Teaching Tools

Counted Out

Connecting math with civic engagement and societal issues in this profound documentary

In the United States, math is a gatekeeper. In an increasingly algorithm-and-data driven 21st century, assumptions made about a child’s mathematical ability affect their odds of finding future success. Counted Out weaves together a mosaic of voices and stories across generations and professions to explain the detrimental effects of declining math skills on civic participation, legal rulings, and fulfilling careers. Taught in conjunction with this guide the film will engage students in meaningful discussions about math education, equity, and social justice.

Going Varsity in Mariachi

Learning about leadership and perseverance through Going Varsity in Mariachi

In the competitive world of high school mariachi, the musicians from the South Texas borderlands reign supreme. This energetic documentary captures the highs and lows of the Mariachi Oro team as they navigate life’s challenges on and off the stage. Going Varsity in Mariachi reveals a young Texas Latino community’s response to questions of cultural identity, LGBTQ rights, and career paths. This guide compliments a curriculum in Music, Social Studies, and Spanish and is intended for educators to use with students to explore topics of history, storytelling, social emotional learning, and leadership

The Last Repair Shop + A Concerto is a Conversation

Exploring the importance of music and mentorship with The Last Repair Shop + A Concerto is a Conversation

From Academy Award-nominated directing duo Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, comes two short films The Last Repair Shop and A Concerto is a Conversation. In both short films we witness the profound life and stories of musicians, students, and craftspeople whose lives have been transformed by their instrument. This guide compliments a curriculum in Music, English Language Arts, and Social Studies and is intended for educators to use with students to explore central themes of creativity, perseverance, and storytelling.

Copa 71

Learning about the first women’s World Cup with Copa 71

With extensive archival material and present-day interviews, Copa 71 provides insight into the unprecedented events. Through providing a greater context to the first (unofficial) Women’s World Cup held in Mexico City, we learn of the extensive methods in which sexism and discrimination pervaded football–even in the form of national laws. This guide compliments a curriculum in History, Social Studies, and Sports and is intended for educators to use with students to explore topics of education, laws, archives, gender studies and journalism.

Story & Pictures By

Exploring the world of picture books and the creators behind them through ‘Story & Pictures By’

Children’s picture books have brought creativity, joy, and a deeper understanding of the world equipped for all ages. Story & Pictures By presents the history of children’s literature and how it has been a tool to both present a mirror of society and a dream of a limitless future. This guide compliments a curriculum in English Language Arts and Art / Media and is intended for educators to use in the classroom to promote social-emotional learning, writing, and storytelling to better understand the impact and importance of authors and storytellers.