Sphere Education Initiative’s Content Advisory Board brings together experienced educators from across the country in our alumni network to evaluate and test lesson materials to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality.
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By exploring the impacts of the reversal of the Chevron deference, students will examine the connection between economics, public policy, and human progress and its effects on sustainable systems for the environment.
Identify and implement strategies into your science class to foster civil discourse discussions with students.
In this lesson, you will learn how Paris became a hub of intellectual and cultural activity during the Enlightenment, which profoundly influenced Western thought and society.
In this lesson, students will learn how Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering’s pioneering work in vaccine development had a lasting effect on global health, specifically in preventing whooping cough.
In this lesson, students will learn the incredible story of Frederick Douglass, one of the leading human rights leaders of the 19th century. His actions and powerful words continue to inspire social justice movements advocating for equal rights for all.
This collection of assessment tools and extension activities offers creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of rhetoric and civil discourse through projects ranging from analytical essays to artistic representations and digital media creation. Through real‐world applications like podcast production, media analysis journals, and the design of civil conversation spaces, students can develop practical skills while synthesizing and deepening their knowledge of rhetorical concepts.
This lesson teaches students the difference between fair‐minded and self‐interested critical thinking while developing practical skills for thoughtful listening. As they practice clarifying understanding and building on other’s perspectives, students learn to recognize their own listening patterns and engage productively with viewpoints different from their own.
Using a visual metaphor, this lesson explores the idea of rhetorical listening as a spectrum of engagement styles, helping students understand that civil discourse requires more than simply hearing words. Through artistic analysis and practical listening activities, students will learn how different approaches to listening can affect one’s ability to communicate civilly in conversations with diverse perspectives.
This signature collection is crafted to enhance civil discourse in the classroom, through lessons, conversation frameworks, teacher tools, and explainers.
This collection explores historical figures and cities who epitomize human progress and innovation worldwide. Students will examine influential individuals and places in science, art, and social reform, appreciating their transformative impact on shaping our world.
This collection aims to cultivate critical thinking skills in students as they explore microeconomics and macroeconomics, examining the role of government in the economy through lessons that encourage analysis, evaluation, and understanding of economic principles and government interventions.
Politics and society are interconnected and shape our daily lives. Values and principles should steer decisions on healthcare, education, immigration, and national security. Fostering civil discourse amidst disagreement is important for constructive governance and social harmony.
This equips teachers with engaging lesson plans to promote respectful and inclusive discussions around literature, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and effective communication while exploring diverse perspectives and themes in literary works.
Examine the Constitution’s principles and interpretation. How to balance personal freedoms with government intervention in areas such as health or national security? Consider the implications of constitutional amendments or law changes on rights and governance.
This collection is curated with lessons and resources that support the unique nature of civil discourse discussions in the science classroom. Lessons help students explore the intersection of the sciences, economics, public policy, and human progress.
Polarization threatens American democracy, deeply pervading politics, schools, and everyday life. What sits at the root of this trend and how might we turn the tide?
Sphere Summit, a full scholarship professional development program for grades 5–12 educators, returns as a fully in‐person experience in Washington, DC.
Sphere Summit, a full scholarship professional development program for grades 5–12 educators, returns as a fully in‐person experience in Washington, DC.
Our Principles of Civil Discourse Primer covers skills and best practices for establishing discussion norms and brave learning environments.
We want to work with you to create an event that aligns with your communities’ goals and vision. Whether it’s a day long program or an after‐school PD, contact us to get started on a Sphere event at your school, in your district, or community.
Sphere Alumni Fellowship builds on the foundation of Sphere Summit to restore a spirit of civil, constructive, and respectful discourse and engagement through a six‐month fellowship program exclusively for Sphere alumni.
Director, Sphere Education Initiatives
Manager, Initiatives
Content Development Manager, Sphere Education Initiatives
Program Director of Initiatives, Project Sphere
Educator Engagement Specialist, Sphere Education Initiatives
Operations Specialist, Sphere Education Initiatives
Content Development Specialist, Sphere Education Initiatives
Senior Manager, Sphere Education Initiatives