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The Library of Congress Celebrates the Songs of America - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12
Explore American history through music with this extensive collection of digitized recordings, sheet music, artist commentaries, and videos. Use the keyword search to find specific...more
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Explore American history through music with this extensive collection of digitized recordings, sheet music, artist commentaries, and videos. Use the keyword search to find specific information. Narrow the search by date, subject, language, and more. Be sure to visit the About this Collection tab to find links to interactive maps and timelines as well as educator resources including several lessons correlated to standards.
tag(s): 1800s (75), 1900s (72), 20th century (62), poetry (193), songs (46)
In the Classroom
This site is a goldmine for finding music to accompany any American history unit! Use resources from the site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Play music from the period you are studying during reading or research time. Allow students to explore the site on their own, and then share their findings with classmates. Have students create timelines (it can include text, images and collaboration) using Sutori, reviewed here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
America's Heritage: A History of Immigration - immigrationcouncil
Grades
6 to 12Explore America's History of Immigration through the thirty-two interactive events on this timeline beginning in 1492. Scroll the timeline bar to any area on the timeline to view events...more
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Explore America's History of Immigration through the thirty-two interactive events on this timeline beginning in 1492. Scroll the timeline bar to any area on the timeline to view events for that period. Click the arrows on each box to read more about that event.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): immigrants (34), immigration (68), timelines (56)
In the Classroom
Share this timeline on your interactive whiteboard as an introduction to your unit on immigration. You could show the history of immigration and discuss the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. Use a tool such as Thinkalong, reviewed here, for students to debate about this topic, or any hot topic. It is interesting to note that there are many more events for the most recent twenty-five years than there are for all the previous years. Use this as a starting point for students to research and find additional information to add. Have students transform their learning and create their own timelines (with music, photos, videos, and more) using Timeline JS, reviewed here.TPS Teachers Network - Metropolitan State University of Denver
Grades
K to 12TPS Teachers Network is a social networking site for social studies and history teachers. The Library of Congress funded this as part of their Teaching With Primary Sources Program....more
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TPS Teachers Network is a social networking site for social studies and history teachers. The Library of Congress funded this as part of their Teaching With Primary Sources Program. Create an account to begin using features on the site (email and password required). Once enrolled, options include participating in a chat, adding friends, and searching using keywords. Use the search from the top right menu after logging in on the main page to find specific information topics such as primary source sets or political cartoons. Create albums on the site, including primary and secondary sources, and videos to easily share with students or fellow teachers. Be sure to check out the Help section by clicking the question mark at on the top menu bar when you first get started for Quick Tips to all sections of the site.
tag(s): bookmarks (43), primary sources (117), professional development (385), social networking (61), Teacher Utilities (198)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save TPS Teachers Network as an excellent professional development and social networking site. Share with your colleagues to create your own professional learning network on the site. Create albums with primary sources for use throughout the year in one easy to find location.Teaching World War I With The New York Times - New York Times/ Michael Gonchar
Grades
8 to 12Teaching World War I With The New York Times is a resource for teaching about World War I using historical articles and social media. The site offers topics paired with ...more
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Teaching World War I With The New York Times is a resource for teaching about World War I using historical articles and social media. The site offers topics paired with New York Times articles and slide shows for use in exploring the causes and effects of the war. Click on highlighted links to get access to all resources included on the site including Common Core Standards.
tag(s): europe (84), middle east (50), world war 1 (77)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plan for use in your World War I unit. Use this site to differentiate activities for students. Be sure to "mine" the links within the site for additional resources to add to your current lesson plans. Have students create online posters individually or together as a class using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard, reviewed here, or PicLits, reviewed here. Have students use Fakebook, reviewed here, to create a "fake" page similar in style to Facebook about a president, soldier, or family member during the time of World War I.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Hip Hughes History - Keith Hughes
Grades
8 to 12This YouTube channel offers over 300 videos for U.S. and World History, current events, political science, and American Government. Click the Playlist link to easily find one of the...more
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This YouTube channel offers over 300 videos for U.S. and World History, current events, political science, and American Government. Click the Playlist link to easily find one of the categories. Other videos teach test-taking and essay writing skills. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): china (81), classroom management (120), constitution (96), elections (82), foreign policy (13), politics (118), presidents (135), russia (36)
In the Classroom
Show videos on an interactive whiteboard or projector to your class as an introduction to a new unit or class discussion. Flip your lesson and assign videos for students to view at home or in the computer lab and discuss questions at the next class meeting. Prep for this and engage students by asking questions during the video using Moocnote, reviewed here. Use the videos as a springboard for engaging writing prompts or to spark a discussion connected with a unit of study. Enhance learning by having students create a simple infographic with information learned from videos using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here. Be sure to check out some of the classroom management tips and advice for new teachers for some fresh ideas to use in your classroom!Mr. Beat's Social Studies Channel - Matt Beat
Grades
5 to 12Mr. Beat's YouTube Channel provides educational Social Studies videos in a storytelling format. There are a few other topics: Primary and Secondary Sources, Guide to Critical Thinking,...more
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Mr. Beat's YouTube Channel provides educational Social Studies videos in a storytelling format. There are a few other topics: Primary and Secondary Sources, Guide to Critical Thinking, and others. Be sure to check out the music video and song for each of the presidents. Other topics include using Google Earth, Presidential Elections, and Story Time with Mr. Beat. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): alaska (21), elections (82), explorers (64), gettysburg address (12), lincoln (66), presidents (135), primary sources (117), washington (28)
In the Classroom
Share these videos on an interactive whiteboard or projector. FLIP your classroom and have students view the videos at home to discuss and apply the next day in class (this is an excellent option if your school blocks YouTube). Use the videos to introduce any topic and assign others from the series for homework. Be sure to provide this link on your class website for students (and their families) to access at home.Television Archive News Search Service - TV News Archive
Grades
5 to 12The Television Archive News Search Service is a comprehensive resource for finding news video clips from the United States and Great Britain. Scroll through to view clips by most popular...more
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The Television Archive News Search Service is a comprehensive resource for finding news video clips from the United States and Great Britain. Scroll through to view clips by most popular or sort by title, date, archived, or creator. Use the search bar to search by keywords for specific information. Choose any clip, and then choose any minute from the filmstrip to view clips.
tag(s): d day (11), journalism (74), news (229), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
This site is ideal on an interactive whiteboard or projector, learning station, or on individual computers (with headsets). Provide students with a topic for a keyword search and allow them to explore on their own. Embed video clips into your class web page or view together on an interactive whiteboard as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson. Looking for video clips for D Day? Click here.Getting Started With Primary Sources - Elementary Students - Library of Congress
Grades
K to 8This excellent resource includes articles on teaching primary sources to elementary students, classroom materials, and information on the latest research on this subject. You'll also...more
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This excellent resource includes articles on teaching primary sources to elementary students, classroom materials, and information on the latest research on this subject. You'll also find Primary Source Sets, a Primary Source Analysis Tool, and more.
tag(s): primary sources (117)
In the Classroom
Use information from this article when including primary sources in your Common Core based lessons. Take advantage of the free included lesson plans. Be sure to click on the links in each lesson activity to be directed to the complete lesson plan. Share information with your teaching colleagues. Use images from the lessons (with proper credit, of course) and create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here. Google Drawings allows you to annotate an image with links to videos, text, websites, and more. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Brain Pump - brainpump.net
Grades
6 to 12Learn something new every day with Brain Pump videos. Choose from the many topics including game design, history, science, math, technology, nature, business, casual science, and more...more
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Learn something new every day with Brain Pump videos. Choose from the many topics including game design, history, science, math, technology, nature, business, casual science, and more to view a random video about the topic. Not interested? No problem, click the next video link to watch another on the same subject. Sign up isn't necessary but allows you to "star" videos to find for later viewing. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as Online-Convert, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): business (52), critical thinking (127), earth (184), financial literacy (93), fish (18), human body (93), marine biology (31), natural resources (37), plants (146), psychology (65), rivers (16), space (222), spanish (109), video (266)
In the Classroom
Use the short videos found at Brain Pump to introduce content and assess prior knowledge. Create a link to videos, or embed them, on your class website for student viewing at home. Use a video tool such as EdPuzzle, reviewed here, or ComentBubble, reviewed here, to have students answer questions, from home, on the content of the video. Back in the classroom, have students talk in small groups about any video and their questions and ideas about the topic. Have the student groups share out the important questions and thoughts with the whole class. After the class discussion, have the students write a group response, either on paper or on your class blog or wiki. Completing a group response now, could evolve into students writing journal entries at home or during class about the topic of a video. These videos make powerful writing prompts. After viewing a few videos in this manner, you may want to have older students select videos they want to watch (or you can assign them) and have the students respond.History/Social Science Resources - Los Angeles Unified School District
Grades
K to 12The Los Angeles Unified School District offers a large selection of resources for teaching history and social sciences aligned to Common Core Standards. Choose from elementary, middle,...more
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The Los Angeles Unified School District offers a large selection of resources for teaching history and social sciences aligned to Common Core Standards. Choose from elementary, middle, or high school to find curriculum maps and lessons. One very useful portion of the site includes lessons created in partnership with Reading Like a Historian, reviewed here, that engage students in the creation of historical knowledge. Both sites are a must-visit for anyone teaching Social Studies!
tag(s): assessment (147), commoncore (73), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site for use throughout the school year. Be sure to take advantage of the lesson plans and curriculum guides. Share with other teachers as you collaborate and plan together.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Civil Rights at 50 - Equal Justice Society
Grades
7 to 12Civil Rights at 50 offers free lesson plans based on the book, Wherever There's a Fight, by Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi. The six middle and high school lesson plans ...more
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Civil Rights at 50 offers free lesson plans based on the book, Wherever There's a Fight, by Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi. The six middle and high school lesson plans revolve around the struggle to develop and protect rights in California. Click the download link to access and print the lessons in PDF format.
tag(s): california (17), civil rights (209)
In the Classroom
Although lessons are for a particular book, they can be adapted for classroom use without reading the book. Take advantage of these free lessons and handouts for use with any Civil Rights lesson or unit. These lessons would be great for use with gifted students or differentiating work for students. Have a group of students read Wherever There's a Fight and make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools, reviewed here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
25 Moments That Changed America - Time Magazine
Grades
6 to 12Take a look at what leading experts consider the 25 moments that changed 20th century America in this interesting list from Time. Click through the slideshow or view all moments ...more
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Take a look at what leading experts consider the 25 moments that changed 20th century America in this interesting list from Time. Click through the slideshow or view all moments in one list. Each event, listed in chronological order, also includes a summary and photograph. A few also include a video clip. Click on the links at the bottom of each moment to view more information from the Time Vault.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): 1900s (72), 20th century (62), civil rights (209), presidents (135), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Use this site to introduce any lesson or unit on 20th century America with an interactive whiteboard or projector. At the end of a 20th century unit, have students create their own list individually or as a group before sharing this site. This site contains many events that may be unfamiliar to most younger Americans, use it as an opportunity to explore these events further. Have students create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here, to share information from different events. Google Drawings allows you to annotate an image with links to videos, text, websites, and more. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here.This is a good informational reading source to help meet your Common Core Standards.A Day in the Life: Dress the Part - History.org
Grades
5 to 12Dress the Part is an interactive that teaches about eighteenth-century clothing and its relationship to social status in Virginia. Choose a member from different social statuses such...more
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Dress the Part is an interactive that teaches about eighteenth-century clothing and its relationship to social status in Virginia. Choose a member from different social statuses such as field slaves up to the gentry. Learn about that place in society and choose the proper clothing. When your member of society is appropriately dressed, read more about their situation and social status.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Use this activity to introduce the idea of social classifications during the 1700's. Use this site as the starting point for individual or group projects. Challenge students to create an interactive map and tell a digital story about a society member's ancestry and movements. Use a tool such as Tour Builder, reviewed here. With Tour Builder, you can add locations, text, images, and videos to build the story. A simpler project would be to ask students to use Cube Creator, reviewed here, and design a Bio Cube about different members of Virginia society.Pantheon People Rankings - MIT Media Lab
Grades
7 to 12Explore and discover the most influential people in history using Pantheon People Rankings. Prepare to be immersed in the many different features of this site. Search by period, country,...more
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Explore and discover the most influential people in history using Pantheon People Rankings. Prepare to be immersed in the many different features of this site. Search by period, country, or domain to view rankings of the most influential people in that category. Set search parameters using drop down boxes to the left of the chart. Hover over colored result boxes to view specific information for each result. Click on any individual name to get a short Wikipedia overview and ranking information.
tag(s): cultures (180), explorers (64), politics (118), scientists (67), sociology (23), sports (82)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site for use throughout the year when looking for ideas for research projects, biographies, and more. Have students create a list of whom they think is most influential and compare their lists to the actual results. Use information to find the most influential people around the globe or throughout time. Have students modify their learning and create timelines (with music, photos, videos, and more) using Timeline JS, reviewed here.Five Myths - The Washington Post
Grades
6 to 12Five Myths takes on everyday subjects and challenges widely held beliefs every time. For example, are panda bears really cuddly and gentle? Has technology really changed how we fight...more
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Five Myths takes on everyday subjects and challenges widely held beliefs every time. For example, are panda bears really cuddly and gentle? Has technology really changed how we fight wildfires? Each short article is written by a content expert and explores little-known facts to debunk commonly held beliefs.
tag(s): journalism (74), myths and legends (37)
In the Classroom
Share Five Myths on an interactive whiteboard or projector as an excellent starting point for lessons on the subjects included. Be sure to review comments on each section before sharing since they are unmoderated. After viewing the articles on this site, start a discussion about what students know about urban legends and Snopes. Have students research and find five myths for any topic, then create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Snappa, reviewed here.Tom Richey's YouTube Channel for AP History - Tom Richey
Grades
9 to 12This engaging YouTube channel offers an excellent variety of videos for AP U.S. and European History and AP Government. Additional offerings include review sessions about South Carolina...more
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This engaging YouTube channel offers an excellent variety of videos for AP U.S. and European History and AP Government. Additional offerings include review sessions about South Carolina history. Each video explains different topics in history through lecture. Videos range in length from one minute to over an hour. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): 1700s (36), 1800s (75), 1900s (72), advanced placement (26), american revolution (82), black history (133), colonial america (95), england (50), france (41), germany (28), greece (47), greeks (46), industrial revolution (22), jefferson (19), romans (52), rome (37), russia (36), spain (13), video (266), washington (28), world war 1 (77)
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your teacher favorites to find videos to use in AP History and Government classes. Be sure to share videos with students and parents, especially videos with study plans for AP tests. Create a link to this YouTube channel on your class website or blog for students to access at home.U.S. History for AP Students - Krista Ehinger
Grades
10 to 12U.S. History for AP Students offers a large choice of resources preparing for History AP exams. Choose from documents, note cards, textbook outlines, president fact sheets, and test...more
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U.S. History for AP Students offers a large choice of resources preparing for History AP exams. Choose from documents, note cards, textbook outlines, president fact sheets, and test taking tips. Use the search bar to find keywords in note cards or browse through cards using provided chronological links. This content will always remain relevant, no matter when the last update to this tool was.
tag(s): advanced placement (26), test prep (69)
In the Classroom
Be sure to create a link to this resource on your class website for students to use at home. Share this site with students for use throughout the year with all AP History topics. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their understanding of one of the concepts. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here. Have students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Venngage, reviewed here.State of the Union Bingo - National Constitution Center
Grades
7 to 12Engage student interest in the annual State of the Union Address with this Bingo lesson plan. Background activities provide historical knowledge of the traditions of the speech. Follow...more
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Engage student interest in the annual State of the Union Address with this Bingo lesson plan. Background activities provide historical knowledge of the traditions of the speech. Follow up activities guide students through understanding current events.
tag(s): presidents (135), speeches (23)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this free lesson plan as a supplement to your current events lessons. The Bingo sheet was created in 2012, you may need to modify some terms to adapt to current events. Divide students into groups and compare State of the Union addresses from throughout any one president's terms. Have students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Venngage, reviewed here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
FreeCol- The Colonization of America - FreeCol
Grades
8 to 12FreeCol is a downloadable strategy game with the objective of the colonists creating an independent nation. Along the way trade with Europe and bring in the colonists while growing...more
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FreeCol is a downloadable strategy game with the objective of the colonists creating an independent nation. Along the way trade with Europe and bring in the colonists while growing your population. Attract colonists with money and/or religious freedom. Choose between becoming the Native Americans' friend or foe. Befriending them gives you new skills and items; while attacking their villages can result in lots of valuables while adding to the tensions. Choose from single or multiple player options and difficulty level.
tag(s): colonization (21), problem solving (233)
In the Classroom
Download FreeCol onto classroom computers for use as a computer center activity. Display on your interactive whiteboard or projector and discuss strategy options together as a class. modify learning and use a visual storytelling tool such as Lucidpress, reviewed here to have students write about strategies and decision-making processes.Andrew Carnegie's Story - Carnegie Corporation of New York
Grades
7 to 12Learn about the life of Andrew Carnegie starting with his humble beginnings all the way through his rise to the richest man in the world with this interactive storytelling tool. ...more
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Learn about the life of Andrew Carnegie starting with his humble beginnings all the way through his rise to the richest man in the world with this interactive storytelling tool. Click About on the top menu bar and scroll down to Andrew Carnegie's Story to read about Carnegie's youth and explore the timeline of his business. Continue reading to learn about his philanthropic side, including the founding of over 2,500 libraries across the United States. Use links at the top of the page to view specific portions of the site without having to scroll through all sections. The video at the end is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): 1900s (72), biographies (94), business (52), railroads (14)