The U.S. History Toolkit is a searchable database designed to connect Michigan K-12 social studies teachers and leaders with existing resources to support “teaching of the full and complex American history across subject areas including the histories of communities of color and other marginalized communities.” Public Act 119 of 2023
Many thanks to the many people and organizations who enabled this toolkit to exist and for their continued work to make it a living document, hopefully for years to come.
Teaching resources, such as lesson and unit plans, are connected to the Michigan K-12 academic standards. All plans are social studies and some interdisciplinary. Click on each resource for a complete list of related standards.
For more information on how resources are included and future goals of the project, please visit About the U.S. History Toolkit.
Have great resources? Want to connect with, learn from, or support other K-12 teachers? Please visit our Teachers Supporting Teachers page.
Begin exploring the toolkit resources below, or use the search bar to search for specific content.
-
This Land is Our Land Inquiry Unit: "How did (does) Europeans’ view of land impact their (our) relationship and interactions with Indigenous peoples?"
From the unit overview: "In addressing the compelling question, How did (does) the Europeans’ view of land impact their (our) relationships with Indigenous peoples?, students go beyond a chronological understanding of historical events of Michigan history and instead consider the belief systems motivating these events on a larger scale. Students analyze how Europeans’ view of land impacted their relationship with Indigenous peoples as they: 1. Investigate the Indigenous and European perspectives on land. 2. Analyze how these differences influenced the complexity of the interactions with one another for better or worse. 3. Examine the change and continuity of these relationships by analyzing current events." HTK Note: This unit was created with 3rd graders in mind; however, since it could be easily adapted, we have included 5th, 6-8 grade standards below. -
How To Celebrate and Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Paul Flores IV (Apache) details ways to include Indigenous knowledges, histories, and cultures into your teaching, especially if you do not identify as Indigenous. Flores says in paragraph 3, and we want to hilight: "It’s important to approach topics related to Indigenous peoples with thoughtfulness and care, as many of these subjects can be quite sensitive. Previewing any content before showing your class is recommended to make sure it’s presented in a respectful, culturally appropriate manner. By making the effort to learn directly from Native voices, you can gain invaluable insights into the vibrant, living cultures that have inhabited this land for millennia and participate in the important work of honoring and preserving these irreplaceable traditions." -
The LGBTQ+ Identity: Teacher's Guide
"Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators offers a series of digital media resources to help teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, and other educators understand and effectively address the complex and difficult issues faced by LGBTQ students. "These resources, intended for use in teacher professional development settings or with GSAs, feature short segments of video content from the groundbreaking PBS Digital Studios show First Person. First Person delivers candid personal narratives illustrating larger conversations about gender, sexuality, social norms, and identity development. "All video content is scaffolded by a suite of materials (informational text, conversation guides, discussion questions, and teaching tips) to facilitate their use in either classroom or professional development settings. The videos and accompanying educational resources are designed to help promote understanding, awareness, and self-esteem." - From the website -
Bias Busters: Cultural Competence Guide about Chaldean Americans
An excerpt answering 20-questions about Chaldean Americans ranging from their language, history, culture, and faith traditions. Full text linked on Bias Buster website. -
Chaldean American Month
A 4 minute, 4-part YouTube playlist that explores: 1. Who are the Chaldeans? 2. Aramaic Language 3. Religion 4. Demographics -
Chaldean History: Who are the Chaldeans?
A brief article outlining the over 5,500-year history of Chaldean people: from their beginnings in Mesopotamia to Metro Detroit becoming the second largest community of Chaldeans worldwide. The article also includes information about language, religion, and demographics.
