kEDdQ_)
Summative Assessment & Taking Informed Action
Students culminate their arc of inquiry into the meaning of democracy and freedom by completing a C3-aligned Summative Performance Task and Taking Informed Action activities.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101328.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=jx_VbaVP)
Introducing Freedom Dreams: Culminating Lesson
Students create a definition for “freedom dreaming” and are introduced to the prompt for the “My Freedom Dream” capstone project.
![Langston Hughes](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/NPG_72_82_Hughes_resized.jpg?h=4d2e25f8&itok=cDk9z6sl)
Exploring the Freedom Dreams of Past Generations: Culminating Lesson
Students analyze how the people and groups they studied in US history pursued their freedom dreams.
![People marching from Selma to Montgomery](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/900px-Selma_to_Montgomery_Marches.jpg?h=d01a05a4&itok=AvjXCyS9)
Enacting Freedom Dreams: Culminating Lesson
In this culminating lesson, students explore how present-day people are enacting freedom dreams and consider what kind of civic actor they want to be.
![An educator stands at the head of a table filled with students in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/2017_classroomimage_FH256889_3200_1600_3.png?h=b7ec06ca&itok=R-YT_W1W)
“My Freedom Dream” Capstone Project
Students expand on the learning they have gained in their year-long study of US History to develop and share their own “freedom dream.”
![Students in class](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/SL_190522_0713.jpg?h=a49d782d&itok=GbpachDa)