513 history-culture-americas results | sort by:
Asian Americans - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): asia (139), civil rights (216), identity (35), immigrants (45), immigration (78), japan (60), japanese (50), politics (119), racism (79), railroads (16)
In the Classroom
After watching a video on Asian American identity, students can create a digital or paper collage representing identity, heritage, and belonging using images, symbols, and quotes from the documentary. Digital collages can be made using PhotoCollage reviewed here or Photo Joiner reviewed here. Inspired by the personal narratives in the collection, have students interview a family member or community elder about their immigration story or cultural heritage and create a short podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here or Podbean reviewed here. Students can work in groups to create an interactive timeline of key historical events from the collection with Timeline reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here, adding images, descriptions, and reflections on how these events shaped Asian American experiences.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Standing Together - SmithsonianAPA
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artists (88), asia (139), cultures (245), japan (60), japanese (50), multimedia (55), poetry (190), virtual field trips (129)
In the Classroom
Have students explore APAC's digital exhibitions, such as We Are Here or A Day in the Queer Life of Asian Pacific America. Students can reflect on how artists express identity and create artwork representing their cultural heritage or personal identity. Using the "We Are Not a Stereotype" video series, students can watch a selected video and discuss how stereotypes impact Asian Pacific American communities. They can then create an awareness poster or infographic using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here debunking a common stereotype. Ask students to research key moments in Asian Pacific American history using APAC's resources and create a visual timeline digitally using a resource such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker reviewed here that highlights significant events, figures, and contributions. Select a book from APAC's Learning Together recommendations to share with students or assign small groups different books, and have them present key themes, historical context, and connections to their own experiences or current events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings - Texas Education Agency
Grades
4 to 6tag(s): grammar (137), pyramids (23), south america (79), spelling (94), writing (307)
In the Classroom
Using materials like sugar cubes, marshmallows, or LEGO bricks, students work in teams to construct a model pyramid while discussing its purpose and significance in early civilizations. Students can also use Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here to create digital 3D models. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here to compare the leadership of early American civilizations (ex., kings, priests) to modern government systems. Students can craft their own myths inspired by elements of early American civilizations. They can illustrate their stories and share them with the class. Consider using Imagine Forest reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here to make books to share with the class and families online.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Mayas - Aztecs - Incas - Wendy Conklin
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): architecture (79), religions (122), south america (79)
In the Classroom
Transform your classroom into a bustling market! Assign students roles as Maya, Aztec, or Inca merchants selling goods like cacao, maize, textiles, or gold. Have them barter and trade based on their civilization's economy. Students can analyze Maya glyphs or Inca quipu (knotted cords used for record-keeping). They can try writing their names in glyphs or creating a simple quipu with yarn. Students can research and retell a myth from one of the three civilizations. They can write a short script, perform, or illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here. Students could also record a podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here. Students can build Maya pyramids (with sugar cubes), Aztec chinampas (floating gardens using sponges & water trays), or Inca terraces (stacked cardboard "mountains") to explore their engineering feats.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Early American Civilizations- Maya, Aztec, and Inca - Core Knowledge
Grades
4 to 6tag(s): critical thinking (141), literacy (120), maps (213), south america (79), vocabulary (240)
In the Classroom
Make a Mystery Box by placing pictures or replicas of Maya, Aztec, and Inca artifacts (ex., a quipu, a pyramid, a codex) in a box. Have students pull an item, describe it, and infer its use before reading about it in the text. Students create a visual comparison such as a Venn diagram, poster, or digital infographic using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here showing similarities and differences between the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. They can list areas like government, religion, architecture, and daily life. Students can write a first-person journal entry as a Maya scribe, an Aztec warrior, or an Incan messenger, describing a day in their life while incorporating factual details from the reader.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ghosts of Machu Picchu - PBS NOVA
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): archeology (26), south america (79), STEM (328), timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Have students explore the website's visuals, articles, and videos to "virtually visit" Machu Picchu. Then, in small groups, students can create a travel brochure or digital slideshow highlighting key features, historical significance, and unanswered mysteries. These projects can be completed online using Canva Edu reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. After learning about Machu Picchu's sophisticated stone construction and drainage system, students can design and test their own miniature stone wall models using clay, Legos, or sugar cubes, mimicking Incan building techniques. Students can compare Machu Picchu's engineering, society, and daily life to another ancient civilization (ex., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome) and present their findings through a Venn diagram on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Mayan Crystal - Gen-Z Media
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (52), mysteries (25), myths and legends (43)
In the Classroom
Have students research a Mayan myth or legend and turn it into a short comic strip. They can illustrate their own interpretation of the story or retell a scene from Mayan Crystal in comic form. The comic strip could also be made online using ToonyTool reviewed here or Canva Comic Strip Templates reviewed here. Since Mayan Crystal features immersive soundscapes, challenge your students to create their own sound effects for a short scene using everyday objects. They can record sounds or perform them live in small groups. Ask students to write a new ending or an extra scene for Mayan Crystal. How would they change the story if a key event had played out differently? Assign students different characters from the podcast and have them act out a key scene or participate in a mock interview as their character.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
African American Activists of the 20th Century - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): 20th century (169), african american (117), black history (129), civil rights (216), martin luther king (42)
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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
How This Film Erased Asian-Americans From Their Own Story - PBS Origins
Grades
9 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Students can watch the movie that is referenced in the YouTube video. Students can research other videos that feature the white savior complex. Finally, students use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast the true story of Chol Soo Lee's arrest to the one portrayed in the movie.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): japan (60), japanese (50), photography (126)
In the Classroom
Students can use Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here to highlight important events in Japantown. Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to learn more about the Japanese notables that are featured on the site. Finally, students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram to highlight why Japantown became forgotten.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): cultures (245), japanese (50), religions (122), sports (84)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens reviewed here to highlight important events in Tommy Kono's life. Students can compare Tommy Kono to another famous weightlifter using ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research more about Buddhism.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
We are not a Stereotype - Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Students can review the videos and post questions and comments on Padlet reviewed here. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here for notetaking. Students can find other videos on the same topics and compare and contrast them using Google Drawings reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
A Different Asian American Timeline - A Different Asian American Timeline
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens reviewed here to highlight important events during an assigned period. Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast time periods. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post facts that they learned during each period.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Jewish American Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12In the Classroom
Students can explore primary sources from the Library of Congress or the National Archives on Jewish American contributions. In pairs, they can analyze an artifact (ex., a historical photo, letter, or newspaper article) and present their findings. Assign students a prominent Jewish American figure (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). They can research their impact using resources from the site and create a short podcast using Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Students can also interview other students, as if they were that historical figure. Students can explore Jewish contributions to literature, science, politics, and civil rights and create digital slides with Visme, reviewed here or Genially, reviewed here highlighting key figures, inventions, or cultural traditions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (52), musical instruments (53)
In the Classroom
Students can research and identify different Maya musical instruments (drums, whistles, ocarinas, rattles). They can listen to recordings of similar instruments and discuss their sounds and possible uses. Students can make simple versions of Maya-style instruments using household materials (clay whistles, bottle maracas). Students can also explore how traditional Maya music has influenced modern music in Mexico and Central America. They can also research contemporary Maya communities still using ancient instruments and present their findings through a short slideshow using Google Slides reviewed here, a video using Vmaker, reviewed here, or a poster. Working in small groups, students can create a short musical performance inspired by Maya music. They can use simple percussion instruments, vocals, or even body percussion to replicate rhythmic patterns that might have been used in Maya ceremonies.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a chart of Mayan glyphs and their meanings. Then, give them a short "coded" message using real Mayan glyphs and challenge them to decode it. Doing this introduces them to the complexity of the Mayan writing system in a fun, interactive way. Hide "glyphs" around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to "excavate" and analyze their findings. They must hypothesize what the symbols might mean based on context clues and prior knowledge, like real archaeologists decoding ancient texts. In small groups or individually, students can create a mini "Maya codex" by folding paper in accordion style and illustrating a short story using glyphs and pictures. They can write a key to explain their symbols, like archaeologists do when deciphering ancient texts!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
14th Amenendment to the US Constitution - Library of Congress
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), constitution (100), states (126)
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 Adobe Podcast, 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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
What Life Was Like As An Incan - Nutty Productions
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): south america (79)
In the Classroom
Students can write a story about what they learned in the video by creating a simple blog post using Telegra.ph reviewed here. This site does not require any registration. Students can also ToonyTool, reviewed here to create single-frame cartoons about the video.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Andean Music, the Music of the Incas - Discover Peru
Grades
5 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): musical instruments (53), south america (79)
In the Classroom
Students can recreate the musical instruments used by the Incan civilization. Students can find Incan music to listen to and compare and contrast with another civilization using Figma reviewed here. Students can record the music on Acast reviewed here to deconstruct the instruments and match them to the sounds in the songs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Native Knowledge 360: The Meaning of Innovation - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): inquiry (28), south america (79)
In the Classroom
Students can use History in Motion reviewed here to create their own Inca timeline. Students can compare and contrast the innovation of the Incan civilizations to other civilizations using Google Drawings reviewed here. Finally, students can use Padlet reviewed here to post facts that they learned.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form