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African American History Online: A Resource Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), civil rights (209), maps (220), multimedia (53), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Have students select a historical letter or document and write a response as if they were living in that time, incorporating historical context and personal reflection. Students can listen to oral history recordings from the collection and take notes on key themes, emotions, and historical details. Then, they can summarize or create a first-person monologue based on what they learned. Students can choose a historical primary source (ex., a protest sign, newspaper article, or speech) and compare it to a modern event or movement with a similar theme, such as voting rights, racial justice, or activism. Have students curate a virtual museum exhibit using primary sources from the collection. They can organize sources around themes like civil rights, African American inventors, or cultural contributions and write exhibit captions. Categorize the sources in Google Slides, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here.African American Communities in America's Cities: Photographs by Camilo J. Vergara - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), communities (35), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Have students select a set of Vergara's time-lapse photographs of a specific location and analyze the changes over time. They can discuss possible reasons for these transformations (ex., economic shifts, policy changes, gentrification). Students can research factors contributing to urban decay and revitalization, using Vergara's photos as a case study. They can create a cause-and-effect diagram using MindMup, reviewed here showing how policies, economics, and social movements shape communities. Students can take photos of a specific location in their neighborhood over time (or find historical photos to compare to modern ones). They can create collages using PhotoCollage, reviewed here or Photo Joiner, reviewed here to analyze how and why changes have occurred.African American Civil Rights Events of the 20th Century: Selected Pictures - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), civil rights (209), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Print or digitally display a selection of images around the room. Students can walk around, write observations on sticky notes, and discuss the significance of each image in small groups. Students can choose a photograph and write a found poem, free verse, or persona poem (from the perspective of someone in the image). Encourage the use of simile, metaphor, and personification when writing. Have students select a historical image and compare it to a modern photo of a similar issue (ex., protests, voting rights, racial justice). They can create a mini research project connecting past and present using a template in Canva Edu, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Ancient Maya: Knowledge through Art- Lesson Plan - PBS Newshour Classroom
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Prepare a Maya Chocolate drink for everyone to try with the recipe listed on the web page (Check for allergies!). Create a short diary or scrapbook of daily life. Use ePubEditor, reviewed here or create a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here template to make this online. Copy a glyph on a poster board and include an explanation. Create a map of a Mayan city on paper or digitally using MapHubs, reviewed here.The Mayan Empire - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Set up stations around the classroom with images and short descriptions of Mayan achievements (architecture, astronomy, writing, calendar system). Have students rotate in small groups, taking notes and discussing how each achievement impacted Mayan society. Introduce students to the Mayan writing system by showing examples of glyphs. Then, have them create glyphs to represent their names or a short message. They can trade with classmates to decode each other's symbols! Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the Mayan civilization to modern society. Topics could include government, architecture, writing, and timekeeping. Consider using Canva, reviewed here to make the Venn diagram online. Students can work in pairs or small groups to create a mini "Maya codex" using folded paper, illustrating aspects of Mayan daily life, beliefs, or achievements. Encourage students to include drawings and glyphs to mimic the real codices.The Mayan Civilization - Stuff You Should Know
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): mayans (23), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Students can use Miro, reviewed here to highlight important information that they learned from the podcast. Students can create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Finally, students can research one highlight of the Mayan civilization in depth and share it using Ourboox, reviewed here or ePubEditor, reviewed here.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.African American Artists: Collection Connection - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): african american (115), art history (103), black history (133), civil rights (209)
In the Classroom
Have students create a short podcast or audio recording using tools like Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here discussing the artist's life, struggles, and contributions to art history. Have students use the Library of Congress website and virtual exhibits to explore and identify a piece of artwork by an African American artist. They can create a short multimedia presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here analyzing the artist's background, themes, and techniques. Use a free timeline creation tool and assign each student an artist or movement. Use a free timeline creation tool such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here to research and add to the timeline, including images and brief descriptions.6888th Central Postal Directory Battilion - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): black history (133), civil rights (209), women (151), womenchangemaker (37), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
Ask students to write letters imagining they are members of the 6888th Battalion, describing their experiences and feelings about their mission. Using a tool like Google Earth, reviewed here students can map the journey of the 6888th Battalion, highlighting key locations like Birmingham, England, and Rouen, France. Include descriptions of the battalion's challenges and accomplishments at each site. Assign students to create a podcast episode or short video using tools like Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here where they tell the story of the battalion's contributions. They can include interviews (real or role-played), primary source excerpts, and reflections on the battalion's legacy.Monah - Monah
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): native americans (109)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lessons presented as they are from the site. They can also take a virtual tour of the Museum of Native American History Monah Virtual Tour. Students can also compare two different groups/tribes of Native Americans. 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.History Breakout Template - Genially
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): digital escapes (15), game based learning (205), gamification (83), mysteries (23)
In the Classroom
Create interactive escape rooms to introduce history lessons, review for upcoming quizzes and tests, or as an engaging homework activity. As you create your history breakout, use Genially's AI features to generate questions, remove image backgrounds, and create images. Find free images to use with your breakout activity by browsing through resources available on TeachersFirst Special Topics Page for Free Image Resources, reviewed here.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.Here's Why These Six Ancient Civilizations Mysteriously Collapsed - History.com
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): india (32), mayans (23), mexico (37), native americans (109), vikings (10)
In the Classroom
Students can work in teams to design a hypothetical civilization that could thrive while addressing challenges faced by the ancient ones. Teams present their civilization plans as a poster, model, or digital presentation such as Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here. Using an online tool such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here, students could create a collaborative timeline showing when and how each civilization flourished and eventually declined. Students research a modern society facing similar challenges, including climate change and resource depletion, and compare it to one of the ancient civilizations discussed.FlyOver Zone - FlyOver Zone
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): architecture (75), art history (103), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
Have your students do more research on the site or monument that they visited. Students can research the construction and remodeling of the site and/or monument by creating a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here. Another idea, challenge your students to create their 3D model of the site and/or monument.The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism - Chronicle
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): colonial america (95), native americans (109)
In the Classroom
Provide blank maps of the Americas and have students label regions with the Indigenous groups discussed in the video. Include a key for languages, traditions, or significant achievements. Using a free tool like Class Tools reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, students can build timelines highlighting major events and cultural milestones for Native American societies before European contact. Students research how specific Indigenous groups preserved their traditions post-1492. They can present findings as posters or slideshows/videos using Google Slides, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here, connecting past resilience to present-day Indigenous activism. Assign students to read and compare creation stories featured in the video with myths from other cultures they've studied. They can create Venn diagrams to identify similarities and differences.Amplifying Indigenous Experiences - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): native americans (109), women (151), womenchangemaker (37)
In the Classroom
After watching a video, students can work in groups to create a historical timeline of Indigenous trailblazers using Timelinely, reviewed here or Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Students create artwork or write short stories inspired by the videos. Students can watch a video and then participate in a debate or role-play activity where they represent key figures or viewpoints from the story. Students can then select a video and create a short reflective video explaining how the story connects to current events or their own experiences using a tool like Padlet, reviewed here.The Jerry Cans - Mamaqtuq - Making The Case
Grades
5 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (180), native americans (109)
In the Classroom
Watch the video without subtitles and encourage students to guess the lyrics based on the visuals and tone of the song. Afterward, replay the video with captions enabled to reveal the actual lyrics, sparking discussions about cultural expressions, language diversity, and the importance of preserving indigenous traditions. Assign small groups to research the Inuit culture, focusing on their traditions, history, or current efforts to preserve their language and way of life. Each group can creatively present their findings, such as a skit or a short essay. After watching the video, have students create a short storyboard using a resource such as Story Maps, reviewed here or a drawing inspired by the visuals they saw. Ask them to interpret what story the video is telling and how the imagery connects to the song's mood and themes.This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like - PBS
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): media literacy (109), native americans (109), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Show the photo of Frances Densmore and Mountain Chief. Discuss the assumption that the picture represents a "dying culture." Then, ask students to write captions for the photo reflecting the spirit of Native American culture today. Assign students to research modern Blackfeet cultural practices using the video and additional sources. Create a class presentation showcasing art, music, language revitalization, or other aspects of Blackfeet life today. They can use Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to present their findings. Students can create visual or written works inspired by what they learned about Mountain Chief and contemporary Blackfeet culture.Whose Land Lesson Plans - BOLD Realities
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (109)
In the Classroom
After exploring the website, guide students in writing their land acknowledgment. They can reflect on what they learned about the land and its original stewards. Have students create a timeline of significant events in their region's history of Indigenous land rights. Students can accomplish this project using printed materials from the website, or create a digital timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Have students use the Whose Land interactive map to identify the Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages of their local area. Follow up with a class discussion or short presentation on their findings.Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources - Zinn Education Project
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (109)