Educational Materials

A collection of Educational Materials geared towards critical thinking, understanding the complexities of historical memory, and navigating disputed historical narratives. The resources presented have been produced by Contested Histories projects, cooperating institutions and partners or selected by the team because of their excellent quality and innovative approach, methodology or topic. If you have suggestions or believe some essential toolkits are missing, please contact us at contestedhistories@euroclio.eu

Teaching History through the use of World War II Memorials.

Pedagogical Guide

By Confronting Memories

Since its initiation in 2020, the Confronting Memories programme has devoted its work to generating dialogues through history to help build bridges and promote peace. Its methodology is centred around multiperspectivity as a strategic approach to teaching students how to understand other perspectives on history in addition to our own. Within the framework of this programme, various media have been created and events organised to serve this purpose: the exhibition ‘Different Wars’ that examines how World War II is depicted… Read More

CARGO Movement Classroom Initiative

By CARGO Movement 2021

The CARGO classroom initiative aims to address the narratives that are missing from the history that is taught in schools across the UK, including the perspectives of individuals of African and African Diaspora descent and the recognition of their resilience, contributions and visionary leadership. Includes lesson plans and they are currently producing more. Read More

Bridging Histories

By Bridging Histories June 2021

Bridging Histories, a project for the Bristol History Commission, that invites people to join in 6 activities and share whatever they make. As people share, an online library of poems, recipes, street histories, family histories, memorials, monuments and personal and community changemaking will be created. It is for people of all ages, political views and social groups. The project hopes to help to create a positive, affirming environment where conversations between different groups can become richer, less polarized, less rigid… Read More

Learning Resources

By The Black Curriculum 2021

A social enterprise that aims to deliver black British history all across the UK. We run a variety of virtual and in-person programmes to schools, young people and corporations to promote the importance of Black history. We also have a curriculum and develop free and licensable resources for schools to teach students about Black history. Read More

Using Commemorative Practices to Teach that History is a Constructed Narrative

By Evens Foundation 2021

This strategy encourages students to analyse and deconstruct how the past is commemorated in their city/town/village by looking at historical plaques, monuments, and names of public spaces, such as streets, squares, buildings, and boroughs/cities. This strategy is an innovative approach to class excursions, an alternative to visits that are typically meant to teach what the past is rather than how the past is told. Read More

Transforming Community Spaces

A Toolkit on Equitable Collaboration

By University of Virginia’s Institute for Engagement & Negotiation 2021

Dedicated to communities who are committed to facing their contested spaces, from statues to historic buildings, to names and dedications, the Toolkit supports institutions and communities who are interested in using a commitment to change as an opportunity to go beyond symbolism, to tell more complete and truthful histories, and to act to change the trajectory of their future. This toolkit is under development. Read More

The 1619 Project Curriculum

By Pulitzer Center February 2021

The 1619 Project challenges us to reframe U.S. history by marking the year when the first enslaved Africans arrived on Virginia soil as our nation’s foundational date. Includes reading guides, activities, and other resources to bring The 1619 Project into the classroom. Read More

Educator Resources & Teaching Strategies

By Facing History & Ourselves 2021

Educational resources include multimedia materials, from primary sources and streaming videos to teaching strategies, lesson plans, and full units. Find resources that will support your students’ learning, whether you are teaching a complex moment in history or addressing today’s breaking news. Topics include history of race, immigration, democracy and civic action, human rights and religion. Find teaching strategies for in-person, hybrid, and remote learning that develop students’ critical thinking and model the skills and dispositions that foster engaged, democratic citizenship. Read More

The Intersection of Colonialism and Gender & Sexuality

By Diversify Our Narrative 2021

In this lesson, students will analyze the intersection between colonialism and sexuality, especially in the context of how colonial states use sex as a form of power and control. Students will utilize their critical thinking skills to learn about heteronormativity and the impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous communities. Through small and large group discussions, students will explore topics covering imperialism, sexuality, and watch videos relating to how federal policies seek to reinforce hetero-patriarchy within the United States. Read More

Human Impact of World War II

By Diversify Our Narrative 2021

This lesson plan should be precluded by an overview of the Second World War, and can be used as a supplementary lesson that offers a deeper lens into the war’s violence and its driving forces. Students should have a basic understanding of the historical context of the war, including its major causes, players, and impacts. Read More