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
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.
collection
Getting Started with Civil Discourse
Learn how civil discourse can help you foster strong discussions and connections for your students. Explore our lessons, conversation frameworks, teacher tools, and explainers adaptable for all disciplines and grade levels to get started.
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.
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
Writs of Assistance
Students will explore the role the Writs of Assistance had in the American Revolution. This lesson is suitable for U.S. History and economics classes.
Lesson
The Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts
Students will explore the role economics had in the Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts had during the American Revolution. This lesson is suitable for U.S. History and economics classes.
Lesson
Lesson 3: The Rewrite
Now, you will invite students to share their thoughts and work collaboratively to rewrite the document using modern vernacular and lingo. This lesson is meant to provide students with a chance to make the Declaration relevant as they reinterpret it and make it their own.
Lesson
Lesson 2: The Breakdown—A Critical Reading
Now that students have built background knowledge on the historical circumstances surrounding the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, they will begin to examine the text itself.
Lesson
Lesson 1: Building Background
To critically analyze a historical text like the Declaration of Independence, students first need to build background knowledge. This lesson provides historical context through video, class notes, individual investigations, and team collaboration.
Lesson
Taxation, Quartering, and the American Revolution
Students will explore the role taxation had in the American Revolution. This lesson is suitable for U.S. History and economics classes.
Lesson
Using Poetry to Understand Others
In this lesson, students examine slam poetry performances that explore heritage, traditions, and cultural influences through the AWARE framework, analyzing how word choice and rhetoric reveal poets’ perspectives on relationships and identity formation.
Lesson
Using Poetry to Understand Society
Using the AWARE framework, students explore social commentary in music and slam poetry through works like “The Sound of Silence” and “Paper People” in order to analyze how artists critique societal behaviors and express perspectives on social issues through creative forms.
