Classroom Content
Sphere provides educators with viewpoint diverse resources to bring conversations to the classroom and equip students to engage in civil discourse. Sphere offers lesson plans, discussion questions, videos, and publications on various topics for use in the classroom that are exclusively nonpartisan.
Collections
collection
Getting Started with Civil Discourse
This signature collection is crafted to enhance civil discourse in the classroom, through lessons, conversation frameworks, teacher tools, and explainers.
collection
Human Progress
This collection explores historical figures and cities who epitomize human progress and innovation worldwide. Students will examine influential individuals and places in science, art, and social reform, appreciating their transformative impact on shaping our world.
collection
Civil Discourse and Economics
This collection aims to cultivate critical thinking skills in students as they explore microeconomics and macroeconomics, examining the role of government in the economy through lessons that encourage analysis, evaluation, and understanding of economic principles and government interventions.
collection
Politics and Society
Politics and society are interconnected and shape our daily lives. Values and principles should steer decisions on healthcare, education, immigration, and national security. Fostering civil discourse amidst disagreement is important for constructive governance and social harmony.
collection
Civil Discourse and English Language Arts
This equips teachers with engaging lesson plans to promote respectful and inclusive discussions around literature, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and effective communication while exploring diverse perspectives and themes in literary works.
collection
Constitution and Law
Examine the Constitution’s principles and interpretation. How to balance personal freedoms with government intervention in areas such as health or national security? Consider the implications of constitutional amendments or law changes on rights and governance.
collection
Civil Discourse in Science and Technology
This collection is curated with lessons and resources that support the unique nature of civil discourse discussions in the science classroom. Lessons help students explore the intersection of the sciences, economics, public policy, and human progress.
collection
America’s 250th
Sphere Education Initiatives’ 250th collection integrates the study of civics across disciplines to help students identify, analyze, and evaluate the underpinnings of the founding principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence through the framework of civil discourse.
Modules from
module
Centers of Progress
This module explores the locations that have served as hubs for human progress and innovation throughout world history. Students will delve into the stories of significant cities and regions, examining their contributions in fields such as science, technology, arts, and governance, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of societies and the impact of key cultural and intellectual centers.
module
Heroes of Progress
This module explores people who have made extraordinary contributions to human wellbeing throughout world history. Students will delve into the stories of important individuals, examining their contributions in fields such as science, technology, arts, and governance, fostering a deep appreciation for innovation, openness, and curiosity.
Latest Lessons
Lesson
Centers of Progress, Part 27: Hong Kong (Non‐Interventionism)
In this article, Chelsea Follett explores the principles of economic freedom through the words of Sir John James Cowperthwaite, the British financial secretary who championed a hands‐off approach. Students will learn how limited government intervention helped turn Hong Kong from a poor colony into a global economic powerhouse.
Lesson
Strengths and Weaknesses in Global Trade
Comparative and Absolute Advantage
This lesson explores the economic concepts of comparative and absolute advantage through real‐world examples. Students will identify how countries specialize in producing certain goods and explain how this affects global trade, economic relationships, and resource consumption.
Lesson
Globalization Day 6
Optional Presentations
This lesson teaches high school students about global trade and government interventions by having them create multimedia presentations (20 slides at 20 seconds each) about chocolate production ingredients.
Lesson
Globalization Day 2
Reading about Comparative Advantage
Students will revisit concepts from the Spheradell globalization simulation in order to explore production possibilities, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage.
Lesson
Globalization Day 1
Comparative Advantage
Students will simulate interdependence by creating a special baked product important to the people of Spheradell.
Lesson
Globalization Day 4
Reading About Subsidies and Tariffs
After analyzing a historical political cartoon, students will read about government interventions in international trade and work together to analyze the costs and benefits of different trade interventions.
Lesson
Globalization Lesson 5
Trade Protectionism and Politics
Students will analyze political cartoons that illustrate the relationship between trade protectionism and democratic politics.
Lesson
Globalization Day 3
Barriers to Trade
This interactive economics lesson uses a simulation from the fantasy land of “Spheradell” to teach students about trade barriers (embargoes, quotas, standards, tariffs, and subsidies).
