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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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.
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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.
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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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Centers of Progress, Part 8: Rome (Roads)
This lesson invites you to examine Roman engineering feats, including roads, bridges, aqueducts, sewers, and concrete, and how this infrastructure enabled state‐building, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange that still affect our lives today.
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Honorable mention
Jill Patel
Jill Patel is a junior at Fred J. Page High School in Tennessee, passionate about politics and its effect on community and society. Outside the classroom, she enjoys tennis and piano. Her Sphere alumni teacher, Ansley Cribbs, teaches APUSH at Page High School with 8 years of experience and was awarded a Sphere Fellowship in 2024.
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Honorable mention
Renee Oh
Renee Oh is a senior at Osseo Senior High School in Minnesota — a violinist in the Minnesota All‐State Orchestra, Speech Team Captain, and National Scholastic award‐winning digital artist. She plans to major in philosophy and pursue policymaking. Her Sphere alumni teacher, Megan Thompson, teaches social studies and dual enrollment courses at Osseo, and consults with the National Constitution Center and Sphere Education Initiatives.”
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Honorable mention
Luke McKenna
Luke McKenna is a junior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, planning to pursue STEM studies with a passion for how emerging technologies can shape the future. His Sphere alumni teacher, Kelly Guffey, has taught Government and Economics for 22 years and is passionate about civil discourse and viewpoint diversity.
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Honorable mention
Anton Max Milevsky
Anton Max Milevsky is a junior at West Campus High School in California, currently enrolled in three AP classes while developing his writing skills through school journalism. He aspires to a career in Urban Planning with deep interests in democracy, the environment, and economic equality. His Sphere alumni teacher, Janet Mann, is a 34‐year education veteran and fellow with both iCivics and the California Global Education Project.
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Second place winner
Kilian Byrnes
Kilian Byrnes is a freshman from Florida involved in competitive swimming, golf, and debate. She is committed to using her pursuit of excellence to serve others and make a meaningful impact in her community. Her Sphere alumni teacher, Mark Bruno, teaches Middle Social Studies at St. James Cathedral School in Orlando and is a Sphere Alumni Fellow.
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First place winner
Pierce Kaeferle
Pierce Kaeferle, class of 2028 at Gateway Regional High School in New Jersey, balances three sports and numerous clubs alongside rigorous AP coursework. He plans to attend the United States Naval Academy as a Naval Architect. His Sphere alumni teacher, Amanda Warrington, has taught United States History at Gateway for eleven years.
Lesson
Women in the American Revolution: The Story of Esther de Berdt Reed
In this lesson, students explore the life of Esther de Berdt Reed, who published “The Sentiments of an American Woman” and led a major fundraising effort for American troops during the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her compassion inspired collective action while practicing evidence‐based discussion and writing skills.
