TeachersFirst Special Topics Collections
Jump-start your work with TeachersFirst's Special Topics collections. Save time and take advantage of these ready-to-go collections that will help you find what you and your students need, just in time for an upcoming unit, a holiday, focused research, student-directed exploration, or projects on a curriculum topic or event. Each Special Topic page is a curated list of resources related to the stated topic. Each collection includes up to 30 resources, providing enough variety to find sites that define the topic.
You can be comfortable sharing the Special Topic links with students or parents, knowing that TeachersFirst has selected and reviewed each resource.
Find classroom and project suggestions within each review, use the collection to find what you need for your lessons. Some teachers assign these lists as the core resources for a broader student assignment. Editor’s Choice collections offer "the best of the best" for topics of particular interest. TeachersFirst also offers collections on professional special topics to help you meet particular teaching challenges.
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Native Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
Native Americans, the indigenous peoples of North America, have had a huge impact on the fabric of American culture, shaping the nation's identity in countless ways. This comprehensive...more
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Native Americans, the indigenous peoples of North America, have had a huge impact on the fabric of American culture, shaping the nation's identity in countless ways. This comprehensive collection of resources offers a deep dive into the indigenous peoples' influence on the United States, spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day. From agricultural innovations and environmental stewardship to art, language, and political thought, these materials highlight the diverse and significant impacts of hundreds of distinct tribal nations. This curation includes a selection of historical documents, oral traditions, archaeological findings, and more in the fields of medicine, military service, literature, music, and cuisine. It serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ongoing importance of Native peoples in shaping American culture and identity.
tag(s): native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection featuring the fascinating impact of Native Americans. Look at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons.Hispanic Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This collection of resources celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to American culture. From literature and art to music and cuisine, Hispanic Americans have played...more
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This collection of resources celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to American culture. From literature and art to music and cuisine, Hispanic Americans have played an integral role in shaping the nation's identity, infusing it with vibrant traditions and innovative perspectives. Through historical narratives, educational materials, and multimedia content, this compilation aims to illuminate the diverse voices and experiences that have influenced everything from the civil rights movement to contemporary pop culture. By exploring these resources, we honor the past and recognize the ongoing impact of Hispanic Americans in crafting a more inclusive and dynamic society.
tag(s): hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Help your students learn more about the countless contributions of Hispanic Americans. This list includes resources for all grades. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessonsJewish Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The tapestry of American culture is richly woven with the contributions of Jewish Americans, a narrative that spans the breadth of the nation's history. From the earliest days of independence,...more
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The tapestry of American culture is richly woven with the contributions of Jewish Americans, a narrative that spans the breadth of the nation's history. From the earliest days of independence, Jewish citizens have played a pivotal yet often unrecognized role in shaping the United States, infusing the American ethos with a spirit of innovation, resilience, and a profound commitment to community. This collection of resources explores the influence of Jewish Americans and their impact on everything from the arts and sciences to politics and social reform. It celebrates the indelible imprint of Jewish intellectual, artistic, and ethical contributions to the American landscape.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about Jewish Americans' contributions. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Asian Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Asian Americans have played a vital and often underrecognized role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. This diverse collection of resources shares the many contributions...more
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Asian Americans have played a vital and often underrecognized role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. This diverse collection of resources shares the many contributions of Asian Americans across various fields, from arts and literature to science and technology, spanning more than 150 years of American history. Read about the impact of many Asian Americans with your students. From the Chinese immigrants who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad to modern-day innovators in Silicon Valley, from the Japanese American soldiers who fought valiantly in World War II to pioneering Asian American scientists and educators, these curated materials showcase the profound impact of Asian Americans on the nation's social, economic, and cultural fabric.
tag(s): asia (136)
In the Classroom
Dive into this collection featuring the fascinating impact of Asian-Americans. Look at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons.Digital Literacy - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Digital literacy, in the context of online media and resource sharing, refers to the ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, and create digital content online. It includes critically...more
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Digital literacy, in the context of online media and resource sharing, refers to the ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, and create digital content online. It includes critically assessing the credibility of online information, understanding the implications of sharing personal data, and responsibly participating in digital communities. For educators and students alike, digital literacy involves not only consuming online resources but also curating and sharing collections of valuable materials. As the digital world continues to evolve, fostering these skills becomes increasingly crucial for informed citizenship and lifelong learning in the 21st century.
tag(s): digital literacy (16)
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about digital literacy. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Self-Care for Educators - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12View this collection of resources offering nurturing to the nurturers and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. In the...more
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View this collection of resources offering nurturing to the nurturers and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. In the demanding world of education, where giving is constant and burnout is common, these carefully curated tools and resources are designed to help educators replenish their own wells of resilience and compassion. This collection recognizes that teacher well-being directly impacts student success, from podcasts to meditation to puzzles for brain breaks. Find practical approaches to physical, emotional, and professional self-care that can be seamlessly integrated into even the busiest educator's schedule.
tag(s): mental health (50), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
Save these sites for when you need more motivation. Find ways to nurture yourself with self-care. Share these resources with your colleagues, perhaps during staff meetings or in-service training.Ancient Africa - Mali - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and ...more
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Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and prosperous medieval civilizations. Share this thorough collection of resources with your students as a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Mali's history, culture, and legacy. This collection also includes a helpful article (view here) for teachers that highlights many activities and books related to the Mali Empire. The article includes activities and extensions to help differentiate the content and offer extra student support.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Mali Empire with your class! Take a peek at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons. Your students will love exploring this ancient civilization together!Inca Empire - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection...more
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The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection of resources offers a window for your students to the remarkable world of the Inca, from their emergence in the 13th century to their conquest by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Spanning archaeology, history, and anthropology, these materials illuminate the empire's achievements in architecture, engineering, agriculture, and more. From the citadel of Machu Picchu to the extensive network of roads to the complex social hierarchy, this compilation provides a look at the civilization that once stretched along the Andean mountain range, dominating western South America.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about the Inca Empire. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Maya Civilization - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th...more
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This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. From the towering pyramids to the intricate hieroglyphic writing system, these carefully curated materials shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Maya life, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Share this compilation with your students. It provides a rich tapestry of information to explore the civilization that once dominated the forests of Central America and southern Mexico. Find many resources for your students to use for research and a deeper understanding of this powerful civilization.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Maya with your class! This collection has some fantastic resources perfect for your cooperative learning groups. Take a peek at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons. Your students will love exploring this ancient civilization together!Kingdom of Kush - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating...more
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Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating glimpse into Africa's rich historical tapestry. This collection of resources highlights the remarkable legacy of Kush, spanning from its emergence around 2500 BCE to its decline in the 4th century CE. From the towering pyramids of Meroe to the intricate jewelry found in royal tombs, from the complex relationship with ancient Egypt to the development of the Meroitic script, these carefully curated materials reveal a civilization of great wealth, cultural sophistication, and political influence.
In the Classroom
Don't miss the chance to share this collection link on your school website and in your next newsletter. Your fellow teachers and parents will appreciate having access to these materials! Browse through to find perfect additions to your upcoming lessons--there's something here for every teaching style!Indus Valley Civilization - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Embark on a journey to one of the world's earliest and most mysterious urban cultures with our comprehensive collection of Indus Valley Civilization resources. This list unveils the...more
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Embark on a journey to one of the world's earliest and most mysterious urban cultures with our comprehensive collection of Indus Valley Civilization resources. This list unveils the secrets of an advanced Bronze Age society that flourished along the Indus River and its tributaries from about 3300 to 1300 BCE. The collection showcases the civilization's technological marvels, from their advanced drainage systems to standardized weights and measures, offering insights into their sophisticated urban planning and trade networks. Examine virtual exhibits and videos of intricately carved figurines, jewelry, and pottery that reveal the artistic prowess and daily life of Indus Valley inhabitants. Use these engaging resources to help your students who may need extra support. Share these resources with your students for research projects, history lessons, and invention units.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about the Indus Valley Civilization. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Ancient Roman Empire - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The Roman Empire, one of history's most expansive and enduring civilizations, shaped the course of Western civilization for over a millennium. This curated collection of resources offers...more
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The Roman Empire, one of history's most expansive and enduring civilizations, shaped the course of Western civilization for over a millennium. This curated collection of resources offers a deep dive into the complex tapestry of Roman history and culture. From the mythical founding of Rome to the fall of Constantinople, these materials cover the empire's rise to power, its technological and architectural innovations, its system of law and government, and its lasting impact on language, art, and philosophy. As your class is learning about Ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, share resources from this collection.
In the Classroom
Help your students learn more about ancient Rome. This list includes resources for all grades. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessons.Ancient China - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Treat your students to an eye-opening journey through the foundational eras of Chinese civilization with our extensive collection of resources on the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties....more
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Treat your students to an eye-opening journey through the foundational eras of Chinese civilization with our extensive collection of resources on the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties. This curated list offers a rich tapestry of materials spanning nearly two millennia of China's formative history, from the bronze-working Shang (circa 1600-1046 BCE) to the culturally influential Han (202 BCE-220 CE). Delve into the extensive galleries of art, technology, and archaeological discoveries along the Silk Road. Whether you're a student researching Chinese history or an educator crafting engaging lessons related to the roots of East Asian civilization, this collection provides a window into the political, social, and cultural developments that shaped one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about Ancient China. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Ancient Egypt - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Step into the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphs with our collection of Ancient Egyptian resources. The resources offer a great selection of materials spanning over 3,000...more
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Step into the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphs with our collection of Ancient Egyptian resources. The resources offer a great selection of materials spanning over 3,000 years of one of the world's most enduring and influential civilizations. From the banks of the life-giving Nile to the enigmatic chambers of the Great Pyramids, our diverse array of educational content brings the wonders of Ancient Egypt to life. Explore high-resolution images of intricate tomb paintings and interactive maps tracing the kingdom's expansion and cultural influence. Our collection features resources on daily life in ancient Egyptian society, the complexities of their writing system, and the technological marvels that enabled the construction of their awe-inspiring monuments. Whether your students are embarking on a school project or you are looking for extension activities for your lessons and options for differentiation, these resources provide a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Ancient Egyptian history, culture, and lasting legacy.
tag(s): egypt (59)
In the Classroom
Help your students learn more about ancient Egypt. This list includes resources for cooperative learning groups. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessons.Ancient Greece - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Ancient Greece, a civilization that flourished from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE, has left an indelible mark on Western culture. This collection of resources offers a thorough look...more
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Ancient Greece, a civilization that flourished from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE, has left an indelible mark on Western culture. This collection of resources offers a thorough look into the rich tapestry of Greek history, philosophy, art, and daily life. From the epic tales of Homer to the enduring wisdom of Socrates, from the architectural marvels of the Parthenon to the birth of democracy in Athens, these curated materials provide students with a gateway to explore one of the most influential civilizations in human history. Discover many resources to share in your lessons.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about Ancient Greece. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Discover a collection of educational materials about ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations and the cultures that flourished between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, including the Sumerians,...more
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Discover a collection of educational materials about ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations and the cultures that flourished between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. From interactive timelines that trace the rise and fall of these empires to high-resolution images of archaeological artifacts, our resources bring the ancient world to life. This collection features primary sources and multimedia presentations on daily life in ancient cities like Ur and Nineveh. Share these resources with your students to aid in understanding the foundational civilizations that laid the groundwork for human progress in law, science, literature, and government.
tag(s): mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Help your students learn more about ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations. This list includes resources for cooperative learning groups. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessons.Digital Escape Rooms - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Looking to add some mystery and excitement to your classroom? Digital escape rooms combine critical thinking, problem-solving, and immersive storytelling into engaging educational experiences....more
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Looking to add some mystery and excitement to your classroom? Digital escape rooms combine critical thinking, problem-solving, and immersive storytelling into engaging educational experiences. We've curated a collection of free tools and resources that make it easy to both play and create digital escape rooms for any subject area or grade level. Whether you're new to educational escape rooms or a seasoned puzzle master, you'll find everything from ready-to-use templates and step-by-step creation guides to inspiring examples that showcase creative ways to transform your curriculum into thrilling digital adventures.
tag(s): digital escapes (17), game based learning (206), mysteries (24)
In the Classroom
Share these tools on your class website or blog for students to use both in and out of the classroom. Use these tools to differentiate and reach all students at the various levels. Challenge your students to create their own escape games to review content or for acceleration options.Reference Materials - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12A collection of reference materials is an invaluable asset for students at all educational levels. Reference materials are helpful to all students, especially our multilingual learners....more
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A collection of reference materials is an invaluable asset for students at all educational levels. Reference materials are helpful to all students, especially our multilingual learners. These materials serve as foundational tools for research, fact-checking, and expanding knowledge across various disciplines. Digital reference tools have revolutionized access to information, offering features like full-text search, multimedia content, translation, and other accessibility features. By leveraging these diverse reference materials, students can enhance their research skills, verify information accuracy, and develop a deeper understanding of their subjects, ultimately fostering academic success and lifelong learning habits.
tag(s): Research (88)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom when creating projects. Each review includes ideas for classroom use. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make using reference materials easier to manage and engage your students.Simulation Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Educational simulations offer immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice for students across various disciplines. These resources allow students...more
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Educational simulations offer immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice for students across various disciplines. These resources allow students to explore, experiment, and problem-solve in risk-free settings. Science simulations enable virtual lab experiments, while historical simulations transport students to pivotal moments in time, and language simulations create authentic conversational scenarios. By providing immediate feedback and encouraging active learning, simulations help students develop critical thinking skills, improve decision-making abilities, and gain deeper insights into various topics. Simulations offer great differentiation options for students who may need extra support.
tag(s): game based learning (206), simulations (23)
In the Classroom
Find new tools, strategies, and simulation games for your students. Use these tools to differentiate and reach all students at the various levels. Challenge your students to create their own simulations. Share this list on your class website for families to try at home; perfect for a snow day or during the hot days of summer. This list includes resources for elementary and secondary students.Do Now Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12View this collection of tools to use for Do Now activities as students enter your classroom. Do Now activities (also called entrance tickets) are essential instructional strategies...more
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View this collection of tools to use for Do Now activities as students enter your classroom. Do Now activities (also called entrance tickets) are essential instructional strategies that help educators kickstart lessons, assess prior knowledge, and engage students from the moment they enter the classroom. These brief, focused tasks set the tone for learning and provide valuable formative assessment data. Resources for Do Now and entrance tickets span a wide range of formats, from simple question prompts to games to interactive digital tools. Many of these resources offer features like randomized question generation, multimedia integration, and real-time data visualization, enabling teachers to gauge class understanding and adjust instruction accordingly quickly. By leveraging these diverse resources, educators can create consistent routines that maximize instructional time, promote student accountability, and provide a smooth transition into the day's main learning objectives.
tag(s): assessment (146), Formative Assessment (73)