Ideas This Week
Ideas This Week is your hub for updates on all things Facing History—from announcements and featured press to expert interviews, impact stories, and essays on the ideas driving our work.
A Lesson Series on the Complexity of Jewish Identity for Middle School Students
Explore the struggles and triumphs of people navigating the intricacies of their Jewish identities, confronting adversity and shattering assumptions.
![Two young teen Jews talking in a living room](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-05/JEPlesson1.jpg?h=a49d782d&itok=GVppeRV6)
Fostering Civic Imagination and Empowering Students to Shape the Future
Help students consider and pursue a better world, become empowered civic actors, and build connections using their imaginations.
![Students sitting around round table working on projects](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-04/Students%20sitting%20around%20round%20table%20working%20on%20projects%20%28FH2196858%29.jpg?h=1ed8eb50&itok=ijO4D_s5)
Approaching Election Season as a Teaching Opportunity
Educators have the opportunity to empower students to become active participants in our democracy.
![Young Woman Affixing a Vote Button on Her Shirt](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/Young%20Woman%20Affixing%20a%20Vote%20Button%20on%20Her%20Shirt%20-%20square%20sizing.png?h=5b6e9454&itok=834oESRr)
We Learn by Doing and Reflecting: Civic Voice and Action
Discover best practices on cultivating your students’ voices and facilitating civic action projects.
![Image of youth from KQED Youth Media Challenge event](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/CallForChange-Lockup.jpg?h=4c6c0eb8&itok=0Bah1OEZ)
World Day of Social Justice Activities
Students can explore ways to bring about meaningful change with this collection of resources and journal prompts.
![Person Holding Sign above their head that says More Equality More Love](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/Person%20Holding%20Sign%20aboe%20their%20head%20that%20says%20More%20Equality%20More%20Love%20%28FH2201203%29.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=ie1tftT2)
Aliens in Their Own Land: The Incarceration of Japanese Americans
When racism and discrimination are deployed as national security measures, how can a nation make amends?
![An obelisk memorial with Japanese Kanji characters that read “Soul Consoling Tower.”](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/Manzanar_NHS_memorial_tower_3_0.jpg?h=9a3874b6&itok=pQmA5i7X)
Educators Have the Power to Strengthen Democracy
See how Facing History's civics education resources strengthen students' civic skills and attitudes about democratic participation.
![Teacher And Students having a discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/SL_190522_0014.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=gP64QyiG)
Holocaust Remembrance Day: A Time for Reflection and Learning
In recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reflect on the profound loss of life, the experience of multigenerational trauma, and the pervasive stream of antisemitism that remains today.
![Candles in the shape of the Magen David (Star of David)](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/iStock-943678206.jpg?h=a49d782d&itok=yWNL_6Zl)
New Teaching Resources for They Called Us Enemy and Author Event with George Takei
Participating in our All Community Read? Our recommended resources can support you and your school as you learn about Japanese American incarceration.
![Group of teenagers reading together](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/Group_of_teenagers_reading_together.jpg?h=9d5da6b6&itok=97iiMXGm)
King: A Life—A Conversation with Jonathan Eig and Adam Green
The life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. is explored in discussion with the author of the bestselling biography King: A Life and scholar Adam Green.
![Martin Luther King, Jr., half-length portrait, facing left, speaking at microphones](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/3c11165u.jpg?h=948fb393&itok=-XZCfpBO)
Teaching about the January 6 Insurrection and its Impact on US Democracy
The January 6 insurrection remains important to understand and discuss, as well as the larger questions it raises about the state of US democracy. A recent poll found that 52% of young people between 18 and 29 believe that either US democracy is "in trouble" or "failed," while only 7% agree that it is "healthy," further highlighting the need to teach students about democratic institutions.
![Black and white photo of the US State House](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/b%26w_photo_us_state_house.png?h=a6c55029&itok=OVK2Jup-)