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Civics Connected - Reagan Foundation and Discovery Education
Grades
5 to 12
Inspire students to become more engaged in their communities and more informed about their world with standards-aligned civic explorations from Civics Connected. Investigate the basics...more
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Inspire students to become more engaged in their communities and more informed about their world with standards-aligned civic explorations from Civics Connected. Investigate the basics of democracy through meaningful, real-world connections. Free downloadable lesson plans and virtual field trips will keep your students engaged throughout your civics unit.
tag(s): communication (130), democracy (24), politics (118)
In the Classroom
Engage students in class discussions throughout your lessons with tools such as Jamboard, reviewed here, or Padlet, reviewed here; these tools allow students to collaborate easily within small groups or class discussions. You can also enhance the provided graphic organizers by importing them into free tools 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. In addition, Civics Connected is regularly updated with news articles and resources related to current events, allowing your students to connect what they are learning and real-world events.
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Citizen Science Month - Arizona State University and SciStarter
Grades
K to 12Learn the basics of citizen science and find ideas for projects and events for beginners and experienced scientists at the Citizen Science Month site. Begin by scrolling down to the...more
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Learn the basics of citizen science and find ideas for projects and events for beginners and experienced scientists at the Citizen Science Month site. Begin by scrolling down to the Foundations of Citizen Science Tutorial to learn the basics of citizen science and earn a digital badge upon completing the module. Follow-up modules are available to extend learning in data literacy, using libraries as hubs, and more. Other information on this site includes a database of science projects, a library network with free resources for creating an event, and a calendar of upcoming events. Registration isn't required to view information on the site; however, creating a free account is required to complete the tutorials and access the complete database of science projects.
tag(s): citizen science (27), data (150), ecology (105), engineering (137), genetics (79), inquiry (30), medicine (57), psychology (65), statistics (121), STEM (310)
In the Classroom
Explore the many free projects Citizen Science offers to engage students in scientific exploration and inquiry that match your curriculum. Consider working together as a class to complete the Citizen Science Tutorial and earn the digital badge. As students work together to collect and analyze data, use Livegap Charts, reviewed here, to enter data and create customized charts. After working in groups or together as a class, to analyze the information learned, create a presentation to share with parents and peers during a Citizen Science night event. Use presentation tools such as Bulb, reviewed here, to create portfolios or Visme, reviewed here, to create and share audio slide presentations.
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Felt - Interactive Map Creator - felt.com
Grades
K to 12Felt is a free map creator that makes it easy for anyone to create and work with maps. Under the Use Cases tab on the top right, you'll find Education ...more
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Felt is a free map creator that makes it easy for anyone to create and work with maps. Under the Use Cases tab on the top right, you'll find Education with ideas for teaching with Felt. Easily share your maps with others by sharing a link or embedding them in another tool. Felt's simple toolbar makes it easy to map data or routes and add notes, links, or images. Pinning locations, adding notes, coloring specific areas, clipping out any location to emphasize, and adding layers to your maps allows you to map just about anything you could imagine! You must be at least thirteen years old to create a free account to create maps. This site is currently in a public beta version.
tag(s): map skills (64), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Visualizing data and creating maps just became easier for teachers and students. Help your students understand current events worldwide by creating a map and embedding it on your classroom website or learning management system. For example, use maps in science to track migration patterns, explore climates, or map weather events. Teachers of students aged 13+ years can have students create and edit maps in real-time from anywhere. Build upon your student's knowledge by adding layers to your maps to show new information. Teachers of younger students can create maps for student viewing to map a story or show animal habitats.iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts - ithrive games
Grades
9 to 12iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen...more
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iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen civic and social-emotional learning (SEL). The digital simulations are designed to support student-driven learning, and the student's actions determine the storyline. Students will play as journalists reporting on a breaking story. To get the truth, they need to find credible sources, collaborate with peers, and report the story accurately and without bias. Registration with a school email address is required to play. This game was designed to function within school firewalls. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact your school's IT department. iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis scenario is centered around topics that may be sensitive for some students. Consider offering alternatives or providing extra support if needed.
tag(s): bias (28), game based learning (206), journalism (74), media literacy (113), simulations (23), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
Engage your high school students with iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts. The game-based simulation includes teacher preparation, pre-simulation, and optional post-simulation activities. The entire simulation takes about two thirty-minute sessions total to play. Teachers should plan for the full simulation and activities to take at least five 45-minute class periods. A complete implementation guide is included. Civics topics include effective sourcing of information, SEL skills include understanding bias and collaboration.iThrive Sim: Leading Though Crisis - ithrive games
Grades
9 to 12iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis is a digital role-playing simulation game. The situation helps students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen...more
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iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis is a digital role-playing simulation game. The situation helps students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen civic and social-emotional learning (SEL). The digital simulations are designed to support student-driven learning, and the student's actions determine the storyline. Students will play as government officials who need to work collaboratively to analyze the data they receive to make decisions. Registration with a school email address is required to play. This game was designed to function within school firewalls. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact your school's IT department. iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis scenario is centered around topics that may be sensitive for some students. Consider offering alternatives or providing extra support if needed.
tag(s): game based learning (206), simulations (23), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
Engage your high school students with iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis. The game-based simulation includes teacher preparation, pre-simulation, and optional post-simulation activities. The full simulation takes about two thirty-minute sessions total to play. Teachers should plan for the entire simulation and activities to take at least five 45-minute class periods. A complete implementation guide is included. Civics topics include the 25th Amendment and the Presidential Cabinet, SEL skills include decision-making.Educational Podcasts for Students - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12In this collection, we share many educational podcasts for students of all ages in various subject areas. The act of listening to podcasts offers many benefits to our students. The...more
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In this collection, we share many educational podcasts for students of all ages in various subject areas. The act of listening to podcasts offers many benefits to our students. The podcasts are available anytime, making them ideal for in-person, remote, blended, and flipped instruction. Students can listen a second time to deepen their understanding.
tag(s): podcasts (116)
In the Classroom
Share these podcasts with your students to use when learning related material. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find podcasts to incorporate into your lessons.Resources related to Source Reliability/Checking Sources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and...more
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As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and determining if a source is reliable and credible.
tag(s): evaluating sources (30), media literacy (113), Research (88)
In the Classroom
We have included resources for all grades. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions with each reviewed resource, give you ideas about using these tools in your classroom.Resources related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12If you are not familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learn about them through the resources in this collection. The SDGs are the 17 global goals adopted by the ...more
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If you are not familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learn about them through the resources in this collection. The SDGs are the 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations designed to be a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable future for all. In this collection, you will find helpful information about the SDGs and web resources to help you to teach the SDGs in your lessons. There are resources included for all grade levels.
tag(s): climate (85), energy (133), recycling (45), sustainability (51), water (105)
In the Classroom
Help to deepen your students' understanding (and your own) of the Sustainable Development Goals. 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.History of Voting in America - Office of Secretary of State Washington
Grades
5 to 12This helpful document provides a visual timeline sharing the history of voting from 1776 through the present time. Black and white images and simple explanations guide voting, beginning...more
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This helpful document provides a visual timeline sharing the history of voting from 1776 through the present time. Black and white images and simple explanations guide voting, beginning with the introduction of voting for white men over twenty-one and chronicles changes throughout the years, including eliminating racial barriers and women's voting rights. Although some information is specific to Washington State, this timeline includes all federal voting benchmarks, making it appropriate for use in any classroom. This document is available for viewing online and as a downloadable PDF document.
tag(s): civil rights (219), constitution (99), elections (81), immigrants (48), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this document for use with any lessons on voting and to provide context during American History units. The visuals included on the timeline are especially helpful for visual learners to give context and a deeper understanding of the progression from 1776. Engage students by introducing this information with a gamification app such as Blooket, reviewed here. Blooket works well with both in-person and remote learning and offers a variety of game options, including games for single players and groups. Additional Blooket options are offered as homework, meaning students participate at their leisure during the provided time frame. Enhance student learning by creating timelines that include information from this document and additional information from your lessons. Canva, reviewed here, offers many easy to use timeline templates that allow you to add links to outside sites, images, and more. Extend learning by asking students to interview local election officials or senior citizens to share their experience with voting rights and regulations. Ask students to create presentations sharing what they learned using Google Slides, reviewed here, or Microsoft PowerPoint Online, reviewed here. Include links to audio recordings of interviews, add images, supporting videos, and more.
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BackStory: Blackstory - Edsitement
Grades
10 to 12BackStory: Blackstory is a podcast compilation of some of the best content from the podcast, BackStory, focused on discussions of anti-Black violence. Select segments using the links...more
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BackStory: Blackstory is a podcast compilation of some of the best content from the podcast, BackStory, focused on discussions of anti-Black violence. Select segments using the links provided. Each feature includes a series of comprehension questions and additional resources for using the information in the classroom. Resources include lesson plans, curriculums, and media, including articles and primary source documents. Some episodes include discussions of lynching and racial slurs, be sure to preview before sharing with your students.
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tag(s): black history (135), civil rights (219), martin luther king (46), podcasts (116)
In the Classroom
Due to the intense nature of some of the content shared in the podcast, consider listening to the podcast chapters one by one together as a class. Prepare for some of the difficult conversations by using resources found within the TeachersFirst Special Topics Page Resources for Difficult Conversations. Take advantage of the lesson plans shared on this site to extend student comprehension beyond the conversations shared in the podcast. Encourage students to enhance learning by researching areas of interest while creating a Padlet, reviewed here, with a variety of resources such as videos, primary sources, and books. Extend learning by offering students various options for sharing their learning about anti-Black violence. Ideas include using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here, to create video, or create a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or build a website using Site123, reviewed here, or build an interactive story using maps created with Google My Maps, reviewed here.Black History Milestones: Timeline - History.com
Grades
6 to 12Learn about important events in Black history in the United States, starting with the arrival of 20 enslaved people brought into the British colony of Virginia in 1619 and continuing...more
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Learn about important events in Black history in the United States, starting with the arrival of 20 enslaved people brought into the British colony of Virginia in 1619 and continuing through present times. This timeline updates frequently and includes the latest and most relevant milestones related to Black history. Each entry consists of images or videos along with a summary of the event; many also have links to additional information and resources.
tag(s): black history (135), civil rights (219), martin luther king (46), presidents (136), racism (83), rosa parks (9), slavery (79), women (154)
In the Classroom
Include this timeline with your Black history and civil rights resources. Share with students using Padlet, reviewed here, along with other resources including videos, weblinks, and reading suggestions. Other considerations for using Padlet are to use the column feature in Padlet to sort information by dates or use the timeline option to build a visual timeline of the events shared in this timeline and additional ones taught in class. Ask students to share their understanding by creating timelines using the templates found at Canva Edu, reviewed here or Knight Lab, reviewed here.Freedom Riders - PBS
Grades
6 to 12This documentary film from award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson tells the story of six months in 1961 that changed America's future forever. Follow the wrenching tale of 400 black...more
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This documentary film from award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson tells the story of six months in 1961 that changed America's future forever. Follow the wrenching tale of 400 black and white Americans traveling throughout the south in the face of oppressive Jim Crow laws through non-violent means of activism. The film begins with information on the background of segregated travel and follows the Freedom Riders through training and travels to cities throughout the south. The conclusion celebrates the final chapter of the story with Justice at Last.
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tag(s): 1960s (26), black history (135), civil rights (219), congress (39), racism (83), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
This film is almost two hours long; however, it includes dividing points that break the video into several shorter chapters. Consider sharing this film with students for several days not only as a means for adapting to time constraints but also to allow time to process and discuss the information in shorter chunks. Consider including this video as part of a Symbaloo Learning Path, reviewed here. Include additional resources as part of the learning path for students to read and view, along with short quizzes or opportunities to share their reflections on the information. As an opportunity for reflection use Podcast Adobe, reviewed here, to encourage an ongoing conversation about the events shared in this film. Create a channel to discuss each chapter, including a prompt to initiate student discussions. For more ideas on facilitating difficult conversations in the classroom, visit the TeachersFirst Special Topics Page, located here, that is devoted to resources for difficult conversations.Do's and Don'ts of Teaching Black History - Learning for Justice
Grades
K to 12This easy-to-follow list of do's and don'ts provides an excellent start to understanding the basics of teaching Black history throughout the year. Adapted from lessons created by Pat...more
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This easy-to-follow list of do's and don'ts provides an excellent start to understanding the basics of teaching Black history throughout the year. Adapted from lessons created by Pat Russo at SUNY Oswego, these simple ideas offer guidelines that ensure Black history lessons are meaningful and relevant.
tag(s): black history (135), civil rights (219), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (226), difficult conversations (57), martin luther king (46), politics (118), racism (83), rosa parks (9)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and use the information provided in the article as a guideline for teaching Black history, not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. Find many Black History resources at the TeachersFirst Black History Special Topics page, found here, or within many of the Reading Treks, found here. The Reading Treks share virtual field trips of resources based upon literature and include many Black history selections. Celebrate your students' learning throughout the year using digital tools to create virtual field trips using Google My Maps, reviewed here, or creating interactive infographics using Canva Infographic Templates, reviewed here.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 (219), cold war (31), korea (22), 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.Interdisciplinary Civics Education Lessons - United4SC
Grades
6 to 12Teach fundamental civic skills and concepts using the videos and lessons provided by United4SC. Using the top menu bar, click Categories and select from the many different topics, including...more
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Teach fundamental civic skills and concepts using the videos and lessons provided by United4SC. Using the top menu bar, click Categories and select from the many different topics, including economics, history, democracy, and more, to find materials that engage students in enhanced thinking activities. Each lesson includes a video along with downloadable lesson plans and student worksheets. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): branches of government (64), civil rights (219), constitution (99), democracy (24), diseases (66), elections (81), environment (251), ethics (21), media literacy (113), pilgrims (12), psychology (65), racism (83), slavery (79), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this excellent resource for use throughout the year to engage students as they learn about various social studies topics. Luckily, this site includes a link to each of the videos that are shared on edpuzzle, reviewed here. Use these links to create and share video lessons with your students, including notes, quizzes, and comments extending learning. Use the included lesson plans as a starting point for your lessons, then ask students to extend learning by sharing information through various choices. For example, offer students options for creating a podcast teaching about one of the topics using Buzzsprout, reviewed here. Buzzsprout includes options to personalize podcasts, such as the ability to add links to show notes and the option to schedule episodes for release at specific times and dates; in addition offer Genially, reviewed here, where students can choose to create interactive presentations, images, infographics, charts, and anything else you can think of.
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Critical Thinking Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Nurture critical thinking skills in your classroom using the resources shared in this collection. Critical thinking is a process that includes the ability to interpret, analyze, and...more
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Nurture critical thinking skills in your classroom using the resources shared in this collection. Critical thinking is a process that includes the ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information. Thinking critically requires students to infer and solve problems with an open mind. Students use critical thinking skills to observe, experience, communicate and reflect while reading and learning content. As contentious public events spill over into the classroom, teachers need to help students learn how to process perspectives that differ from their own. Use this collection as you are planning your lessons and activities.
tag(s): critical thinking (137), media literacy (113), problem solving (234)
In the Classroom
Help your students to practice critical thinking skills using these engaging resources. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Global Citizenship Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Encourage your students to be global citizens with the resources shared in this collection. Global citizenship helps students to understand both world events and their role within the...more
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Encourage your students to be global citizens with the resources shared in this collection. Global citizenship helps students to understand both world events and their role within the international community. When students begin to become global citizens, they learn to respect universal values such as peace and the human rights of all people. Use this curated list to start your class discussion of global citizenship.
tag(s): collaboration (94), cross cultural understanding (178)
In the Classroom
Help your students to become global citizens using these engaging resources. Find ways to connect with other schools around the country or even around the world. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Social and Emotional Learning Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Social-emotional Learning (SEL) is the process by which students of all ages develop and use social and emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Using SEL skills, students better...more
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Social-emotional Learning (SEL) is the process by which students of all ages develop and use social and emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Using SEL skills, students better understand emotion, manage their own, and show empathy towards others. SEL skills also help students set and achieve positive goals. Although this is an ongoing process through all grade levels, you can begin to instill these skills and understandings in even your youngest students. We encourage you to find appropriate tools and resources in this collection to use with your students and in your lessons.
tag(s): emotions (53), empathy (37), social and emotional learning (110)
In the Classroom
Find resources to educate yourself and your students about various topics related to social-emotional learning. This collection includes lesson plans, digital check-ins, toolkits, professional resources, and more. Share this curated list with your colleagues and families.Extra, Extra, Read All About It: Looking at Current Events with an Analytical Eye - TeachersFirst
Grades
4 to 12Perception is reality. Use this extensive collection of resources to teach students to think critically about the world around them. In addition to background knowledge, this resource...more
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Perception is reality. Use this extensive collection of resources to teach students to think critically about the world around them. In addition to background knowledge, this resource provides activities that promote critical thinking. Take advantage of the many ideas found to explore relationships between concepts, collaborate with others, and use evidence to create questions for any topic. Use the specific book titles and correlated activities to incorporate critical thinking skills and apply learning to current issues of interest.
tag(s): climate change (100), critical thinking (137), immigrants (48), native americans (116), point of view (8), racism (83)
In the Classroom
Use the information shared on the site to find resources and activities that teach students to think critically about their information. Take advantage of the suggested books and ideas that extend learning through the use of technology. Consider using Wakelet, reviewed here, as a curation tool to share information with students and to share your students' work products.
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RealClearHistory - RealClear
Grades
8 to 12RealClearHistory is a history buff's dream. This portion of the RealClear site focuses on history through a variety of different lenses. Begin with the current date in history to access...more
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RealClearHistory is a history buff's dream. This portion of the RealClear site focuses on history through a variety of different lenses. Begin with the current date in history to access articles from many other global resources relating to events on that date or use the dropdown arrow next to the date to go back a few days in time. Then, scroll further down the page to find multimedia, current news, the latest articles, and much more. If that isn't enough, browse the left sidebar to find history tidbits, biographies and memoirs, documents, and the map room. This site will keep history buffs and students engaged for a very long time!
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tag(s): biographies (94), civil war (141), constitution (99), history day (39), politics (118), presidents (136), religions (114), slavery (79), space (220), vikings (10), world war 1 (77), world war 2 (163)