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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Modules from
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Centers of Progress
This module explores historical hubs of human progress and innovation. Students will study significant cities, examining their contributions in science, technology, arts, and governance, fostering appreciation for cultural interconnectedness.
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Heroes 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.
Latest Lessons
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Exploring the 10 Most Common Issues in Presidential Elections
In this two day lesson, explore and analyze the significance of 10 common issues that arise during Presidential elections.
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Exploring Different Methods of Voting
This lesson will help students compare and contrast different voting methods to understand their process.
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Exploring Alternatives to the Electoral College
In this lesson, students will learn to explain the purpose of the electoral college and explore alternatives that have been proposed over time through a group activity.
Publication
Parent Email: Teaching Election Topics with Respect and Reason
Utilize this template to inform parents about election topics you will be discussing and how they can support their child.
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Birmingham Letter Extensions
Utilize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s Birmingham Letter as an extension to the lessons in this unit.
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OpenStax America Government 3e Optional Text Reading
The OpenStax American Government 3e textbook complements unit lessons with suggested chapters, pairing summaries, and an annotation guide, supporting varied curriculum needs and student reading levels.
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Mass Supervision, Probation, Parole, and Excessive Fines
Students will explore the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, focusing on civil liberties and rights related to mass surveillance and how new technologies impact criminal procedure.
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Prosecutorial Discretion, Progressive Prosecutors, and Prosecutorial Misconduct
Students will analyze and evaluate the extent to which prosecutorial discretion and progressive prosecutors protect and promote the virtue of citizens.