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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20th Century America (1900-1945) Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
The first part of the 20th Century in America takes us from the turn of the century through the end of World War 2. It is pivotal to help students ...more
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The first part of the 20th Century in America takes us from the turn of the century through the end of World War 2. It is pivotal to help students understand how these years changed the country. Find resources in this collection related to the economic, social and technological milestones seen during this time. We will include resources that introduce the opening of the Panama Canal, the Wall Street Crash of 1929, The Great Depression, Mahatma Gandhi, World War I and II, the first winter Olympics, US Immigration Act of 1924, the Holocaust, Japanese internment camps, the segregation era, the Roaring Twenties and prohibition, The Ford Model-T, Lindburgh's first nonstop flight from NY to Paris, the construction of the Empire State Building and the Hoover Dam. Discover these topics and many others in this collection.
tag(s): 20th century (62), great depression (30), holocaust (43), immigration (79), japanese (54), segregation (18), stock market (11), world war 1 (77), world war 2 (162)
In the Classroom
Find resources to educate yourself and your students about various topics related to American history during the years of 1900-1945. This collection includes lesson plans and interactives too. Share these resources with your colleagues and families.20th Century America (1945-2000) Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 1220th Century America Part 2 includes the years after World War 2 through the end of the 20th Century. During this period, there were global conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and ...more
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20th Century America Part 2 includes the years after World War 2 through the end of the 20th Century. During this period, there were global conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. In addition, the Cold War, a period of tension between the United States, the Soviet Union, and their allies, continued for decades. The latter half of the 20th Century was also a tumultuous time for Civil Rights. Strong African American leaders who worked for social justice included Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and the Little Rock Nine. It was also a time of innovation and technological advancements. Read all about these events and more in the resources shared in this curated list.
tag(s): 20th century (62), black history (135), civil rights (217), cold war (31), korea (21), martin luther king (46), middle east (50), rosa parks (9), segregation (18), vietnam (38)
In the Classroom
Use these resources as you prepare social studies lessons related to American History 1945-2000. Each review includes technology integration ideas. This list includes resources for elementary and secondary students.50+ Ideas (and more) for the 100th - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8Here's a list of 50 things you and your students can do to celebrate the 100th day of school! ...more
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Here's a list of 50 things you and your students can do to celebrate the 100th day of school!
tag(s): 100thday (9)
In the Classroom
Email this to your colleagues or share it with parents for them to join in at home.African-American History Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12These reviewed resources from the TeacherFirst database include teaching ideas, research material, and interactive sites for studying Black History in all grades. ...more
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These reviewed resources from the TeacherFirst database include teaching ideas, research material, and interactive sites for studying Black History in all grades.
tag(s): black history (135)
In the Classroom
Browse this collection as you approach Black History month or simply to add multi-cultural dimension to many history lessons.AI (Artificial Intelligence) Resources for Student Assessment - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12AI offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. View this collection to find education-specific AI tools to create engaging, practical, formative, and summative...more
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AI offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. View this collection to find education-specific AI tools to create engaging, practical, formative, and summative assessments for your students. Some examples of AI tools for assessment creation include tools to help develop rubrics, feedback, reports connected to your learning objectives and standards, quizzes, portfolios, and more.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), assessment (146), Formative Assessment (73), quizzes (90)
In the Classroom
AI is ever-changing, and the tools evolve and change every day. Use the tools in this collection to stay informed and learn about new tools that you can use to assess students. AI assessment tools save you time and can allow you to personalize the assessment to differentiate for all needs. Share this collection with colleagues looking for ways to assess using AI.AI for Creating Projects - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This collection of artificial intelligence tools is designed to enhance your and your students' project creation process. Use these tools to streamline workflow, boost creativity, and...more
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This collection of artificial intelligence tools is designed to enhance your and your students' project creation process. Use these tools to streamline workflow, boost creativity, and explore new possibilities in projects. From image creators to music makers, these tools can help your students utilize the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Many of these tools also include translation features, making them suitable for multilingual learners.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), creating media (17), Project Based Learning (23)
In the Classroom
AI is ever-changing, and the tools evolve and change every day. Use the tools in this collection to stay informed and learn about new tools that you (and your students) can use to create projects. AI creation tools save you time and can allow you to personalize the projects and differentiate for all needs. Share this collection with colleagues looking for ways to use AI to create projects.AI for Lesson Planning - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12View this collection of artificial intelligence tools designed to transform the way you create and deliver engaging learning experiences. Harness the power of AI to streamline the lesson...more
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View this collection of artificial intelligence tools designed to transform the way you create and deliver engaging learning experiences. Harness the power of AI to streamline the lesson planning process, offering intelligent assistance in curriculum development, personalized learning pathways, and resource curation. From AI-driven content generators that suggest creative activities to adaptive assessment tools that provide real-time insights into student progress, these resources assist teachers as they craft dynamic, data-informed lessons that cater to diverse learning needs. Some of the tools can also help educators create more diversified lessons with differentiation options (from reading levels to choice boards) and translation into many languages in mere seconds.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), differentiation (85)
In the Classroom
Use this collection to save time doing many tasks as you plan your lessons from start to finish. Bookmark this site to find new ways to deliver and differentiate content and lower the time required in planning using the power of AI!American Civil War Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12For over a century, America's Northern and Southern states had been in conflict over several issues, including cultural values, the federal government's power, slavery, and other economic...more
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For over a century, America's Northern and Southern states had been in conflict over several issues, including cultural values, the federal government's power, slavery, and other economic interests. The bloodiest conflict in the history of our union was fought from 1861-1865 between the states that supported the federal union and the southern states that voted to secede and then form the Confederate States of America. This curated collection shares many resources and tools to help your students visualize what America was like during those tumultuous times.
tag(s): 1800s (75), civil war (140), lincoln (67), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Help to deepen your students' understanding of Civil war times using this curated collection. Share these resources with your colleagues and students by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter. Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.American Presidents Related Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Find resources and activities appropriate for Presidents' Day in this collection from TeachersFirst. Choices include information about various presidents, the White House, inaugurations,...more
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Find resources and activities appropriate for Presidents' Day in this collection from TeachersFirst. Choices include information about various presidents, the White House, inaugurations, first ladies, elections, and more.
tag(s): holidays (194), presidents (136)
In the Classroom
Use these resources to connect Presidents' Day to your curriculum in almost any subject or select one or two ideas to highlight along with your regular lessons. This collection would also be useful during a unit on the three branches of government, specifically investigating the Executive branch.Ancient Africa - Mali Resources - 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!Ancient China Resources - 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 Resources - 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 Resources - 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 Roman Empire Resources - 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.Art in Schools Month Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This curated list of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is all about art! Prepare for Art in our Schools Month or share these tools throughout the entire year. Find tools that ...more
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This curated list of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is all about art! Prepare for Art in our Schools Month or share these tools throughout the entire year. Find tools that incorporate history, math, science, and more.
tag(s): art history (106), artists (88), drawing (62), museums (53), painting (54), sculpture (18)
In the Classroom
Get your students geared up for Art in our Schools Month. Show the connection between art and math using various tools listed. Share tools on your interactive whiteboard or allow students to explore independently.Artists and Theory Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Delve into this collection that shares an eclectic assortment of resources related to artists and theory. Ideal for Youth Art Month (YAM) and throughout the year, learn about various...more
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Delve into this collection that shares an eclectic assortment of resources related to artists and theory. Ideal for Youth Art Month (YAM) and throughout the year, learn about various artists through their websites and the information available through many art museums. In addition, learn about many different art theories from Impressionism to Romanticism to Contemporary, and more. Read all about these topics and more in the resources shared in this curated list.
tag(s): art history (106), artists (88), museums (53)
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try when planning your art lessons. Each review includes technology integration ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your lessons more productive.Atoms - Science Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12This curated list of resources will help you research information about atoms. Read the descriptions to find out whether a site sounds right for what you want to know. Some ...more
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This curated list of resources will help you research information about atoms. Read the descriptions to find out whether a site sounds right for what you want to know. Some sites may be more challenging reading, while others may offer solid basic information. Be sure to try several sources. There are resources for elementary, middle, and high school levels.
tag(s): atoms (43)
In the Classroom
Many of these tools are more appropriate for middle and high school students. In the younger grades, the tools could be used as a teacher-led activity. Share the interactive sites on your projector with the class. List these tools on your website for students to use for review and preparation for a test.Audio Books Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12These educator-reviewed resources from TeachersFirst offer audio books so all students, including emerging readers and ENL/ESL learners, can experience literature and other reading...more
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These educator-reviewed resources from TeachersFirst offer audio books so all students, including emerging readers and ENL/ESL learners, can experience literature and other reading selections in audio form to reinforce and inspire literacy skills and enjoyment.
tag(s): audio books (29), listening (93), preK (286)
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your professional favorites AND share it on a class web page for access by students and parents. The helpful reviews suggest ideas for ways to use the audio books in the classroom or outside of school to reinforce literacy skills, improve English skills, or study literature in new ways.Audio Books with Text Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12These educator-reviewed resources from TeachersFirst offer audio books with accompanying text so all students, including emerging readers and ENL/ELL learners, can experience literature...more
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These educator-reviewed resources from TeachersFirst offer audio books with accompanying text so all students, including emerging readers and ENL/ELL learners, can experience literature and other reading selections in audio form as they reinforce and inspire literacy skills and enjoyment. Be sure to explore each site, as many include multiple types of activities, including the audio books and texts.
tag(s): audio books (29), preK (286)
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your professional favorites AND share it on a class web page for access by students and parents. The helpful reviews suggest ideas for ways to use the books in the classroom or outside of school to reinforce literacy skills, improve English skills, or study literature in new ways.Author's Websites - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Introduce your students to some of their favorite authors (and some new ones). Learn and explore information about a variety of authors. Engage your students in learning about the life...more
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Introduce your students to some of their favorite authors (and some new ones). Learn and explore information about a variety of authors. Engage your students in learning about the life and works of authors and participate in the activities available on the websites. Share these resources with your students, families, and colleagues. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions give you ideas about using these resources in your classroom.
tag(s): authors (108)