4947 social-studies results | sort by:
Instance.so - mimo
Grades
9 to 12tag(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.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today - San Diego2
Grades
4 to 12tag(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
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10 Native American and Indigenous inventions that changed the world - Vincent Schilling
Grades
4 to 12This 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
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Contributions of Native Americans - Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today - Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Center
Grades
4 to 12This 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
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10 Revolutionary Native American Inventions That Changed Modern Life - Bryan University
Grades
4 to 12tag(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
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Native American Contributions - Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Grades
3 to 8tag(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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National American Indian Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(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
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10 Native American Inventions Commonly Used Today - History Education
Grades
4 to 12tag(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
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Hispanic American/Latino American History - National Park Service
Grades
6 to 12tag(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
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Native Pride Dancers - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 8tag(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
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Keith Bear: Flute Maker - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 1tag(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
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Navajo Weaving - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 2tag(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
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Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore - The Kennedy Center
Grades
6 to 8tag(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
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Pacifico Dance Company: On Stage at the Kennedy Center - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 8In 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
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Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song - The Kennedy Center
Grades
9 to 12In 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
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Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution - The Kennedy Center
Grades
9 to 12In 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
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America, A Home for Every Culture - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 5tag(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
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OK2Ask: Tech Made EZ with Big Huge Labs - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12Ready 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
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OK2Ask: Learning Bentos: Serving Up Student Choice - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12Discover 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
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OK2Ask: Strategies for Building Content Area Literacy - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Transform 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
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