Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This unit from the Library of Congress offers students an exposure to the use of primary resources in the study of history and literature. The Library's collection for this time period is rich, so there are many highly visual ways to expose students to Twain's world. Students will need to spend some time with this one.

tag(s): mark twain (8)

Minimal historical information, basic almanac facts, interesting lists of "famous sons and daughters." This site is far from one-stop shopping, but there's useful information here.

tag(s): states (124)

This site offers metalists (most of the content isn't theirs) for each state, including bios of presidents from that state, attractions, public records, and more. There's much more than history items at this site, which may or may not be an advantage.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): states (124)

What was life like for families in the western plains during the 1880s? Here's a site that follows a team recreating life on the prairie during that time period, complete with activities for children. Users can read journal entries, and those with fast connection can watch video clips. This is a great "what was life like...?" site.

tag(s): air (101), pioneers (9), prairie (6)

Created at the University of Kansas, this collection of primary sources offers coverage from the 15th century through the present, making it useful for both early and contemporary history. Many of the documents are on third-party sites, so expect some level of change over time.

tag(s): american revolution (82), history day (39)

This site is a collection of the New York Times biographical sketches of those who died in the 9-11 attacks. Poignant, simple, and inspiring, this is a site which invites a response.

tag(s): sept11 (18), terrorism (41), terrorist (12)

This site from the University of Virginia is a welcome addition to the general lack of good Twain material on the web. The site concentrates on Twain's career and the manner in which Sam Clemens turned Twain into an institution. There are also links to critical information and e-texts of Twain's major works, along with illustrations.

tag(s): biographies (94), mark twain (8)

For an interesting lesson idea, start with this presentation on the creation and use of Ghanian Kente cloth, used in African festivals and ceremonies. This site from the Smithsonian shows how the cloth is made and describes the various ways in which Africans use it. The content is adaptable to many age levels. Though some of this site uses Flash, there is enough information here and colorful images to make this site worth a visit.

tag(s): africa (148), african american (116), cross cultural understanding (173), holidays (187), kwanzaa (11)

The Smithsonian presents this nicely-designed site describing the internment and discrimination against Japanese Americans during World War II. Students can listen to an audio introduction which provides a summary of the events of the period, and sets the stage for the larger presentation. This one is well worth a visit.

tag(s): constitution (96), japan (56), japanese (47), world war 2 (161)

The Library of Congress has created a site which presents information and images from early American adverstising efforts - 1850-1920. The site uses the Library's standard HTML layout, and as usual, the stars of the exhibit are the archival images that have been digitized and included. If advertising is a measure of society's interests, this site offers a unique glimpse into the past.

tag(s): advertising (26), industrialization (12), news (228), newspapers (93)

George Mason University has created what is almost a one stop shopping site for American History. This is a rich resource of primary source materials, introductions to historical analysis, factual material, and much more. The site concentrates on both historical content and the craft of teaching history. This makes it an ideal starting point for social studies or history teachers interested in a fresh approach to their curriculum.

tag(s): history day (39), states (124)

Much of the content in this Library of Congress site about Thomas Edison and his phonographs is beyond the scope of middle schoolers. However, there are sound recordings from the original machines that let students listen to the product of Edison's work, and the basic biographical information will be useful for those studying inventors. Explore this one in some depth; there's a lot here.

tag(s): inventors and inventions (80)

A stockpile if information on Paul Revere's midnight ride. There is an interactive map, copies of primary sources, and a few illustrated depictions of his journey.

tag(s): american revolution (82)

A history of Independence Hall, as well as images and descriptions of the site - as preserved by the National Park Service.

tag(s): american revolution (82)

A Short history of the Pilgrims, from the National Park Service. They also have images, videos and information on Cape Cod National Park.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): colonial america (95)

The National Park Service Resources for teachers is a site you won't want to miss. First, find resources by subject, grade level, or common core standards; or use the search bar for specific topics like Virtual field trips, George Washington, biology, geometry, or any topic you need. Then, scrolling down the page, find resources for Teaching with Historic Places, Teacher Ranger Program, Every Kid Outdoors, and even Spaceflight Explorer Junior. Under these topics, find additional resources for educators.

tag(s): national parks (29), virtual field trips (129)

Take a virtual tour of Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonarey fort in the United Sates. An introductory video with audio and captions will start your journey. Scrolling down the page clidk Castillo Videos to view several short, informative videos about the history of Castillo (along with slavery, the underground railroad, and more). Click the Education tab to find a virtual field trip with a lesson plan, and the navigation seems more directed for students.

tag(s): black history (133), florida (12), national parks (29), slavery (79), virtual field trips (129)

Introduce your students to colonial times through this Fort Raleigh background and info site from the National Park Service. Click the tab for Learn About the Park for many educational resources such as Photos & Multimedia, History & Culture, Kids and Youth and other pertinent topics.

tag(s): colonial america (95), national parks (29)

Humor for election day (based on the election of 2000). Although this resource was created for the 2000 election, the background information and story is valuable for teaching about elections in general and for comparing elections as part of U.S. history.

tag(s): elections (82)