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Mali Empire - Loren Klein
Grades
5 to 8
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," ...more
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," to amass great wealth. Unlike Ghana's warrior kings, Mali's rulers expanded their empire by directly controlling gold and salt mines, ensuring economic dominance in West Africa. This video shows how Islam played a significant role in spreading their empire through trade and gaining influence under Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and promoted religious and educational institutions. The empire's control over key trade centers, including Timbuktu and Gao, solidified its status as a powerful economic and cultural hub. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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In the Classroom
Display images of ancient civilizations' artifacts (ex., coins, pottery, statues). Have students predict their use and significance, then research and present findings. Students can work in small groups to compare religious beliefs, deities, and practices of two civilizations (ex., Mesopotamian vs. Egyptian) and create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can map trade routes using Google My Maps reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Mali Empire History - Cool Kid Facts
Grades
2 to 7
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt ...more
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt trade, famous rulers like Mansa Musa, and the significance of cities like Timbuktu as centers of learning. The website presents information in a clear and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for introducing younger students to African history. Teachers can use this page to support lessons on trade, culture, and leadership in the medieval world.
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tag(s): africa (150), archeology (26), cultures (253), maps (214), medieval (33)
In the Classroom
Set up different learning stations representing subjects studied in Timbuktu (astronomy, medicine, math). Students can rotate through the stations, completing mini-activities related to each subject. Students can research and build 3D models of Mali's famous structures, such as the Great Mosque of Djenne, using materials like clay, cardboard, or digital tools like Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Have students compare the Mali Empire to another historical empire, such as the Roman Empire or the Incas, using a Venn diagram on paper or Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, focusing on government, trade, culture, and legacy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Cluster Web Activity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures....more
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.
tag(s): africa (150), cultures (253), politics (120), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Divide students into groups representing different West African empires. Give each group specific trade goods (gold, salt, ivory, etc.) and have them negotiate and "trade" with each other, simulating the trans-Saharan trade routes. Students can create annotated maps showing the locations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, major trade routes, and key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. Have them use MapHub reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here and add visuals and summaries to their maps. Assign students to research and compare the leadership styles of Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, and Sunni Ali. They can present their findings through a podcast-style discussion using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Buzzsprout reviewed here.
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Arteater - Arteater
Grades
K to 12
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At Arteater, you can create hand-drawn GIFs from your artwork by following three steps. First, print a template. Then, select templates from different ability levels, from beginner...more
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At Arteater, you can create hand-drawn GIFs from your artwork by following three steps. First, print a template. Then, select templates from different ability levels, from beginner to advanced. Draw in each frame within the template, then take a photo and upload your work. After your image processes, download it as an animated GIF.
In the Classroom
Create animated images for students to include with any presentation. Have younger students use a three-frame loop to demonstrate the stages of plant growth or steps in a math problem, while older students can use the six- or nine-frame loop to include more details. Include animated images in presentations made with Sway reviewed here or in digital books made using Book Creator reviewed here. Ask tech-savvy students to create video explainers to use the more advanced templates using Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here, then include the videos on your class website or LMS for students to access anytime.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Culturally Mindful Connection Assessment - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12
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Complete this short assessment to analyze the strengths of relationships and connections within your school community. Using a 0-5 scale, you can rank the strength of relationships...more
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Complete this short assessment to analyze the strengths of relationships and connections within your school community. Using a 0-5 scale, you can rank the strength of relationships and interactions between students and teachers and the inclusive celebration of student achievements. The results share suggestions for an action plan of implementation to strengthen and support Black male students in classrooms and schools.
tag(s): african american (117), artificial intelligence (218), cross cultural understanding (175), multilingual (73), student-centered (6), Teacher Utilities (175)
In the Classroom
Although this tool provides feedback to support Black students in the classroom, it is also valuable to generate specific ideas for implementing an action plan to support and include students of all cultures within the school community. Extend this tool's ideas using the request changes feature to ask for more specific information. For example, if the suggestion includes establishing structured peer support networks, ask for specific ideas and examples on how to do this for your grade level. Share the ideas with your administrators and grade-level peers as you consider ways to implement your plans. Consider using an organizational tool such as Milanote reviewed here to collaborate, save, and share your ideas and resources.
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Culturally Responsive Teaching - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12
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With this AI-based generation tool, you can remix your traditional lesson plan to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and activities. Complete the form by adding the requested...more
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With this AI-based generation tool, you can remix your traditional lesson plan to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and activities. Complete the form by adding the requested information, including grade, subject, learning objectives, students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and student assets. Completed responses include suggestions for resources, cultural awareness activities, inclusivity, and differentiated instruction. Use the options to request changes to adjust the output as needed, then download the response to your device or copy and paste it into a new document.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), cross cultural understanding (175), racism (78), Teacher Utilities (175), teaching strategies (59)
In the Classroom
Use this AI generator to find inclusive teaching ideas for any lesson in just seconds. Ask for ideas to incorporate a student's culture into activities or integrate cultural learning activities across all subject areas. For example, when learning about European countries, find activities to include with science, math, and writing assignments. Make a new student feel at home by integrating ideas from their culture into reading and writing projects. Develop critical thinking skills by incorporating inquiry thinking and suggested activities into your current lessons. As a final project, ask student groups to create digital books using Book Creator reviewed here using images and descriptions that reflect a multicultural understanding of their learning activities.
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Student Feedback - Yourway Learning
Grades
2 to 12
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Providing meaningful feedback to students is key to helping them understand where they are in the learning process and to guide their future learning. This AI-generation tool analyzes...more
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Providing meaningful feedback to students is key to helping them understand where they are in the learning process and to guide their future learning. This AI-generation tool analyzes student work using your input on grade level, subject, title, and assignment description to provide specific feedback on the content. Feedback includes information on the student's ability to address the topic, how their writing supports the objectives, and specific ideas for enhancing and improving the content.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), assessment (129), feedback (11), writing (302)
In the Classroom
Use this tool to gather quick feedback for student writing activities and share it with students as part of their editing and revision process. Share a link to this tool on your class website or newsletter for students to use as a helpful tool to improve their writing before submitting their final draft. Use the feedback provided to guide your writing instruction; for example, if many students need to improve their work by adding specific examples, use this information to develop additional lessons to teach this skill. Use Google Docs or Microsoft Word for students to track and share writing revisions. For example, ask students to begin writing projects in Google Docs. After sharing their work, use Student Feedback to analyze the work based on your criteria, then share the feedback portion with the student. Ask the student to highlight areas that need improvement, then use that information as a starting point to revise the text below the original text. When finished, ask the student to write a short reflective piece on methods to improve their writing. This method lets you view each writing process step as a reflective activity.
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SEL Lesson Planner - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12
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This AI-powered tool generates social-emotional learning (SEL) plans for any topic and grade level. Begin by adding the grade level, then select the SEL competency to address from the...more
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This AI-powered tool generates social-emotional learning (SEL) plans for any topic and grade level. Begin by adding the grade level, then select the SEL competency to address from the five options: self-awareness, self-management, and others. In the final box, add the topic, standard, or objective to address and include additional details to consider when generating your lesson. After the lesson is generated, use the available options to request changes and modify the lesson to fit your needs. Download or save your lesson plan document using the options available at the Manage Content dropdown box.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (218), social and emotional learning (127), Teacher Utilities (175)
In the Classroom
Save this lesson generator for many different classroom uses. Create lessons to build social-emotional learning skills that address the needs of your students or incorporate SEL thinking processes into lessons that require students to understand different perspectives, such as the civil rights movement or the environmental impacts of pollution. Take time to develop the prompt for the final box to include specific information for the type of lesson to create, teaching frameworks to include, technology to incorporate, and consideration of thinking routines. For example, use a prompt such as "the civil rights movement of the 1960s, include five station rotation activities; one should be technology-based" to generate a SEL lesson. Consider adding Thinking Routines, reviewed here that encourages students to use perspective to consider others' thoughts, experiences, and feelings.Edge Features:
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be shared by URL
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
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The Empire of Mali- The Twang of a Bow - Extra History
Grades
6 to 12
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership...more
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (150)
In the Classroom
Have students explore Mali's contributions to art, music, and storytelling, researching griots, traditional instruments, or historical sites like Timbuktu. They can present their findings through skits, posters, or mini-documentaries using Vmaker, reviewed here or Animoto reviewed here. Students can participate in a Mali trade simulation, where they role-play merchants, kings, and traders exchanging goods (gold, salt, textiles) and negotiating taxes, highlighting the importance of trade in Mali's success. Students can illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here retelling key events from Sundiata's journey, emphasizing major turning points like his exile, rise to power, and victory over Soumaoro Kante.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mali Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
4 to 12
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing...more
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!
tag(s): africa (150), creative writing (123), journals (17)
In the Classroom
Students can create a travel journal to record responses to lessons on paper or using Imagine Forest, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here. Have students participate in a suitcase packing activity to prepare for an imaginary journey to Mali by choosing items they may need on the trip. Create a list of items they may pack and have them discuss their choices. Students can illustrate key moments from the Epic of Sundiata using a storyboard format. They can either draw by hand or use digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here to represent important events, such as Sundiata's early struggles, his rise to power, and the establishment of the Mali Empire. Have students participate in a trade simulation to understand the economic power of the Mali Empire. They can role-play as merchants trading gold, salt, and other goods along the trans-Saharan trade routes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lion King vs. Sundiata, Lion King of Mali - Engaging Everything
Grades
5 to 9
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This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares...more
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This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares (or use a provided template) and illustrate key moments from the story, incorporating twelve essential vocabulary terms. The lesson uses an adapted text from an African storyteller and highlights parallels between Sundiata and The Lion King, such as King Maghan representing Mufasa and Sundiata paralleling Simba. Accompanying resources, including a pre-made comic strip template and key terms, are available for teachers to support student engagement. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (150), comics and cartoons (53), vocabulary (243)
In the Classroom
Have students make the comic on a device using ToonyTool reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here. Students can compare Sundiata and The Lion King using a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, analyzing historical elements versus fictional adaptations. Before introducing Sundiata, have students match The Lion King characters (Mufasa, Simba, Scar, etc.) with their Sundiata counterparts based on descriptions. Then, reveal the actual connections and discuss.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mayas - Aztecs - Incas - Wendy Conklin
Grades
4 to 8
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Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements,...more
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Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements, and downfall of these ancient empires. Packed with fascinating facts and organized for easy comparison, this PDF is a must-have for teachers looking to bring history to life. Whether you're sparking discussions, guiding research projects, or creating interactive activities, this resource will help your students uncover the brilliance and complexity of these legendary civilizations!
tag(s): architecture (79), religions (121), south america (79)
In the Classroom
Transform your classroom into a bustling market! Assign students roles as Maya, Aztec, or Inca merchants selling goods like cacao, maize, textiles, or gold. Have them barter and trade based on their civilization's economy. Students can analyze Maya glyphs or Inca quipu (knotted cords used for record-keeping). They can try writing their names in glyphs or creating a simple quipu with yarn. Students can research and retell a myth from one of the three civilizations. They can write a short script, perform, or illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here. Students could also record a podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here. Students can build Maya pyramids (with sugar cubes), Aztec chinampas (floating gardens using sponges & water trays), or Inca terraces (stacked cardboard "mountains") to explore their engineering feats.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ghosts of Machu Picchu - PBS NOVA
Grades
6 to 12
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The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource...more
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The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource to engage students with interactive features, expert insights, and video content that uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu's construction, purpose, and rediscovery. The site provides rich visuals, timelines, and articles that support discussions on ancient civilizations, engineering marvels, and cultural heritage. This resource is ideal for history, geography, and STEM lessons, encouraging critical thinking through analysis of archaeological evidence and historical interpretation.
tag(s): archeology (26), south america (79), STEM (330), timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Have students explore the website's visuals, articles, and videos to "virtually visit" Machu Picchu. Then, in small groups, students can create a travel brochure or digital slideshow highlighting key features, historical significance, and unanswered mysteries. These projects can be completed online using Canva Edu reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. After learning about Machu Picchu's sophisticated stone construction and drainage system, students can design and test their own miniature stone wall models using clay, Legos, or sugar cubes, mimicking Incan building techniques. Students can compare Machu Picchu's engineering, society, and daily life to another ancient civilization (ex., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome) and present their findings through a Venn diagram on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Inca Civilization - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
3 to 10
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View this collection of resources related to the Inca Empire, offering a variety of engaging, ready-to-use materials for teaching about the history, culture, and achievements. The collection...more
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View this collection of resources related to the Inca Empire, offering a variety of engaging, ready-to-use materials for teaching about the history, culture, and achievements. The collection includes lesson plans, worksheets, reading comprehension activities, maps, fact files, and interactive PowerPoints to support different learning styles. The materials are aligned with curriculum standards, making them ideal for introducing key concepts, reinforcing learning, and providing differentiated instruction. Whether used for whole-class lessons, small group work, or independent study, these resources help students explore the engineering feats, government, religion, and daily life of the Inca in an accessible and engaging way.
tag(s): cultures (253), religions (121), south america (79)
In the Classroom
Assign students different roles in Inca society (ex., farmer, noble, priest, artisan, emperor, chasqui messenger), have students research their roles, and then participate in a classroom simulation where they interact based on their social status. After reviewing the resources on Inca architecture, students can work in teams to design and build a model of an Inca terrace farm, bridge, or city using clay, cardboard, or recycled materials. They can also create a digital model using Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Encourage students to explain how their design reflects the Incas' use of geography and engineering skills. Using the quipu worksheets, students learn how the Incas recorded numbers using knots. Students then create their own quipu messages using string and assign numerical or symbolic meanings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mayan Crystal - Gen-Z Media
Grades
3 to 7
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Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM ...more
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Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM Shows, this immersive story follows a brave young girl who unlocks an ancient power, setting off a high-stakes journey filled with mystery, danger, and mythical forces. With rich storytelling, cinematic sound design, and captivating performances, Mayan Crystal is perfect for listeners who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of magic. Ready to uncover the secrets of the Mayan world? Tune in now!
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (53), mysteries (25), myths and legends (43)
In the Classroom
Have students research a Mayan myth or legend and turn it into a short comic strip. They can illustrate their own interpretation of the story or retell a scene from Mayan Crystal in comic form. The comic strip could also be made online using ToonyTool reviewed here or Canva Comic Strip Templates reviewed here. Since Mayan Crystal features immersive soundscapes, challenge your students to create their own sound effects for a short scene using everyday objects. They can record sounds or perform them live in small groups. Ask students to write a new ending or an extra scene for Mayan Crystal. How would they change the story if a key event had played out differently? Assign students different characters from the podcast and have them act out a key scene or participate in a mock interview as their character.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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African American Activists of the 20th Century - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12
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Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to...more
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Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed descriptions, historical context, and related resources to understand better these prominent figures and their contributions to social justice. This resource is an excellent visual tool for educators teaching African American history and the Civil Rights movement.
tag(s): 20th century (169), african american (117), black history (127), civil rights (218), martin luther king (42)
In the Classroom
Have students select an activist from the website, research their life and achievements, and create an interactive digital timeline using tools like Canva, reviewed here or Class Tools, reviewed here. Have students choose an activist and prepare a short presentation or monologue in character, sharing their achievements and struggles. Turn the classroom into a "living museum," with students acting as historical figures. Using the website images as inspiration, students can create hand-drawn or collaged posters highlighting an activist's achievements, including key facts, quotes, and visuals. Ask students to select an activist, research their contributions, and create a short podcast episode using Acast, reviewed here or Podbean, reviewed here explaining their importance.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Honoring Memorial Day In The Classroom - Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Grades
3 to 12
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The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Character Development Program offers a powerful approach to teaching Memorial Day through the lens of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. This...more
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The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Character Development Program offers a powerful approach to teaching Memorial Day through the lens of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. This resource includes lesson plans, discussion prompts, and video stories featuring Medal of Honor recipients, helping students connect historical understanding with personal character growth. Aimed at upper elementary through high school levels, it allows teachers to guide students in meaningful conversations about service, patriotism, and remembrance, making Memorial Day more than just a date on the calendar, but a moment for reflection and gratitude.
tag(s): holidays (241), memorial day (19)
In the Classroom
Show one of the short videos featuring a Medal of Honor recipient (like Florent Groberg or William Swenson) from the Memorial Day resource page. Have students identify traits such as courage, sacrifice, or integrity shown in the story and discuss how those values connect to Memorial Day. Use the "Honoring Memorial Day" lesson plan to have students write letters to veterans or active-duty service members. Provide sentence starters or prompts from the site to help guide reflection and expression of appreciation. After learning about a recipient, have students design a poster that represents a core value they demonstrated (ex., bravery, loyalty). Encourage the use of symbols, quotes, and imagery. These can be displayed in a Memorial Day gallery walk.
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Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers - Edutopia
Grades
3 to 12
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As Memorial Day approaches, educators have a unique opportunity to dive into the holiday's rich history and significance with their students. "Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources...more
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As Memorial Day approaches, educators have a unique opportunity to dive into the holiday's rich history and significance with their students. "Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers" offers a comprehensive collection of resources to facilitate meaningful discussions and activities surrounding this important day. The article provides a diverse array of materials suitable for various grade levels, aiming to deepen students' understanding of Memorial Day. The article features multimedia resources like the History Channel's brief video on the holiday's origins and Time's "7 Things You Didn't Know About Memorial Day," which can serve as engaging conversation starters. For interactive learning, virtual tours of institutions such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the National World War I Museum offer immersive experiences. Additionally, the article links to structured lesson plans from reputable sources like the National Education Association and TeachingHistory.org, catering to elementary through high school students.
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tag(s): memorial day (19), multimedia (57), virtual field trips (130), world war 1 (84)
In the Classroom
Watch a short History Channel video about Memorial Day (linked in the article). Then have students complete a quick-write on what they learned and how the holiday connects to their lives. Provide students with a set of facts from Time's article "7 Things You Didn't Know About Memorial Day." Have students highlight surprising or meaningful facts and create a mini "Did You Know?" classroom wall display. You can also create a virtual wall using Padlet, reviewed here for students to share what they found most meaningful. After learning about the purpose of Memorial Day, students can design a poster that honors the military. It may include symbols (like poppies or flags), quotes, and a short message of gratitude. This activity can also be done as a slideshow presentation using Google Slides reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Memorial Day 2025: Facts, Meaning & Traditions - History.com
Grades
6 to 12
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Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend--it's a poignant opportunity to honor the sacrifices of those who served in the U.S. military. To help students grasp the depth ...more
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Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend--it's a poignant opportunity to honor the sacrifices of those who served in the U.S. military. To help students grasp the depth of this national observance, History.com offers a comprehensive article with an overview suitable for classroom exploration. The article traces the origins of Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, which emerged in the aftermath of the Civil War to commemorate fallen soldiers. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday of May. The piece delves into various traditions associated with the day, such as visiting cemeteries, participating in parades, and the symbolic act of lowering the flag to half-staff. Additionally, it highlights the evolution of Memorial Day into a time that also marks the unofficial start of summer, reflecting on how the day's meaning has expanded over time.
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tag(s): civil war (142), flags (17), holidays (241), memorial day (19)
In the Classroom
After reading or summarizing the article, have students create a T-chart comparing the original purpose of Memorial Day (Decoration Day) with how it is celebrated today. Assign students to create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker reviewed here or Timeline reviewed here of key events mentioned in the article, such as the end of the Civil War, the first Decoration Day, and the 1971 federal holiday designation. Students can use the article to write or illustrate a simple brochure or one-pager to teach younger grades about the history and importance of Memorial Day. They can use Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here to create it digitally.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Memorial Day Lesson Plans and Activities - Education World
Grades
K to 12
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Transform Memorial Day from a mere date on the calendar into a profound learning experience with this comprehensive collection of lesson plans and activities. These resources are designed...more
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Transform Memorial Day from a mere date on the calendar into a profound learning experience with this comprehensive collection of lesson plans and activities. These resources are designed to help students understand the significance of honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the nation. Highlights include the "Shoebox Parade," where students create dioramas representing various U.S. conflicts, and "Graphing Our History of Sacrifice," which uses data visualization to reflect on military losses. The "Wall of Peace" activity encourages students to write essays honoring service members, culminating in a collaborative classroom display. Additionally, resources like the "Every-Day Edit" provide language arts integration, while the "Internet Treasure Hunt" engages students in researching Memorial Day's history. These thoughtfully crafted lessons not only commemorate the holiday but also promote critical thinking, creativity, and civic awareness among students.
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tag(s): critical thinking (146), memorial day (19)
In the Classroom
Have students create miniature parade floats inside shoeboxes (dioramas) to honor different U.S. wars or military branches. Assign students to write short essays or thank-you notes to veterans, then post them on a classroom "Wall of Peace." Have students use real data to create bar graphs showing the number of casualties in major U.S. wars. The graphs can be created digitally using ClassTools reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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