The lesson plans in this unit take an in-depth look at the history of U.S. expansion and Indian policy, and present the voices and perspectives of Native Americans on the Lewis and Clark expedition. These materials offer an alternative viewpoint on an often-glorified era, and call attention to the dangers of ethnocentric and one-sided versions of history.
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about César Chávez, the strategies he used to create change for the migrant farm workers and to analyze and reflect on modern day civil rights and labor struggles.
Beyond Stigma and Stereotypes: What is Homelessness?
Lesson Plan
This middle school lesson provides an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of who is homeless, the reasons people become homeless and the ways in which homeless people are victims of violence and harassment. Students will also explore how, as a society, we stigmatize and stereotype people who are homeless.
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr.: Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Lesson Plan
This lesson provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to understand the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, learn about how hate escalates, connect the understanding of the escalation of hate with Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr.’s murders and consider what young people can do in their schools and communities to prevent hate crimes.
In celebration and memory of the life of Nelson Mandela, this lesson plan provides students the opportunity to learn, in several ways, about Nelson Mandela and his extraordinary life.
This lesson provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to reflect on their own opinions regarding student dress codes, identify school and students needs and perspectives and design their own dress codes that satisfy both student and school needs.
Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill: The Power of Symbols
Lesson Plan
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn about the sweeping changes in U.S. currency, analyze the role of symbols and their impact and articulate their own opinions about the importance of symbols and symbolic gestures in our society.
8 Ideas for Teaching National Hispanic Heritage Month
Lesson Plan
Eight ideas for honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month in your classroom. This list of K-12 activities helps students understand the Latino experience in its complexity, incorporating literature, history, art, civil rights, film, music and more.
Huddled Mass or Second Class? Challenging Anti-Immigrant Bias in the U.S.
Lesson Plan
This K-12 curriculum unithelps students understandthe experiences of immigrants and the negative effects of anti-immigrant bias, appreciate the integral role that immigrants have always played in U.S. life and what they can do to challenge discrimination on personal and institutional levels.
Through review and examination of videos, articles, data research and hashtag campaigns—#1000BlackGirlBooks and #WeNeedDiverseBooks, students learn about and discuss the importance of diverse literature.