United States History Toolkit

From the website: "In this lesson, students will: (1) investigate evidence to determine how the killing of Vincent Chin was racially motivated, (2) demonstrate how to stand up for a civil rights issue, and (3) analyze the mistakes of the American justice system" The lesson takes place over two 50-minute class periods with optional homework in between. HTK Note: Please be advised that some of the film clips contain racist depictions, references to a "gentleman's club," and violence. For these reasons, it might be tempting to exclude teaching about Vincent Chin's murder or to do so in a sanitized manner. We encourage you to resist that temptation. Silencing histories like Vincent Chin's enable anti-Asian hate to continue unchecked. Instead, we suggest implementing this lesson thoughtfully, sensitively, and accurately. The lesson plan and website provide considerations on how to do so- please read them before teaching. Additionally, referencing anyone of Asian descent as an “oriental,” a Japanese/Japanese American as a “Jap,” or that someone might be "handicaped" because they are Chinese are inappropriate and racist.

These slides are from a webinar by the Asian American Education Project aimed to help teachers integrate APIDA histories into their existing teaching. The slides share examples of APIDA inclusion into existing curriculum, pedagogical strategies to do so, and reflective questions to help K-12 history teachers probe their own teaching. Example teaching strategies/historical moments are: - Angel Island and Ellis Island - Japanese Incarceration during WWII, Treatment of Muslim Americans and South Asian Americans post 9/11, and U.S. Detention Facilities at the Border - Tape vs. Hurley and Brown vs. Board - Immigration Patterns of Southeast Asian refugees as a result of the Vietnam War - Lue Gim Gong saves Florida's Citrus Plants - Colonization of Hawai'i Standards for each example are below.

This database provides lesson and unit plans as well as professional development for all K-12 teachers in order to promote the teaching and learning about Asian American histories, cultures, and identities. Currently there are over 260 incredible, vetted resources. HTK note: all standards listed in the database are from Illinois. It is our hope that we will be able to align each resource in this database to Michigan standards, but we haven't had the opportunity yet.

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.

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 highlight: "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."

From the website: "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."