Started in 2014 as part of the Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG), the MI Open Book project is designed to give kids a first introduction to the content that they will learn about in their social studies courses through downloadable source files (iBooks Authors and InDesign formats). This multi-year initiative anticipates developing additional open education resources for eight additional grade levels.

Funded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the MI Open Book digital resources were created by teachers from around the state who are proficient in their content. They are edited and maintained by professionals from the field of social studies who include ISD consultants, university faculty and district curriculum leaders — all who have extensive background knowledge in social studies instruction. These resources are a true collaboration of K-12 and higher education.

Below is an example:

Books currently available for grades 4 through 6: