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The History of Maya Civilization for Kids page on Bedtime History offers an engaging, narrative-style introduction to the ancient Maya civilization, tailored for young learners. Through vivid storytelling, it covers key aspects such as the Maya's agricultural practices, city structures, trade routes, religious beliefs, and notable cities like Tulum and Chichen Itza. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.

tag(s): architecture (84), central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)

Discover this collection of high-quality, downloadable maps related to ancient Maya civilization. The site includes maps of important cities, regions, and trade routes, as well as depictions of the Maya world at different points in history. These resources are designed to support classroom lessons, research projects, and student exploration of Maya geography and culture. The maps are detailed yet easy to understand, making them a valuable visual aid for enhancing history and social studies instruction at multiple grade levels.

tag(s): central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)

The "Ancient Mayans: Facts for Kids" page on History for Kids is a free, kid-friendly resource that introduces students to the fascinating world of the Maya civilization. It covers key topics such as daily life, religion, architecture, writing, and achievements in math and astronomy. Written in simple language, the site's straightforward layout and engaging content make it a helpful tool for the classroom.

tag(s): architecture (84), central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46), religions (112)

History's Inca is a free site that highlights the Incan Civilization. It features information on how the Incan Empire began, Pachacuti, government, achievements, religion, and the Spanish arrival. Additionally embedded into the site is a YouTube video on "8 Ancient Empires You Have Never Heard of," a podcast on "The Inca's Last Stand," and a feature article on "How Inca Mummies Ruled over the Living."

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The Colorado Department of Education's Inca Empire Resource Set provides educators with curated resources to teach about the history, culture, and achievements of the Inca civilization. This site includes primary sources, lesson plans, and instructional materials aligned with social studies standards to help teachers present accurate, engaging, and meaningful content. Focusing on Inca society, architecture, agriculture, and governance, these resources support inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and discussions about the legacy of the Inca Empire.

tag(s): agriculture (52), architecture (84), inquiry (30), south america (77)

The African American Innovation and Invention guide from the Library of Congress highlights the significant contributions of African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This resource provides access to primary sources, including patents, photographs, and historical documents, showcasing groundbreaking achievements in medicine, agriculture, and transportation. Teachers can use this collection to introduce students to influential inventors, start discussions on perseverance and creativity, and encourage research projects on African American innovators. The site supports cross-curricular learning by connecting history, science, and social studies, making it a valuable tool for exploring both historical and modern advancements.

tag(s): african american (119), agriculture (52), photography (131), STEM (306), transportation (30)

The African American History Online Primary Source Collection from the Library of Congress provides educators with photographs, manuscripts, maps, and audio recordings documenting African American history. This site allows teachers to integrate authentic primary sources into lessons on topics such as slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, cultural contributions, and political activism. Students can engage in critical analysis, historical inquiry, and multimedia exploration with materials spanning centuries. The collection is ideal for fostering discussions on African American experiences, resilience, and the ongoing impact of historical events on society today.

tag(s): african american (119), civil rights (217), maps (224), multimedia (55), photography (131)

The Camilo Jose Vergara Photograph Collection on the Library of Congress website documents African American communities through a powerful time-lapse photography project spanning several decades. Vergara's images capture the evolving landscapes of neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural landmarks, providing a unique visual history of urban change, resilience, and struggle. This collection is a valuable resource for teachers looking to explore themes of community development, social change, and historical documentation. By analyzing time-lapse images, students can observe the transformation of places over time, fostering discussions on urbanization, gentrification, and the impact of historical events on African American communities.

tag(s): african american (119), communities (38), photography (131)

Discover this vast collection of historical images documenting key moments, figures, and events in the fight for civil rights. The site offers primary source materials, including photographs from protests, leaders, and everyday activists, making it a valuable resource for classroom discussions and research projects. The site also includes bibliographies and related resources to deepen students' understanding of African American history and civil rights movements.

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The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website is valuable for teachers seeking primary sources, historical documents, and government records to enhance their lessons. It provides access to a vast collection of materials, including the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, as well as photographs, letters, and military records. Teachers can use NARA's educational resources, lesson plans, and digital exhibits to bring history to life in the classroom. The site also includes interactive tools, such as DocsTeach, which allows students to analyze and engage with historical documents meaningfully. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): bill of rights (34), constitution (99), declaration of independence (16), photography (131)

Teacher Planet offers a comprehensive collection of lesson plans, worksheets, activities, and teaching resources to help students explore the Mayan civilization. Educators can find engaging materials on Mayan history, culture, achievements, and daily life, making it easy to integrate into social studies lessons. With printable worksheets, interactive activities, and creative project ideas, this resource supports diverse learning styles and helps bring ancient history to life in the classroom!
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tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)

This lesson plan from PBS NewsHour Classroom introduces students to the art and knowledge of the ancient Mayan civilization. Through video transcripts, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will explore how Mayan art reflects their understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and daily life. The lesson includes critical thinking prompts and extension activities to help students make connections between ancient and modern cultures. With its engaging and interdisciplinary approach, this resource is perfect for bringing history, art, and science together in the classroom!

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46)

Discover the Maya Empire with PBS LearningMedia! This educational resource provides an engaging introduction to the Mayan Empire, perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. Through a short, informative video, students will explore the achievements of the Mayan civilization in architecture, astronomy, and writing. The resource includes discussion questions and activities to reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking. With its high-quality, standards-aligned content, this tool is a great way to bring history to life in the classroom!

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46)

This engaging lesson plan from BrainPOP Educators helps teachers introduce students to the Maya Civilization's rich history and cultural contributions. It features interactive videos, discussion questions, and activities. The lesson encourages critical thinking and historical analysis. Teachers can access various resources, including quizzes, graphic organizers, and extension activities, to deepen student understanding. With its user-friendly format and standards-aligned content, this lesson is a great way to bring ancient history to life in the classroom!

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46)

Stuff You Should Know: The Mayan Civilization is a fifty-three minute video podcast on YouTube. The video starts by highlighting the other podcasts they have done on the Ancient Mayan and sharing other Ancient Mayan podcasts they will be doing. Over the course of the fifty plus minute podcast, narrators Josh and Chuck share the highlights of the civilization, the cities, whether or not the civilization is really gone, the geography, the different periods/ages of the civilizations, and comparisons to other civilizations, regions, and/or societies. Note that there is a reference to genocide, mass graves, human sacrifices, and more. We always recommend previewing if you are unsure if the content is appropriate.

tag(s): mayans (32), south america (77)

Learn Bright's Mayan Civilization contains lesson plans that introduce students to the Mayan Civilization and the events during its time in history. The lesson plans teach about the origins of the civilization, places, people, and things, beliefs, daily life, and more. You must sign up for a free account to access the lesson plans. The lessons are aligned to the Common Core Standards for ELA literacy.

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)

The Library of Congress guide on the 13th Amendment is an invaluable resource for teachers exploring the history of slavery, emancipation, and the evolution of civil rights in the United States. This comprehensive guide provides primary source documents, historical context, and legal insights into the amendment that abolished slavery. Designed for educators, it offers easy access to speeches, legislative records, and images that bring the historical significance of the 13th Amendment to life. Whether you're teaching a civics, history, or government class, this guide equips you with the tools to foster meaningful discussions about freedom, justice, and the enduring impact of this landmark amendment.

tag(s): civil rights (217), constitution (99), emancipation proclamation (14), slavery (79)

African American Artists: Resources in the Library of Congress, serves as a comprehensive guide to the vast collections and resources on African American art and artists. It provides an introduction to significant artworks, movements, and figures, offering insights into their historical and cultural contributions. The guide is organized into sections that highlight primary sources, exhibitions, photographs, manuscripts, and reference materials available in the Library's collections. It is a valuable tool for educators, researchers, and students seeking to explore the rich legacy and impact of African American artists.

tag(s): african american (119), art history (106), black history (135), civil rights (217)

Explore this detailed guide to the history of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. It highlights the battalion's critical role in clearing a massive backlog of mail to boost troop morale and their perseverance in the face of racism, sexism, and challenging conditions. The guide offers access to primary sources, such as photographs, official records, and news articles, along with historical analysis that situates their contributions within the broader context of the war and civil rights. This resource is a valuable tool for educators, featuring side tabs with timelines, related collections, and teaching resources, making it ideal for lessons on women's history, African American history, and military history.

tag(s): black history (135), civil rights (217), women (152), womenchangemaker (37), world war 2 (162)

Mayan Masks gives a brief overview of the importance and value of masks in the Mayan civilization. It also briefly describes the different types of masks that the Mayans created. Finally, it challenges you to design your mask.

tag(s): crafts (74), mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)