By the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement was growing in the U.S. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. employed non-violent methods of protesting. On February 1, 1960 students in Greenville, NC engaged in a new peaceful tactic, a sit-in. This launched a wave of sit-ins across the country. In this lesson, students will hear about the circumstances that unfolded that day and hits impact on the country.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
In a partnership with the National Constitution Center, Khan Academy talked to constitutional scholars about ten of the most significant Supreme Court cases in history. Teachers can use this lesson as a supplemental resource during their Supreme Court unit to show how constitutional scholars can debate the outcomes of Supreme Court cases, as well as the impact these cases have had on the United States.
Civics in Real Life
Civics in Real Life is a simple-to-use resource that ties in to what’s going on today. On this page, updated regularly through the school year, you will find concise resources that explore a civics concept or idea connected to current events. Simply click on the resource to download the PDF and share with your students!
‘Speech Is More Than Speaking’
“Speech Is More Than Speaking” is a We The Future Contest winner for Best Short Film by Jacob VanDerwerken. What is Freedom of Speech if you cannot speak? Using American Sign Language, Jacob VanDerwerken explains the First Amendment’s Freedom of Speech is not just verbal language. This video is a discussion starter for students and adults.
Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Amendment
This lesson looks at the historical context of women’s suffrage, tactics used in the movement and different perspectives of the suffrage movement. Students will view C-SPAN video clips to learn about the suffrage movement and evaluate the tactics used.
Pride Month and LGBTQ History Month Lesson Plans & Resources
Whether celebrating Pride Month in June or recognizing accomplishments during October’s LGBTQ history month, this curated collection has resources to help make learning more inclusive. Students who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual and allies) face bullying at significantly higher rates than their peers and the consequences are heartbreaking. Dedicated educators have an extraordinary opportunity each day to create a safe and welcoming environment for children who come through their doors. Explore this collection of our best prek-12 free lessons, activities and resources to make a difference in supporting LGBTQ students in your school and community.
Anti-Semitism and Addressing Hate
Senseless, violent acts of bigotry happen way too often in the United States. This Share My Lesson collection contains free K-12 lesson plans and resources on the rise of anti-semitism and addressing racism, with additional collections on helping children cope with traumatic events, gun violence, mental health and why remembering and teaching about the Holocaust is imperative.
Teaching About Race and Racism
The Share My Lesson team has curated a collection of free lesson plans and resources to support teachers in educating students about racism and stereotyping. This collection includes resources connected to the events in Charlottesville, VA, in 2017, as well as in-depth activities for students to explore racism, stereotyping, perceptions and bias, as well as racial profiling. These resources can assist in making classrooms safe places for civil discourse.
Teach Human Rights: Lesson Plans & Resources
The historical struggle for human rights is something that affects us, our children, and future generations as we fight for equity and inclusion in an increasingly torn society. It can also be difficult to speak with students about sensitive subjects, which is why this Share My Lesson collection provides expertly curated lesson plans, resources, and activities that define these rights, develop a global awareness, and teach how we can all make a difference when we act together.
American Slavery Lesson Plans: Teaching Hard History
If you are lesson planning for the school year, or getting ready to celebrate Juneteenth — the June 19 holiday recognizing the abolition of slavery — this Share My Lesson collection has what you need to teach preK-12 students the history of American slavery. This preK-12 lesson and activity curated collection is in response to a Southern Poverty Law Center report, “Teaching Hard History: American Slavery,” that shows that schools are failing to teach American Slavery. This collection of resources features some of our partner and users’ best material to ensure schools and teachers have the support they need to teach about the history of American slavery.