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Jewish American Heritage Month - Yale Library
Grades
11 to 12tag(s): audio books (28), cultures (209), diversity (43), ebooks (45), jews (49), perspective (18), religions (111)
In the Classroom
Assign students a Jewish American scholar, activist, or leader featured in the library's collection. Students can create a short presentation slide deck using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to share their findings. Students can also use these tools to design a digital or physical exhibit showcasing the achievements of Jewish American leaders. Provide students with excerpts from writings, speeches, or articles by Jewish American figures and have them present their findings in a short written reflection or group discussion.African American Activists of the 20th Century - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): african american (119), black history (134), civil rights (216), martin luther king (46)
In the Classroom
Have students select an activist from the website, research their life and achievements, and create an interactive digital timeline using tools like Canva, reviewed here or Class Tools, reviewed here. Have students choose an activist and prepare a short presentation or monologue in character, sharing their achievements and struggles. Turn the classroom into a "living museum," with students acting as historical figures. Using the website images as inspiration, students can create hand-drawn or collaged posters highlighting an activist's achievements, including key facts, quotes, and visuals. Ask students to select an activist, research their contributions, and create a short podcast episode using Acast, reviewed here or Podbean, reviewed here) explaining their importance.14th Amenendment to the US Constitution - Library of Congress
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), constitution (99), states (125)
In the Classroom
Print out copies of historical documents from the Library of Congress (ex., drafts of the amendment, letters, or court decisions). Divide students into groups and have them analyze the documents, answering guided questions about their significance, language, and historical context. Students can script and record a short podcast episode using tools like Anchor, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here, discussing how the 14th Amendment relates to a specific historical or modern civil rights issue. Assign students landmark Supreme Court cases involving the 14th Amendment, such as Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade. Using tools like Padlet, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here, students can collaboratively research and present the facts, rulings, and their implications for civil rights today.American Jewish History and Culture - NYU Libraries
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), critical thinking (135), cultures (209), immigration (78), inquiry (30), jews (49)
In the Classroom
Students can choose a primary source, such as an immigrant's letter or an editorial, and write a response as if they were a contemporary witness to that moment in history. In small groups, students can select primary sources from the NYU guide to design a virtual museum exhibit on a theme such as Jewish immigration, civil rights, or cultural contributions. They can present their "exhibit" using Google Slides, reviewed here or Venngage, reviewed here. Students can also explore the guide's digital archives to find a historical newspaper article, photograph, or document related to Jewish American history. Students can share their findings in small groups, discussing the historical significance and connections to broader U.S. history.Jewish American Heritage Month Resources - American Jewish Committee
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), cultures (209), immigration (78), jews (49)
In the Classroom
Use articles and videos from the AJC website to analyze historical documents or speeches about Jewish American experiences. Students can work in groups to interpret the sources and present their findings. Students can create a short podcast or video featuring a Jewish American figure, event, or cultural contribution, including interviews, historical analysis, or reflections on the topic's significance. Students can use Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here to make podcasts, and Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here to make videos. Students can explore current issues related to antisemitism and civil rights, using AJC resources. They research advocacy efforts and develop an awareness campaign or action plan to educate their school community.The Jewish Americans - PBS
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), cultures (209), immigration (78), jews (49)
In the Classroom
Utilize the links on the PBS resources page to visit virtual exhibits from institutions like the Museum of Jewish Heritage or the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Assign students to explore specific exhibits and share their findings with the class. Guide students to use JewishGen, a genealogy resource linked on the PBS site, to research Jewish immigration patterns. Students can investigate family histories or community case studies and then present their insights on how these migrations influenced local cultures. After researching Jewish American music, art, or literature using the PBS resources, students can create artistic pieces inspired by their findings. This could include composing music, creating visual art, writing poetry, or performing scenes that reflect Jewish American cultural themes.Bill of Rights: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (34), constitution (99), primary sources (120), Research (88)
In the Classroom
Share this link with your students when studying the Bill of Rights. During Constitution Day activities, have pairs of students create captions that could be used with the documents using a tool such as Boxie reviewed here. Another option for younger students would be to use Padlet reviewed here to share reactions to some of the images at the site. With Padlet, students can reply using audio or video, so even the youngest students can participate. Students could use this to research how the Bill of Rights was developed and which individual rights were hot topics in 1891.Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Resource Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): cold war (31), presidents (136), world war 1 (79)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here of important milestones of President Eisenhower. Students can create a living museum in which they research and then reenact a part of Eisenhower's life. Dive deeper into primary source analysis by having students read excerpts from Eisenhower's speeches or presidential papers. Students can compare his farewell address (especially the "military-industrial complex" warning) with modern political concerns, promoting critical thinking and historical connections.Emancipation Proclamation: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): emancipation proclamation (14), lincoln (67)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here from the start to the finish of the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. Students can compare and contrast three pivotal documents to understand the progression of emancipation in the United States. Compare using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram. Students can creatively express their understanding of the Emancipation Proclamation through art. After studying the Emancipation Proclamation, students can create a visual representation (ex., a poster, comic strip, or illustration) that captures the essence and impact of the document. These items may be completed online using resources such as Canva Edu reviewed here or Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here.Library of Congress's 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents in American - Library of Congress's 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): constitution (99), primary sources (120), senate (11)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links that are on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here from start to finish of the passage of the 15th Amendment. Students can also examine artistic representations related to the 15th Amendment, such as political cartoons or commemorative posters. They can discuss the messages conveyed through these artworks and their historical context.Teach Democracy - Teach Democracy
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (34), civil rights (216), constitution (99), 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 (216), constitution (99), emancipation proclamation (14), 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 (265), newspapers (93), writing (326)
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 (117), 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 (119), architecture (84), black history (134), branches of government (65), civil rights (216), civil war (140), conservation (102), energy (133), engineering (137), environment (252), foreign policy (13), hispanic (36), industrialization (12), jews (49), latin (23), literature (221), middle east (50), native americans (117), nutrition (139), photography (132), politics (119), population (51), religions (111), Research (88), sports (84), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (203), women (152), womenchangemaker (37), 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 (216), cultures (209), journalism (74), news (228), podcasts (112), scientists (70), space (220)
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.Reading Treks: So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix - TeachersFirst
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): civil war (140), diversity (43), emancipation proclamation (14), identity (34), maps (225), novels (34), social and emotional learning (107), 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 (136)
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 (136)