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Within These Walls - Smithsonian Institution
Grades
6 to 12
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The Smithsonian Museum of American History created this site to document the history of life in a 250+ year old Massachusetts house. Owned by six families through the centuries, the...more
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The Smithsonian Museum of American History created this site to document the history of life in a 250+ year old Massachusetts house. Owned by six families through the centuries, the site shows how life in the house, and the people who lived there, have changed over the years. This site could be a great starting point for a "What's different? What's the same?" discussion about history.
tag(s): family (53), massachusetts (8)
In the Classroom
The "Go Back in time" activity would be a quick and interesting way for students to review primary evidences and determine what time period they would be from. This can be done as a class on the interactive whiteboard. Complete the activity, and afterwards let it lead into a class discussion of what sources are and how historians determine validity. This would be a great way to review the information before a big research project or paper, when students will be collecting their own sources.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Religion and the Founding of the American Republic
Grades
6 to 12
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This site from the Library of Congress traces the role of religion in the founding of both individual colonies and the American federal government using primary sources and documents....more
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This site from the Library of Congress traces the role of religion in the founding of both individual colonies and the American federal government using primary sources and documents. It would be useful for introducing students to primary research, or for any exploration of the different purposes for which Europeans came to America.
tag(s): colonial america (95), primary sources (117), religions (75)
In the Classroom
Use the images on this site to create a "picture walk" in your classroom, introducing the topic of religion in US politics and government. Select 10-15 of the more powerful and diverse images, hanging them up in different locations around your classroom. Have students rotate around the classroom every 30-45 seconds, jotting down what they observe and infer about each image until the entire class has completed the circuit. After the class is back in their seats, have a class discussion based on what they observed and what this says about the people's desire for an establishment clause. A great way to get students thinking about the content in a way that's more personal and lecture-less!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Picturing the Century - National Archives
Grades
4 to 12
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The National Archives does it again... This on-line exhibit offers more than 100 images of Americans during the past century. While each is part of a major theme in its ...more
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The National Archives does it again... This on-line exhibit offers more than 100 images of Americans during the past century. While each is part of a major theme in its own right, these images are a perfect way to get students thinking about what people were doing and thinking at the time.
tag(s): images (262)
In the Classroom
History and social studies teachers should see this one.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Divining America - Lilly Endowment
Grades
9 to 12
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This project, funded by the Lilly Endowment, presents an overview of the role of religion in defining the American character from 17th to the 20th century. Created especially for use...more
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This project, funded by the Lilly Endowment, presents an overview of the role of religion in defining the American character from 17th to the 20th century. Created especially for use in schools, the site examines the relationships between religious, political, and social movements in American history.
tag(s): politics (112)
In the Classroom
This is an excellent site for examining religion throughout American history! A great use for this site would be to review for a unit soon to close on religion. Introduce the site on the interactive whiteboard or projector, and allow cooperative learning groups to pick the topic that most interests them. Insuring that each group has a different topic, allow them to explore the remainder of the site on classroom computers. Have groups show what they learned using a tool such as an online poster creator, like Padlet (reviewed here). Allow students to present their posters on the interactive whiteboard or projector, thereby helping their peers review the subject matter!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Living History Farms
Grades
4 to 12
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Living History Farms is an Iowa-based recreation of agricultural communities from three different time periods in American history. Located on adjoining properties, these three sites...more
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Living History Farms is an Iowa-based recreation of agricultural communities from three different time periods in American history. Located on adjoining properties, these three sites afford an opportunity to compare and contrast farming and life styles at three different points in our nation's development. The web site offers pictures, text, and descriptions for each of the three periods, permitting students to take a virtual tour of life at three points in American history.
tag(s): agriculture (49)
In the Classroom
Each farm section has limited information offered, so this activity would best be used as an quick introduction to a unit rather than a major activity. Open the site on the interactive whiteboard or projector, and examine each farm with the class. Pull out important characteristics offered, and compare and contrast the farms. We recommend a Venn diagram tool such as 2 and 3 Circle Interactive Venn Diagrams, reviewed here. This would be a useful activity to discuss the differences in habitats, and different ways people have subsisted on the same land.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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At Home in the Heartland
Grades
4 to 12
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A project from the University of Illinois describing how life has changed throughout American development. Materials and lesson plans for all age levels. ...more
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A project from the University of Illinois describing how life has changed throughout American development. Materials and lesson plans for all age levels.
tag(s): 20th century (59), cultures (132)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center or station to accompany US history curriculum. Find the time period that's most appropriate for the unit being studied, with students working in pairs to explore the site. Before beginning your unit, use a quiz tool like Bamboozle, reviewed here to assess student knowledge or use Bamboozle as a review tool at the end of your unit. This would be a better tool to help review since not all the material is "need-to-know" for National standards, but serves as great supplementary information that students can connect the content to.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Democracy in America - C-SPAN
Grades
9 to 12
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This site is devoted to the work of Alexis DeToqueville, whose extensive accounts of American life and character in the 1840's remains a staple for the study of American history. ...more
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This site is devoted to the work of Alexis DeToqueville, whose extensive accounts of American life and character in the 1840's remains a staple for the study of American history. This site offers text, images, background, and additional references. An accompanying set of lesson modules, developed by C-Span, can be found in the TeachersFirst American History lessons.
tag(s): primary sources (117)
In the Classroom
Use the journal entries portion of this site to help students not only learn the content, but to learn to retrieve information from primary sources. Divide students into groups, and assign them each one of the states Tocqueville wrote about. Have students analyze and interpret what was written, with the intentions of presenting their findings to the class. To connect it to the content being studied at the time, have a discussion with students about whether Congress was also concerned or if we see some of the issues he talked about still prevalent today.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A Biography of America - CPB/Annenberg
Grades
6 to 12
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This American History survey site from the Annenberg Project was created as a companion to the video series of the same name. The chief resource avialable is a collection of ...more
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This American History survey site from the Annenberg Project was created as a companion to the video series of the same name. The chief resource avialable is a collection of transcripts of the programs. There are also timelines, discussion questions, and far fewer images than one would imagine in such a project. This could be a resource for discussion ideas on American history topics or an introductory survey for a student searching for an independent study project.
tag(s): american revolution (82)
In the Classroom
The possibilities for this site are virtually limitless. Open the site on the interactive whiteboard or projector and select one of the many topics that is applicable to your unit. Teachers can play the video for students to review material, use the map to provide something for visual learners can connect to, or use the time-line to guide student learning. This is really an amazing tool for teachers trying to utilize technology in the classroom!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Papers of George Washington - University of Virginia
Grades
8 to 12
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This site includes letters written both to and from George Washington. Important papers and letters are singled out, as well as an entire section of selected Revolutionary War documents....more
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This site includes letters written both to and from George Washington. Important papers and letters are singled out, as well as an entire section of selected Revolutionary War documents. This site would be of value to students serious about completing in depth research on the man or his major historical events in his life.
tag(s): presidents (121), primary sources (117), washington (25)
In the Classroom
In a discussion of the Revolutionary War or the Founding Fathers, use the pictures and images to supplement your lecture. Very rarely do students get to see time-period appropriate maps, and those provided on the site can be used to show and diagram major battles. The site also provides some excellent primary sources that complement such a unit. An excellent one to look at is his famed "Farewell Address," which can be used for both a revolutionary unit and any on American Diplomacy. Have students read the address as a class, following it with a discussion on how this speech impacted American foreign relations for the next 200 years. A great site for any resources on Washington!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Grades
9 to 12
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Searchable database of decisions from 1803 -1978. ...more
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Searchable database of decisions from 1803 -1978.
tag(s): supreme court (27)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a point of reference for finding material for debates in a US history classroom. Teachers can search for materials to base a debate on, or have students use this site to find supportive evidence for their side of the debate.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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U. S. Historical Documents
Grades
7 to 12
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A more extensive collection, helpfully organized. From the University of Oklahoma. ...more
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A more extensive collection, helpfully organized. From the University of Oklahoma.
tag(s): primary sources (117)
In the Classroom
Primary sources could be used to teach both the content and historical thinking skills in your classroom. Divide students into 5-6 groups, with each group assigned a different primary source to read and evaluate. (Sources should come from various perspectives to make the game more interesting) Have the groups present quick summaries of their source to the class, making sure to mention who the author is and whether or not there could be bias. After all have presented, have each team pick a representative to argue in front of the class as to why their source is the most reliable and valid. After all have made their argument, have the class vote off the least reliable "survivor style" until you are left with just one!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Colonial Charters - Yale University
Grades
6 to 12
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This collection from the Avalon Project at Yale University offers a collection of primary documents dealing with all the American colonies except Virginia and Vermont. The page includes...more
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This collection from the Avalon Project at Yale University offers a collection of primary documents dealing with all the American colonies except Virginia and Vermont. The page includes a search engine as well as links to specific documents. Good resource for exploring the various motives in colonizing the new world.
tag(s): colonial america (95)
In the Classroom
Primary sources could be used to teach both the content and historical thinking skills in your classroom. Divide students into 5-6 groups, with each group assigned a different primary source to read and evaluate. (Sources should come from various perspectives to make the game more interesting) Have the groups present quick summaries of their source to the class, making sure to mention who the author is and whether or not there could be bias. After all have presented, have each team pick a representative to argue in front of the class as to why their source is the most reliable and valid. After all have made their argument, have the class vote off the least reliable "survivor style" until you are left with just one!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Avalon Project - Yale University
Grades
6 to 12
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Developed by the Law School at Yale University, the Avalon Project is a compilation of primary source documents of American History from the 15th century onward. The resources are available...more
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Developed by the Law School at Yale University, the Avalon Project is a compilation of primary source documents of American History from the 15th century onward. The resources are available by time period, and there is also a search feature. Users searching for a more linear presentation may want to use the Project's American History Timeline. The collection is a great research for research projects or any study of American history.
tag(s): primary sources (117)
In the Classroom
Save this site as a favorite and reference it for primary sources for history units. The timespan covered spans virtually all that would be covered in any US history course, and also offers many documents that would also apply to World or European history courses. Teachers can also refer students to this site for research projects or papers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Statistical Abstract of the United States - US Government
Grades
6 to 12
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The government's concise presentation of statistical information on hundreds of aspects of life in the United States. Although this site only goes up to 2010 (at the time of this ...more
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The government's concise presentation of statistical information on hundreds of aspects of life in the United States. Although this site only goes up to 2010 (at the time of this review), it could be very useful in comparing historical data. Make sure to reference back for new stats after the 2020 census is done!
tag(s): demographics (13), population (47), statistics (114)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a point of reference for any and all statistical information about the US population. Teachers can use this to find voter and state information, which would be useful in a discussion about apportion of state delegates in the House of Representatives.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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World War II As Seen Through Children's Literature - Yale University
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
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This site will show the pervasive influence of World War II on children's literature. ...more
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This site will show the pervasive influence of World War II on children's literature.
tag(s): world war 2 (149)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plan on this site! Be sure to save as a favorite, allowing you to take advantage of it whenever you need.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Social Studies Web Sites and Resources
Grades
1 to 12
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Here's a treasure-trove of lessons, materials, ideas, units and resources. Lots and lots of great material here from sources as various as the academy Curriculum Exchange, Houghton...more
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Here's a treasure-trove of lessons, materials, ideas, units and resources. Lots and lots of great material here from sources as various as the academy Curriculum Exchange, Houghton Mifflin, Addison Wesley, AskERIC, Encarta and the Peace Corps. Print 'em out and turn 'em loose on the kids! This is definitely worth a browse!
tag(s): black history (124), oral history (14)
In the Classroom
Save this site as a favorite it and browse it whenever in need of new lesson plans and materials within a social studies classroom. This is a great resource for new teachers, or for someone just looking for fresh ideas on how to cover a topic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Submarines! - Smithsonian Institution
Grades
6 to 12
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The Smithsonian presents a very complete look at the historical role of nuclear subs as peacekeepers. ...more
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The Smithsonian presents a very complete look at the historical role of nuclear subs as peacekeepers.
tag(s): navy (8)
In the Classroom
This site is a little text heavy, so be sure to use this with caution! If using as a learning center, pair lower & higher level readers together - allowing your lower level readers to get some help along the way. Because there is a lot of information here, only use if you have a guide or follow-along to help highlight for students what's most important off the site. For help creating easy graphic organizers, we recommend using Graphic Organizer Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National World War II Museum - National World War II Museum: Learn
Grades
5 to 12
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Visit the New Orleans-based museum all about World War II via the web site and its various interactive components. While some areas feature information about visiting the actual museum,...more
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Visit the New Orleans-based museum all about World War II via the web site and its various interactive components. While some areas feature information about visiting the actual museum, there is a rich collection of information and multimedia experiences to make World War II history meaningful. Scroll down the page to From the Collection to the Classroom and sign up for a free account. Then, find lesson plans and multimedia resources for the classroom. Click WWII History button at the right to find many pages of information and a timeline. Don't miss many choices under Student Programs.
tag(s): d day (9), veterans (20), world war 2 (149)
In the Classroom
This site could be the focal point for an extensive unit on World War II, with different student groups investigating aspects of the war. Or feature this site during a single lesson on D-Day. Ask students to decide which technology depicted in the science and technology interactive was the most important factor in the outcome of the war. Share videos on your projector or interactive whiteboard, or assign students to create their own online posters about different facets of World War II using Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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History Day Resources! - National Archives
Grades
1 to 12
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American History teachers everywhere will appreciate this site with its great coverage of all topics about American history. Although it's designed to be used with history day projects,...more
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American History teachers everywhere will appreciate this site with its great coverage of all topics about American history. Although it's designed to be used with history day projects, it's a great general resource.
tag(s): history day (40)
In the Classroom
Save this site as a favorite and use it to generate ideas for lesson plans and classroom activities. The lessons can expand to your everyday, it doesn't have to be exclusive to a History day! American History teachers everywhere will appreciate this one.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Presidential Debates Information
Grades
4 to 12
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This site provides video and written coverage of many Presidential Debates starting in 1960 and moving forward. ...more
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This site provides video and written coverage of many Presidential Debates starting in 1960 and moving forward.
tag(s): debate (37), presidents (121)
In the Classroom
If teaching about the historic 1960 television debates, use the videos and transcripts to provide students with something more tangible than the summary in their textbook. Click on the debate history section of the site, selecting the year 1960. There are multiple transcripts and videos that can easily be printed or viewed on the interactive whiteboard. To show the impact of technology, have students listen to the debate before watching - and also select a winner. After, have students repeat the activity; this time through watching the video. Have a class discussion on how seeing the candidates affected their opinions, and whether a similar effect occurred in 1960. Great for a US government classroom!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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