Top Five Social Studies Resources for Teachers

The data experts at Facing History have analyzed the social studies resources that educators used the most over the course of 2023. Our top five list for the year makes for easy classroom integration and connection with what your fellow teachers rely on.

Whether you’re interested in modular components or a full arc of learning, our most popular work in social studies offers many different topics of interest and styles of learning to complement your lesson plans. 

The following selections are often part of wider Facing History collections, so in addition to interacting with user favorite content, you might discover a deeper well of curriculum that can enrich your implementation of this list. 

Top Social Studies Lesson: The Rise of the Nazi Party

In this lesson students examine how choices made by individuals and groups contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1920s and 1930s and how the popularity of the Nazis changed during times of stability and times of crisis. By tracing the progression of the Nazis from an unpopular fringe group to the most powerful political party in Germany, young people can reflect on the choices that individuals can make to strengthen or weaken democracy.

Guiding questions, activities, readings, and additional multimedia materials are included to guide class discussion about what shaped the early Nazi Party and the decisions that led to their political success. 

Top Social Studies Inquiry: Angel Island Immigration Station: Exploring Borders and Belonging in US History

In this C-3 style inquiry students engage with the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station to think critically about the concept of borders—not simply geographic borders but the social, economic, and political boundaries erected throughout US history to separate “in” groups from “out” groups.

A blueprint for this inquiry acts as a guide as you bring the study of this history to your class. Readings, questions, and a wealth of adaptable activities will help your students explore and grapple with the lessons of Angel Island. This inquiry is designed to take place over five to seven 50-minute class periods, but this time can expand if students need additional instructional experiences or historical background information.

Top Social Studies Video: Race: The Power of an Illusion (The Story We Tell)

All men are created equal. It's the lofty and revolutionary ideal at America's core. Yet, it was written at a time when some inhabitants were held in bondage and others were being dispossessed of their lands.

In this video the concept of race is interrogated: How did American society justify unequal treatment based on skin color and national origins? Race was never just a matter of how you look. It's about how people assign meaning to how you look.

Top Social Studies Video: Defining Confirmation Bias

In this video Brendan Nyhan, American political scientist and professor at Dartmouth College, shines light on the concept of confirmation bias while also explaining its opposite, disconfirmation bias. Confirmation bias comes into play when trying to evaluate information. Accurate evaluation should be the goal, but when an individual holds a preference for what they perceive to be right, inaccuracy can color an assessment. 

Top Social Studies Reading: Women Rise Up Against Apartheid and Change the Movement

Since the early twentieth century, African women have actively opposed laws restricting the movement of Black South Africans in their own country. In the 1950s, the African National Congress turned to grassroots organizing to work against increasing racial restrictions. Women played a key role, and one of the leaders was Frances Baard. In this reading, Baard details the struggle of Black South African women under apartheid and their active participation in anti-apartheid demonstrations.

Connection Questions at the end of this reading present a chance for deeper consideration and discussion of the life and experiences of Baard and her fellow protestors.