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1st Timer of Big History Project Teaching Looking to Launch August 2025

Torin Warner

Hello Educators!

This will be my first year teaching the Big History Project, and I’m planning to use it for my 6th grade Social Studies class. I'm reaching out to this amazing community to ask for a little help and guidance as I get started.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

  1. Does anyone have student-facing slide decks—especially for Lesson 1, Unit 1? I’d love to see a folder with a slide deck that includes learning objectives and clear instructions for student tasks.
  2. Is anyone willing to share supplemental materials such as grading rubrics, assessments, or other helpful resources?
  3. Would anyone be open to giving me a quick crash course on teaching this curriculum—maybe a short Zoom call (30–60 minutes)? I’d really appreciate any tips, strategies, or insight from those who’ve taught this before.

To summarize: I’m looking for slide decks, teaching materials, and any advice you're willing to share. Please feel free to reach out—I'd be so grateful for the support!

Thanks so much in advance! (also folks- this would be soo much easier in discord!) 

Parents
  • 0

    Hey,  , what an exciting journey you are about to begin!

    I remember when I started BHP I was curious and eager and so excited! But I was also stressed and nervous and overwhelmed!

    First, There are some gurus who know BHP inside and out, or know MS inside and out-- or both! If they are still active in the community, they will have lots of resources for you.

       

       

    Next, 

    The MOST important thing to always keep in mind about BHP is the NARRATIVE.

    BHP is the origin story of the universe as we know it, through scientific discovery. There is no way to detail 13.8 billion years of history, so BHP focuses on the milestones of development. They are called "Thresholds of Increasing Complexity". Something happened in the universe that was so impactful that it made a "forever change". And each time a new threshold occurs, it is more complex than the one before.

    There will be lots and lots of lessons for each unit and/or threshold. There will also be some repetition of content as it is presented in different modalities-- articles, videos, graphics, activities. The intention is NOT to use them all. Pick and choose what you think will go well with your set of learners, mix up the modalities as needed from unit to unit, and don't be afraid to streamline. The most important part is to keep the narrative for how goings-on in the universe are connected to each other, and how WE are connected to the universe.

    While you are waiting to hear back from some other folks, start exploring.

    Each unit has a blue hammer icon that says "teaching tools" by the title. That will take you to lots of good places.

    If you click on each lesson part (ie 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc) gives you a step by step view.

    Happy learning!

    Once you look around, be sure to come back with more questions and comments!

  • 0 in reply to Donnetta Elsasser

    Congratulations! BHP has changed how I teach! It really is a special class for that reason! I echo all Donnetta has shared here! I also think that once you have the BHP narrative down, it helps ground everything else. I recommend picking up a copy of Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History by David Christian. Not only is it a good intro to the course, but it also does a really nice job encapsulating the idea of scale!

    The OER community is one of the best places to collaborate and get new ideas/materials! Please do not hesitate to post if you find yourself stuck on a certain lesson, topic or unit! 

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  • 0 in reply to Donnetta Elsasser

    Congratulations! BHP has changed how I teach! It really is a special class for that reason! I echo all Donnetta has shared here! I also think that once you have the BHP narrative down, it helps ground everything else. I recommend picking up a copy of Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History by David Christian. Not only is it a good intro to the course, but it also does a really nice job encapsulating the idea of scale!

    The OER community is one of the best places to collaborate and get new ideas/materials! Please do not hesitate to post if you find yourself stuck on a certain lesson, topic or unit! 

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