The OER Project provides a comprehensive suite of high-quality, fully free online curricula in history and social studies, making it an excellent resource for homeschool families seeking standards-based instruction without the cost of traditional textbooks. The core offerings are divided into two main tracks: Big History, which is designed for middle-school students (grades 6-8) and spans 13.8 billion years of history and science; and World History, which is suitable for high school (grades 9-10) and features various modules, including an AP track.
This curriculum stands out for its unique, inquiry-driven approach, which moves beyond rote memorization to focus on critical thinking and "big picture" connections. Students learn to use skills like "claim testing" and "scale switching," encouraging them to analyze history from multiple disciplinary perspectives. By studying unifying concepts such as "collective learning" and "thresholds of increasing complexity," the program helps students develop a strong framework for understanding universal change over time.
For parents, the OER Project is highly accessible and flexible. All materials—including articles, videos, activities, and assessments—are available online and are ready-to-use with minimal preparation. The program supports diverse learners by offering multiple Lexile-leveled versions of primary articles and printable PDF/Word versions of materials, allowing families to adapt the content to various learning styles and educational goals.
