A Humanity-Centered U.S. History Curriculum: Connecting Past, Present, and Future

FROM THE CREATION CO:LAB

With funding from XQ, leaders of the Creation Co:Lab began harnessing their deep expertise in learning science and adolescent brain development to create a groundbreaking U.S. history curriculum in early 2023.

The innovative, full-year course will feature interactive, inquiry-based learning experiences (LXs) that place high school students at the center—empowering them to explore how the past shapes the present and inspiring them to imagine a better future.

A national movement, led by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and XQ America, is shifting away from the limitations of the traditional Carnegie Unit toward dynamic learning experiences that foster competencies, engagement, and inspiration in classrooms.

We’re proud to be a part of that movement.

Here’s a look at the LXs we’re working on:

POWER PLAY (lx 7)

IN PILOT PHASE

In The Cold War: Diplomacy in Action, students immerse themselves in the intricacies of Cold War geopolitics, equipping themselves with historical insights and socio-emotional skills to navigate modern global power dynamics and tensions. The LX features an iThrive Sim multiplayer role playing game where learners step into the role of diplomats.

See co-designers playtest the game featured in the LX in the video below.

    • Ludic Learning's Paul Darvasi;

    • Professor Jeremi Suri, the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin;

    • XQ America's Matt Owens; and

    • Over 60 young people from the Global Nomads Group and Thomas A. Edison High School in Queens, NY.

MAPPING FOR VISIBILITY (lx 1)

IN PILOT PHASE

In Mapping for Visibility, students create a StoryMap that challenges the Myth of Discovery by finding and amplifying histories of Indigenous peoples in the location of their choice. Maps are shared afterward online and with others in their community to raise awareness of the lasting presence and influence of Indigenous peoples, in spite of settler colonialism.

  • Kat McCritchie (Crosstown High School)

    Christen Mucher, PhD (Smith College)

    Annie Evans (New American History)