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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 (108), social and emotional learning (201)
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.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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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 (143), digital storytelling (167), OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (322)
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 Treks: 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 (32), racism (81)
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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Images of Empowerment - William/ Flora Hewlett and David/ Lucile Packard Foundation
Grades
6 to 12
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Images of Empowerment is a library of images featuring powerful, positive portrayals of women's work and family life around the world. The images on the site highlight the connection...more
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Images of Empowerment is a library of images featuring powerful, positive portrayals of women's work and family life around the world. The images on the site highlight the connection between women's work, their health, and their ability to care for their families and themselves across countries worldwide. The countries highlighted include: Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and the United States.
tag(s): images (268), photography (135), women (189)
In the Classroom
Students can use the images to create a virtual bulletin board using Padlet, reviewed here to showcase women. Students can compare and contrast images from different countries using Google Drawing, reviewed here. Finally, students can use Visme AI Presentation Creator, reviewed here to create a presentation about women using the images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Public Domain Vectors
Grades
5 to 12
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PublicDomainVectors.org contains over 70,000 vector images for you to search. On the site, you can search for images by category, such as Animals, Architecture, Backgrounds, Business,...more
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PublicDomainVectors.org contains over 70,000 vector images for you to search. On the site, you can search for images by category, such as Animals, Architecture, Backgrounds, Business, Flags, Food & Drink, Nature, Objects, People, Signs & Symbols, and Transportation. The site is also available in other languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Turkish, Dutch, and more.
tag(s): images (268), photography (135)
In the Classroom
Students can use the images from the site to create a comic strip using Comic Strip Templates by Canva, reviewed here. Students can use the images to create digital stories while using Storyboard That, reviewed here. Finally, students can use the images to create presentations while using Aha Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free to Use and Reuse - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12
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The Library of Congress's Free to Use and Reuse includes sets of books, newspapers, manuscripts, print, photos, maps, musical scores, films, sound recordings, and more. Examples of...more
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The Library of Congress's Free to Use and Reuse includes sets of books, newspapers, manuscripts, print, photos, maps, musical scores, films, sound recordings, and more. Examples of sets on the site include Abraham Lincoln, the American Revolution, Founding Washington, Autumn and Halloween, Motion Picture Theaters, Presidential Portraits, and more.
tag(s): images (268), movies (51), photography (135), presidents (151), seasons (59), womens suffrage (64)
In the Classroom
Students can use the Presidential Portrait images to create a book about each president while using Book Creator, reviewed here. Students can use the images from Women's History to create a timeline of notable accomplishments while using the Timeline Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here. Finally, students can learn about the Statue of Liberty and write a fun fact that they learned on Stormboard, reviewed here.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 (268), photography (135)
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 (311), vocabulary (253)
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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Animal Race - Genially
Grades
5 to 12
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Transform your classroom into a lively learning environment with the Genially Animal Race template -- where students dash toward knowledge in a fun, interactive competition. This customizable...more
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Transform your classroom into a lively learning environment with the Genially Animal Race template -- where students dash toward knowledge in a fun, interactive competition. This customizable board game format allows educators to tailor content across various subjects and grade levels, making it ideal for reviewing topics and reinforcing concepts. With features such as animated graphics, multimedia integration, and interactive elements, the Animal Race template provides a dynamic learning experience for students. Whether used for whole-class instruction, small-group activities, or individual practice, this template provides a versatile and engaging tool to enhance student participation and understanding.
tag(s): game based learning (311), gamification (90), Teacher Utilities (219)
In the Classroom
In ELA, assign students animals as characters and have them create short stories based on their progress in the game. Each move on the board can introduce a new plot twist, setting, or problem. Mix content from multiple subjects -- math, reading, science, and social studies -- into the game. Integrate science content by creating questions about animal habitats, adaptations, and classifications. As students race, they learn interesting facts about real animals tied to their game characters.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Branching Diagram - Genially
Grades
5 to 12
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Bring lessons to life with interactive pathways using the Genially Branching Diagram Template. This online tool is an interactive tool designed to help educators visually represent...more
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Bring lessons to life with interactive pathways using the Genially Branching Diagram Template. This online tool is an interactive tool designed to help educators visually represent decision-making processes, classification systems, or problem-solving pathways. Featuring six customizable designs, this template allows teachers to create dynamic diagrams that incorporate multimedia elements such as audio, video, and animations. Its interactive nature enables students to explore various scenarios or concepts step by step, enhancing engagement and understanding. Suitable for a range of educational levels and subjects, share the template online, embedded in presentations, or downloaded in formats such as PDF and MP4.
tag(s): concept mapping (15), graphic organizers (57), Teacher Utilities (219)
In the Classroom
Have students use the branching diagram to create an interactive narrative in which each decision leads to a different plot path. In science, use the template to explore taxonomy. Students classify animals or plants based on their features, moving through the branches to learn categories such as vertebrate/invertebrate or flowering/non-flowering. Design a math activity where students follow a path based on the choices they make to solve multi-step word problems. Each branch leads to a different solution method or a common mistake to correct.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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RedCircle - Red Circle Technologies, Inc.
Grades
6 to 12
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RedCircle is a podcast-hosting and support service. The free plan provides unlimited storage, bandwidth, and downloads supporting one podcast. Begin by creating and verifying your account,...more
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RedCircle is a podcast-hosting and support service. The free plan provides unlimited storage, bandwidth, and downloads supporting one podcast. Begin by creating and verifying your account, then select from the options to add a podcast. Options include importing an existing podcast or creating a new one. To create a new podcast, add an image and complete the fields to provide descriptive details. Then, follow the prompt to develop your podcast; next, select your podcast to manage, add, and edit episodes. Upload saved MP3 files from your device to each episode and set the time and date for publication. Share published episodes using the URL provided or copy the HTML code to embed a podcast player in an online document, such as a website.
In the Classroom
As an easy introduction to podcasting, ask students to create an audio recording of a read-aloud book, a story they created, or the morning announcements. Upload their podcast recording and share it on your class website or with parents. As students become familiar with creating podcasts, use this tool for several purposes, such as discussions of current lessons learned in math, an explanation of a science experiment, or a day in the life of a historical character. Extend learning by embedding or linking student podcasts as part of a larger multimedia project created using a webpage creator such as Webnode, reviewed here, or add a link within a timeline created using Canva's Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here.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 (89), native americans (127), STEM (371)
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 (89), native americans (127)
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 (290), native americans (127)
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 (89), native americans (127)
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 (89), native americans (127)
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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National American Indian Heritage Month - Library of Congress
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6 to 12
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The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage...more
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The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage Month. It traces the observance's transformation from a week-long recognition in 1986 to its official designation as a month in November 1990, following congressional legislation and presidential proclamations. This resource outlines the legal acts, executive proclamations, and changes in terminology from "American Indian Heritage Month" to "Native American Heritage Month" that reflect ongoing legislative and cultural developments in honoring Native peoples.
tag(s): native americans (127)
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 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 (89), native americans (127)
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 12
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Bring Hispanic and Latino American history to life with the National Park Service's "Hispanic American/Latino American History (Teaching with Historic Places)" portal, a vibrant collection...more
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Bring Hispanic and Latino American history to life with the National Park Service's "Hispanic American/Latino American History (Teaching with Historic Places)" portal, a vibrant collection of place-based educational tools designed to engage students in history, social studies, geography, and civics through real-world sites. Teachers will discover featured resources like Spanish Treasure Fleets, which explores Spain's New World empire and its quest for precious metals; Castolon - A Meeting Place of Two Cultures, a rich case study of Spanish and Anglo influence along the Rio Grande; and the Curiosity Kit on Nina Otero Warren, offering an in-depth look at the life of this suffragist and educator. More than just lesson plans, the site connects classroom learning to historic places on the National Register.
tag(s): cultures (290), hispanic (53), 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 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 (290), dance (42), native americans (127), stories and storytelling (78)
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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