0-20 of 4947    Next

4947 social-studies results | sort by:

Share    return to subject listing
Less
More

Instance.so - mimo

Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Imagine describing what you want in plain language and instantly getting back a fully functional app, website, or game. That's the promise of Instance.so, an AI-powered no-code platform...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Imagine describing what you want in plain language and instantly getting back a fully functional app, website, or game. That's the promise of Instance.so, an AI-powered no-code platform that lets users build digital products simply by "vibe coding," which is typing or speaking a prompt and watching the software take shape. Whether you need a scheduler, fitness coach site, mini-game, or data tool, Instance.so creates responsive layouts, app logic, navigation, and backend features in just minutes, with no programming required. It launches your app instantly on the web, with hosting included, making it "like having an AI developer in your pocket." Free plans include 3 app slots, a daily limit of 5 messages, and a monthly limit of 30 messages. The free plan doesn't include the ability to publish as mobile apps.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (219), DAT device agnostic tool (125), data (152), organizational skills (81)

In the Classroom

Students can design and build a personal web-based app to showcase their writing, artwork, STEM projects, or resumes, turning traditional portfolios into interactive digital experiences. In STEM or social studies, challenge students to identify a real-world issue (like recycling, time management, or mental health awareness) and build a simple app that offers a solution. Integrate with business or tech classes by having students invent and prototype a startup idea, using Instance.so to create a functional demo app they can pitch to peers or a mock "Shark Tank" panel. Learners can create educational games or interactive quizzes aligned with science, history, or ELA content, reinforcing learning through design thinking and application.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today - San Diego2

Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

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 (128), STEM (330)

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

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

10 Native American and Indigenous inventions that changed the world - Vincent Schilling

Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

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.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (128)

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

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Contributions of Native Americans - Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today - Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Center

Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

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.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): cultures (256), native americans (128)

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

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

10 Revolutionary Native American Inventions That Changed Modern Life - Bryan University

Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

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 (128)

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

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Native American Contributions - Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Grades
3 to 8
0 Favorites 0  Comments
The PDF "Native American Contributions" showcases a wide range of ways Indigenous peoples have shaped modern American life, from ecological stewardship and sustainable hunting and living...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

The PDF "Native American Contributions" showcases a wide range of ways Indigenous peoples have shaped modern American life, from ecological stewardship and sustainable hunting and living in harmony with nature to cultivating essential foods like corn, beans, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, and sunflowers long before European arrival. It highlights how Native American games, such as canoeing, lacrosse, snowshoeing, and tug-of-war, remain popular today. The PDF notes that early U.S. ideas about federal and state governance drew inspiration from the Iroquois Confederacy. The document also lists many everyday words, such as barbecue, hammock, toboggan, and hurricane, all of which originated from Native languages. Overall, the PDF provides a positive, accessible overview that helps educators introduce Indigenous contributions to agriculture, language, government, and recreation. If sharing this with students, be sure to include attribution to the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, as the printed document doesn't include that information.

tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (128)

In the Classroom

Create cards featuring items or ideas listed in the PDF (e.g., corn, hammock, tug of war, Iroquois government). Assign students to sort items into categories such as food, games, language, and government. Have students select a word from the PDF (such as "barbecue" or "hurricane") and research its Native American language root and meaning. They can illustrate the word and present a "word card" to the class with its origin, meaning, and modern usage. In small groups, students design a mini-exhibit using a poster board or a digital tool like Canva Edu reviewed here highlighting different categories of Native contributions.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

National American Indian Heritage Month - Library of Congress

Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage Month. It traces the observance's transformation from a week-long recognition in 1986 to its official designation as a month in November 1990, following congressional legislation and presidential proclamations. This resource outlines the legal acts, executive proclamations, and changes in terminology from "American Indian Heritage Month" to "Native American Heritage Month" that reflect ongoing legislative and cultural developments in honoring Native peoples.

tag(s): native americans (128)

In the Classroom

Using links in the Library of Congress guide or other primary sources from LOC.gov, assign students to locate and summarize one presidential proclamation or congressional resolution related to Native American Heritage Month. Students create a digital poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here or a paper poster that honors Native American Heritage Month, incorporating quotes from proclamations, historical facts from the site, and symbolic imagery. These can be displayed around the school or shared in a class gallery walk. Have students create a timeline using Canva's Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or MyLens, reviewed here showing key milestones from the website, such as legislative acts, presidential proclamations, and name changes (e.g., from "American Indian Week" to "Native American Heritage Month").

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

10 Native American Inventions Commonly Used Today - History Education

Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
Innovations ranging from durable kayaks and snow goggles to natural medicines and staple crops demonstrate the advanced engineering, medical knowledge, and agricultural practices developed...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Innovations ranging from durable kayaks and snow goggles to natural medicines and staple crops demonstrate the advanced engineering, medical knowledge, and agricultural practices developed by diverse Native American tribal nations long before European contact. The article from History Education highlights how these inventions supported survival and daily life across varied environments from Arctic regions to South America and influenced broader global practices. Updated as recently as November 2025, the piece offers educators a rich resource to broaden students' understanding of Indigenous contributions to technology and society.

tag(s): inventors and inventions (88), native americans (128)

In the Classroom

Create cards with the name of an Indigenous invention on one set and its use or purpose on the other. Then, have students work in pairs or small groups to match the items, and then discuss how each invention addressed specific environmental or cultural needs. Have students create a visual timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here showing the development of Indigenous inventions, including their original purposes and any modern equivalents (e.g., kayaks, syringes, baby bottles, snow goggles). Challenge students to redesign a Native American invention using both traditional and modern materials. They can present their designs through drawings, models, or digital presentations using Delightex, reviewed here, explaining the science or engineering behind them.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Hispanic American/Latino American History - National Park Service

Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
  
Bring Hispanic and Latino American history to life with the National Park Service's "Hispanic American/Latino American History (Teaching with Historic Places)" portal, a vibrant collection...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Bring Hispanic and Latino American history to life with the National Park Service's "Hispanic American/Latino American History (Teaching with Historic Places)" portal, a vibrant collection of place-based educational tools designed to engage students in history, social studies, geography, and civics through real-world sites. Teachers will discover featured resources like Spanish Treasure Fleets, which explores Spain's New World empire and its quest for precious metals; Castolon - A Meeting Place of Two Cultures, a rich case study of Spanish and Anglo influence along the Rio Grande; and the Curiosity Kit on Nina Otero Warren, offering an in-depth look at the life of this suffragist and educator. More than just lesson plans, the site connects classroom learning to historic places on the National Register.

tag(s): cultures (256), hispanic (52), world war 2 (167)

In the Classroom

Have students locate and mark historic Latino heritage sites mentioned in the lessons (like Castolon or El Camino Real) on a digital map using Google My Maps, reviewed here or a printed map. Include brief annotations describing each site's historical significance. Assign students to investigate if their community has historic places tied to Hispanic or Latino history. They can write a short report or create a digital presentation using Genially, reviewed here proposing why it should be recognized or preserved. Have students research a local or historical Latino figure and design a mural that honors their impact. They should include a written statement to explain imagery and symbolism in their work.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Native Pride Dancers - The Kennedy Center

Grades
K to 8
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and hoop dances performed by Larry Yazzie, a Meskwaki tribal member, and his son, Jessup. Through powerful movement and meaningful storytelling, the Yazzies explain the cultural symbolism behind their dances, regalia, and traditions. This engaging resource is ideal for grades K-8. It includes a YouTube performance and a discussion, along with grade-specific lesson extensions: Navajo Weaving (K-2), Mountain Creation (3-5), and Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore (6-8). It's an excellent tool for integrating Indigenous perspectives into lessons on dance, culture, and visual arts.

tag(s): cultures (256), dance (40), native americans (128), stories and storytelling (68)

In the Classroom

Challenge students to choreograph a short dance that tells a story about nature or community, drawing inspiration from the hoop and eagle dances. They can perform live or create a video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Ask students to write a narrative, poem, or journal entry from the perspective of a dancer preparing for a ceremonial performance, incorporating sensory details and cultural themes. Pair this resource with another traditional dance (e.g., Irish step dance or West African drumming) and have students complete a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here to compare movements, costumes, and cultural origins.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Keith Bear: Flute Maker - The Kennedy Center

Grades
K to 1
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Step into the soulful world of Native American music with "Keith Bear: Flute Maker," a compelling multimedia feature from the Kennedy Center. Musician, storyteller, and flute maker...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Step into the soulful world of Native American music with "Keith Bear: Flute Maker," a compelling multimedia feature from the Kennedy Center. Musician, storyteller, and flute maker Keith Bear of the Mandan-Hidatsa tribes shares his journey of reconnecting with ancestral traditions through flute making and storytelling. The YouTube video offers rich cultural context, from the craftsmanship of traditional flutes to the significance of song and ceremony. With classroom-friendly guidance, this resource helps educators integrate music, history, and Indigenous culture into their lessons.

tag(s): cultures (256), musical instruments (54), native americans (128), stories and storytelling (68)

In the Classroom

Using straws or paper tubes, guide students in constructing simple flute-like models to help them understand the structure of wind instruments and the craftsmanship behind traditional flutes. Have students write short stories or poems inspired by nature, then choose classroom instruments (or vocal sounds) to represent different parts of their story, mirroring how Keith Bear uses flute music to tell cultural stories. Ask students to think of a piece of music that reminds them of someone or something meaningful. Have them write a short personal narrative, just as Keith Bear connects flute playing to memory and family traditions.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Navajo Weaving - The Kennedy Center

Grades
K to 2
0 Favorites 0  Comments
  
The Kennedy Center's "Navajo Weaving" resource introduces young students to the art and cultural tradition of Navajo weaving through hands-on and movement-based activities. The lesson...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

The Kennedy Center's "Navajo Weaving" resource introduces young students to the art and cultural tradition of Navajo weaving through hands-on and movement-based activities. The lesson includes detailed teacher plans, a slide presentation, background information on Navajo culture, visuals of traditional textiles, and suggestions for connecting weaving patterns to choreographed movement. These resources support an engaging, cross-curricular experience that blends art, culture, and kinesthetic learning.

tag(s): cultures (256), native americans (128)

In the Classroom

Show examples of Navajo weaving patterns and have students search for similar shapes or patterns around the classroom or in a picture collage. Using the lesson plan, guide students in creating simple paper weavings with construction paper, mirroring the color patterns and symmetry found in traditional Navajo textiles. Use the provided slide presentation to discuss the cultural importance of Navajo weaving. Have students respond with drawings or a short verbal reflection on what they found interesting or beautiful.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore - The Kennedy Center

Grades
6 to 8
0 Favorites 0  Comments
   
The Kennedy Center's "Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore" resource invites students to choreograph movements inspired by poetry written by Indigenous and Native Peoples of North America....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

The Kennedy Center's "Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore" resource invites students to choreograph movements inspired by poetry written by Indigenous and Native Peoples of North America. It encourages cultural appreciation, creative expression, and kinesthetic learning. The site includes videos and detailed lesson plans to guide instruction; however, if your district blocks YouTube, the videos will not be viewable.

tag(s): cultures (256), dance (40), native americans (128), poetry (192)

In the Classroom

Read a short poem aloud and have students respond with spontaneous gestures that reflect keywords or emotions to introduce the concept of expressing language through movement. In small groups, have students select a poem by an Indigenous author and choreograph a short movement piece that conveys its imagery, rhythm, and meaning, following the lesson plan. Host a classroom performance day where students share their choreography and give constructive feedback based on interpretation, creativity, and cultural respect.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Pacifico Dance Company: On Stage at the Kennedy Center - The Kennedy Center

Grades
3 to 8
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
This Kennedy Center multimedia feature introduces the Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican Folklorico group celebrating regional dance traditions through vibrant performances and classroom...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

This Kennedy Center multimedia feature introduces the Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican Folklorico group celebrating regional dance traditions through vibrant performances and classroom explorations. It showcases a short documentary clip that highlights the dancers' costumes, choreography, and musical accompaniment while providing context on the company's cultural mission. Educators gain access to discussion prompts, guided viewing questions, and suggested activities designed to deepen student understanding of movement, identity, and cultural storytelling. These resources help students understand how dance shows the unique traditions of different regions in Mexico. They can also look at the meaning behind costumes and dance styles and try some of the movements themselves to connect with Mexican culture. The lesson includes videos, questions, and fun activities that support learning in both art and social studies. If your school district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): cultures (256), dance (40), hispanic (52)

In the Classroom

Watch the performance clip and discuss the costumes, music, and dance movements. Use the provided viewing questions to guide student observations and spark conversation about cultural expression. Students can label the map and add notes or images about the styles. Students can label a map of Mexico in Google My Maps, reviewed here and add notes or images about the styles. Using simple steps, music, and props (like scarves or ribbons), have students work in groups to choreograph and perform a short Folklorico-inspired dance that celebrates a tradition or value.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song - The Kennedy Center

Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
   
Infuse your music or language arts classroom with cultural and poetic exploration through "Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song," a Kennedy Center lesson that invites students to research...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Infuse your music or language arts classroom with cultural and poetic exploration through "Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song," a Kennedy Center lesson that invites students to research and analyze the iconic Cuban folk song made famous in English by Pete Seeger. Students delve into the origins of the song's lyrics, rooted in Jose Marti's poetry, and investigate its musical structure, cultural significance, and global adaptations. They then compare different performances to understand how meaning shifts through interpretation. The unit concludes with students crafting their own lyrical or musical version of "Guantanamera," demonstrating their grasp of poetic themes, musical elements, and cultural resonance. This lesson package includes research guides, lyric analysis tools, listening prompts, performance comparisons, and creative assignment outlines to support both analytical and expressive learning. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): hispanic (52), poetry (192)

In the Classroom

Have students read and analyze selected stanzas from Jose Marti's poetry used in the lyrics of "Guantanamera," identifying key themes such as freedom, justice, and identity. Play different versions of "Guantanamera" (e.g., Pete Seeger, Celia Cruz, Cuban folk renditions) and have students compare how tempo, instrumentation, and vocal delivery affect the message and mood. Assign students to choose a poem and adapt it into lyrics for a folk song, reflecting how Marti's poetry became part of Cuban musical tradition.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution - The Kennedy Center

Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
  
Discover the power of art to tell the story of a revolution in "Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution," a Kennedy Center visual arts lesson that invites students to explore ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Discover the power of art to tell the story of a revolution in "Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution," a Kennedy Center visual arts lesson that invites students to explore the history, politics, and cultural impact of the Mexican Revolution through the work of five influential early-20th-century Mexican artists. Students research the social and political context of the revolution and examine artists such as Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and Jean Charlot. They build an understanding of key vocabularies, such as realism, nationalism, and anarchy, and analyze how each artist's style and subject matter reflect revolutionary ideals. The lesson concludes with a creative project in which students produce original artwork inspired by one of the featured artists, thereby fostering visual literacy, historical awareness, and personal expression. Included resources support research, vocabulary development, slide presentations, and reflective discussion.

tag(s): artists (87), hispanic (52), mexico (53)

In the Classroom

Students can work individually or in small groups to create an original piece of artwork inspired by one of the artists studied, incorporating themes from the Mexican Revolution and their own interpretations. After completing their artwork, have students write an artist statement explaining their stylistic choices, subject matter, and how their piece connects to the revolutionary themes and artists studied in the unit, and combine them into a Google Slides, reviewed here presentation. Facilitate a class discussion in which students analyze selected works by the five artists, focusing on how each artist's style communicates political messages or cultural identity.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

America, A Home for Every Culture - The Kennedy Center

Grades
3 to 5
0 Favorites 0  Comments
   
The "America, A Home for Every Culture" lesson from the Kennedy Center helps students explore how immigration has shaped American language, music, and food through interactive, hands-on...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

The "America, A Home for Every Culture" lesson from the Kennedy Center helps students explore how immigration has shaped American language, music, and food through interactive, hands-on learning. Students begin with a "Borrowed Word Game" using the Teacher Reference Sheet "A World of Words" to trace English words back to their language of origin and map them globally. In the music segment, students listen to diverse musical samples (Irish, Latin, Yiddish), explore instruments via the Smithsonian's Instrument Encyclopedia, and label instrument images on a map. For a culinary connection, students read "This Is the Way We Eat Our Lunch" and create a Multicultural Family Recipe Book using handouts such as "My Recipe" and "My Family Member." The lesson concludes with a Multicultural Festival, in which students research an immigrant group and present findings on its holidays, music, food, clothing, dance, and poetry. Resources linked to the page include assessment rubrics, the poem "Face to Face" by Anita E. Posey, and additional lesson ideas such as the Melting Pot Recipe Book and cross-curricular arts-based activities to extend learning.

tag(s): africa (150), cultures (256), immigrants (46), immigration (81), ireland (13), jews (61), latin (22)

In the Classroom

Have students identify and collect words in everyday use that come from different languages. They can create word cards and pin them to a large classroom map to show each word's origin. Ask students to interview family members about traditional recipes and fill out the "My Recipe" and "My Family Member" handouts. Compile them into a class recipe book to celebrate cultural diversity. After reading "Face to Face" by Anita E. Posey, students can write poems about identity, heritage, or their family's cultural background and share them during a classroom poetry circle. Organize a classroom or school-wide multicultural festival. Students can create displays, performances, or food samples representing a culture they studied and share their research on traditions, music, and customs.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

OK2Ask: Tech Made EZ with Big Huge Labs - TeachersFirst

Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from February 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from February 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Ready to nurture the Creative Communicator in your students with a tool that's refreshingly easy for you and intuitive for them? Discover Big Huge Labs, a free website packed with user-friendly templates that transform student work into visually compelling creations. This session will guide you through project options that help students demonstrate learning by creating movie posters, magazine covers, trading cards, and more. Learn to pair these templates with copyright-friendly images to create classroom-ready projects that work across all content areas and grade levels. Explore this free tool built for educators who want to spark creativity without getting bogged down in tech setup and walk away with ready-to-implement ideas and the confidence to help every student become a creative communicator. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master Big Huge Labs and its templates and features. 2. Integrate copyright-friendly image resources. 3. Design creative communication assignments. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (129), communication (115), creativity (81), Formative Assessment (44), OK2Askarchive (79), professional development (281)

In the Classroom

The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

OK2Ask: Learning Bentos: Serving Up Student Choice - TeachersFirst

Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from January 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from January 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Discover the power of learning bentos and give students a new way to demonstrate their learning! Inspired by Japanese bento box meals, this approach invites students to curate and arrange images that represent their understanding of novels, historical events, scientific concepts, and other topics from any content area. We'll explore the pedagogical foundations of choice-based assessment, learn to design effective learning bento assignments, and create rubrics that honor both creativity and academic rigor. Through hands-on practice, you'll build your own assessment using copyright-friendly image resources and explore digital implementation options. Leave with ready-to-implement materials that give students meaningful choice in showing what they know. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Design effective learning bento assessments. 2. Develop authentic assessment rubrics. 3. Integrate visual assessment into classroom practice. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (129), Formative Assessment (44), OK2Askarchive (79), professional development (281)

In the Classroom

The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

Less
More

OK2Ask: Strategies for Building Content Area Literacy - TeachersFirst

Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites 0  Comments
 
Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from January 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:

 Close Link

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from January 2026. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Transform how students engage with texts across all subjects! This updated session explores research-based literacy strategies that work with material in any content area--from science articles to historical documents to mathematical word problems. Discover how to scaffold reading comprehension before, during, and after reading using proven techniques like THIEVES, Chunk & Chew, Frayer Models, and summarization. You'll also learn how free technology tools can enhance these strategies. Whether your students struggle with complex texts or need more challenge and engagement, these practical approaches will help every learner access and deepen their understanding of the content. This session is perfect for teachers across all disciplines who want to support literacy development while maintaining their subject area focus. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement comprehensive literacy strategies. 2. Enhance literacy instruction with technology. 3. Design content-specific literacy activities. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): literacy (121), OK2Askarchive (79), professional development (281), reading strategies (91)

In the Classroom

The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member

Rating (click star to set rating):

Close comment form

You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Close

0-20 of 4947    Next