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National Archives - The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Grades
3 to 6tag(s): bill of rights (33), constitution (96), declaration of independence (16), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Use DocsTeach to select a primary source related to your lesson (Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, letters from historical figures) and have students answer questions about who wrote the document, why it was created, and how it relates to today's world. Show students a virtual tour or video from the National Archives YouTube Channel and take notes using Webnotes, reviewed here or TurboNote, reviewed here for a class discussion afterwards. Select a historical photograph, letter, or document from DocsTeach or archives.gov and provide students with limited context. In groups, students can play detective by analyzing clues (dates, signatures, language, historical events) to figure out the document's purpose and significance.Teach Democracy - Teach Democracy
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (33), civil rights (209), constitution (96), democracy (24)
In the Classroom
Based on the "Electoral College" lesson plan, organize a classroom mock election. Students can research candidates or create fictional platforms, hold debates, and vote, experiencing firsthand the process of elections and the importance of civic engagement. Inspired by the lessons on community engagement, challenge students to identify a local issue they care about (such as recycling, public transportation, or voting rights) and develop a plan to take action. They can create petitions, host awareness campaigns, or present their project to local leaders or school administrators. Use a list of key civics terms from the Teach Democracy collection (like "democracy," "rights," and "constitution") and challenge students to define each term, then use it in a sentence. To gamify the lesson, turn it into a class competition or game like "Jeopardy!" to test their knowledge. Use Classroom Jeopardy, reviewed here to make a game board.13th Amendment to the Constitution - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): civil rights (209), constitution (96), emancipation proclamation (13), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Students can use free online tools like Class Tools, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to create an interactive timeline that tracks the events leading to the passage of the 13th Amendment. They can include key moments such as the Emancipation Proclamation, debates in Congress, and the ratification process. Students work in pairs or small groups to record a short podcast episode discussing the significance of the 13th Amendment and its legacy today. Online tools such as Acast, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here can be used. Students can incorporate quotes from historical figures, reflections on modern civil rights issues, and their interpretations of how the amendment has shaped U.S. history. Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the abolition of slavery in the 19th century to modern-day issues surrounding freedom and justice. The Venn diagram can be completed on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.The Getty Center's Scenes from the Headlines - The Getty Center's Scenes from the Headlines
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): images (263), newspapers (93), writing (325)
In the Classroom
Share the lessons as presented on the site. Challenge students to a debate about which of the images was the most noteworthy or influential. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Students can also research more about the time period featured in each image and the impacts that occurred.Indigenous Rights and Controversy over Hawaii's Maunakea Telescope - Facing History & Ourselves
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): hawaii (9), native americans (110), telescopes (11)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lesson as it is on the website. Students can create a timeline using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students can debate these issues by providing reasons for or against them. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Library of Congress Research Guides - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), architecture (75), black history (133), branches of government (65), civil rights (209), civil war (139), conservation (102), energy (133), engineering (129), environment (252), foreign policy (13), hispanic (36), industrialization (12), jews (33), latin (23), literature (222), middle east (50), native americans (110), nutrition (140), photography (130), politics (118), population (51), religions (95), Research (87), sports (82), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (198), women (150), womenchangemaker (36), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Assign students to explore a Library of Congress guide on a historical event (ex., Civil Rights Movement, World War II) and have them read and summarize a firsthand account or diary (or blog) entry. Students can then write a journal entry or letter from someone who lived through the event. Try a simple blogging tool like Telegra.ph reviewed here. Choose a literature-focused research guide related to a classic novel or author (such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby) and have students create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or a newspaper front page using a template from Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.NPR- Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts, and Podcasts - NPR
Grades
K to 12tag(s): civil rights (209), cultures (180), journalism (74), news (229), podcasts (108), scientists (67), space (222)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to NPR's Student Podcast Challenge winners for inspiration and assign them to create a short podcast episode on a topic related to your curriculum. Use free tools like NPR's podcast resources or Buzzsprout, reviewed hereto guide their scriptwriting and recording process. Choose an NPR article and a similar report from another news source and have students analyze the tone, word choice, and sources used. Use NPR's science and history archives to explore a key discovery or event. Have students present their findings through a timeline project using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here.Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.Reading Treks: So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix - TeachersFirst
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): civil war (139), diversity (40), emancipation proclamation (13), identity (29), maps (220), novels (34), social and emotional learning (101), virginia (15)
In the Classroom
Use this Reading Trek as a guide to integrating a book study into your lessons on the Civil War. Create a template for your book study in Book Creator, reviewed here for students to complete during their activities while reading the book and conducting the virtual tour. Enhance understanding by including timelines created with MyLens, reviewed here, videos made with Motioon, reviewed here, and annotated images created with ClassTools Image Annotator, reviewed here. If this is your first book study, consider completing the Book Creator activities as a class or assigning a book to small groups. This Reading Trek is also perfect for gifted middle school students as an integrated learning activity that explores the book's different themes.Jewish American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Assign students to investigate how a commemorative observance becomes official, from public advocacy to federal laws or presidential proclamations. They can use examples from the guide, such as the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Students can then write a short essay or give a presentation explaining the process. Use the guide's links to access examples of presidential proclamations for national observances. Assign students to analyze one proclamation, examining its language, tone, and purpose. They can summarize its main points and discuss why such proclamations are significant. Challenge students to select and research a lesser-known commemorative observance (ex., National Hispanic Heritage Month or Constitution Day) using the guide. Students can also create these presentations using a resource such as Google Slides, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here.From Election Results to Inauguration: Teaching the 2024 Transition of Power - Share My Lesson
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Teachers can follow the step-by-step lessons that are on the site. Students can create a timeline of significant events using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here between Election Day and Inauguration Day. Finally, students can debate who was the most influential performer/author during Inauguration Day.Virtual Field Trip - I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential Inauguration - Share My Lesson
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Teachers can follow the step-by-step lessons that are on the site. Students can research other presidential inaugurations so that they can compare and contrast. Finally, students can debate the importance/significance of a presidential inauguration.Constitution EXPLAINED: Votes for Women - iCivics
Grades
6 to 8tag(s): constitution (96), women (150), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can write letters to their local representatives discussing the importance of voting rights and equality, drawing connections between the 19th Amendment and today's issues. Have students design posters, social media posts, or short videos as if they were living during the women's suffrage movement, advocating for the right to vote. They can use a free resource such as Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here. Organize a classroom debate where students argue whether the fight for women's rights is ongoing.5 Presidential Inauguration Activities - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Compare and contrast inaugural speeches from presidents. Students can use a tool like Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here to compare the speeches. Identify the tone of the speech and the challenges the country was facing at the time. Have students predict what the next inaugural speech will mention. Have students plan an inaugural parade. Who would they include? Make a class list of ideas.Analyzing Historical Presidential Inaugural Addresses - CNN
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135), speeches (23)
In the Classroom
Organize a mock congressional hearing where students research a current event or policy issue. Assign roles such as committee members, witnesses, and reporters. Students will present their findings, ask questions, and debate differing viewpoints, helping them understand legislative processes and critical thinking. Select a video from C-SPAN Classroom that features a significant historical event or speech. Have students analyze the video, discussing its context, impact, and significance. They can create a presentation using a resource such as Visme, reviewed here or write a reflection on how this event relates to contemporary issues. Start a current events journal where students regularly summarize and reflect on news articles about the U.S. government and politics. They can use C-SPAN Classroom videos as discussion starters. Establish a debate club where students select topics related to government policies or historical events featured on C-SPAN. Divide students into teams to research their positions and engage in structured debates. Many of these activities could be done on the virtual debate website Kialo Edu reviewed here.Watch Live House of Representatives Proceedings - United States House of Representatives
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): branches of government (65), house of representatives (8), politics (118)
In the Classroom
Students can watch House of Representatives proceedings during civics and government lessons to see how voting and discussion occur. They can also take advantage of the other features to view the upcoming legislative schedule and legislative action filed during the previous week. Find additional ideas and lessons for teaching about the legislative process at the Education 4 Democaracy, reviewed here.Smithsonian American Women's History Museum - Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12tag(s): women (150), womenchangemaker (36), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can create biographies of the women they research. Biographical examples can include videos, pamphlets, or slides. Students can create digital stories using Sway, reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast women from the same time and debate who was more influential. Use the online debate tool Kialo Edu, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips or watch virtual interviews.National Women's History Museum - National Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12tag(s): women (150), womenchangemaker (36), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can be assigned a specific woman and create digital books explaining why this woman is important in history. Students of all ages can create digital books using Book Creator, reviewed here. They can also compare and contrast women from the same time or era using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips to museums/exhibits associated with the women and era or time.8 Fun Constitution Day Activities for Students: We the People - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): congress (40), constitution (96), electoral college (22)
In the Classroom
Have students role-play as delegates to debate and draft amendments to the Constitution. Create a scavenger hunt where students search for specific articles, amendments, or key concepts within the U.S. Constitution. Use a virtual scavenger hunt creator such as GooseChase, reviewed here. You can also present students with famous Supreme Court cases related to constitutional issues. They can work in groups to analyze the case, debate the decisions, and present their findings to the class. As an extension, students can research how these decisions affect current laws and rights.Tour the White House in 360 Degrees - Tour the White House in 360 Degress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): virtual field trips (128), white house (16)