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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): asia (135), cultures (268), empathy (42), racism (80)
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.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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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): acting (16), composers (22), cultures (268), famous people (38), immigrants (49), jews (63), religions (121)
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
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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): civil rights (218), critical thinking (164), fashion (13), immigrants (49), immigration (82), japan (61), japanese (52), origami (14), stories and storytelling (71), world war 2 (168)
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): artists (92), asia (135), authors (109), cultures (268), famous people (38), japan (61), japanese (52), multimedia (56), scientists (71)
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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Ancient Africa - Mali - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and ...more
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Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and prosperous medieval civilizations. Share this thorough collection of resources with your students as a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Mali's history, culture, and legacy. This collection also includes a helpful article (view here) for teachers that highlights many activities and books related to the Mali Empire. The article includes activities and extensions to help differentiate the content and offer extra student support.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Mali Empire with your class! 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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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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Kingdom of Kush - TeachersFirst
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K to 12
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Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating...more
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Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating glimpse into Africa's rich historical tapestry. This collection of resources highlights the remarkable legacy of Kush, spanning from its emergence around 2500 BCE to its decline in the 4th century CE. From the towering pyramids of Meroe to the intricate jewelry found in royal tombs, from the complex relationship with ancient Egypt to the development of the Meroitic script, these carefully curated materials reveal a civilization of great wealth, cultural sophistication, and political influence.
In the Classroom
Don't miss the chance to share this collection link on your school website and in your next newsletter. Your fellow teachers and parents will appreciate having access to these materials! Browse through to find perfect additions to your upcoming lessons--there's something here for every teaching style!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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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (268), famous people (38), harlem (10), identity (36), inventors and inventions (87), jews (63), perspective (26), religions (121), scientists (71), sports (84), supreme court (30)
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 for educators to celebrate and explore Jewish Americans' rich history...more
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The Jewish American Heritage Month page from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provides resources for educators to celebrate and explore Jewish Americans' rich history and contributions. 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): composers (22), cultures (268), famous people (38), immigrants (49), immigration (82), inventors and inventions (87), jews (63), perspective (26), religions (121)
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 like Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) or 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 like Irving Berlin or 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): asia (135), civil rights (218), identity (36), immigrants (49), immigration (82), japan (61), japanese (52), politics (123), racism (80), railroads (17)
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 (92), asia (135), cultures (268), japan (61), japanese (52), multimedia (56), poetry (192), virtual field trips (135)
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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AAPI History Hub - The Asian American Foundation
Grades
K to 12
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The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific...more
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The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.
tag(s): asia (135), biographies (93), courts (23), cultures (268), diversity (53), famous people (38), japan (61), japanese (52), scientists (71), women (183)
In the Classroom
Students can work in groups to create a physical or digital timeline using Timelinely reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here highlighting significant AAPI events, movements, and contributions. Assign students an AAPI figure or event to research and present via a short podcast using Buzzsprout reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here. Print or display images and short bios of key AAPI historical figures from the site. Have students walk around, take notes, and discuss whose contributions they find most inspiring. Alternatively, create a digital gallery walk using the gallery walk template available in Padlet, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mali Facts for Kids - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
3 to 5
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This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site...more
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This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site highlights key aspects such as Mali's location in West Africa, its historical significance as part of the Mali Empire, and famous figures like Mansa Musa. It also covers the country's modern economy, climate, and traditions in a student-friendly format. In addition to the information on this site, you can download worksheets and coloring pages and watch a video about Mali. Teachers can use this resource to introduce Mali through fact-based reading, discussion prompts, and interactive activities to support geography, history, and social studies lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (154), cultures (268), deserts (20), flags (18), maps (222)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to the role of griots (storytellers) in Mali's culture and have students create and perform their own short oral stories or folktales. Set up a classroom "market" inspired by Mali's traditional markets. Assign students different roles (vendors, buyers, traders) with items like gold, salt, and textiles. Have them locate and label Mali, its capital (Bamako), major rivers (Niger River), and neighboring countries on a map. Consider using MapHubs reviewed here or Google My Maps reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mali Empire - Loren Klein
Grades
5 to 8
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," ...more
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," to amass great wealth. Unlike Ghana's warrior kings, Mali's rulers expanded their empire by directly controlling gold and salt mines, ensuring economic dominance in West Africa. This video shows how Islam played a significant role in spreading their empire through trade and gaining influence under Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and promoted religious and educational institutions. The empire's control over key trade centers, including Timbuktu and Gao, solidified its status as a powerful economic and cultural hub. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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In the Classroom
Display images of ancient civilizations' artifacts (ex., coins, pottery, statues). Have students predict their use and significance, then research and present findings. Students can work in small groups to compare religious beliefs, deities, and practices of two civilizations (ex., Mesopotamian vs. Egyptian) and create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can map trade routes using Google My Maps reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mali Empire History - Cool Kid Facts
Grades
2 to 7
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt ...more
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt trade, famous rulers like Mansa Musa, and the significance of cities like Timbuktu as centers of learning. The website presents information in a clear and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for introducing younger students to African history. Teachers can use this page to support lessons on trade, culture, and leadership in the medieval world.
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tag(s): africa (154), archeology (26), cultures (268), maps (222), medieval (38)
In the Classroom
Set up different learning stations representing subjects studied in Timbuktu (astronomy, medicine, math). Students can rotate through the stations, completing mini-activities related to each subject. Students can research and build 3D models of Mali's famous structures, such as the Great Mosque of Djenne, using materials like clay, cardboard, or digital tools like Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Have students compare the Mali Empire to another historical empire, such as the Roman Empire or the Incas, using a Venn diagram on paper or Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, focusing on government, trade, culture, and legacy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Cluster Web Activity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures....more
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.
tag(s): africa (154), cultures (268), politics (123), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Divide students into groups representing different West African empires. Give each group specific trade goods (gold, salt, ivory, etc.) and have them negotiate and "trade" with each other, simulating the trans-Saharan trade routes. Students can create annotated maps showing the locations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, major trade routes, and key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. Have them use MapHub reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here and add visuals and summaries to their maps. Assign students to research and compare the leadership styles of Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, and Sunni Ali. They can present their findings through a podcast-style discussion using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Buzzsprout reviewed here.
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Felix Mendelssohn - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12
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The Library of Congress guide on Felix Mendelssohn provides an extensive resource for teachers and students exploring the life and work of the renowned 19th-century composer. It features...more
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The Library of Congress guide on Felix Mendelssohn provides an extensive resource for teachers and students exploring the life and work of the renowned 19th-century composer. It features curated links to digital collections, including manuscripts, letters, sheet music, and articles and recordings of Mendelssohn's compositions. The guide also offers contextual insights into his role in the Romantic era, making it an excellent starting point for music history lessons or research projects. Its viewer-friendly design and authentic content make it a valuable educational tool.
tag(s): art history (103), composers (22), music theory (47)
In the Classroom
Select one of Mendelssohn's compositions, such as The Hebrides Overture or A Midsummer Night's Dream. Play the piece in class and guide students in analyzing its mood, structure, and Romantic-era elements. Use resources from the guide to provide historical and cultural context. Mendelssohn played a significant role in reviving the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Assign students to compare and contrast a piece by Mendelssohn with one by Bach, exploring themes, style, and instrumentation. Encourage students to use the guide's materials to research Mendelssohn's admiration for Bach. Using the letters and manuscripts linked in the guide as inspiration, have students write a fictional letter to or from Mendelssohn. Encourage students to compose a short piece of music inspired by Mendelssohn's Romantic style. They can write lyrics, create a melody, or use digital tools like Audacity, reviewed here. Students can then share their compositions and explain how Mendelssohn influenced their work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Empire of Mali- The Twang of a Bow - Extra History
Grades
6 to 12
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership...more
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (154)
In the Classroom
Have students explore Mali's contributions to art, music, and storytelling, researching griots, traditional instruments, or historical sites like Timbuktu. They can present their findings through skits, posters, or mini-documentaries using Vmaker, reviewed here or Animoto reviewed here. Students can participate in a Mali trade simulation, where they role-play merchants, kings, and traders exchanging goods (gold, salt, textiles) and negotiating taxes, highlighting the importance of trade in Mali's success. Students can illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here retelling key events from Sundiata's journey, emphasizing major turning points like his exile, rise to power, and victory over Soumaoro Kante.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mali Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
4 to 12
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing...more
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!
tag(s): africa (154), creative writing (126), journals (19)
In the Classroom
Students can create a travel journal to record responses to lessons on paper or using Imagine Forest, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here. Have students participate in a suitcase packing activity to prepare for an imaginary journey to Mali by choosing items they may need on the trip. Create a list of items they may pack and have them discuss their choices. Students can illustrate key moments from the Epic of Sundiata using a storyboard format. They can either draw by hand or use digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here to represent important events, such as Sundiata's early struggles, his rise to power, and the establishment of the Mali Empire. Have students participate in a trade simulation to understand the economic power of the Mali Empire. They can role-play as merchants trading gold, salt, and other goods along the trans-Saharan trade routes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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