Independent Lens . Classroom

Welcome to Community Classroom, featuring curricula paired with specially edited video modules taken from the best of Independent Lens films, Web original projects and online activities. All lesson plans incorporate national standards, teaching strategies, worksheets and extension ideas. These free resources are a powerful tool for teaching and learning around issues crucial to education today. (Independent Lens programs can be taped off-air and used for educational purposes for up to one year from the broadcast premiere.)

CHOOSE FROM: LESSON PLANS & VIDEO | WEB ORIGINALS | BRAIN FOOD

Standards-based curricula and video modules accompany Independent Lens films on a broad range of topics: immigration, civil rights, women’s rights, religion, the environment and more.

View all lesson plans, activities and video modules >>

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Meet an indigenous Bolivian leader fighting for labor rights; a young Israeli Arab karate champion with feminist ideas; three Egyptian women working for fair elections and a Kenyan leader sparking a nationwide environmental movement. Four compelling documentaries that explore stories of women's empowerment and leadership around the world.

Download lesson plans and watch video >>

SISTERS OF ‘77

What does the National Women’s Conference of 1977 mean to the women’s movement today? More »

THE NEW AMERICANS

What does the "American dream" look like through the eyes of today's immigrants and refugees? More »

HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

How does a fan deconstruct manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture? More »

These award-winning Web sites invite visitors to interact through non-linear storytelling and social issue games. Accompanying lesson plans explore the arts, culture and society.

View all Web original curricula >>

World Without Oil

An alternate reality game imagining a global oil crisis, asked collaborators to “play it before you live it.” We encourage teachers to do the same, to get "in game" and act to make the crisis seem real.

View WWO lesson plans »

Online extras allow students to tap into myriad subjects, everything from exploring Sumo style to creating Web karaoke, tackling a corn maze to mapping protest music over time.

Check out Brain Food >>

AN UNREASONABLE MAN Where's Nader?

What seemingly mundane aspects of daily life have been impacted by Ralph Nader and fellow consumer activists? Explore one neighborhood and spot the influences.

Visit Where's Nader?

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