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Primary Source Analysis Tool - Library for Congress
Grades
6 to 12
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The Primary Source Analysis Tool is a graphic organizer for students. The graphic organizer includes three sections titled: Observe, Reflect, Question, Further Investigation, and Additional...more
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The Primary Source Analysis Tool is a graphic organizer for students. The graphic organizer includes three sections titled: Observe, Reflect, Question, Further Investigation, and Additional Notes. This document can be either downloaded or added to your Google Drive. You can also edit the document directly by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner and selecting Annotate.
tag(s): graphic organizers (57), primary sources (134)
In the Classroom
Print and share this tool for students to use when evaluating a primary source document. Students can then share their finished graphic organizer with Lino, reviewed here for others to view or include it as a supplement to a writing assignment or research project.
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We Are America - We Are America Project
Grades
4 to 12
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The We Are America Project is a student-centered national initiative that partners with teachers and young people to explore and define what it means to be American through personal...more
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The We Are America Project is a student-centered national initiative that partners with teachers and young people to explore and define what it means to be American through personal storytelling and reflection. The website features a growing library of student-authored stories that highlight diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, making it a rich resource for discussions about identity, immigration, community, and belonging. Educator resources include conversation guides and supports for using these stories as classroom texts, helping students connect personal narratives to broader themes in history and social studies. This project encourages meaningful dialogue and critical thinking, giving students a voice in shaping a national conversation about American identity.
tag(s): communities (40), critical thinking (179), diversity (55), identity (39), immigration (85), narrative (16), perspective (30), stories and storytelling (75)
In the Classroom
Have students read a few student stories from the site and then participate in small-group discussions about shared experiences, differences, and what makes people feel included in a community. Students can write their own "We Are America"-style stories about their backgrounds, family traditions, or meaningful life experiences, connecting personal identity to broader social themes. Create a bulletin board or digital display using Padlet, reviewed here where students post quotes, drawings, or summaries that represent what "We Are America" means to them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Declaration of Independence Turns 250 - Florida Joint Center for Citizenship
Grades
6 to 12
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On July 4, 2026, the Declaration of Independence will mark its 250th anniversary. In partnership with C-SPAN Classroom, the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship features nine lessons...more
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On July 4, 2026, the Declaration of Independence will mark its 250th anniversary. In partnership with C-SPAN Classroom, the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship features nine lessons that will allow students to learn America's story, the founding principles, and its continued quest for a "more perfect union." Lessons will allow students to analyze primary and secondary sources and review concepts such as contextualization, comparison, evaluation, and analysis. Monthly professional learning webinars for educators to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives are also shared on the site. Finally, a General Pacing Guide and a Florida Pacing Guide are available.
tag(s): american revolution (92), declaration of independence (18), primary sources (134)
In the Classroom
Students can use all the resources that are provided with each lesson. Students can use ToonyTool, reviewed here to create a comic about the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence. Students can create a timeline of events leading up to the creation of the Declaration of Independence using the Timelines tool by Read Write Think, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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BUILD Celebrates Juneteenth - BUILD
Grades
6 to 12
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BUILD Celebrates Juneteenth showcases what the Black Affinity Group feels about the meaning of Juneteenth. The site features four short YouTube videos that share the meaning...more
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BUILD Celebrates Juneteenth showcases what the Black Affinity Group feels about the meaning of Juneteenth. The site features four short YouTube videos that share the meaning of Juneteenth. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos will not be viewable.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can compare and contrast the different perspectives shared using the 3 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here. Students can use Online Voice Recorder, reviewed here to share a summary of Juneteenth. Finally, students can interview someone who would like to share what Juneteenth means to them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom - National Education Association
Grades
K to 12
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The NEA's resource page for Juneteenth provides a curated collection of lesson plans, videos, and background readings designed to help K-12 educators teach the complex history of emancipation...more
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The NEA's resource page for Juneteenth provides a curated collection of lesson plans, videos, and background readings designed to help K-12 educators teach the complex history of emancipation and the enduring legacy of slavery. It emphasizes the importance of an honest and accurate American history curriculum, offering tools (and books and videos) for different grade levels to explore themes of resilience, the struggle for racial equity, and the transition from enslavement to citizenship.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can use Witty Comics, reviewed here to create a comic about the history of Juneteenth. Students can compare and contrast books about Juneteenth using the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here. Students can create a virtual bulletin board using Stormboard, reviewed here sharing facts that they learned about Juneteenth.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Juneteenth Resources for Students of All Ages - Graduation Alliance
Grades
K to 12
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Explore this teacher-friendly collection of books, videos, and learning resources designed to help students better understand the history and significance of Juneteenth. The site organizes...more
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Explore this teacher-friendly collection of books, videos, and learning resources designed to help students better understand the history and significance of Juneteenth. The site organizes recommendations by grade bands (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12), making it easy for educators to locate age-appropriate materials that explore emancipation, freedom, African American history, and the ongoing importance of Juneteenth celebrations. Resources include read-alouds, historical nonfiction, poetry, interactive stories, songs, and educational videos from sources such as Sesame Street and PBS. Teachers can use the collection to support social studies, reading comprehension, media literacy, cultural awareness, and classroom discussions connected to history, citizenship, and diversity.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), poetry (196)
In the Classroom
Watch one of the educational videos suggested on the page, such as a PBS or Sesame Street resource, and lead a class discussion about freedom, equality, and why Juneteenth is still celebrated today. Create a poetry and art activity in which students read poems connected to freedom or perseverance, then design an illustration, collage, or symbolic artwork that represents the meaning of Juneteenth. Extend learning through a community connection project by having students interview family or community members about traditions, celebrations, or important historical events they remember. Students can compile responses into a class book, a podcast with Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or a bulletin board display about remembrance and community history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Juneteenth Lesson Plan: Resources for ELA & Social Studies - Newsela
Grades
K to 12
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Newsela offers a collection of Juneteenth lesson ideas and resources designed to help teachers explore the history, significance, and lasting impact of Juneteenth through ELA and social...more
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Newsela offers a collection of Juneteenth lesson ideas and resources designed to help teachers explore the history, significance, and lasting impact of Juneteenth through ELA and social studies instruction. The article includes differentiated reading materials, multimedia analysis activities, primary sources, historical speeches, videos, timelines, and discussion prompts that help students build background knowledge while strengthening literacy and critical thinking skills. Teachers can find lessons connected to emancipation, the Emancipation Proclamation, Frederick Douglass, Black history, and modern conversations about freedom and equality. The site also highlights ready-to-use text sets and classroom activities that support culturally responsive teaching and cross-curricular learning for elementary through high school students.
tag(s): african american (130), differentiation (92), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), multimedia (62)
In the Classroom
Have students read a differentiated Newsela article about Juneteenth and create a timeline using Padlet, reviewed here showing important events leading to the end of slavery in the United States. Students can add illustrations, key vocabulary, and cause-and-effect relationships. Create a classroom "Freedom Quilt" project where students design quilt squares representing themes such as freedom, resilience, equality, family, or community. Combine the squares into a collaborative classroom display. Have students compare Juneteenth celebrations today with other national holidays by using a graphic organizer using the 2 and 3 Interactive Venn Diagrams by Class Tools, reviewed here to examine traditions, historical significance, symbols, music, food, and community events.
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Memorial Day Lessons - Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Grades
K to 12
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The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Memorial Day Lessons page provides teachers with a collection of ready-to-use lesson plans and activities designed to help students understand...more
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The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Memorial Day Lessons page provides teachers with a collection of ready-to-use lesson plans and activities designed to help students understand the meaning of Memorial Day and the concept of sacrifice. The site organizes resources by grade level, offering elementary lessons on topics like the symbolism of the "White Table," the history of the American flag, and the significance of poppies, as well as secondary lessons that explore real stories of Medal of Honor recipients and themes of courage, memory, and service. Additional materials include videos, webinars, and suggested activities such as participating in the National Moment of Remembrance, making it a meaningful resource for integrating history, character education, and civic responsibility into classroom instruction.
tag(s): holidays (285), memorial day (27), veterans (37)
In the Classroom
Have students watch a short video about a Medal of Honor recipient included in the lesson. Pause at key moments and ask students to jot down traits like courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. Follow with a class discussion or turn-and-talk to build comprehension and empathy. Have students learn about the National Moment of Remembrance and plan a simple class observance. Assign small groups to explore symbols of Memorial Day (poppies, flags, the White Table). Students can create a mini-poster or digital slide using Canva Edu reviewed here explaining the meaning and historical significance, then present them to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reading Trek: They Called Us Enemy - TeachersFirst
Grades
7 to 12
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Take a virtual field trip with this Reading Trek based upon George Takei's graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy. Use the integrated map created with Google My Maps, reviewed here,...more
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Take a virtual field trip with this Reading Trek based upon George Takei's graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy. Use the integrated map created with Google My Maps, reviewed here, along with the accompanying Teachers' Guide that includes lesson activities, map extensions, and more. This powerful memoir shares Takei's childhood experience during World War II as his family is forcibly removed from their home and placed in Japanese American internment camps, highlighting both the injustices they faced and their resilience. The story blends personal narrative with historical context, making it ideal for grades 7-12. Activities in the Teachers' Guide connect to the Common Core ELA Standards, Social Studies standards, and Social Justice Standards, encouraging students to analyze historical events, explore themes of identity and justice, and reflect on the impact of prejudice and civil rights in American history
tag(s): 1940s (70), immigrants (51), japan (62), world war 2 (169)
In the Classroom
Have students design an infographic using Infographic Presentation Templates, reviewed here that raises awareness about Japanese American incarceration. They can include quotes, historical facts, and a message about justice and the importance of remembering history. Have students script and record a podcast episode with Podomatic, reviewed here as if interviewing George Takei or another person from the camps. Encourage connections to modern-day issues of civil rights and identity. Using comic templates from the Free Comic Maker by Adobe, reviewed here, students can recreate or extend scenes from camp life.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Recipe Theme: Cinco de Mayo - Healthy School Recipes
Grades
K to 12
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Healthy School Recipes features recipes to make for Cinco de Mayo. Some recipes include: Arroz con Fideo, Spicy Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Black Bean and Wild Blueberry Tacos, Beef Flautas,...more
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Healthy School Recipes features recipes to make for Cinco de Mayo. Some recipes include: Arroz con Fideo, Spicy Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Black Bean and Wild Blueberry Tacos, Beef Flautas, and many more. Each recipe includes a brief description, ingredients, instructions, serving size, recipe notes, and nutritional facts per serving.
tag(s): cinco de mayo (29), cooking (34)
In the Classroom
Create a class cookbook using Book Creator, reviewed here. Have students use ScreenPal, reviewed here to record themselves preparing the recipe. Have students use Mentimeter, reviewed here to describe the taste of the food with one adjective.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Open Culture Free Online Courses - Open Culture, LLC
Grades
9 to 12
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The Open Culture page on Free Online Courses curates over 1,700 no-cost courses from top universities such as Harvard, Yale, and MIT, covering a wide range of subjects including humanities,...more
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The Open Culture page on Free Online Courses curates over 1,700 no-cost courses from top universities such as Harvard, Yale, and MIT, covering a wide range of subjects including humanities, social sciences, computer science, mathematics, history, art, and world languages. The listings include downloadable audio and video lectures, MOOCs, and audit options, making it a flexible resource for advanced learners, enrichment, or flipped-classroom models. Teachers can use these courses to supplement curriculum topics, assign independent enrichment activities, or provide whole-class explorations for upper-grade students. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): art history (104), artificial intelligence (300), artists (100), business (50), civil war (145), coding (109), computers (115), cultures (292), engineering (141), environment (254), politics (124), psychology (60), religions (120), shakespeare (98), sociology (24), world war 1 (87), world war 2 (169)
In the Classroom
Choose short university lectures related to your current unit (e.g., history, literature, or psychology). Have students summarize key takeaways and connect them to class topics. Assign a relevant Open Culture lecture for homework, then use class time for guided discussion, problem-solving, or creative applications of the concept. Form small groups where students take different Open Culture courses and share summaries or key insights with the class, encouraging collaboration and exposure to diverse subjects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A VISUAL HISTORY national archives and records administration 1940-1963 - National Archives and Records Administration
Grades
4 to 12
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This visual history collection from the National Archives and Records Administration provides political cartoons from 1940 to 1963, covering important events such as World War II, the...more
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This visual history collection from the National Archives and Records Administration provides political cartoons from 1940 to 1963, covering important events such as World War II, the early Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the presidency of John F. Kennedy. Before each section, view the blurb to learn about events occuring during that time period.
tag(s): 1940s (70), 1950s (33), 1960s (54), civil rights (217), cold war (39), comics and cartoons (61), kennedy (25), primary sources (134), world war 2 (169)
In the Classroom
Show students one historical photo from the collection and have them write what they notice, wonder, and infer. Students can discuss what the image shows, what time period it might be from, and what questions they still have. Give students a historical image without the description and have students write their own caption explaining what they think is happening. Assign students different events from 1940 to 1963 and have them create a timeline using images from the site and MyLens, reviewed here.
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MapMaker - National Geographic
Grades
4 to 12
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The MapMaker Launch Guide from National Geographic offers MapMaker, a free, web-based digital mapping tool developed in collaboration with Esri. Designed for educators, students, and...more
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The MapMaker Launch Guide from National Geographic offers MapMaker, a free, web-based digital mapping tool developed in collaboration with Esri. Designed for educators, students, and National Geographic Explorers, the platform provides an intuitive interface with features such as autosave, location search, and annotation tools, including pins, lines, shapes, and labels. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating, editing, saving, exporting, and sharing custom maps. It also supports standards-aligned instruction across geography, science, math, literacy, and social studies. With classroom-ready resources, FAQs, and video tutorials, MapMaker helps students build spatial thinking, critical reasoning, and data analysis skills through interactive map-based learning.
tag(s): critical thinking (179), data (213), map skills (69), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Have students create a personalized digital map of their local community. They can mark locations such as their school, library, parks, and cultural landmarks with pins, shapes, and labels. Explore global climate patterns by turning on different data layers (e.g., temperature, precipitation, vegetation). Students can compare regions, make observations, and write claims backed by map evidence about how geography influences climate. Have students research a historical event or time period (e.g., westward expansion, ancient civilizations, migration routes) and create a map showing locations from that time, with modern overlays to compare past and present geography. Have students choose a topic (such as a natural disaster, an explorer's journey, or a cultural region) and create a digital map that tells a story using pins and custom labels. Each pin includes facts, images, or student-written summaries to encourage research and multimedia integration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History - American Battlefield Trust
Grades
6 to 12
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The American Battlefield Trust's "Here from the Start: Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History" illuminates the deep and multifaceted role Indigenous peoples have...more
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The American Battlefield Trust's "Here from the Start: Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History" illuminates the deep and multifaceted role Indigenous peoples have played in shaping early American conflicts, from the colonial wars through the Civil War. Highlighting figures such as Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker and groups like the Cherokee and Navajo code talkers, the resource charts how tribes participated, resisted, and sometimes suffered greatly across pivotal moments in US history. It also emphasizes ongoing preservation efforts at notable sites once inhabited by Native Americans or that witnessed their service in places like Sand Creek, Cabin Creek, Wood Lake, and Chattanooga in partnership with tribal communities.
tag(s): battles (19), native americans (130)
In the Classroom
Have students create a map using Google My Maps reviewed here showing locations of key battles or military sites involving Native American tribes, identifying which tribes were involved and their roles in the conflict. Assign students to research key individuals mentioned, such as Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker or the Navajo Code Talkers. Students can present short biographies using Sutori reviewed here explaining their contributions to US military history. Provide students with primary source quotes or documents related to Native American military service and ask them to analyze the perspectives, motivations, and consequences reflected in the text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass - prosario2000
Grades
8 to 12
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In this brief YouTube video, the actor James Earl Jones delivers a powerful reading of an excerpt from Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of ...more
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In this brief YouTube video, the actor James Earl Jones delivers a powerful reading of an excerpt from Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" In the speech, Douglass, who was born into slavery and later became a leading abolitionist, challenges listeners to reflect on the contradiction between America's celebration of freedom and the reality of slavery. His words encourage thoughtful discussion of liberty, equality, and how the nation's founding ideals did not align with the lived experiences of enslaved people.
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tag(s): Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can learn more about the speech using Kiddle, reviewed here. Students can use Figma, reviewed here to compare and contrast this speech to another famous speech. Students can create a word cloud using WordClouds, reviewed here to share the message of the speech.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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America's Chinatowns - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
6 to 12
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Explore the history, culture, and communities featured on this page from Google Arts and Culture to take a virtual journey through America's Chinatowns' past, present, and future. Begin...more
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Explore the history, culture, and communities featured on this page from Google Arts and Culture to take a virtual journey through America's Chinatowns' past, present, and future. Begin with stories about preserving Chinatowns, visit ten historic sites across the United States, and then enter the oldest US Chinatown in San Francisco through portrait galleries and exhibitions. Continue your explorations to learn about the culture, art, and music found in Chinatowns.
tag(s): asia (138), china (79), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (292)
In the Classroom
Explore this site and share highlights with your students, or share the site with students to explore and share items of interest with their peers. Use an online canvas for sticky notes such as Lino reviewed here for students to share information learned and questions for further follow-up. Use MyLens reviewed here to extend learning by creating timelines and mindmaps of the content found on this site. Use Google My Maps reviewed here to create custom maps featuring Chinatowns across the US and adding images and videos from each location.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today - San Diego2
Grades
4 to 12
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today"...more
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today" from SD2 explores remarkable contributions by Native American communities that have shaped modern life in ways often overlooked. From suspension bridges crafted from woven grass to natural remedies and early contraceptive methods, this resource sheds light on the sophisticated science and practical problem-solving of Native peoples. It's a powerful tool for teachers looking to highlight the lasting impact of Native American innovation in STEM and social studies classrooms.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (130), STEM (370)
In the Classroom
Set up small stations where students explore simplified versions of Native inventions (e.g., bridge-building with string and sticks, examining plant-based remedies). Have them rotate and reflect on how each item serves a purpose today. Have students compare one Native American invention with a similar invention from another culture. Create a Venn diagram using Whimsical Mind Maps, reviewed here and discuss what materials were used, why the invention was needed, and how culture shaped the design. Students choose one invention from the article and create a display poster showing its origin, the problem it solved, and its modern-day equivalent or use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Native American and Indigenous inventions that changed the world - Vincent Schilling
Grades
4 to 12
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation...more
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation as far-reaching and profound, starting with how early Europeans reacted to these contributions in the 1500s. Viewers learn how traditional inventions, from medicinal remedies and simple mechanical tools to communal sports and practical everyday items, trace their origins to Native American ingenuity, challenging outdated myths about where creativity and technology come from. Please note: If your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable. You may need to find an alternative platform or secure administrative permission for students to view it.
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tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (130)
In the Classroom
Have students create a visual timeline using Sutori, reviewed here showcasing each of the ten inventions featured in the video, including the Indigenous group it originated from and its modern counterpart. In small groups, have students select one invention (e.g., syringes, lacrosse, hammocks) and create posters comparing its original form to how it is used today, including function, materials, and impact. Inspired by Indigenous creativity, challenge students to invent a new tool or concept that solves a modern problem.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Contributions of Native Americans - Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today - Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Center
Grades
4 to 12
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and...more
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and narration, students gain insight into how innovations, ranging from medicine to everyday technologies, shaped both Indigenous communities and later generations. Please note that if your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable, and an alternative platform or workaround may be needed.
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tag(s): cultures (292), native americans (130)
In the Classroom
Create cards with Native American inventions on one set and their modern uses on another. Have students match them and explain how the original idea is still relevant today. Ask students to write a creative first-person journal from the perspective of a Native American who developed an innovation, describing the problem they solved and how others reacted. Have students compare Native American contributions to similar innovations from other cultures, discussing how different societies solve similar problems. Create a Venn diagram with Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Revolutionary Native American Inventions That Changed Modern Life - Bryan University
Grades
4 to 12
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Ever wonder how everyday objects -- like kayaks, pain relievers, or snow goggles -- trace their roots back thousands of years to ingenuity developed long before modern science? The...more
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Ever wonder how everyday objects -- like kayaks, pain relievers, or snow goggles -- trace their roots back thousands of years to ingenuity developed long before modern science? The article from Bryan University highlights ten revolutionary Native American inventions that continue to impact modern life, offering an engaging way to explore Indigenous contributions during Native American Heritage Month or as part of a broader history or science unit. Featured innovations include natural pain relievers made from willow bark, early oral contraceptives using traditional plants, syringes crafted from bird bones and animal bladders, baby feeding tools made from natural materials, homemade sunscreens, snow goggles carved from bone or wood, the kayak, lacrosse (originating as stickball), hammocks developed by the Taino, and suspension bridges woven from grasses by the Inca. The article encourages educators to recognize the ingenuity and lasting influence of Native American cultures and can serve as a strong starting point for student research or classroom discussions on innovation and cultural legacy.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (130)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to design a modern tool inspired by an invention (such as a water-resistant pouch based on early feeding devices or a sun visor inspired by snow goggles). They can build prototypes using simple materials. Create a classroom timeline using Timeline Infographics, reviewed here showing when and where each invention originated. Include maps and note which Indigenous group developed each innovation. Have students compare each Native American invention with its modern equivalent. For example, compare early syringes with today's medical tools or traditional kayaks with modern sports models.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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