This mini-lesson uses images and firsthand accounts of Haitian migrants to humanize the events happening at the US–Mexico border and give shape and nuance to the news.

In this instructional task, students develop and express claims through discussions and writing which examine the effect of colonization on African development. This instructional task helps students explore and develop claims to answer the question: How does the history of colonization continue to affect the economic and social aspects of African countries today?

Students will uncover the importance of Native perspectives highlighted in five short films. Students watch films that follow individuals from five Native American Tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests, and prairies. The stories document the following traditions and their land management practices: Hopi dryland farming in Arizona, the restoration of buffalo on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, sustainable forestry on the Menominee reservation in Wisconsin, the revival of Native food forests in Hawaii, and the return of prescribed fire to the landscape by the Karuk Tribe of California. Students will engage in learning experiences to explore the message of each story, the importance of Native perspectives, and how a deeper relationship to the earth is essential for the future of our planet and all of its inhabitants.

Students discuss types of migration and people who migrate. Then they brainstorm reasons for migrating.

Students reflect on why democracies are worth protecting, what elements are essential to a healthy democracy and how it is that democracies sometimes fail. This lesson includes a series of resources including videos, news articles, handouts, and discussion prompts.

In this interactive lesson, students learn what globalization is and what distinguishes modern globalization from earlier forms of global trade and interaction. Students watch videos that define modern globalization and explain how the production of a Converse sneaker is affected by the global manufacturing process. Students also learn about globalization’s costs and benefits for producers, consumers, workers, the environment, and more. At the end of the lesson, students write a thesis statement that answers the lesson’s essential question: To what extent do the benefits of modern globalization outweigh its negative effects?

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Students participate in a “push/pull” simulation to identify reasons people migrate from one place to another and analyze the similarities and differences between two real-world migrations.

Population pyramids for countries and world regions. Includes historical data back to 1950.

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Students use real-world data to construct and interpret population pyramids and discuss differences in population growth rates among several different countries, including the U.S.

The significance of quilting in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and its contribution to culture, art, and society. Students watch a film about five women quilters living in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and explore the cultural significance of quilting and its connection to place. Students engage in learning experiences to consider the significance of the quilters’ lives, their art, and their relationship to Gee’s Bend, including the history of voter suppression in Alabama during the civil rights movement. (15 minutes film)

Rivers are woven into cultural history. With rising pollution and climate change, the health of many rivers around the world are in danger. In this article, author and Pulitzer prize-winning poet Robert Hass writes about the physical state of rivers around the globe. He points to the historical significance of rivers as well as to their cultural and environmental importance.

Millions of Syrian refugees are leaving their war-torn home in search of safety and opportunity in other countries. Those who have suffered the challenges of starting anew can have a powerful impact helping others resettle. Lesson plan with a short documentary film. (English and Spanish)

Local textile cultures called "fibersheds" offer an alternative to mass production by seeking to utilize regional agriculture, enhance ecological balance, and strengthen communities. This photo essay, which includes audio recordings, depicts life on Mimi Luebbermann's Windrush Farm in Chileno Valley, California, where she raises sheep and educates the public about wool and fiber arts.

This ESRI StoryMap showcases the 4 primary ecosystems of Montana, several of which can also be found across the American West. Pictures and audio provide opportunity to explore these four ecosystems.

The U.S. Census Bureau publishes lessons that integrate census statistics. While lessons are categorized by subject, teachers may find good lessons applicable to their students in multiple subject groups. For instance, the lesson title "Immigration Nation" is filed under the Math section, but would work great in a geography classroom.

Students learn about how food security affects the US and the world.
Being food secure means having enough nutritious food for a healthy and active life. Across the world, nearly a billion people face food security challenges. This can be because nutritious food isn’t always available in communities, people can’t always afford it, or people do not consume an adequate variety of foods to stay healthy. In the U.S. and in the world, food security advocates—including many Peace Corps Volunteers—are working with government programs, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to improve food security.

This short guide provides a helpful starting point for bringing sustainable fashion into the curriculum and encouraging members of the whole school community to engage with the issue in their daily lives. With signposting to resources and web links to support learning about the impacts of fast fashion, this guide raises awareness of some of the amazing ways in which people around the world are changing things for the better. It also provides some useful background information about the issue, cross-curricular activity ideas and creative suggestions for taking school-based action. The guide is aimed at teachers and educators working with young people aged 9- 16 but may also be helpful for those supporting younger and older learners.

This photo essay captures moments of faith and connection in one of the most culturally and religiously diverse populations in the world. Photos include the following: a Chinese Lunar New Year dance troupe, Christians crossing the Brooklyn Bridge during the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday, Muslim men praying next to a taxi stand, a choir performing in Harlem, the Hindu celebration of Phagwah or Holi, preparations for the Palm Sunday procession of Episcopalians, and a reverend leading a congregation of homeless individuals in Harlem.

Resource colletion resources that promotes understanding of culture (one's own, and that of others), broaden perspectives, and help students appreciate how they are connected with the larger world.

This Census Bureau page contains frequently updated stories in the form of short blog-style posts. Each story highlights a unique demographic topic and is supported by data and visuals. Use these as part of whole group instruction, or design small-group activities with America Counts to get students doing geography.