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American Experience: The Natural Environment - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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The "American Experience: The Natural Environment" collection provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that examine pivotal environmental events and...more
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The "American Experience: The Natural Environment" collection provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that examine pivotal environmental events and movements in American history. Topics covered include the fight over water rights in California's Owens Valley, the environmental advocacy of biologist Rachel Carson and her seminal work Silent Spring, and the impact of industrialization on natural landscapes. These materials provide valuable insights to enhance classroom discussions on environmental history and policy.
tag(s): california (18), earth day (60), environment (249), roosevelt (16), water (105)
In the Classroom
After viewing a clip about Rachel Carson, students can create an informational poster using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here or digital slides using Google Slides, reviewed here highlighting her contributions, the environmental movement she inspired, and modern parallels. Students are assigned roles (ex., conservationist, industrialist, community member) to debate an environmental policy decision from one of the featured stories. Inspired by historical environmental activism, students can create a podcast, using Buzzsprout, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here addressing a current environmental issue in their community or globally.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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American Experience: Government - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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The American Experience: U.S. Government collection offers educators a diverse range of video clips, documentaries, and lesson resources that explore the foundations, functions, and...more
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The American Experience: U.S. Government collection offers educators a diverse range of video clips, documentaries, and lesson resources that explore the foundations, functions, and evolution of the American government. Designed for middle and high school students, the collection features engaging content on topics such as the Constitution, the presidency, the judicial system, civil rights, and landmark legislation. These materials help bring history and civics to life through real-world examples and historical narratives, supporting teachers in fostering civic understanding and critical thinking in the classroom.
tag(s): atomic bomb (7), bill of rights (39), branches of government (70), civics (129), coal (6), cold war (39), courts (26), presidents (151), stock market (13), vietnam (41), world war 1 (86), world war 2 (166)
In the Classroom
In small groups, have students role-play founding delegates and "reimagine" part of the Constitution for today's world, using background knowledge from the videos. After exploring a short video clip on a U.S. government topic (ex., branches of government or the Bill of Rights), students can summarize what they learned in a one-minute oral presentation or written response. Students can choose a civic issue (voting rights, checks and balances, due process) and create a short video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or Clipchamp, reviewed here explaining its importance, using inspiration and facts from the collection.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Margaret Chung - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12
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Introduce your students to the remarkable life of Dr. Margaret Chung, the first American-born Chinese woman to become a physician. Graduating from the University of Southern California...more
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Introduce your students to the remarkable life of Dr. Margaret Chung, the first American-born Chinese woman to become a physician. Graduating from the University of Southern California Medical School in 1916, Dr. Chung overcame significant racial and gender barriers to establish a successful medical career. She founded one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco's Chinatown and became affectionately known as "Mom Chung" to over 1,500 servicemen during World War II, whom she supported through mentorship and care. Dr. Chung also played a pivotal role in advocating for the creation of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), the women's branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve. This resource includes a 10-minute PBS video, a comprehensive biography, and a timeline of her achievements.
tag(s): women (189), womenchangemaker (80), world war 2 (166)
In the Classroom
Students can document the medical accomplishments of Margaret Chung using Canva's Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here. Students can research the various timeline periods/wars that Margaret Chung lived through by using Kiddle reviewed here. Students can learn more about the comic book "Real Heroes," which features Margaret Chung.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ken Burns Classroom: The Civil War - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
9 to 12
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The Ken Burns Classroom: The Civil War collection provides educators with a comprehensive suite of resources centered on Ken Burns's acclaimed nine-part documentary series about the...more
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The Ken Burns Classroom: The Civil War collection provides educators with a comprehensive suite of resources centered on Ken Burns's acclaimed nine-part documentary series about the American Civil War. This collection includes full-length episodes, curated video clips, primary source documents, and lesson plans designed to deepen students' understanding of the war's multifaceted impact on American society. Topics covered encompass key battles, influential figures, and the social and political ramifications of the conflict. These materials are tailored to support middle and high school curricula, providing valuable tools to engage students in critically analyzing this pivotal period in U.S. history.
tag(s): civil war (138)
In the Classroom
Use short video clips and primary sources from the collection to create a gallery walk. Students can rotate through stations featuring different individuals' perspectives (soldiers, enslaved people, nurses, etc.). Have students analyze a short segment from the documentary and identify how Ken Burns uses narration, archival images, music, and quotes. Divide students into groups to represent different historical figures or regions. Debate topics could include states' rights vs. federal authority or the causes of the war. Students can choose a real or fictional character who lived during the Civil War and write journal entries reacting to the events depicted in the documentary. Consider creating the journals digitally using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Experience: Politics - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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Discover a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into significant political events, movements, and figures in American history. Topics covered include the emergence...more
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Discover a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into significant political events, movements, and figures in American history. Topics covered include the emergence of political parties in the early republic, the strategies of the women's suffrage movement, the enactment of the 25th Amendment, and the findings of the Kerner Commission on 1960s civil unrest. These materials provide valuable insights to enhance lessons and engage students in understanding the complexities of the U.S. political landscape.
tag(s): cold war (39), kennedy (25), mccarthyism (2), politics (122), presidents (151), roosevelt (16), space (250), womens suffrage (64)
In the Classroom
After watching a short clip on a historical political event (ex., the women's suffrage movement or the emergence of political parties), have students choose 3-5 objects, quotes, or images they'd place in a time capsule to represent that moment. Have students analyze how a documentary clip presents a political issue, such as civil unrest or voting rights, focusing on tone, imagery, and historical context. They answer guided questions or write a reflection. After exploring historical movements such as women's suffrage or civil rights, students can create a plan for a modern social or political movement, including its goals, slogans, and strategies. Students research early U.S. political parties featured in the collection and compare their platforms with today's major parties. They present findings through infographics using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Experience: Civil Rights - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
9 to 12
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The American Experience: Civil Rights collection presents a comprehensive set of documentaries and resources that examine pivotal events, key leaders, and significant turning points...more
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The American Experience: Civil Rights collection presents a comprehensive set of documentaries and resources that examine pivotal events, key leaders, and significant turning points in the American civil rights movement. This middle and high school classrooms collection provides historical footage, primary sources, and expert interviews to deepen students' understanding of the fight for racial justice in the United States. Some materials contain sensitive content--including images and language reflecting the realities of discrimination and violence--making it essential for teachers to preview resources and provide appropriate context and support during classroom use.
tag(s): civics (129), civil rights (221), racism (81)
In the Classroom
Select 6-8 key videos or images from the collection and post them around the room with short discussion prompts. Students rotate in small groups, viewing each and responding on sticky notes or in journals. Students choose a civil rights leader featured in the collection (ex., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, or Fannie Lou Hamer) and create a character map using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here or MindMup reviewed here that includes the person's motivations, actions, challenges, and legacy. Students watch a short documentary segment and analyze how film techniques (music, narration, visuals) shape viewer understanding. They answer guided questions about the historical content and storytelling strategies. Students write a letter from the perspective of someone living during the civil rights era -- such as an activist, student, or community member -- reacting to a key event, such as the March on Washington.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gladys Bentley - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12
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Step into the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance with the compelling story of Gladys Bentley. Bentley was a powerhouse blues singer and pianist who captivated audiences with her...more
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Step into the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance with the compelling story of Gladys Bentley. Bentley was a powerhouse blues singer and pianist who captivated audiences with her deep, growling voice and electrifying performances. Donning her signature tuxedo and top hat, she challenged gender norms and societal expectations, becoming a prominent figure in 1920s Harlem nightlife. Her fearless expression of identity and talent not only entertained but also paved the way for future generations of artists.
tag(s): 1920s (25), 20th century (168), women (189), womenchangemaker (80)
In the Classroom
Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research more information about the time that Gladys Bentley lived in. Students can learn about other Harlem Renaissance artists. Finally, students can use Figma reviewed here to compare Gladys Bentley to another female musician.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12
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Step back in time to explore the era of Prohibition through original documents and teaching tools. This website from the Library of Congress offers rich primary source materials on...more
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Step back in time to explore the era of Prohibition through original documents and teaching tools. This website from the Library of Congress offers rich primary source materials on the 18th Amendment, which led to the national ban on alcohol in the early 20th century. Educators will find curated digital collections, print resources, and external links, including the National Archives' DocsTeach framework, all of which are freely accessible without registration.
tag(s): 20th century (168), bill of rights (39), constitution (104), history day (38)
In the Classroom
Engage students with primary documents by examining the 18th Amendment, as well as the links provided for the Volstead Act and the 21st Amendment. Use these resources to teach key content vocabulary words such as ratification, prohibition, amendment, and statute. Use Connections reviewed here to hook students on word games while fostering language skills and background knowledge for American law and government. Students can deepen their knowledge of these topics by creating a picture or photo timeline using ReadWriteThink reviewed here, or MyLens reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Gilded Age - PBS LearningMedia
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9 to 12
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Step back into one of the most transformative and turbulent periods in American history with PBS LearningMedia's American Experience: The Gilded Age collection. This curated set of...more
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Step back into one of the most transformative and turbulent periods in American history with PBS LearningMedia's American Experience: The Gilded Age collection. This curated set of free, classroom-ready resources offers teachers a dynamic way to explore the rapid industrial growth, political upheaval, and social inequality that defined the late 19th century. Featuring documentary clips, primary source sets, and lesson-ready materials, the collection brings to life key figures like Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Mary Elizabeth Lease, while examining the era's lasting impact on labor, wealth, and democracy.
tag(s): industrialization (12)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lesson available from PBS. Students can use Sutori reviewed here to create a timeline of the period. Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast the Gilded Age to another period in United States history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Timeline: Causes of the American Revolution - WGBH
Grades
6 to 12
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Discover a dynamic tool to explore the sequence of British policy changes that led American colonists to seek independence. This resource enables students to explore key events, thereby...more
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Discover a dynamic tool to explore the sequence of British policy changes that led American colonists to seek independence. This resource enables students to explore key events, thereby enhancing their understanding of the escalating tensions between Britain and its American colonies. By examining the timeline, students can critically analyze the impact of each policy decision and its role in the path to revolution.
tag(s): american revolution (91), colonial america (95), timelines (60)
In the Classroom
Have students research and add 2-3 events they believe belong on the timeline, justifying their choices with historical sources. Assign students to compare one colonial grievance to a modern-day protest or policy debate, drawing parallels in the cause, public reaction, and resolution. Challenge students to choose one timeline event and write a script for a news broadcast from the colonists' perspective. They can record it using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or Mootion, reviewed here. Using the timeline entries, have students create a cause-and-effect map using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here that links specific British policies (ex., Stamp Act, Tea Act) with colonial responses (ex., boycotts, protests).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Experiences: Biographies - PBS LearningMedia
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3 to 12
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The "American Experience: Biographies" collection on PBS LearningMedia offers educators a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the lives and contributions...more
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The "American Experience: Biographies" collection on PBS LearningMedia offers educators a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the lives and contributions of influential figures in American history. Notable individuals featured include Ulysses S. Grant, Frederick Douglass, Mark Twain, and Harry S. Truman. This collection Covers diverse individuals from various eras and fields, and provides valuable materials to enhance lessons and engage students in exploring the personal stories that have shaped the nation's past.
tag(s): biographies (96), famous people (40), kennedy (25), mark twain (9), railroads (17), roosevelt (16)
In the Classroom
Select 5-6 figures from the collection and provide students with brief, intriguing clues about each person's life. Students can guess who each person is before viewing the corresponding video segments. Have students write and perform a mock interview with one of the featured individuals, using facts from the collection to script questions and answers. Students can select a modern figure, compare their life, work, and impact to one historical figure from the collection, and present their findings in a Venn diagram using Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. After watching a documentary clip, students can create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here highlighting the person's early life, achievements, challenges, and legacy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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History.com - History.com
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K to 12
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The History Channel website is a rich resource for teachers, offering a wide variety of articles, videos, lesson plans, and interactive content on historical events, famous figures,...more
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The History Channel website is a rich resource for teachers, offering a wide variety of articles, videos, lesson plans, and interactive content on historical events, famous figures, and cultural movements. It provides engaging materials across different time periods and topics, making it a valuable tool for social studies, history, and civics lessons. Teachers can use its documentaries, primary source collections, and quizzes to enhance classroom discussions and encourage critical thinking. The site is great for bringing history to life with multimedia content that supports diverse learning styles. Some of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): cold war (39), colonial america (95), great depression (32), holidays (282), immigration (85), space (250), womenchangemaker (80), world war 1 (86), world war 2 (166)
In the Classroom
Use virtual tours or videos from the History Channel to explore historical landmarks or events. Afterward, students can write a reflection or compare and contrast the historical site with others they've studied in class and use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make a diagram showing their findings. Students can compare a History Channel documentary to other historical depictions in the media, analyzing the accuracy and bias of each. Have students create a multimedia project using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here that either supports or critiques a historical portrayal, using History Channel resources as a reference point.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Timelines - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12
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Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...more
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Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.
Timelines are powerful visual tools that can transform how students understand chronology, cause and effect, and the evolution of ideas in any subject area. In this hands-on workshop, we'll explore three versatile, free timeline creation tools you can implement at any grade level. You'll learn how to use timelines not just as presentation tools, but as dynamic frameworks for student inquiry, collaboration, and assessment. Discover strategies for scaffolding student comprehension from introduction to assessment while empowering learners to make connections between events, identify patterns, and visualize change over time. Whether you're teaching history, science, literature, or another subject, you'll leave with practical approaches to integrating interactive timelines that engage students and provide valuable insights into their understanding. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Design learning experiences that use timelines to scaffold student comprehension in any subject area. 2. Evaluate three free timeline creation tools based on their specific classroom needs and learning objectives. 3. Create an implementation plan that integrates timeline activities into their curriculum. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Timelines are powerful visual tools that can transform how students understand chronology, cause and effect, and the evolution of ideas in any subject area. In this hands-on workshop, we'll explore three versatile, free timeline creation tools you can implement at any grade level. You'll learn how to use timelines not just as presentation tools, but as dynamic frameworks for student inquiry, collaboration, and assessment. Discover strategies for scaffolding student comprehension from introduction to assessment while empowering learners to make connections between events, identify patterns, and visualize change over time. Whether you're teaching history, science, literature, or another subject, you'll leave with practical approaches to integrating interactive timelines that engage students and provide valuable insights into their understanding. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Design learning experiences that use timelines to scaffold student comprehension in any subject area. 2. Evaluate three free timeline creation tools based on their specific classroom needs and learning objectives. 3. Create an implementation plan that integrates timeline activities into their curriculum. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (322), timelines (60)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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George Washington's Mount Vernon - The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Grades
3 to 12
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Mount Vernon's official website is a rich educational resource for teachers looking to bring George Washington's life and legacy into the classroom. It offers virtual tours, primary...more
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Mount Vernon's official website is a rich educational resource for teachers looking to bring George Washington's life and legacy into the classroom. It offers virtual tours, primary source documents, lesson plans, and interactive activities covering topics such as Washington's leadership, the Revolutionary War, and 18th-century life. The site also includes engaging videos, a digital encyclopedia, and professional development opportunities for educators. With its wealth of historical content, Mount Vernon's website provides valuable tools to enhance students' understanding of early American history.
tag(s): american revolution (91), presidents (151), virtual field trips (142), washington (33)
In the Classroom
Have students take a virtual tour of Mount Vernon using the website's interactive features and assign small groups to explore different rooms or areas. Create a travel brochure template in Canva Edu, reviewed here for them to complete. Have the class write a "Letter to Washington" with a modern perspective on leadership. Extend learning by hosting a "Living Museum" Day, where students dress as their historical figure and present their experiences.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Charlotta Spears Bass - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12
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Step into the extraordinary life of Charlotta Spears Bass--a fearless journalist, civil rights activist, and political pioneer. As one of the first African American women to own and...more
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Step into the extraordinary life of Charlotta Spears Bass--a fearless journalist, civil rights activist, and political pioneer. As one of the first African American women to own and operate a newspaper in the United States, Bass used the California Eagle to confront racial injustice, challenge segregation, and advocate for equal rights. Her unwavering commitment to social change led her to become the first African American woman nominated for Vice President of the United States in 1952.
tag(s): african american (129), womenchangemaker (80), womens suffrage (64)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes while watching the video. Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare Charlotta Spears Bass to another female change maker. Finally, students can use Sutori reviewed here to create a timeline of other women who became Vice Presidential candidates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12
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The Library of Congress website on Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s offers a curated collection of primary sources that help students explore the complex realities of race in ...more
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The Library of Congress website on Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s offers a curated collection of primary sources that help students explore the complex realities of race in America during the Great Depression and World War II. This section features photographs, documents, and newspaper articles that reflects the experiences of African Americans and other marginalized communities including segregation, labor struggles, military service, and daily life. Designed for classroom use, these materials support historical inquiry and critical thinking, making them ideal for middle and high school U.S. history or social studies lessons.
tag(s): african american (129), black history (131), civil rights (221), segregation (20)
In the Classroom
Have students select a photograph or document from the collection and complete a primary source analysis worksheet, focusing on context, audience, message, and historical significance. Using the primary sources, have students design a 1930s or 1940s-style newspaper front page reporting using templates on Canva Edu, reviewed here on an event or issue related to race relations, incorporating headlines, images, and articles. Ask students to write a fictional first-person account (as a soldier, worker, or community member) based on evidence from the sources, giving voice to underrepresented perspectives of the time.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Eyes on the Prize - PBS Learning Media
Grades
8 to 12
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Experience the heart of the American Civil Rights Movement through Eyes on the Prize, an acclaimed documentary series produced by Henry Hampton's Blackside and first aired in 1987....more
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Experience the heart of the American Civil Rights Movement through Eyes on the Prize, an acclaimed documentary series produced by Henry Hampton's Blackside and first aired in 1987. Spanning approximately 14 hours over 20 episodes, this powerful series traces the movement from the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision through to the Voting Rights Act, highlighting the courage of ordinary individuals who brought about extraordinary change. The PBS website offers streaming access, full transcripts, film credits, a historical timeline, an image gallery, and supplemental resources -- making it an excellent tool for classroom instruction and discussion. Find the videos here Eyes on the Prize.
tag(s): african american (129), black history (131), civil rights (221), segregation (20)
In the Classroom
Assign students civil rights leaders or everyday individuals featured in the documentary. Students will research their background, contributions, and challenges, then present their findings as first-person narratives or digital posters using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here. Use transcripts or footage from the series to practice analyzing primary sources. Students can identify the point of view, tone, historical context, and intended audience. Students can compare a civil rights issue covered in the series (e.g., voting rights, school integration) with a modern-day counterpart. They should analyze similarities, differences, and ongoing challenges, and share their findings in a short essay or presentation using Visme, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Uncovering Loyalties - iCivics Inc.
Grades
K to 8
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Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and...more
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Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and walk in their shoes as Loyalists or Patriots. Throughout gameplay, students learn to explain connections in historical contexts; explore why individuals and groups held differing perspectives during the same period, and apply critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources. The game also helps students understand how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests led to the American Revolutionary War. Teachers can enhance the experience using a free Extension Pack, complete with a lesson plan, student handouts, and Google Slides available from the iCivics "Teach" section.
tag(s): american revolution (91), civics (129), game based learning (315), williamsburg (8)
In the Classroom
Using chart paper or a digital tool like Padlet, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, have students create a visual map showing how political, religious, and economic ideas and events led to the American Revolution. Ask students to research whether there were Loyalists or Patriots in their own state or region during the Revolutionary War. They can present their findings in a poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here, a slide show using Google Slides, reviewed here, or a brief documentary-style video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here to connect national events to local history. Provide students with quotes, images, and short passages from primary sources and have them sort the evidence into categories that reflect political, religious, and economic motivations for either loyalty or rebellion. Then, students use evidence to explain differing colonial perspectives.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Virtual Museum Tour - Museum of the American Revolution
Grades
4 to 12
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The Museum of the American Revolution's Virtual Museum Tour offers an immersive online experience featuring 360-degree panoramic views of its galleries, high-resolution images of artifacts,...more
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The Museum of the American Revolution's Virtual Museum Tour offers an immersive online experience featuring 360-degree panoramic views of its galleries, high-resolution images of artifacts, and optional guided audio narration. The tour is divided into themed sections, such as the Liberty Tree, Washington's Field Headquarters, and various exhibits that highlight diverse voices, including those of women, Native Americans, and both free and enslaved people. Students can explore detailed scenes and stories that trace the journey from the start of the Revolution to the founding of a new nation. However, since the tour includes embedded YouTube videos, any school district that blocks YouTube will prevent access to those video components.
tag(s): american revolution (91), virtual field trips (142)
In the Classroom
Create a scavenger hunt where students search the virtual museum for key artifacts, symbols (like the Liberty Tree), or quotes. Students can work in pairs to answer guiding questions tied to historical themes. After exploring a section of the museum, have students write journal entries from the point of view of a historical figure they encountered, such as a soldier, a Loyalist, a woman in wartime, or an enslaved person seeking freedom. Students can design their own mini "virtual exhibit" using images, text, and narration to showcase what they believe are the most important parts of the American Revolution, inspired by the museum's layout. This can be done using tools like Google Slides reviewed here or Canva Edu reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Revolutionary Choices - The American Revolution Institute
Grades
5 to 10
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Step into history--and make pivotal decisions! The American Revolution Institute's Revolutionary Choices game and companion app immerse students in the real-life challenges of the Revolutionary...more
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Step into history--and make pivotal decisions! The American Revolution Institute's Revolutionary Choices game and companion app immerse students in the real-life challenges of the Revolutionary War. Starting with Lexington and Concord, players must make tough choices, such as financing the army, securing French support, and managing Loyalist tensions, while staying true to the ideals of liberty and unity. Available for free on desktop, iOS, and Android, the game includes over 150 scenarios and 24 key battles. A classroom guide helps teachers integrate gameplay with historical analysis, encouraging students to explore the complex political, military, and moral dilemmas faced by revolutionaries.
tag(s): american revolution (91), game based learning (315), simulations (47)
In the Classroom
Begin by having students play through a short session of Revolutionary Choices. Then lead a class discussion using questions like: "What choice was the hardest to make?", " Why?", or "What surprised you about the consequences?" Have students design their own Revolutionary Choices scenario based on a lesser-known event or dilemma from the Revolutionary War. They must create a decision, 2-3 options, and realistic outcomes grounded in historical research. Assign students roles such as George Washington, a Patriot soldier, a Loyalist, or a member of the Continental Congress, and have them research and present how their historical figure would have responded to the types of decisions faced in the game.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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