Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This site, created by Maryland Public Television, offers the history of Frederick County, Maryland. There is also detailed information about transportation of the past and present, civil rights movements in Frederick County, primary sources and secondary sources, architecture, and more. There are lesson plans (with Maryland standards), printable pages, information to use if you choose to share any videos with your students (which is not necessary to use this site), links to learn about the Revolutionary times, War of 1812, The Underground Railroad and the Civil War, and much more.

There is a link for Web Links , these lead to other sites that provide research information. Some of the links include forums, so watch students carefully.

tag(s): civil rights (209), maryland (7), transportation (30)

This site takes students on a web hunt throughout Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Visit BWI airport, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, and several other famous landmarks. On the homepage, there are links for kids and teachers. The Kids link takes you directly to the web hunt. The Teachers Page includes ways to implement the lessons into your curriculum, resource links, project ideas, and more.

tag(s): maryland (7)

This informative and interactive website provides information about Maryland's role in the Underground Railroad. Some of the highlights include video clips about Harriet Tubman, lesson plans and class activities, printable pages, reference information, details about signs and symbols of the Underground Railroad, and MUCH more. If you are teaching about the Civil War and the Underground Railroad - this site is a must see. Another interesting activity is the "Make Your Own Secret Quilt Message." Be sure to check out the link Classroom Resources for some interesting ways to incorporate this site into your lessons. There is much to learn here, so don't let the occasional Flash resource bother you.

tag(s): 1800s (75), civil war (139), lincoln (66), maryland (7), slavery (79), underground railroad (15)

Google Lit Trips collects annotated maps on Google Earth to illustrate the travels found in great works of literature. The site presents the work of teachers and others and continues to add maps and content. Literary works are divided by grade level. Each map also provides links to other online material related to the work illustrated, and some trips are accompanied by related podcasts.

"Lit trips" can be reviewed by users so teachers can see comments left by other users. This site uses Google Earth which must be downloaded first. Find full info on Google Earth in the TeachersFirst review, including the link to download.

tag(s): earth (184), literature (221), maps (220)

Here's an introduction to American government that even the youngest students can appreciate. Divided into four grade levels, the site explains the structure and purpose of American government in age-appropriate terms for everyone from Kindergarteners to high school students. For example, there are four interactive games for your primary students (grades k-2)that make learning about our government fun. Have students learn states' locations by placing them on the map. Color the USA flag, help Ben Franklin out of a maze, or find your way around the liberty bell. There are also age-specific activities divided into grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

tag(s): constitution (96), franklin (12), states (124)

Bring the spirit of the games into your classroom! These nicely designed lesson plans, organized by grade level, address topics including characteristics of the ancient games, national anthems and customs, and women in the Olympic arena. Fun Olympic facts, information on health and exercise, and creative activities for learning about life in ancient Greece are also provided. Although these activities were originally created for the 2004 Olympics, nearly all of the information is applicable to any year of Olympic events (specifically, the summer Olympics). Some of the lesson plans and other activities require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): greece (47), olympics (45)

Explore the Nile with Nakht-Amun, an ordinary ancient Egyptian! Dig below the glamour and glitz of Pharaohs and pyramids to discover the daily life of ordinary Egyptians. This simple and delightful site offers an easy-to-read tour through everyday ancient life at home and in school followed by a quiz. Each section contains a nugget of information accompanied by drawings, photographs or animations of architecture, artifacts and maps. Underlined words and a clickable glossary take the explorer to brief descriptions and images of arts and crafts, common occupations, temples, and gods. The site includes two simple off-line activities for creating dioramas and drawing Egyptian figures with a grid. The Nile File is presented by the Liverpool Museums in England and does contain unique English spellings of some common words.

tag(s): art history (102), egypt (56)

Test Designer allows teachers to quickly and easily create multiple-choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions for tests and worksheets. Browse through thousands of previously-created tests in subject areas such as Algebra, Earth Science, Geography, U.S. History, and Vocabulary. Test Designer also provides simple graphics that can easily be added. Teachers can e-mail tests and worksheets to students, teachers, and parents. Make sure to allow plenty of time to read directions and maneuver the site prior to creating tests. There are some minor unobtrusive advertisements at this site. The required membership is free!

tag(s): quiz (67), quizzes (90), vocabulary (238)

Want to learn just a little or a lot of a new language? This is a great place to start learning vocabulary and basic phrases. The reviews and games are in cute interfaces, but there aren't many sound files. Since the description says the developer is adding more to the site each day, hopefully there will be more pronunciation added. The scope of the site is amazing: 44 languages. The languages include Albanian, Bosnian, English, Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and MANY others. The sound files, few as they are, feature native speakers pronouncing the basics. The games allow the student learner to guess and practice as much as possible by presenting the same words several times. The advanced feature provides more advanced vocabulary and the geography features the geography of the language group.

tag(s): arab (12), arabic (13), chinese (45), french (75), german (49), greek (47), hebrew (16), italian (31)

Although this page has been archived and is no longer updated, all links are functional. Scroll down the page to find Famous People from Britian and for the world. This website offers an excellent introduction to several famous people including Henry VIII, Pocohontas, Columbus, Nightingale, and others. Since this site was created by the BBC, you may find some "famous people" that your students aren't familiar with. Each famous person is highlighted with a slideshow about his/her life and achievements and a review quiz. There are also links for Journeys and a Timeline . Both of these links feature all of the famous people. There are links for parents and teachers to learn more about the website. This website requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

tag(s): britain (26), explorers (64), great britain (16)

This site contains several templates for familiar TV games useful for teacher (or student) created review. The activities include Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and others. Most of the games are done in PowerPoint. Depending on the version of PowerPoint you have, the formatting may be slightly off once you input your words, questions, or answers. Original games created by a teacher complete the offerings. Our editors note that the sound files included with some templates may be copyrighted material, and TeachersFirst does not condone the use of this content without the permission of the copyright holder(s). Most templates are "clean" of such potential problems. This website requires PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. Download both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

tag(s): air (101)

This website offers information about volcanoes and the Ring of Fire. The website features maps and interactive graphics showing the Ring of Fire, printable pages, diagrams, a cloze activity, an interactive quiz, and directions for making your own volcano.

tag(s): fire (22), maps (220)

The Wilderness Classroom Organization brings educational adventures into the classroom through on-line expeditions. Students can follow expeditions through the Amazon, Peru, Bahamas, and even dog sledding through Manitoba. The site provides archived experiences along with photos, expedition maps and notes from the trail. There are lesson plans, printable pages, standards, podcasts, and more.

tag(s): amazon (11), mississippi (5), peru (5)

Students are always fascinated by the mysteries of the past, and wondering how those in ancient history managed feats of construction that would be difficult even today. Perhaps nothing sparks student interest more than the phrase, "no one knows". This site seeks to explore several "mysterious places" in the world--places whose origins or purposes are lost to antiquity. Currently, the featured locations include Easter Island, Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, and the Maya. Each section contains stunning photography, and a variety of resources on the history and mystery of the site. A section entitled "educator link" promises lesson plans and other teachers' resources, but is not finished. The site offers great potential, some of which has already been realized.

tag(s): africa (148), mayans (23), mysteries (23)

Africa Focus offers a wealth of digital images and sound recordings from contemporary Africa. This collection from the University of Wisconsin contains more than 3000 slides, 500 photographs, and 50 hours of sounds from 45 different countries. Click Search the Collection to see image categories which include artisans, buildings and structures, cities and towns, education, landscape, religion, and women. Sound recordings include drums, greetings, rites and ceremonies, songs, and signing. The site is easily searched by keyword or by subject heading.

tag(s): africa (148), air (101), architecture (75), black history (133)

Annenberg Media has created this fantastic interactive tool that allows you to trace the growth and settlement of the United States by using a map. Throughout this interactive challenge, students learn about map legends, the compass rose and cardinal directions, and different types of maps. Students also learn about the various regions of the United States and the rivers, lakes, mountains, oceans, and more that are located in the United States. This website even delves into U.S. History by displaying major Indian tribes (and regions), explaining colonists, and the expansion of the great nation.

tag(s): colonial america (95), directions (11), india (32), map skills (63), maps (220), westward expansion (39)

To investigate Kidlink, click Teachers Room, and follow the directions on that page to register for free and see what the site has to offer. This website provides an online connection to students from various areas of the world. There are links provided for students, families, and teachers. The website is available in various languages - English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese. Students can share stories, artwork, and more. The educational content includes life planning skills (careers), social studies (geography, government, history, etc.), writing, and many other academic areas. Free registration is required for each student and teacher. All content is monitored by volunteer moderators. What a fabulous resource to use in geography or language arts class. This website doesn't just teach students about countries throughout the world, but also allows students to interact with students of various cultures as they write and respond to each other in this safe environment.

tag(s): careers (156), communication (129), cultures (180)

This website provides easy-to-access information about numerous countries. The information focuses on what would interest travelers to each country: the main cities, sites of interest, geographical features, food, shopping, family activities, and books. There are approximately 40 countries included (such as Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Israel, Canada, Cuba, Chile, Bali, Kenya, and numerous others). The highlight of this website is the wonderful annotated list of books about each country.

tag(s): countries (73)

This website provides a colorful interactive map of Africa. You are able to click on any country in Africa to learn more about that particular country. The website includes basic geographical information (capital cities, landforms, elevations, exact locations, etc.) along with other general information. The reading level is too high for younger students, so they will need an adult reader. Some of the links provide authentic music from the country, information about accommodations available, and tourist attractions.

tag(s): africa (148)

This website offers information on many types of maps: topographical, road, relief maps and more. There are four lessons that use a variety of inquiry strategies to help students learn to use and understand maps. Students will gather data and draw conclusions using the maps. Downloadable maps and activity sheets are included in PDF.

tag(s): map skills (63), maps (220)