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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Heroes of Progress, Part. 48: Frederick Douglass
In this lesson, students will learn the incredible story of Frederick Douglass, one of the leading human rights leaders of the 19th century. His actions and powerful words continue to inspire social justice movements advocating for equal rights for all.
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Rhetoric and Civil Discourse Extension Opportunities and Assessment Activities
This collection of assessment tools and extension activities offers creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of rhetoric and civil discourse through projects ranging from analytical essays to artistic representations and digital media creation. Through real‐world applications like podcast production, media analysis journals, and the design of civil conversation spaces, students can develop practical skills while synthesizing and deepening their knowledge of rhetorical concepts.
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Fair‐Minded Critical Thinking and Listening
This lesson teaches students the difference between fair‐minded and self‐interested critical thinking while developing practical skills for thoughtful listening. As they practice clarifying understanding and building on other’s perspectives, students learn to recognize their own listening patterns and engage productively with viewpoints different from their own.
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Rhetorical Listening
Using a visual metaphor, this lesson explores the idea of rhetorical listening as a spectrum of engagement styles, helping students understand that civil discourse requires more than simply hearing words. Through artistic analysis and practical listening activities, students will learn how different approaches to listening can affect one’s ability to communicate civilly in conversations with diverse perspectives.
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The Marketplace of Ideas
This lesson guides students in an exploration of the relationship between free speech, democratic discourse and the marketplace of ideas—laying the groundwork for understanding how thoughtful engagement with diverse viewpoints strengthens democratic society. As students examine several different judicial perspectives on free expression, they will also be considering their own responsibilities as both creators and consumers in the marketplace of ideas.
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The Burkean Parlor
This lesson draws from Kenneth Burke’s “parlor metaphor” and teaches students practical strategies for effectively entering and exiting challenging conversations. Using timed discussion activities about relevant issues, students will explore the dynamics of how to maintain civil conversations when engaging in discussions with diverse viewpoints.
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The ABCs of Rhetoric and Terministic Screens
This lesson uses a combination of visual activities, headline analysis, and scripted dialogue to guide students to understand how personal beliefs and “terministic screens” shape how we interpret the world around us. Students will learn to apply the ABC model in order to examine how different viewpoints can lead to varied interpretations of an event, developing skills for more thoughtful interactions with others.
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Rhetoric and Emotional Intelligence
Drawing from the wisdom of Epictetus, this lesson helps students understand the connection between effectively managing one’s emotions and adeptly using rhetoric in any situation. Through reflective journaling and analysis of real‐world situations, students will examine their interpersonal and intrapersonal rhetoric with the goal of engaging productively in civil discourse across different perspectives.
