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Amelia Earhart - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 6
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The National Geographic Kids website offers an engaging timeline that chronicles Earhart's remarkable journey. It highlights her initial fascination with flying after attending an air...more
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The National Geographic Kids website offers an engaging timeline that chronicles Earhart's remarkable journey. It highlights her initial fascination with flying after attending an air show in California, which led to her purchase of a bright yellow plane that she affectionately named the "Canary." In 1929, she became the first president of the Ninety-Nines, an organization of female pilots--her groundbreaking solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932 shattered records and gender barriers alike. The timeline also touches on her mysterious disappearance in 1937 during an ambitious attempt to fly around the world. Designed for young readers, this resource combines vivid illustrations with short narratives, making Earhart's inspiring story accessible and captivating for students.
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tag(s): aircraft (26), aviation (51), women (187), womenchangemaker (78)
In the Classroom
Pair students to compare Amelia Earhart with another historical aviator (e.g., Bessie Coleman or the Wright brothers) using a Venn diagram. Have them complete the Venn diagram digitally using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Using Google My Maps reviewed here, students can plot major flight paths from the timeline. For a non-technology option, use a world map and string/yarn for a bulletin board display of her global travels. Introduce basic principles of flight, then let students design and build simple paper airplanes or small models inspired by Amelia's "Canary." Test them in a class flight contest and discuss aerodynamics.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Amelia Earhart FREE Unit Study - Peanut Butter Fish
Grades
2 to 5
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Soar into History with Amelia Earhart! Discover the inspiring journey of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart through this engaging, free unit study. Designed for elementary-aged learners,...more
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Soar into History with Amelia Earhart! Discover the inspiring journey of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart through this engaging, free unit study. Designed for elementary-aged learners, the study includes a comprehensive biography, timeline activities, and note-taking sheets complete with answer keys. It also offers cross-curricular connections, such as geography and writing prompts, to enrich students' understanding of Earhart's legacy and the early days of flight. The videos on this site are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): aviation (51), women (187), womenchangemaker (78)
In the Classroom
Have students cut out and sequence key events from Amelia Earhart's life using the printable timeline. Put students with a partner to read the included biography and complete the note-taking sheet together. Check answers by using the provided answer key. Extend the unit by researching another female aviation or STEM pioneer. Students can create mini-presentations using Google Slides reviewed here or Canva Edu reviewed here to share what they've learned.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Amelia Earhart - Ducksters
Grades
3 to 6
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Discover the remarkable journey of a trailblazing pilot with Ducksters' student-friendly Amelia Earhart biography, perfect for introducing young learners to one of history's most inspiring...more
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Discover the remarkable journey of a trailblazing pilot with Ducksters' student-friendly Amelia Earhart biography, perfect for introducing young learners to one of history's most inspiring women in aviation. Ducksters offers a comprehensive overview of Earhart's life, from her adventurous childhood in Kansas to her groundbreaking achievements in aviation. Students will learn about her historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, her numerous aviation records, and her mysterious disappearance during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The site includes a printable quiz to reinforce learning and assess comprehension. This resource is ideal for lessons during Women's History Month, units on explorers, or discussions about perseverance and innovation.
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tag(s): aviation (51), women (187), womenchangemaker (78)
In the Classroom
Have students use Sutori reviewed here or ReadWriteThink's Timeline reviewed here to construct a timeline of Amelia Earhart's life events based on information from the Ducksters article. Assign students to write a fictional diary entry from Amelia Earhart's perspective on the day of one of her significant flights. Assign students to read the Ducksters biography of Amelia Earhart and identify key facts about her life, such as her birth date, major achievements, and the circumstances of her disappearance. Students can then create a "Top 5 Facts" poster to share with the class. Students can make digital posters using DesignCap Poster Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Escape from Pixel Castle - Genially
Grades
4 to 8
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Transform Your Classroom into an Adventure with "Escape from Pixel Castle." Genially's Escape from Pixel Castle template offers an interactive escape room game that challenges students...more
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Transform Your Classroom into an Adventure with "Escape from Pixel Castle." Genially's Escape from Pixel Castle template offers an interactive escape room game that challenges students to solve puzzles and answer questions across various subjects to "escape" the castle. This gamified approach promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and engagement, making it an excellent tool for reinforcing curriculum content in a fun and memorable way. The template is fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the challenges to your specific lesson objectives and student needs. Whether you're teaching math, science, history, or language arts, this resource can add an exciting twist to your instructional strategies.
tag(s): collaboration (111), critical thinking (177), digital escapes (29), game based learning (300), puzzles (162)
In the Classroom
Customize the escape room puzzles to review key concepts (e.g., fractions, grammar, ecosystems), then let students work in small groups to foster collaboration and critical thinking. Before starting the full escape room, give students mini "quests" (short riddles, vocabulary clues, or number puzzles) to build excitement and prep background knowledge. Have students create their own escape room using Genially or another tool, tied to a unit they just studied (e.g., Ancient Egypt, figurative language).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Branching Scenario - Genially
Grades
4 to 12
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Step into the world of interactive storytelling with Genially's Branching Scenario template, where every decision leads to a new path of discovery. This customizable tool empowers educators...more
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Step into the world of interactive storytelling with Genially's Branching Scenario template, where every decision leads to a new path of discovery. This customizable tool empowers educators to create immersive, choose-your-own-adventure experiences that simulate real-life situations and decision-making processes. By integrating multimedia elements such as audio, video, and animations, teachers can craft engaging narratives that challenge students to think critically and explore various outcomes based on their choices.
tag(s): digital storytelling (165), graphic organizers (56), Teacher Utilities (210)
In the Classroom
Let students explore key character choices from a novel or short story. Each decision in the branching scenario leads to different consequences, helping students analyze character motivation and plot development. Develop a branching timeline and assign students to explore alternate historical outcomes (e.g., "What if the colonies didn't declare independence?"). For SEL or health education, create branching stories about peer interactions, bullying, or decision-making under peer pressure. Students can see the impact of different choices in a safe, guided format.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SEL in Digital Life Resource Center - Common Sense Education
Grades
K to 12
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Common Sense Education offers a free collection of Social and Emotional Learning resources to help students build essential SEL skills as they navigate today's digital world. The site...more
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Common Sense Education offers a free collection of Social and Emotional Learning resources to help students build essential SEL skills as they navigate today's digital world. The site provides CASEL-aligned lessons, classroom activities, professional development materials, and family conversation starters that support skills such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and relationship building. These resources help teachers intentionally connect SEL instruction with digital citizenship and real-world situations, supporting both classroom learning and home-school connections. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): digital citizenship (105), social and emotional learning (193)
In the Classroom
Have students act out scenarios involving digital communication, teamwork, or conflict resolution, practicing respectful language and responsible decision-making. After completing an SEL activity, students can write or draw about how they would apply the skill in real-life or online situations, such as handling disagreements or managing emotions. Have students act out scenarios involving digital communication, teamwork, or conflict resolution, practicing respectful language and responsible decision-making.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Tool Smackdown: Digital Storytelling Edition - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
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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
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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.
Get ready for a fast-paced exploration of powerful digital storytelling tools! This smackdown-style session will introduce you to a diverse collection of platforms for video creation, podcast production, comic strip design, interactive storytelling, and multimedia narratives. Through rapid-fire demonstrations and guided exploration, you'll discover both beginner-friendly and advanced tools designed to help students share their stories in creative ways. We'll show you how to make the most of TeachersFirst--where you'll find trusted reviews of tech tools and instructional resources, ready-to-use teaching ideas, and more. Leave with a curated toolkit of storytelling platforms, practical strategies for implementation, and the confidence to evaluate new tools as they emerge. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore and compare digital storytelling platforms. 2. Navigate TeachersFirst resources effectively. 3. Design authentic storytelling experiences. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Get ready for a fast-paced exploration of powerful digital storytelling tools! This smackdown-style session will introduce you to a diverse collection of platforms for video creation, podcast production, comic strip design, interactive storytelling, and multimedia narratives. Through rapid-fire demonstrations and guided exploration, you'll discover both beginner-friendly and advanced tools designed to help students share their stories in creative ways. We'll show you how to make the most of TeachersFirst--where you'll find trusted reviews of tech tools and instructional resources, ready-to-use teaching ideas, and more. Leave with a curated toolkit of storytelling platforms, practical strategies for implementation, and the confidence to evaluate new tools as they emerge. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore and compare digital storytelling platforms. 2. Navigate TeachersFirst resources effectively. 3. Design authentic storytelling experiences. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (140), digital storytelling (165), OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (312)
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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Reading Trek: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 8
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Take a virtual field trip with this Reading Trek and travel back to the 1930s Great Depression in Mississippi with Mildred D. Taylor's historical novel - Roll of Thunder, Hear ...more
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Take a virtual field trip with this Reading Trek and travel back to the 1930s Great Depression in Mississippi with Mildred D. Taylor's historical novel - Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan is a young black girl who experiences and witnesses the harsh realities of racism: night riders terrorizing Black families, a boycott her family organizes against a racist store owner, and the constant threat of violence. This Reading Trek includes a Teacher Guide that uses Google My Maps reviewed here. Additional suggestions include using this book in lessons on map use and in extension activities across several core content areas. Teaching suggestions are correlated to National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, National Core Standards for Visual Arts, Next Generation Science Standards, and Social Justice Standards.
tag(s): great depression (33), racism (80)
In the Classroom
Investigate many suggested classroom uses for this resource in the Instructional Guide (PDF). With older students, use Gravity, reviewed here as a video response platform for students to share what they learned and what surprised them about racism in the 1930s.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pixnio - Lembink Badae and Mohit Pathak
Grades
1 to 12
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Pixnio is a free image and stock photo website offering a wide range of photo galleries, including Animals, Objects, Photography, Insects, Computers, Plants, Art, Travel, and more....more
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Pixnio is a free image and stock photo website offering a wide range of photo galleries, including Animals, Objects, Photography, Insects, Computers, Plants, Art, Travel, and more. When searching for images, be careful not to select the iStock images that appear at the top of search results, as those images are not free. In addition to browsing and downloading free photos, you can also upload your own images to the site.
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tag(s): images (266), photography (134)
In the Classroom
Students can use search for images while creating a presentation using Presentations AI, reviewed here. Students can use the images to create a digital story while using Imagine Forest, reviewed here. Finally, students can insert the images into a comic strip while using Witty Comics, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Complete the Sentence - Genially
Grades
2 to 8
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Unleash your students' creativity and language skills with Genially's Complete the Sentence Game--an interactive platform that turns sentence construction into an engaging adventure....more
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Unleash your students' creativity and language skills with Genially's Complete the Sentence Game--an interactive platform that turns sentence construction into an engaging adventure. This customizable template allows educators to craft fill-in-the-blank activities tailored to various subjects and proficiency levels, making it ideal for enhancing vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking. The game captivates learners and encourages active participation with features like animated designs and multimedia integration.
tag(s): game based learning (300), vocabulary (251)
In the Classroom
Use the template as a fun daily bell-ringer. Present incomplete sentences where students choose the correct word or punctuation to complete each one--great for practicing parts of speech and sentence structure. Customize the game with unit vocabulary words. Have students select the best word to complete each sentence to reinforce meaning and context clues. Integrate cross-curricular content (e.g., science facts, historical events, math concepts). Have students complete sentences like "The water cycle includes ____" or "The American Revolution began because ____," helping reinforce learning across subjects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today - San Diego2
Grades
4 to 12
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today"...more
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today" from SD2 explores remarkable contributions by Native American communities that have shaped modern life in ways often overlooked. From suspension bridges crafted from woven grass to natural remedies and early contraceptive methods, this resource sheds light on the sophisticated science and practical problem-solving of Native peoples. It's a powerful tool for teachers looking to highlight the lasting impact of Native American innovation in STEM and social studies classrooms.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131), STEM (362)
In the Classroom
Set up small stations where students explore simplified versions of Native inventions (e.g., bridge-building with string and sticks, examining plant-based remedies). Have them rotate and reflect on how each item serves a purpose today. Have students compare one Native American invention with a similar invention from another culture. Create a Venn diagram using Whimsical Mind Maps, reviewed here and discuss what materials were used, why the invention was needed, and how culture shaped the design. Students choose one invention from the article and create a display poster showing its origin, the problem it solved, and its modern-day equivalent or use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Native American and Indigenous inventions that changed the world - Vincent Schilling
Grades
4 to 12
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation...more
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation as far-reaching and profound, starting with how early Europeans reacted to these contributions in the 1500s. Viewers learn how traditional inventions, from medicinal remedies and simple mechanical tools to communal sports and practical everyday items, trace their origins to Native American ingenuity, challenging outdated myths about where creativity and technology come from. Please note: If your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable. You may need to find an alternative platform or secure administrative permission for students to view it.
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tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Have students create a visual timeline using Sutori, reviewed here showcasing each of the ten inventions featured in the video, including the Indigenous group it originated from and its modern counterpart. In small groups, have students select one invention (e.g., syringes, lacrosse, hammocks) and create posters comparing its original form to how it is used today, including function, materials, and impact. Inspired by Indigenous creativity, challenge students to invent a new tool or concept that solves a modern problem.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Contributions of Native Americans - Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today - Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Center
Grades
4 to 12
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and...more
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and narration, students gain insight into how innovations, ranging from medicine to everyday technologies, shaped both Indigenous communities and later generations. Please note that if your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable, and an alternative platform or workaround may be needed.
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tag(s): cultures (291), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Create cards with Native American inventions on one set and their modern uses on another. Have students match them and explain how the original idea is still relevant today. Ask students to write a creative first-person journal from the perspective of a Native American who developed an innovation, describing the problem they solved and how others reacted. Have students compare Native American contributions to similar innovations from other cultures, discussing how different societies solve similar problems. Create a Venn diagram with Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Revolutionary Native American Inventions That Changed Modern Life - Bryan University
Grades
4 to 12
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Ever wonder how everyday objects -- like kayaks, pain relievers, or snow goggles -- trace their roots back thousands of years to ingenuity developed long before modern science? The...more
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Ever wonder how everyday objects -- like kayaks, pain relievers, or snow goggles -- trace their roots back thousands of years to ingenuity developed long before modern science? The article from Bryan University highlights ten revolutionary Native American inventions that continue to impact modern life, offering an engaging way to explore Indigenous contributions during Native American Heritage Month or as part of a broader history or science unit. Featured innovations include natural pain relievers made from willow bark, early oral contraceptives using traditional plants, syringes crafted from bird bones and animal bladders, baby feeding tools made from natural materials, homemade sunscreens, snow goggles carved from bone or wood, the kayak, lacrosse (originating as stickball), hammocks developed by the Taino, and suspension bridges woven from grasses by the Inca. The article encourages educators to recognize the ingenuity and lasting influence of Native American cultures and can serve as a strong starting point for student research or classroom discussions on innovation and cultural legacy.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131)
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 8
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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
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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 (87), native americans (131)
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.
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10 Native American Inventions Commonly Used Today - History Education
Grades
4 to 12
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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
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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 (87), native americans (131)
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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Native Pride Dancers - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 8
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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
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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. It's an excellent tool for integrating Indigenous perspectives into lessons on dance, culture, and visual arts.
tag(s): cultures (291), dance (42), native americans (131), stories and storytelling (74)
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 1
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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
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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 (291), musical instruments (60), native americans (131), stories and storytelling (74)
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 2
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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
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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 (291), native americans (131)
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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Pacifico Dance Company: On Stage at the Kennedy Center - The Kennedy Center
Grades
3 to 12
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This Kennedy Center multimedia feature introduces the Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican Folklorico group celebrating regional dance traditions through vibrant performances and classroom...more
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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.
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
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