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Mayan Crystal - Gen-Z Media
Grades
3 to 7
Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM ...more
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Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM Shows, this immersive story follows a brave young girl who unlocks an ancient power, setting off a high-stakes journey filled with mystery, danger, and mythical forces. With rich storytelling, cinematic sound design, and captivating performances, Mayan Crystal is perfect for listeners who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of magic. Ready to uncover the secrets of the Mayan world? Tune in now!
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), mysteries (24), myths and legends (41)
In the Classroom
Have students research a Mayan myth or legend and turn it into a short comic strip. They can illustrate their own interpretation of the story or retell a scene from Mayan Crystal in comic form. The comic strip could also be made online using ToonyTool reviewed here or Canva Comic Strip Templates reviewed here. Since Mayan Crystal features immersive soundscapes, challenge your students to create their own sound effects for a short scene using everyday objects. They can record sounds or perform them live in small groups. Ask students to write a new ending or an extra scene for Mayan Crystal. How would they change the story if a key event had played out differently? Assign students different characters from the podcast and have them act out a key scene or participate in a mock interview as their character.African American Activists of the 20th Century - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to...more
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Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed descriptions, historical context, and related resources to understand better these prominent figures and their contributions to social justice. This resource is an excellent visual tool for educators teaching African American history and the Civil Rights movement.
tag(s): african american (119), black history (134), civil rights (216), martin luther king (46)
In the Classroom
Have students select an activist from the website, research their life and achievements, and create an interactive digital timeline using tools like Canva, reviewed here or Class Tools, reviewed here. Have students choose an activist and prepare a short presentation or monologue in character, sharing their achievements and struggles. Turn the classroom into a "living museum," with students acting as historical figures. Using the website images as inspiration, students can create hand-drawn or collaged posters highlighting an activist's achievements, including key facts, quotes, and visuals. Ask students to select an activist, research their contributions, and create a short podcast episode using Acast, reviewed here or Podbean, reviewed here) explaining their importance.Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
5 to 12Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown is based on a 2017 exhibition at the California Museum. The collection of photos explores a now-vanished and mostly forgotten...more
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Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown is based on a 2017 exhibition at the California Museum. The collection of photos explores a now-vanished and mostly forgotten neighborhood, which was once the fourth-largest Japantown in the nation. Some of the photographs featured allow you to zoom in and explore. The photographs start in the 1900s with Early Japan and span to forced removal between 1942-1945, post-war Japantown from 1945-1959, and redevelopment from 1955-1965. The site ends with Japanese notables.
tag(s): japan (60), japanese (52), photography (132)
In the Classroom
Students can use Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here to highlight important events in Japantown. Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to learn more about the Japanese notables that are featured on the site. Finally, students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram to highlight why Japantown became forgotten.Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
5 to 12Google Arts and Culture features Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story. The story of Tommy Kono is told through photographs that share information about his early life, Tule Lake...more
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Google Arts and Culture features Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story. The story of Tommy Kono is told through photographs that share information about his early life, Tule Lake Judo Club, early training, Buddhist Church of Sacramento, Olympic Gold, his legacy, and more. Some of the photographs allow you to zoom in further.
tag(s): cultures (209), japanese (52), religions (111), sports (84)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens reviewed here to highlight important events in Tommy Kono's life. Students can compare Tommy Kono to another famous weightlifter using ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research more about Buddhism.Celebrating Asian American Experiences in the Classroom - NYC Public Schools
Grades
5 to 12Check out these resources, including the Asian Americans K-12 Education Curriculum, Asian Americans in the People's History of the United States, Asian American booklist, Culturally...more
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Check out these resources, including the Asian Americans K-12 Education Curriculum, Asian Americans in the People's History of the United States, Asian American booklist, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Advising for Multilingual Learners, We are not a stereotype, the history of tensions--and solidarity--between Black and Asian American communities, explained, and more.
In the Classroom
Students can review the resources and post questions and comments on Padlet reviewed here. Students can research using Kiddle reviewed here to highlight important/notable Asian Americans featured in the resources. Finally, students can conduct a virtual interview with an Asian American. Record the interviews using Adobe Podcast reviewed here.Jewish American Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12The Jewish American Heritage Month website is a valuable resource for educators looking to integrate Jewish American history and culture into their curriculum. It provides access to...more
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The Jewish American Heritage Month website is a valuable resource for educators looking to integrate Jewish American history and culture into their curriculum. It provides access to primary sources, lesson plans, videos, and exhibits from institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian. Teachers can use these materials to explore Jewish contributions to American society, discuss historical events, and engage students in activities that promote cultural understanding. The site also includes virtual exhibits and suggested readings, making it a versatile tool for classroom learning.
In the Classroom
Students can explore primary sources from the Library of Congress or the National Archives on Jewish American contributions. In pairs, they can analyze an artifact (ex., a historical photo, letter, or newspaper article) and present their findings. Assign students a prominent Jewish American figure (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). They can research their impact using resources from the site and create a short podcast using Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Students can also interview other students, as if they were that historical figure. Students can explore Jewish contributions to literature, science, politics, and civil rights and create digital slides with Visme, reviewed here or Genially, reviewed here highlighting key figures, inventions, or cultural traditions.Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire - BioGreat TV
Grades
5 to 12Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching...more
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Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching the video, a sketch artist sketches pictures or words about the Mali Empire.
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In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to take notes about the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create a timeline about the Mali Empire. Students can also research more about the leaders shared in the video.Mali: Elementary Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
3 to 8Virginia Department of Education's Mali Elementary Lessons features three lessons: Journey to Mali, Lion King of Mali Character Study, and Mali Cause and Effect. The Journey to Mali...more
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Virginia Department of Education's Mali Elementary Lessons features three lessons: Journey to Mali, Lion King of Mali Character Study, and Mali Cause and Effect. The Journey to Mali lesson is broken into activities, including: Here Today - Gone to Mali, a Day in the Life, to Market to Market, King for a Day, the Village Voice, and Little by Little the Bird Builds its Nest. Lessons include objectives, materials, teaching methods/procedures, and evaluations. Lessons are aligned with Virginia's Standards of Learning for History and Social Science.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lessons using the lesson plans provided. Students can use Book Creator reviewed here as a tool in writing about their life in the Mali Empire or to Market to Market. Students can use Figma reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram outlining the formation and fall of the Mali Empire.Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12The MexicoLore website's "Ancient Maya Music" section provides valuable resources for teachers exploring the role of music in Maya civilization. It covers the types of instruments used,...more
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The MexicoLore website's "Ancient Maya Music" section provides valuable resources for teachers exploring the role of music in Maya civilization. It covers the types of instruments used, their cultural and religious significance, and how music was integrated into ceremonies and daily life. The content is well-researched and includes images, expert insights, and interactive elements to engage students. This resource is ideal for supplementing lessons on the Maya, helping students connect with their traditions through the universal language of music.
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), musical instruments (54)
In the Classroom
Students can research and identify different Maya musical instruments (drums, whistles, ocarinas, rattles). They can listen to recordings of similar instruments and discuss their sounds and possible uses. Students can make simple versions of Maya-style instruments using household materials (clay whistles, bottle maracas). Students can also explore how traditional Maya music has influenced modern music in Mexico and Central America. They can also research contemporary Maya communities still using ancient instruments and present their findings through a short slideshow using Google Slides reviewed here, a video using moovly reviewed here, or a poster. Working in small groups, students can create a short musical performance inspired by Maya music. They can use simple percussion instruments, vocals, or even body percussion to replicate rhythmic patterns that might have been used in Maya ceremonies.Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students...more
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This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students will explore how the Maya used glyphs to record history, communicate ideas, and document daily life. The lesson includes discussion questions and activities encouraging students to analyze and create their own glyphs. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, this resource brings history and language to life through interactive learning!
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In the Classroom
Provide students with a chart of Mayan glyphs and their meanings. Then, give them a short "coded" message using real Mayan glyphs and challenge them to decode it. Doing this introduces them to the complexity of the Mayan writing system in a fun, interactive way. Hide "glyphs" around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to "excavate" and analyze their findings. They must hypothesize what the symbols might mean based on context clues and prior knowledge, like real archaeologists decoding ancient texts. In small groups or individually, students can create a mini "Maya codex" by folding paper in accordion style and illustrating a short story using glyphs and pictures. They can write a key to explain their symbols, like archaeologists do when deciphering ancient texts!
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
The History of Ancient Egypt - Smithsonian Channel
Grades
4 to 8Bring Ancient Egypt to Life with Engaging Videos! This Ancient Egypt YouTube Playlist is a fantastic resource for teachers looking to make history more interactive and visual. These...more
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Bring Ancient Egypt to Life with Engaging Videos! This Ancient Egypt YouTube Playlist is a fantastic resource for teachers looking to make history more interactive and visual. These videos cover topics like pyramids, pharaohs, daily life, and mythology, and help students see and hear the world of Ancient Egypt beyond the textbook. Perfect for introducing new concepts, sparking discussions, or reinforcing lessons, this playlist brings history to life in an educational and engaging way for learners of all levels. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): asia (124), egypt (59), myths and legends (41), pyramids (24)
In the Classroom
After watching videos about pharaohs, students can imagine they are rulers of Ancient Egypt. They can write a journal entry or speech describing their daily life, responsibilities, and accomplishments. They can even present it in character, wearing a paper pharaoh's crown! Turn learning into a fun trivia game. Use key facts from the videos to create a Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here, where students can test their knowledge in teams. Add bonus challenges like "act out a scene" or "draw a mystery object" for extra fun. Students can participate in a "choose your own adventure" activity where they must make decisions as an ancient Egyptian (ex., choosing a job, where to live, what to trade). Students can explain and compare their choices to what they learned in the videos. Students can work in groups to create a short skit about a historical event or daily life in Ancient Egypt. They can act as scribes, merchants, builders, or even gods and goddesses, bringing history to life through performance.Ancient Egypt Map Lesson Pack - Twinkl
Grades
3 to 7Take Your Students on a Journey Through Ancient Egypt! The Twinkl Ancient Egypt Map Lesson is a fantastic resource for helping students explore the geography of this fascinating civilization....more
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Take Your Students on a Journey Through Ancient Egypt! The Twinkl Ancient Egypt Map Lesson is a fantastic resource for helping students explore the geography of this fascinating civilization. Students will learn about key locations like the Nile River, pyramids, temples, and ancient cities with detailed maps, interactive activities, and guided lessons, This ready-to-use lesson makes it easy to connect geography with history, helping students understand how the landscape shaped Egyptian life, trade, and culture. Perfect for an engaging and visual learning experience!
tag(s): asia (124), egypt (59), map skills (64), maps (225)
In the Classroom
Give students a blank map of Ancient Egypt and have them label key locations like the Nile River, Giza, Thebes, Memphis, the Red Sea, and the Sahara Desert. Add a challenge by having them color-code fertile land, deserts, and water sources to understand Egypt's geography. Students role-play as Egyptian traders or travelers journeying along the Nile. They will use a map to plan their route, deciding where to stop for food, trade, or religious ceremonies. They can write a travel diary entry describing their experiences. Make the travel diary online using a tool like WriteReader, reviewed here or Book Creator, reviewed here. Cut out sections of an Ancient Egypt map and mix them up. Have students work in groups to reassemble the map, identifying key landmarks as they put it together. Using clay, paper mache, or even a digital tool such as CoSpaces, reviewed here, students create a 3D model of Ancient Egypt, highlighting the Nile River, major cities, and famous landmarks.What Life Was Like As An Incan - Nutty Productions
Grades
5 to 8"What Life Was Like As An Incan" is a twelve-minute YouTube video highlighting the ancient Incas. The video highlights surgery, food, travel, astronomy, architecture, babites, marriage,...more
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"What Life Was Like As An Incan" is a twelve-minute YouTube video highlighting the ancient Incas. The video highlights surgery, food, travel, astronomy, architecture, babites, marriage, and mummification.
tag(s): south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can write a story about what they learned in the video by creating a simple blog post using Telegra.ph reviewed here. This site does not require any registration. Students can also ToonyTool, reviewed here to create single-frame cartoons about the video.Andean Music, the Music of the Incas - Discover Peru
Grades
5 to 12The Discover Peru website's page on Andean and Inca music offers an accessible introduction to the musical traditions of the Inca civilization. It explains that the Inca primarily utilized...more
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The Discover Peru website's page on Andean and Inca music offers an accessible introduction to the musical traditions of the Inca civilization. It explains that the Inca primarily utilized wind and percussion instruments, such as panpipes (zamponas), flutes (quenas), and drums (tinya and wankara), in their music. These instruments played a significant role in various aspects of Inca society, including religious ceremonies, agricultural festivals, and daily life. The site also notes that string instruments were introduced later by the Spanish.
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tag(s): musical instruments (54), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can recreate the musical instruments used by the Incan civilization. Students can find Incan music to listen to and compare and contrast with another civilization using Figma reviewed here. Students can record the music on Acast reviewed here to deconstruct the instruments and match them to the sounds in the songs.Native Knowledge 360: The Meaning of Innovation - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
5 to 8Discover an interactive digital lesson that explores how the Inka Empire engineered a 25,000-mile road network across challenging Andean terrain without the use of wheels or metal tools....more
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Discover an interactive digital lesson that explores how the Inka Empire engineered a 25,000-mile road network across challenging Andean terrain without the use of wheels or metal tools. The lesson incorporates maps, videos, historical illustrations, and inquiry-based activities to examine Inka innovations in transportation, agriculture, and water management. It also highlights how Indigenous communities continue to use and preserve these technologies today.
tag(s): inquiry (30), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use History in Motion reviewed here to create their own Inca timeline. Students can compare and contrast the innovation of the Incan civilizations to other civilizations using Google Drawings reviewed here. Finally, students can use Padlet reviewed here to post facts that they learned.Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight...more
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View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight for gender equality, her role as a trailblazing justice, and her lasting influence on American law. With accessible language and engaging visuals, this resource is ideal for classroom discussions on influential women in history, social justice, and the Supreme Court's role in shaping society. Teachers can use it to spark conversations about perseverance, fairness, and civic responsibility.
tag(s): civil rights (216), courts (23), jews (49), religions (111), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Display some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quotes (ex, "Fight for the things that you care about...") and have students match them to their meanings. Set up a mock Supreme Court scenario where students act as justices, lawyers, or petitioners. Present a simple, kid-friendly case about fairness, such as equal rights in sports teams, and let students debate and make a ruling. Students can also use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Have students create a timeline using Class Tools, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here of important moments in Ginsburg's life and compare them with key events in U.S. history. Inspired by RBG's famous collars, students create their own "justice badge" that represents a cause they care about. Students can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make the badge online.Teachers- Holocaust Museum Houston - Holocaust Museum Houston
Grades
K to 12The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson...more
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The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson plans, classroom activities, and professional development opportunities to enhance Holocaust education. These materials are designed to support educators in delivering accurate and engaging content about the Holocaust, fostering critical thinking and empathy among students. Additionally, the museum provides contact information and avenues for further assistance, ensuring educators can access the support they need. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): critical thinking (135), ebooks (45), empathy (36), holocaust (43), immigrants (42), immigration (78), jews (49), professional development (390), religions (111)
In the Classroom
Using the museum's digital artifact collection, students can select an item (for example, a diary, identification card, or photograph) and analyze its significance. Then they can write a short reflection or narrative from the perspective of the artifact's owner. Students can examine examples of Nazi propaganda versus resistance writings (e.g., underground newspapers, speeches, or poems). They then create their counter-propaganda messages promoting human rights and resilience. Students research a current human rights issue and compare it to lessons learned from the Holocaust. They then design a "Take Action" campaign, including posters, social media posts, or letters advocating for change. Posters and social media templates can be found on Canva Edu, reviewed here.PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly - PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is a six-minute video featuring what appears to be an ancient manuscript found in Timbuktu. It highlights the city's history and the Islamic...more
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PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is a six-minute video featuring what appears to be an ancient manuscript found in Timbuktu. It highlights the city's history and the Islamic religion. Share the video via Google Classroom or from the provided link. Teachers can also build a lesson with the video. The video aligns with the New York State Core Curriculum.
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post their questions after viewing the video. Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here for note taking while watching the video. Finally, students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area featured in the video.Sundiata, Lion King of Mali - Sundiata, Lion King of Mali
Grades
6 to 8Sundiata, Lion King of Mali is a Reader's Theatre script for middle school students. Sundiata was the prince and founder of the Mali Empire. The play focuses on life before ...more
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Sundiata, Lion King of Mali is a Reader's Theatre script for middle school students. Sundiata was the prince and founder of the Mali Empire. The play focuses on life before he was born and continues throughout his adult life.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can reenact the play and create props to use during the reenactment. Students can use Sutori, reviewed here to create a timeline of Sundiata's life and accomplishments. Finally, students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post questions about Sundiata and the Mali Empire.9 Jewish American Heritage Month Activities for Children - Britt Hawthorne
Grades
K to 8Britt Hawthorne's blog post on Jewish American Heritage Month activities provides teachers with engaging ways to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history in the classroom. The...more
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Britt Hawthorne's blog post on Jewish American Heritage Month activities provides teachers with engaging ways to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history in the classroom. The site includes book recommendations, discussion prompts, hands-on crafts, and interactive activities suitable for elementary and middle school students. Educators can use these resources to foster inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations about Jewish identity and history. The activities are adaptable across subjects and promote critical thinking, making them a valuable addition to classroom celebrations during Jewish American Heritage Month.
tag(s): blogs (67), crafts (74), cross cultural understanding (176), cultures (209), identity (34), immigrants (42), immigration (78), jews (49), religions (111)