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6 National Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 12
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Check out this curated collection of engaging activities designed to honor and explore Hispanic Americans' contributions and culture. Find a variety of lesson ideas suitable for different...more
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Check out this curated collection of engaging activities designed to honor and explore Hispanic Americans' contributions and culture. Find a variety of lesson ideas suitable for different grade levels, such as student-led research projects on influential Hispanic figures, cultural celebrations featuring traditional music and dance, and creative writing assignments inspired by Hispanic literature. These activities aim to foster cultural awareness and appreciation, providing teachers with practical tools to integrate Hispanic Heritage Month into their curriculum effectively.
tag(s): creative writing (122), cultures (282), art history (109), hispanic (51)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens, reviewed here to create a timeline of events leading up to the Grape Strike and boycott. Introduce students to traditional Hispanic music genres like salsa, mariachi, or reggaeton. Follow with a discussion or simple dance session to explore how music reflects cultural identity. Read a poem or story by a Hispanic author (e.g., Gary Soto or Sandra Cisneros), then have students write a short piece inspired by the themes, style, or setting of the work.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Jewish Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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The tapestry of American culture is richly woven with the contributions of Jewish Americans, a narrative that spans the breadth of the nation's history. From the earliest days of independence,...more
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The tapestry of American culture is richly woven with the contributions of Jewish Americans, a narrative that spans the breadth of the nation's history. From the earliest days of independence, Jewish citizens have played a pivotal yet often unrecognized role in shaping the United States, infusing the American ethos with a spirit of innovation, resilience, and a profound commitment to community. This collection of resources explores the influence of Jewish Americans and their impact on everything from the arts and sciences to politics and social reform. It celebrates the indelible imprint of Jewish intellectual, artistic, and ethical contributions to the American landscape.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about Jewish Americans' contributions. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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I Am Story: Spotlighting Asian American Creatives in Entertainment - CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment)
Grades
4 to 12
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This storytelling project highlights the experiences and voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals in media, entertainment, and beyond. This resource provides...more
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This storytelling project highlights the experiences and voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals in media, entertainment, and beyond. This resource provides powerful personal narratives, video interviews, and educational materials to help students explore themes of identity, representation, and resilience. Teachers can use these stories to foster discussions on diversity, inclusion, and the impact of storytelling in shaping cultural awareness. This resource is particularly valuable for middle and high school students studying media, literature, or social studies. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): sports (107), cultures (282), stories and storytelling (82), diversity (62), identity (48), composers (22), acting (16), asia (137), famous people (40)
In the Classroom
Inspired by the 'I Am Story', have students work in small groups to create a short podcast with Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or a video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here where they can share personal or family stories about identity and culture. Students can create a physical or digital collage with PhotoCollage reviewed here or Photo Joiner reviewed here that represents key themes from the 'I Am Story', using images, quotes, and symbols to express ideas about identity, resilience, and cultural pride. After watching or reading a story from 'I Am Story', students can reflect on their own cultural or personal experiences and write a short narrative about their identity, challenges, or achievements. Students can then research an AAPI figure in entertainment, activism, or history. They can create an imaginary interview where they write both the questions and responses based on their research, simulating a conversation about representation and challenges.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Dear Asian Americans - Jerry Won
Grades
7 to 12
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This podcast features heartfelt conversations with Asian American leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members about identity, heritage, and personal experiences. The podcast host...more
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This podcast features heartfelt conversations with Asian American leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members about identity, heritage, and personal experiences. The podcast host explores immigration, family expectations, career journeys, and social justice through discussions with guests from diverse backgrounds and career paths. Teachers can use episodes to introduce students to diverse Asian American voices, foster discussions on identity and belonging, and encourage personal storytelling. This resource is ideal for middle and high school students studying cultural identity, history, or social issues.
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tag(s): social justice (45), oral history (17), stories and storytelling (82), asia (137), careers (186), immigration (85), immigrants (49), identity (48), podcasts (190)
In the Classroom
Students can listen to a selected episode and participate in a panel-style discussion, sharing their thoughts on key themes. Assign different roles (moderator, speakers, audience) to encourage critical thinking and public speaking skills. Have students write a letter to their future selves about what they've learned from the podcast regarding identity, heritage, or perseverance. They can include personal goals, reflections, or ways they hope to embrace their own cultural background. Inspired by the podcast's storytelling format, have students interview a family member, friend, or community member about their cultural background, experiences, and challenges. They can present their findings through a written piece or video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or Animoto, reviewed here. Students can then research an influential Asian American leader, activist, or artist discussed in the podcast. They can create a presentation using Google Slides reviewed here, or a poster using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here highlighting the person's impact on society.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Oh Pioneers! Interactive Westward Expansion Game - Mr. Nussbaum Learning and Fun
Grades
3 to 7
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Oh, Pioneers! Can You Make It on the California Trail? on Mr. Nussbaum's site is an interactive simulation that immerses students in the challenges faced by pioneers traveling westward...more
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Oh, Pioneers! Can You Make It on the California Trail? on Mr. Nussbaum's site is an interactive simulation that immerses students in the challenges faced by pioneers traveling westward in the 1800s. Players make critical decisions about supplies, routes, and survival strategies while learning about historical events, geography, and the hardships of frontier life. This engaging game fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills, making it a great tool for social studies lessons on westward expansion. Teachers can use it to start discussions, reinforce historical concepts, and encourage students to analyze cause-and-effect relationships interactively.
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tag(s): simulations (48), westward expansion (42), gold rush (20)
In the Classroom
Before playing the game, have students work in small groups to create a packing list for their journey west. They must choose a limited number of items (ex., food, tools, clothing, medicine) and justify their choices. After playing the game, they can reflect on whether their selections would have helped them succeed. Provide students with real pioneer diary entries, letters, or photographs. Have them compare these firsthand accounts to their game experience, identifying similarities and differences in challenges, decisions, and daily life. Have students trace the California Trail in Google My Maps, reviewed here. They can mark key landmarks, rivers, and danger zones they encountered in the game. Then, discuss how geography influenced travel decisions and survival rates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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They Call Us Bruce - Jeff Yang and Phil Yu
Grades
9 to 12
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Listen to episodes of this engaging podcast to explore Asian American culture, identity, and current events with humor and insight. The podcast discusses topics like representation...more
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Listen to episodes of this engaging podcast to explore Asian American culture, identity, and current events with humor and insight. The podcast discusses topics like representation in media, politics, and social justice by featuring interviews with authors, actors, activists, and other influential voices. New episodes are available bi-weekly and are approximately forty-five minutes long. Teachers can use episodes to spark classroom discussions, analyze cultural narratives, and explore the evolving Asian American experience. This resource is handy for middle and high school students studying media, history, or social issues.
tag(s): social justice (45), famous people (40), creating media (19), immigrants (49), immigration (85), diversity (62), podcasts (190), cross cultural understanding (163)
In the Classroom
Have your students form small groups and take on different perspectives (journalist, filmmaker, activist, audience member) to discuss a key issue from the podcast, such as diversity in Hollywood or Asian American political representation. Students can choose a podcast episode and record a short audio using Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here or a video response using Animoto, reviewed here, sharing their thoughts, questions, and takeaways. After listening to an episode about identity and lived experiences, students can write a personal narrative or interview a family member about their own cultural background and experiences with representation or stereotypes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Asian Americans in the People's History of the United States - Zinn Education Project
Grades
6 to 12
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Take advantage of the twenty profiles found on this site to learn about Asian American activism, resistance, and contributions to social justice movements. Through primary sources,...more
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Take advantage of the twenty profiles found on this site to learn about Asian American activism, resistance, and contributions to social justice movements. Through primary sources, lesson plans, and storytelling, this collection challenges traditional narratives by centering Asian Americans' roles in labor rights, immigration struggles, and civil rights. Teachers can use these materials to foster critical discussions, connect history to present-day issues, and encourage students to analyze history from diverse perspectives. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): social justice (45), womenchangemaker (95), women (198), civil rights (230), composers (22), newspapers (86), japanese (54), world war 2 (168), perspective (34), stories and storytelling (82), immigration (85)
In the Classroom
Have students write a letter to a historical figure from the resource, reflecting on their struggles and achievements while connecting them to present-day issues in society. Assign students different historical figures from the resource and hold a debate on key issues such as immigration laws, labor rights, or civil rights. Students must research and argue from their assigned perspective. Students can select an underrepresented Asian American activist or leader from the resource and create a mini-documentary using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here or podcast using Spotify for Podcasters reviewed here highlighting their contributions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Learning Together by Building Connections - Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Grades
K to 12
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Step into a vibrant tapestry of stories, art, and activism with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's "Learning Together" platform. This dynamic educational resource offers...more
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Step into a vibrant tapestry of stories, art, and activism with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's "Learning Together" platform. This dynamic educational resource offers educators a wealth of resources to bring Asian American and Pacific Islander voices into the classroom. From lesson plans addressing anti-Asian racism to art-making modules and literature guides, the site provides tools to encourage inclusive, culturally responsive learning. Interactive features like video interviews, downloadable activities, and curated Learning Lab collections support Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Arts integration.
tag(s): empathy (80), racism (85), cultures (282), asia (137)
In the Classroom
Choose a book from the recommended literature guides and pair it with an art-making activity from the site. For example, read Drawn Together and then have students illustrate a moment when they connected with someone across generations or cultures. After watching video interviews or mini-documentaries, have students record their reflections using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here connecting the stories to their own lives or current social issues. Have students create personal identity maps using Whimsical Mind Maps reviewed here or MindMup reviewed here after exploring the "We Are Here" exhibit. They can compare their identities with those of featured Asian Pacific American artists and reflect on cultural heritage through writing or drawing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History - ThinkTV
Grades
4 to 12
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ThinkTV's article "10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History" highlights the significant contributions of notable Jewish Americans, including Albert Einstein, Gloria Steinem, Irving Berlin,...more
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ThinkTV's article "10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History" highlights the significant contributions of notable Jewish Americans, including Albert Einstein, Gloria Steinem, Irving Berlin, Jerry Lewis, and Elizabeth Taylor. The resource provides brief biographies and accompanying videos, making it an engaging way for students to learn about these influential figures. Educators can use this content to introduce students to diverse individuals who have shaped American history and culture through science, social activism, music, entertainment, and film.
tag(s): cultures (282), composers (22), acting (16), famous people (40), immigrants (49), jews (61), religions (118)
In the Classroom
Assign each student a historical figure from the list to research. They can give clues about their person's achievements while the class guesses who they are. Students can choose one figure and research how their contributions shape society today. They can present their findings through a written essay or a slideshow using Visme reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Assign students to compare one of the Jewish Americans from the list with another historical figure from a different background but in the same field (ex., Albert Einstein vs. Marie Curie in science, Gloria Steinem vs. Susan B. Anthony in activism). They can create a Venn diagram on paper or digitally using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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JANM Educational Resources - Japanese American National Museum
Grades
K to 12
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The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Education Resources website offers a wealth of materials for teaching about Japanese American history, culture, and civil rights. Educators...more
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The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Education Resources website offers a wealth of materials for teaching about Japanese American history, culture, and civil rights. Educators can access lesson plans, digital exhibits, primary sources, and interactive activities that explore topics such as immigration, incarceration during World War II, and contributions to American society. These resources help students engage with history through storytelling, critical thinking, and discussions on civil liberties, making them valuable for social studies, history, and civics classrooms. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): social justice (45), japan (61), origami (14), fashion (13), immigrants (49), immigration (85), civil rights (230), world war 2 (168), stories and storytelling (82), critical thinking (194), japanese (54)
In the Classroom
After learning about Japanese American incarceration during WWII, have students fold paper cranes to symbolize hope and resilience. Have students write reflections on civil rights and social justice, connecting history to present-day issues. Inspired by real stories from Japanese American incarceration, students can create a fictional diary entry from the perspective of a young Japanese American during WWII, incorporating historical details from JANM's resources. After exploring the site's exhibits on civil rights, students can design posters, digital art, or poetry that advocate for justice and remembrance of past injustices, drawing connections to modern social movements. Create any of these projects digitally, using Google Slides reviewed here or Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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We Are Here - SmithsonianAPA
Grades
4 to 12
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This digital exhibit from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is an interactive platform highlighting the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American...more
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This digital exhibit from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is an interactive platform highlighting the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The exhibit provides an immersive learning experience that fosters understanding and appreciation of AAPI experiences through multimedia storytelling, artwork, historical artifacts, and personal narratives. Educators can use this resource to engage students in discussions about identity, resilience, and cultural heritage while integrating primary sources and creative expressions into their lessons. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): asia (137), japanese (54), japan (61), cultures (282), famous people (40), authors (116), scientists (72), artists (106), multimedia (69)
In the Classroom
Have students illustrate an important moment in Asian American history, write a poem reflecting on identity and resilience, or ask them to research another cultural or historical movement that aligns with the themes in We Are Here (ex., the Civil Rights Movement, Indigenous history, or immigrant experiences). They can create a Venn diagram using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or infographic using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Inca Empire - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection...more
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The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection of resources offers a window for your students to the remarkable world of the Inca, from their emergence in the 13th century to their conquest by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Spanning archaeology, history, and anthropology, these materials illuminate the empire's achievements in architecture, engineering, agriculture, and more. From the citadel of Machu Picchu to the extensive network of roads to the complex social hierarchy, this compilation provides a look at the civilization that once stretched along the Andean mountain range, dominating western South America.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about the Inca Empire. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Maya Civilization - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th...more
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This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. From the towering pyramids to the intricate hieroglyphic writing system, these carefully curated materials shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Maya life, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Share this compilation with your students. It provides a rich tapestry of information to explore the civilization that once dominated the forests of Central America and southern Mexico. Find many resources for your students to use for research and a deeper understanding of this powerful civilization.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Maya with your class! This collection has some fantastic resources perfect for your cooperative learning groups. Take a peek at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons. Your students will love exploring this ancient civilization together!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Unpacked for Educators - Jewish American Heritage Month - OpenDor Media
Grades
6 to 12
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The Unpacked for Educators - Jewish American Heritage Month page offers videos, articles, and other educational resources to explore Jewish American history and contributions. It covers...more
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The Unpacked for Educators - Jewish American Heritage Month page offers videos, articles, and other educational resources to explore Jewish American history and contributions. It covers influential figures, cultural impacts, and Jewish involvement in social justice movements. The site provides engaging multimedia content to help teachers integrate Jewish-American heritage into their curriculum. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if planning to use these resources in the classroom.
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tag(s): religions (118), cultures (282), jews (61), inventors and inventions (87), harlem (10), supreme court (37), identity (48), perspective (34), scientists (72), sports (107), famous people (40)
In the Classroom
Have students explore key events in Jewish American history by analyzing newspaper headlines from different decades. They can then create their own headlines for major contributions made by Jewish Americans in politics, science, or the arts. Have students create a short video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or a blog post using Telegra.ph, reviewed here reflecting on a theme from Jewish American heritage. They can incorporate interviews, personal reflections, or an analysis of historical events. Assign a video from "Unpacked for Educators" (ex., A Jewish American Tale). Students can take notes, discuss key themes, and connect the content to broader American history and social movements.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Jewish American Heritage Month - American Association of School Librarians
Grades
K to 12
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The Jewish American Heritage Month page from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provides resources to help educators celebrate and explore the rich history and contributions...more
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The Jewish American Heritage Month page from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provides resources to help educators celebrate and explore the rich history and contributions of Jewish Americans. It highlights activities and educational materials that can be used to teach students about the Jewish American experience, fostering awareness and understanding in the classroom. You can find more detailed resources and ideas for promoting Jewish American Heritage Month on the site.
tag(s): perspective (34), cultures (282), composers (22), inventors and inventions (87), famous people (40), immigration (85), immigrants (49), jews (61), religions (118)
In the Classroom
Set up a gallery walk featuring famous Jewish Americans in literature, science, politics, and the arts (ex., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). Students rotate, take notes, and discuss contributions. Have students read and analyze excerpts from Jewish American authors such as Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Emma Lazarus (The New Colossus). Discuss themes of immigration, identity, and resilience. Students can create a poem, illustration, or digital artwork using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here honoring a Jewish American historical figure or cultural contribution, explaining their impact. Introduce students to Jewish American musicians such as Irving Berlin and Bob Dylan. Play samples of their work and discuss how their heritage influenced their music and American culture.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Asian Americans - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in...more
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The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in the United States. This collection, based on the PBS documentary "Asian Americans", covers key historical events, personal narratives, and themes such as immigration, identity, and civil rights. Many of the videos include support materials for teachers and students. Educators can use these resources to enhance diversity, inclusion, and American history discussions while engaging students with primary sources and thought-provoking questions.
tag(s): railroads (17), identity (48), racism (85), civil rights (230), politics (119), immigration (85), immigrants (49), japanese (54), japan (61), asia (137)
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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Standing Together - SmithsonianAPA
Grades
K to 12
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Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history,...more
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Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history, art, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Teachers can access lesson plans, primary source materials, and multimedia content to integrate AAPI perspectives into their curriculum. The site also features interactive experiences and virtual programs that engage students in exploring diverse narratives. This resource fosters inclusive learning and deepens students' understanding of AAPI heritage in social studies, history, and language arts classrooms.
tag(s): artists (106), poetry (195), cultures (282), virtual field trips (154), multimedia (69), japan (61), japanese (54), asia (137)
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
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Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings - Texas Education Agency
Grades
4 to 6
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Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings is a Grade 5 unit plan provided by the Texas Education Agency. It offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach...more
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Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings is a Grade 5 unit plan provided by the Texas Education Agency. It offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach students about early American civilizations, including the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca cultures. The unit explores their myths, architectural achievements such as pyramids and temples, and governance structures. Through detailed lesson plans, instructional strategies, and assessment tools, students engage with the cultural and historical significance of these civilizations, deepening their understanding of their lasting impact.
tag(s): writing (302), spelling (96), grammar (143), south america (76), pyramids (25)
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
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Mayas - Aztecs - Incas - Wendy Conklin
Grades
4 to 8
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Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements,...more
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Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements, and downfall of these ancient empires. Packed with fascinating facts and organized for easy comparison, this PDF is a must-have for teachers looking to bring history to life. Whether you're sparking discussions, guiding research projects, or creating interactive activities, this resource will help your students uncover the brilliance and complexity of these legendary civilizations!
tag(s): architecture (80), religions (118), south america (76)
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
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Early American Civilizations- Maya, Aztec, and Inca - Core Knowledge
Grades
4 to 6
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Discover this comprehensive student reader designed for 5th-grade classrooms. It explores the histories, cultures, and achievements of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations and includes...more
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Discover this comprehensive student reader designed for 5th-grade classrooms. It explores the histories, cultures, and achievements of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations and includes detailed narratives, maps, and illustrations. The resource includes key vocabulary, discussion questions, and historical context, making it an excellent tool for building background knowledge in social studies and literacy. Teachers can use this text to support lessons on early American civilizations, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections with geography and archaeology.
tag(s): vocabulary (260), literacy (121), critical thinking (194), maps (222), south america (76)
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 for the reader.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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