1658 american-history results | sort by:
return to subject listing
This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like - PBS
Grades
6 to 12
The website "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like" is part of the podcast series "The Bigger Picture" from Thirteen.org, which examines the hidden stories behind iconic photos. This...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The website "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like" is part of the podcast series "The Bigger Picture" from Thirteen.org, which examines the hidden stories behind iconic photos. This episode focuses on a photo of ethnographer Frances Densmore and Piegan Blackfeet tribe leader Mountain Chief. Through podcasts and storytelling, it encourages students to think critically about the meaning behind images and how they shape our understanding of history. It's a powerful resource for teaching media literacy and sparking thoughtful discussions in the classroom.
tag(s): media literacy (109), native americans (109), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Show the photo of Frances Densmore and Mountain Chief. Discuss the assumption that the picture represents a "dying culture." Then, ask students to write captions for the photo reflecting the spirit of Native American culture today. Assign students to research modern Blackfeet cultural practices using the video and additional sources. Create a class presentation showcasing art, music, language revitalization, or other aspects of Blackfeet life today. They can use Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to present their findings. Students can create visual or written works inspired by what they learned about Mountain Chief and contemporary Blackfeet culture.Whose Land Lesson Plans - BOLD Realities
Grades
2 to 12The Whose Land website offers interactive tools and lesson plans to help students learn about Indigenous territories and the history of land ownership in North America. The platform...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Whose Land website offers interactive tools and lesson plans to help students learn about Indigenous territories and the history of land ownership in North America. The platform includes resources like videos, maps, and guided activities encouraging students to explore whose land they live on and the importance of Indigenous sovereignty. The lesson plans are suitable for various grade levels and promote critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues related to Indigenous peoples and land rights. These materials are designed to foster respect for Indigenous cultures and awareness of ongoing settlement efforts. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if you are planning to use these resources in the classroom.
tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (109)
In the Classroom
After exploring the website, guide students in writing their land acknowledgment. They can reflect on what they learned about the land and its original stewards. Have students create a timeline of significant events in their region's history of Indigenous land rights. Students can accomplish this project using printed materials from the website, or create a digital timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Have students use the Whose Land interactive map to identify the Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages of their local area. Follow up with a class discussion or short presentation on their findings.Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources - Zinn Education Project
Grades
6 to 12The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience of Indigenous peoples. It offers lesson plans, articles, and book recommendations aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the colonial impact on Native communities and celebrating Indigenous cultures and histories. These materials are designed to help educators engage students with Indigenous peoples' historical and ongoing struggles, encouraging a more inclusive and accurate view of history. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (109)
In the Classroom
Students can create posters, poems, or videos celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions. Use a tool such as Canva Edu, reviewed here. They might research Indigenous art, music, or traditions and present their findings creatively. Use a lesson plan where students take on roles of Indigenous people, European settlers, or other historical figures to explore the impact of colonization. Role-playing encourages empathy and helps students understand multiple perspectives. Have students research local Indigenous history, such as tribes native to their area, and create a presentation or written report. The presentation can be completed digitally using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game - National Indian Education Association
Grades
6 to 8"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines cultural learning with critical thinking and mathematical skills. The document includes detailed instructions for playing Picaria, a game similar to tic-tac-toe, with background information on its cultural significance. Teachers can use this resource to enrich math or social studies lessons, encouraging strategic thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation for Indigenous traditions in an interactive and meaningful way.
tag(s): native americans (109), problem solving (233)
In the Classroom
After playing the game, discuss the cultural significance of Picaria and its origins in the Zuni Pueblo. Have students research other Indigenous games and share their findings with the class. They can use Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here to make digital presentations of their findings. In math class, analyze the strategies used in Picaria and connect them to mathematical concepts like probability, patterns, or logic. Have students write about or present the mathematical strategies they used to win. Challenge students to design their own versions of Picaria boards using geometry and measurement concepts. Host a class-wide Picaria tournament where students compete in pairs. Use a bracket system to track progress, encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Expeditions Pro - Singleton Technology Limited
Grades
3 to 12ExpeditionsPro is a platform designed to help educators and leaders create and manage virtual and in-person field trips. The website provides tools to plan immersive experiences to...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
ExpeditionsPro is a platform designed to help educators and leaders create and manage virtual and in-person field trips. The website provides tools to plan immersive experiences to enhance student learning and engagement, whether in local environments or through global connections. Teachers can use the platform to customize itineraries, track trip details, and even incorporate augmented reality or virtual reality elements for a modern, interactive approach to exploration. ExpeditionsPro emphasizes making educational trips accessible and organized, offering opportunities to bring the world into the classroom or take learning beyond its walls.
tag(s): augmented reality (9), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
Begin a unit with a virtual field trip using ExpeditionsPro to introduce students to a topic like ancient Egypt, space exploration, or marine biology. Allow students to explore immersive environments using AR/VR features and discuss their first impressions. Students work in small groups to design a virtual field trip based on a topic they're studying (ex., famous landmarks, ecosystems, or historical events). Using ExpeditionsPro, they add images, videos, and descriptions to create an engaging tour. Teachers can design a virtual scavenger hunt within a tour. For example, students could look for specific artifacts in a museum tour or identify types of plants in a rainforest tour.From Election Results to Inauguration: Teaching the 2024 Transition of Power - Share My Lesson
Grades
5 to 12From Election Results to Inauguration: Teaching the 2024 Transition of Power allows students to navigate the significance of the 2024 election, the responsibilities involved in the...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
From Election Results to Inauguration: Teaching the 2024 Transition of Power allows students to navigate the significance of the 2024 election, the responsibilities involved in the peaceful transfer of power, and the impact this has on our country's future. On the site, you can access inauguration performers and author's messages, ideas on how to teach the inauguration, what happens in the 78 days between Election Day and Inauguration Day, and learning to speak across political divides. You must create an account to access the lesson plans.
tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Teachers can follow the step-by-step lessons that are on the site. Students can create a timeline of significant events using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here between Election Day and Inauguration Day. Finally, students can debate who was the most influential performer/author during Inauguration Day.Virtual Field Trip - I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential Inauguration - Share My Lesson
Grades
3 to 12The Virtual Field Trip- I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential Inauguration is a free website highlighting President Joseph Biden's inauguration process and Vice President Kamala...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Virtual Field Trip- I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential Inauguration is a free website highlighting President Joseph Biden's inauguration process and Vice President Kamala Harris (from January 2021). The site highlights what it is like at the Presidential Inauguration, why we had an inauguration, why it happened on January 20th, why is the inauguration held at the Capital, and what it is like to move into the White House. Each lesson contains a PDF file you can download, but you must create an account to access the lesson plans. A 22-minute video from Discovery Streaming is posted on the website. Although this inauguration is not the most recent, students can still view the activities to learn more about the inauguration process.
tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Teachers can follow the step-by-step lessons that are on the site. Students can research other presidential inaugurations so that they can compare and contrast. Finally, students can debate the importance/significance of a presidential inauguration.Constitution EXPLAINED: Votes for Women - iCivics
Grades
6 to 8The iCivics video Constitution Explained: Votes for Women provides a concise and engaging overview of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The iCivics video Constitution Explained: Votes for Women provides a concise and engaging overview of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The video explains the history of the women's suffrage movement, the challenges activists faced, and the constitutional changes that led to this milestone, and is designed for students. It also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and voting rights, encouraging viewers to reflect on the significance of equality in democratic processes. This resource is ideal for classrooms exploring the U.S. Constitution and women's rights in history. The video is also available in Spanish.
tag(s): constitution (96), women (150), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can write letters to their local representatives discussing the importance of voting rights and equality, drawing connections between the 19th Amendment and today's issues. Have students design posters, social media posts, or short videos as if they were living during the women's suffrage movement, advocating for the right to vote. They can use a free resource such as Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here. Organize a classroom debate where students argue whether the fight for women's rights is ongoing.Illuminative Lesson Resources - Illuminative and the National Indian Education Association
Grades
K to 12This site shares many resources that provide accurate cultural information and representation of the Native Indian culture, which are available in most content areas, including math...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site shares many resources that provide accurate cultural information and representation of the Native Indian culture, which are available in most content areas, including math and science. Download lesson plans that encourage students to explore and research the work of Indigenous leaders, learn about Native American recipes, and read about storytelling and traditions. Visit any link to access the lesson plan in PDF format, which includes activities and links to supporting materials.
tag(s): cooking (32), crafts (64), cross cultural understanding (173), cultures (180), game based learning (205), landmarks (22), native americans (109), poetry (193), stories and storytelling (58)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site as a resource for lessons on Native American cultures that present information in a culturally accurate manner. Find lessons and activity guides that integrate into your current subject area lessons; for example, one activity is called "Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game." Picaria is a game of logic and strategy that easily integrates into math station rotations that involve games of logic and strategy. Ask students to use Canva Docs, reviewed here to create and share flyers that include instructions for games they play.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum - Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12Smithsonian American Women's History Museum offers lessons for all age levels. Depending on the women or topic you click on, resources can include a video, lesson plan, photographs,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum offers lessons for all age levels. Depending on the women or topic you click on, resources can include a video, lesson plan, photographs, and podcasts. Topics included on the site are Women in Space and STEM, Inspiring Women, Zines and Self Expression, We Belong Here: Title IX, Girlhood (It's Complicated), Innovative Lives, and Latinas Talk Latinas.
tag(s): women (150), womenchangemaker (36), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can create biographies of the women they research. Biographical examples can include videos, pamphlets, or slides. Students can create digital stories using Sway, reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast women from the same time and debate who was more influential. Use the online debate tool Kialo Edu, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips or watch virtual interviews.National Women's History Museum - National Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12National Women's History Museum is a free site that offers digital resources on famous women. Lessons contain guiding questions, time, objectives, prerequisites, materials needed, examples,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
National Women's History Museum is a free site that offers digital resources on famous women. Lessons contain guiding questions, time, objectives, prerequisites, materials needed, examples, assessment/homework, and future research/resources. The site allows you to filter by grade level and "movement" in time. Women featured on the site include Belva Lockwood, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Sally Hemings, Clara Barton, and many more.
tag(s): women (150), womenchangemaker (36), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can be assigned a specific woman and create digital books explaining why this woman is important in history. Students of all ages can create digital books using Book Creator, reviewed here. They can also compare and contrast women from the same time or era using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips to museums/exhibits associated with the women and era or time.Homer's Civil War Veteran: From Battlefield to Wheat Field - EDSITEment
Grades
6 to 8The EDSITEment lesson plan "Homer's Civil War Veteran: Battlefield to Wheat Field" offers educators a rich exploration of Winslow Homer's artwork as a lens into post-Civil War America....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The EDSITEment lesson plan "Homer's Civil War Veteran: Battlefield to Wheat Field" offers educators a rich exploration of Winslow Homer's artwork as a lens into post-Civil War America. The lesson encourages students to analyze Homer's painting "The Veteran in a New Field" and to discuss themes such as the impact of war, reconstruction, and the transition from military to civilian life. It provides historical context, art analysis techniques, and guiding questions to help students connect visual art with historical understanding.
tag(s): art history (103), civil war (139), veterans (27)
In the Classroom
Have students compare Winslow Homer's "The Veteran in a New Field" with other Civil War-era paintings. They can examine how different artists depict the war's aftermath, focusing on themes like healing, loss, or national recovery. Ask students to write a first-person narrative from the veteran's perspective in the painting. Students can create a timeline that connects the painting to key Civil War events, Reconstruction policies, and changes in agriculture using a resource such as Class Tools reviewed here .Black Women's Activism and the Long History Behind #MeToo - Facing History & Ourselves:
Grades
9 to 12Black Women's Activism and the Long History Behind #MeToo offers a free three-part lesson. The lessons include exploring #MeToo through the lens of Black Women's history, reading Rosa...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Black Women's Activism and the Long History Behind #MeToo offers a free three-part lesson. The lessons include exploring #MeToo through the lens of Black Women's history, reading Rosa Parks' account of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and reading a primary source describing one black woman's experience working as a domestic servant in white households. The site includes suggested ways to implement the lesson, including the annotating/paraphrasing of sources and an identity chart. If you register for a free account, the link can be saved to your favorites, and you will be able to access Rosa Parks' account. Note to teachers: Some of the readings and activities below contain references to rape and other forms of sexual violence and harassment that simultaneously may be difficult to understand for some students and all too real for others.
tag(s): black history (133), civil rights (209)
In the Classroom
In the classroom, students can follow the activities presented in the lesson as provided. Enhance learning by using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here so students can create a timeline of events leading up to and after the #MeToo Movement. Finally, students can research other influential people in Black History and the #MeToo movement and share their research through a living museum.United States Senate Floor Proceedings - United States Senate
Grades
6 to 12This site is a section of the more extensive U.S. Senate website, reviewed here that provides live video of sessions from the floor of the United States...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site is a section of the more extensive U.S. Senate website, reviewed here that provides live video of sessions from the floor of the United States Senate. The Floor Schedule below the video feed provides information on the daily schedule of proceedings. Other information on this page shares links to congressional records with transcripts of previous Senate sessions.
tag(s): branches of government (65), debate (42), politics (118), senate (10)
In the Classroom
Save this link as a favorite when teaching lessons on government and the legislative branch. Use FigJam, reviewed here for students to share observations by adding sticky notes with their thoughts during the viewing session. Use a widget in Figjam to create a poll and ask students how they would vote on a specific issue discussed during their viewing session. Extend learning by setting up a classroom debate or mock session on a similar or current topic. Ask students to role-play as senators, then draft and debate their mini-bills while using this lesson as an opportunity to teach students how to debate respectfully. When prepared, have students create a podcast to share their points of view individually or as a podcast of the class debate. Free podcast creation tools include Buzzsprout, reviewed here and Spotify for PodCastors, reviewed here.Pedagog.ai - Priten Shaw
Grades
3 to 12Pedagog.ai supports educators using AI by providing free resources such as a prompt library, lesson plans, and AI tools for teaching and learning. After creating an account, use Pedagog.ai's...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Pedagog.ai supports educators using AI by providing free resources such as a prompt library, lesson plans, and AI tools for teaching and learning. After creating an account, use Pedagog.ai's dashboard as a starting point to find and access information. The prompt library includes suggested prompts for all curricular subjects, professional development, student prompts, and teaching strategies. The lesson plans include categories of AI Literacy and Integrating AI to share topics such as Generating Hybrid Animals with AI or AI and Historical Perspective. Visit the Using AI section to gather ideas on using AI to gamify your classroom and how to use AI with student projects.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), computers (109), creative writing (124), critical thinking (127), digital literacy (6), editing (93), images (263), media literacy (109), persuasive writing (58), politics (118), population (51), readers theater (12), shakespeare (99), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (94)
In the Classroom
Include Pedagog.ai as part of your resources for using AI effectively to promote engagement and increase student understanding of classroom lessons. Use the suggested prompts to find ideas for creative activities and assessments, then modify the prompt to fit the needs of your classroom and students. Use the prompts within chat tools such as ChatGPT, reviewed here and Claude, reviewed here and continue asking questions and adding suggestions for making changes until you generate information that fits your needs. Use an organizational tool like Wakelet, reviewed here to save and share your favorite prompts. For example, create a collection of prompts for each subject or class you teach or work with peers to create prompt collections for assessments, lesson ideas, and incorporating teaching strategies.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Pearl Harbor Education Resources - National WWII Museum New Orleans
Grades
9 to 12Pearl Harbor Educational Resources is a free website with resources to help teach students about Pearl Harbor. The site includes links to lessons on analyzing FDR's Pearl Harbor address...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Pearl Harbor Educational Resources is a free website with resources to help teach students about Pearl Harbor. The site includes links to lessons on analyzing FDR's Pearl Harbor address to viewing high school yearbooks from WWII. Finally, there is a link to register for free lesson plans offered through That National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which provides a video and free webinars around the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
tag(s): pearl harbor (14), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
Students can debate the importance of FDR's speech, compare and contrast FDR's speech to other speeches given by world leaders, and compare and contrast yearbooks now and then.Teaching About Veterans Day - Educators 4 Social Change
Grades
5 to 12The Educators 4 Social Change website provides a comprehensive resource page for teaching about Veterans Day, aimed at helping students understand the significance of the holiday and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Educators 4 Social Change website provides a comprehensive resource page for teaching about Veterans Day, aimed at helping students understand the significance of the holiday and honor those who served in the military. Find lesson plans, articles, and activity ideas that cater to various grade levels, emphasizing the importance of recognizing veterans' sacrifices. The resources focus on engaging students through discussions about civic duty, history, and respect, making it a valuable tool for educators looking to deepen students' understanding of Veterans Day.
tag(s): veterans (27), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
After learning about Veterans Day, students can write letters of appreciation to veterans. Students can interview veterans in their community (with permission) and create an oral history project. They can compile these interviews into a class book or presentation, allowing them to learn directly from veterans' experiences using a free resource such as Book Creator reviewed here. Students can create posters or artwork that reflect the themes of Veterans Day, such as freedom, sacrifice, or patriotism. These can be displayed around the school or at a local event honoring veterans.Pearl Harbor Day - PBS Learning
Grades
6 to 12Pearl Harbor Day is a free PBS video that is 6 minutes in length and shares the impact that the attack had on Wyoming. The video shares firsthand accounts of ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Pearl Harbor Day is a free PBS video that is 6 minutes in length and shares the impact that the attack had on Wyoming. The video shares firsthand accounts of veterans who were in the military during World War II and showcases how Wyoming was home to Japanese-American immigrants.
tag(s): pearl harbor (14), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
Have students research other states and how they were impacted by World War II. They can also interview other World War II veterans to compare and contrast their experiences in the war. The site also offers some discussion questions and activities, divided into grades 6-8 and 9-12.Pearl Harbor | Teaching with Primary Sources - PBS
Grades
6 to 12Pearl Harbor: Teaching with Primary Resources is a free PBS learning site that contains five primary resources. The primary resources include photographs of the bombing, a person reading...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Pearl Harbor: Teaching with Primary Resources is a free PBS learning site that contains five primary resources. The primary resources include photographs of the bombing, a person reading the newspaper, naval dispatch, video recordings of "Dear Mr. President," and a Britannica article about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
tag(s): pearl harbor (14), presidents (135), primary sources (117), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
The site offers a few basic questions for students to answer. Students can find other primary sources to compare and contrast to the ones on the website. Finally, students can interview World War II veterans either in person or virtually.Speeches That Defined A Presidency - C-SPAN
Grades
5 to 12Speeches That Defined a Presidency is a free site that is based on C-SPAN's 2023 television series. The video series starts with a clip from Andrew Carroll sharing the importance ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Speeches That Defined a Presidency is a free site that is based on C-SPAN's 2023 television series. The video series starts with a clip from Andrew Carroll sharing the importance of the power and significance of presidential speeches throughout United States history. The series then continues with speeches from presidents including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. The video series has options for selecting the length of the speeches to watch. Speeches can be two minutes to up to an hour in length.
tag(s): presidents (135), speeches (23)