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Uncle Tom's Cabin and American Culture - University of Virginia
Grades
8 to 12
Tap into this multimedia archive for a comprehensive understanding of the controversial popularity of Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel. Text, images, songs, three-D images, and film clips...more
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Tap into this multimedia archive for a comprehensive understanding of the controversial popularity of Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel. Text, images, songs, three-D images, and film clips come together to provide a unique historical perspective. Select the "Interpret Mode" for access to an interactive timeline, virtual exhibits, and suggestions on exploring the primary source materials.
tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Bookmark as an online resource for student research or as a teacher source for lesson development.Multiple Choice Quizzes - SchoolHistory
Grades
8 to 12Scan through this collection to find the interactive quiz that will best support your curriculum unit. Topics include Shakespeare, the Industrial Revolution, the Cold War, the USA in...more
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Scan through this collection to find the interactive quiz that will best support your curriculum unit. Topics include Shakespeare, the Industrial Revolution, the Cold War, the USA in the 1920s, and much more. Each quiz is self-correcting. Use as a review or as a pre-test to assess student knowledge.
In the Classroom
Use this site to review students on important scanning many units of history. Save this site as a learning center or station, and allow students to use it in the days proceeding an assessment. Teachers can also print out some of the quizzes and use them to assess students background knowledge when entering a new unit.Be sure to post these on your teacher wiki or webpage too, allowing students to review before a major assessment - both in and out of the classroom.
Quiz Tree - Sierra Vista Software
Grades
1 to 12You'll find a huge collection of interactive quizzes on this site, testing student comprehension in many subject areas, including elementary math, foreign language (Spanish, French,...more
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You'll find a huge collection of interactive quizzes on this site, testing student comprehension in many subject areas, including elementary math, foreign language (Spanish, French, Italian), SAT content, science, history, and economics. Some quizzes are multiple choice, others drag-and-drop, but all offer immediate feedback with sound effects.
In the Classroom
A great resource for reviewing content or investigating new information. Headphones highly recommended.Bound for Glory: America in Color - Library of Congress
Grades
8 to 12The Library of Congress features more than 70 color photographs - taken between 1939 and 1943 - that vividly capture the effects of the Great Depression on rural and small-town ...more
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The Library of Congress features more than 70 color photographs - taken between 1939 and 1943 - that vividly capture the effects of the Great Depression on rural and small-town America and highlights the economic growth that preceded World War II. This is great visual resource for a 20th century American history class. Photography students can use the site to examine how the "Kodachrome" era changed the way we view our collective past.
tag(s): 1930s (20), 1940s (14), great depression (30), images (263), photography (130)
In the Classroom
It's interesting how viewing the images in color makes the viewer feel as though the Great Depression was something far more recent - perhaps due to the dated feeling of black and white images. In a discussion of the Great Depression, spend some time comparing these images and the traditional black and white images on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Ask students about the differences and if one is more revealing or not. This can also lead into a discussion on the reliability of primary sources and the effects of seeing something rather than reading it.Discovering American Women's History Online - Ken Middleton
Grades
8 to 12Learn about specific time periods in America's past through the lens of women's history. This site provides a chronology of women's contributions in the United States from the nineteenth...more
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Learn about specific time periods in America's past through the lens of women's history. This site provides a chronology of women's contributions in the United States from the nineteenth century through the twentieth century. Students can learn more about the topic by following links to relevant web sites for each event, or explore helpful research sources (newspapers, diaries, etc.) for each specified area.
tag(s): history day (39), women (151)
In the Classroom
This is an excellent resource for piecing together American history by examining primary source documents. Have cooperative learning groups investigate women's contributions in various decades and extend their learning by creating a video using Renderforest, reviewed here, to share with their peers. Share the videos using a site such as SchoolTube reviewed here.Intelligent Design in American Classrooms - NPR
Grades
8 to 12The debate over the teaching of intelligent design in the public school classroom is explored in this informational Web site that focuses on the recent controversy in Kansas and Pennsylvania....more
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The debate over the teaching of intelligent design in the public school classroom is explored in this informational Web site that focuses on the recent controversy in Kansas and Pennsylvania. Links to relevant news articles and audio clips of National Public Radio broadcasts are provided.
In the Classroom
If willing to deal with the possible religious discussion, this article would be a great starting point for a class debate on the costs and benefits of teaching intelligent design in the classroom. Based on what the article has written, begin a class discussion as to whether or not some of the actions taken by states have crossed any constitutional boundaries? Where would that boundary lie? (etc) This could lead to a heated discussion, but is a great way to get students discussing the importance of the establishment clause and its' practical application in society.Rosa Parks - NPR
Grades
8 to 12This NPR article provides an overview of the life and influences of "the mother of the civil rights movement." Click on the links to hear excerpts and full length ...more
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This NPR article provides an overview of the life and influences of "the mother of the civil rights movement." Click on the links to hear excerpts and full length interviews in which Parks recounts the events of that historic day in 1955 when she refused to relinquish her bus seat to a white man. A compelling resource to add to a discussion of civil rights in America.
tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), civil rights (209), rosa parks (9), segregation (18)
In the Classroom
The most intriguing part of this site are the audio portions where Parks recounts her story. Open the site on the interactive whiteboard or projector and play the portions during and within a lecture on Parks. Hearing Parks tell her story will add a different element than pictures and lecture provide.Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute
Grades
8 to 12This is the site for the foundation created by Rosa Parks to assist children in learning about the civil rights struggle. The site also includes biographical information on Rosa Parks...more
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This is the site for the foundation created by Rosa Parks to assist children in learning about the civil rights struggle. The site also includes biographical information on Rosa Parks and her achievements.
tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), civil rights (209), rosa parks (9), segregation (18), women (151), womenchangemaker (37)
In the Classroom
Refer students working on research projects or papers on Rosa Parks to this site. Use eMargin, reviewed here with your weak readers for the very text-heavy biography, but the information is all useful and reliable.Remembering Rosa Parks - Academy of Achievement
Grades
6 to 12Rosa Parks' confrontation on a Birmingham, AL, bus helped spark the American civil rights movement. Her death in October, 2005, offered an opportunity to remember that contribution...more
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Rosa Parks' confrontation on a Birmingham, AL, bus helped spark the American civil rights movement. Her death in October, 2005, offered an opportunity to remember that contribution to American society. This site's biography offers background on the story that could be used in a number of instructional settings.
tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), civil rights (209), rosa parks (9), women (151), womenchangemaker (37)
In the Classroom
Within the site is an interview with Parks, in which she accounts segregation in her childhood as well as the bus boycott that made her so famous. Play this for students during a unit on the Civil Rights movement in place of a lecture, or afterwards to review the content.1492 - An Ongoing Voyage - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12This site from the Library of Congress takes a detailed look at the variety of peoples and civilizations that were thriving on the American continents before they were "discovered"...more
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This site from the Library of Congress takes a detailed look at the variety of peoples and civilizations that were thriving on the American continents before they were "discovered" by the Europeans. The content includes native peoples of the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and North America. Try this one as a counterpoint to a traditional explorers unit, or as part of a study of the Maya, Inca, or other native cultures.
tag(s): explorers (64), native americans (108)
In the Classroom
Use the images on this site to create a picture walk activity in your classroom. Select 10-15 of the more descriptive images, preferably with different subjects. Assign students to stand at specific images, rotating every 30-45 seconds. In that time, students should quickly jot down what they observe, infer and predict about each. After the walk is done, have a class discussion based on the notes that students have taken. This is a great way to introduce the beginnings of the New World in a non-lecture format.African American Women Writers of the 19th Century - NY Public Library
Grades
6 to 12The New York Public Library developed this collection of works by nineteenth century female African American writers. The resources include fiction, poetry, essays, and more; all are...more
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The New York Public Library developed this collection of works by nineteenth century female African American writers. The resources include fiction, poetry, essays, and more; all are formatted in an easy-to-use on-screen display. Those who teach American literature will find this an interesting supplemental resource.
tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), authors (107), poetry (193), women (151)
In the Classroom
Use the poems by Phyllis Wheatley to complement a lesson on supporters of the American Revolution. Wheatley is often a studied character in American History, and her poems often confront American Independence and slavery. Share the poems with students at the end of a lesson, and have them analyze as a class what she is trying to say about either subject. Enhance student learning with a digital classroom discussion (where everyone gets a chance to contribute) using YoTeach, reviewed here, or by digital journal writing using Penzu, reviewed here, or edublog, reviewed here.Benjamin Franklin: An Extaordinary Life, An Electric Mind - PBS
Grades
7 to 12Learn about the colorful life and world of Ben Franklin through this series of eight downloadable lesson plans that explore the statesman's many talents and contributions. Topics include...more
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Learn about the colorful life and world of Ben Franklin through this series of eight downloadable lesson plans that explore the statesman's many talents and contributions. Topics include Poor Richard's Almanack, superstition vs. science, volunteerism and citizenship, colonial "broadsides" and almanacs, the art of invention, and more. Aligned to National Standards.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and activities hosted on this site! This would be a great resource for an early American history class, be sure to save it as a favorite on your computer!
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Google Maps - Google
Grades
1 to 12Google Maps gives you live visuals of any location, ideal for planning a trip, picturing the relationship between places, and viewing physical characteristics of almost anywhere in...more
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Google Maps gives you live visuals of any location, ideal for planning a trip, picturing the relationship between places, and viewing physical characteristics of almost anywhere in the world. Type or paste in an address and click "search maps." If you click Satellite or hybrid versions of the map, you will see actual satellite images of the terrain. Zoom in and out, use the street view "orange man" to walk among the buildings and trees, or plan and share a route easily with Google Maps. Using your (free) Google membership allows you to save favorite places and more. Find businesses and other features near a specific map location: hotels, restaurants, schools, parks, and more. Google Maps has become more and more sophisticated, now offering many features previously only available in Google Earth, such as opening and/or saving placemarker files. Unlike Google Earth, Google Maps does not require software installation and does not use as much bandwidth for constant reloading. You can even play a tour of places you mark in Google Maps. They just keep adding more features! Google Maps is available as a free app for Android and iOS, too. The handy embed codes let you put any Google Map in a web page, blog, or wiki. Of course you do not need a membership or any special skills to simply SEE, share, or navigate a map. Membership gives you more ways to save.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (147), directions (11), maps (220)
In the Classroom
If you teach geography, this one's a must. It is also helpful for showing students WHERE a story or news event takes place. In lower grades, use it to show students basics of their community. Teach map skills by showing students their own community. Zoom in on their street or on the school. This site and its more sophisticated cousin, Google Earth, are great on an interactive whiteboard. Set up a class Google account (or use student accounts if permitted). Have students create their own custom route plans to tour historic sites. Challenge math students to plan the most economical route to visit several vacation destinations, including gas mileage and gas prices. Have students create placemarker files of the important places in the life of a famous person or the route traveled by a particular unit during the Civil War. Have student groups create placemarker files to show environmental sites, habitats, landforms, or anything you can place on a map. Embed projects in a class wiki using the handy embed code offered as a sharing option. Not comfortable with wikis? Check out TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through.Where Did All the Money Go? - National Council on Economic Education
Grades
9 to 12Use deductive reasoning skills to isolate the diverse factors that contributed to the Great Depression. This standards-based lesson plan leads students through Internet research and...more
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Use deductive reasoning skills to isolate the diverse factors that contributed to the Great Depression. This standards-based lesson plan leads students through Internet research and analysis of related economic writings to the creation of a concept map illustrating the interdependence between businesses in a market economy. Aligned to National Standards.
tag(s): business (52)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this free lesson plan in your classroom on a unit about the Great Depression. Not only would this be great in an economics class, but try using it in history or math - it has an interdisciplinary approach that shows the practical application of the math.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
The Decisive Day is Come - Massachusetts Historical Society
Grades
7 to 12Bring the Battle of Bunker Hill to life with the personal accounts and eyewitness descriptions provided on this impressive site. A wonderful collection of maps, drawing, broadsides,...more
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Bring the Battle of Bunker Hill to life with the personal accounts and eyewitness descriptions provided on this impressive site. A wonderful collection of maps, drawing, broadsides, and artifacts from the battlefield are also included. A great research tool that introduces students to the value of primary source information.
tag(s): colonial america (95), massachusetts (8)
In the Classroom
Use the maps and timeline on the interactive projector as supplement to text during an introduction to the American Revolution. The images can be incorporated into a slide show and can help guide students along the events of Bunker Hill. This is a great resource for a US history class.Watergate Revisited - Washington Post
Grades
7 to 12The unmasking of "deep throat," the shadowy informant in the Watergate saga, has prompted a new wave of interest in the sandal that changed American government forever. This retrospective...more
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The unmasking of "deep throat," the shadowy informant in the Watergate saga, has prompted a new wave of interest in the sandal that changed American government forever. This retrospective from the Washington Post provides not only a current summary, but a review of the original coverage, from the newspaper that broke the story.
In the Classroom
Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups. Have students explore the site with the intentions of creating a summary of the most important events. Have cooperative learning groups create online books using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. Students can write the book from the perspective of Nixon or Deep throat...a great way to introduce the topic in a non-lecture format.Monticello Explorer - Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Grades
7 to 12This outstanding site takes visitors on an expansive tour of Jefferson's Monticello. Explore the 5,000 acre plantation with an interactive map, or navigate a three-dimensional recreation...more
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This outstanding site takes visitors on an expansive tour of Jefferson's Monticello. Explore the 5,000 acre plantation with an interactive map, or navigate a three-dimensional recreation of the house and learn about the people and objects that populated its rooms. Captions lead visitors through a house tour and description of domestic life in the historic home. Some of the "captions" are videos. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): american revolution (82), evolution (89), jefferson (19), virginia (15), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard or with a projector to the class. Then have students break into small groups and use the Jigsaw strategy to divide up the task of exploring the site. Need a refresher for the Jigsaw approach? See Jigsaw Classroom, reviewed here.Encyclopedia of Chicago - Chicago Historical Society
Grades
8 to 12This searchable electronic encyclopedia provides a comprehensive chronicle of Chicago's colorful and complex history. From Mrs. O'Leary's cow, to Al Capone and the city's infamous stockyards,...more
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This searchable electronic encyclopedia provides a comprehensive chronicle of Chicago's colorful and complex history. From Mrs. O'Leary's cow, to Al Capone and the city's infamous stockyards, the site provides thousands of articles, photos, maps, broadsides and newspapers, and interactive components. It's a fascinating research tool for understanding the evolution of an American city and the people and events that helped shape American society. Visit the "Users' Guide" for an overview of the site's many features.
In the Classroom
Use the images on this site to create a visual discovery activity in your classroom. The images span the decades, and can be easily searched to find one that matches a particular unit in your classroom. Open the image on the interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students discuss or write what they observe, infer and predict happening in the photograph. This is a great way to review activity in place of a practice assessment, as it requires to use what the have learned and apply it to the circumstances in the photo in order to interpret it.Discovering Lewis and Clark - VIAs Inc.
Grades
7 to 12Capture the excitement and adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with this beautifully crafted and continually evolving multimedia site. Choose one of ten discovery paths and...more
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Capture the excitement and adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with this beautifully crafted and continually evolving multimedia site. Choose one of ten discovery paths and enter the unchartered lands of early 19th century America. Visitors can see and experience the western United States through the eyes of the explorers, learn about the geography, flora and fauna, native peoples, and values and visions that defined their journey. This site has many possibilities for classroom use, but it stands out as an excellent tool for independent student research.
tag(s): jefferson (19), lewis and clark (14), louisiana (6), louisiana purchase (5)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center or station during a unit on the two explorers and western expansion. Based on what they read, have students create a multi-media presentation summarizing the main points. Have students create a presentation using PowerPoint Online, reviewed here. This site allows users to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. To find Creative Commons images for student projects (with credit, of course), try Pikwizard, reviewed here. Have students report the exploration as though it were a current event, using images from the site or other approved sources.Memorial Day Activities - David Merchant
Grades
3 to 10This nice collection of activities and puzzles - some printable and some interactive - teaches and reinforces the history and meaning behind Memorial Day celebrations. Choose from a...more
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This nice collection of activities and puzzles - some printable and some interactive - teaches and reinforces the history and meaning behind Memorial Day celebrations. Choose from a variety of formats and difficulty levels.
tag(s): holidays (187), memorial day (11), puzzles (149)