Discovery Education Releases Free Resources to Help Educators Bring 250 Years of US History into Classrooms
Includes a preview of Social Studies Essentials and premium Discovery Education Experience courses
Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) – Discovery Education, an edtech leader trusted by 45% of US K-12 schools, today launched a free suite of cross-curricular resources designed to help educators engage with students in celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence, while delivering inquiry-driven, standards-aligned education.
The downloadable resource guide equips teachers to turn this historic event into meaningful public education and social studies across grade bands. Featuring ready-to-use resources that connect history and real-world topics, the collection supports flexible instruction while building students’ critical thinking, literacy, and social awareness skills. The sample is taken from both the Social Studies Major and the Adoption Education Experienceto give any teacher a clear sense of two of Discovery Education’s most powerful social studies solutions.
The free collection gives teachers a preview of early access to Social Studies Essentials, a new K-5 product launching back-to-school 2026, giving teachers a closer look before it becomes widely available. Designed to build knowledge, strengthen reading and writing, and support continuous inquiry, Essentials of Public Studies is a C3-aligned solution that combines immersive multimedia with instruction-ready lessons. Its grab-and-go design saves instructor time while improving students’ critical thinking and social awareness.
The collection provides free access to engaging content from Discovery Education Experienceservices are generally only available in registered counties. The sample includes original multimedia content that introduces students to government agencies and national symbols, as well as in-depth lessons on topics such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. With a free downloadable resource guide, teachers will find a collection of:
- Inquiry-driven lessons that encourage critical thinking and student-led exploration
- Real-world connections that link historical events to today’s social issues
- Grade-integrated, ready-to-use activities that match classroom needs
- Integrated literacy supports within social studies content
“Celebrating 250 years in the United States is not just something to celebrate. It is a powerful opportunity to raise the way students deal with history,” said Dr. Todd Wirt, Senior Vice President of Partner Engagement at Discovery Education. “As I’ve spent years leading school programs, I’ve seen how impactful it is when students connect what they’re learning to the world around them. We’re helping teachers transform this time into meaningful, engaging learning that connects the past to the present. By making this collection free to any teacher, all students will have access to inquiry-based, personalized social learning.”
Districts and schools with Discovery Education Experience will receive additional engaging lessons that include multiple lessons with teacher-tested strategies that impact the new History Channel Honoring 250 Years of the United States. Educators can learn more about Essentials of Social Studies by joining the Engage K-12 webinar on April 23.
Learn more about how Discovery Education is supporting educators in honoring America’s 250th anniversary at www.discoveryeducation.com/america-250.
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Adoption Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader with innovative solutions that empower educators and improve student learning. Discovery Education solutions have served more than 100 million students worldwide, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of US K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, content aligned to the highest standards, and AI-powered teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and work-related learning, including instructionally aligned content developed in one-on-one collaboration with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance to every subject. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contact person
Grace Maliska
Adoption Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com
