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Timeline Templates - Genially
Grades
4 to 12
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Genially's timeline templates offer educators an engaging and visually dynamic way to present chronological information. These templates are fully customizable, allowing teachers to...more
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Genially's timeline templates offer educators an engaging and visually dynamic way to present chronological information. These templates are fully customizable, allowing teachers to add text, images, icons, and interactive elements to highlight key events or concepts in subjects like history, literature, or science. With a variety of styles--such as vertical, horizontal, or circular layouts--teachers can easily tailor timelines to fit their lesson goals and student needs.
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tag(s): digital storytelling (150), infographics (61), multimedia (55), timelines (58)
In the Classroom
Students can retell events from a novel or a historical figure's life using a timeline with images and clickable text, making reading comprehension more interactive and visual. Have students create timelines that connect historical events with scientific discoveries or literary works from the same era. Assign specific events to different students or groups to add to a shared timeline, promoting teamwork and reinforcing sequencing skills. Students can build a yearlong timeline of their learning journey, showcasing key projects, reflections, and academic milestones to share during student-led conferences.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Women's History Month - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 8
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Van Andel Institute for Education celebrates Women's History Month by offering free resources ranging from a quote-matching activity to hands-on STEM challenges. Featured activities...more
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Van Andel Institute for Education celebrates Women's History Month by offering free resources ranging from a quote-matching activity to hands-on STEM challenges. Featured activities include Women's History Month Daily Activities, "Putting Her Stamp on History", "Guess Who Changed the World", "STEM-tastic Women", and "Who Said It? Quotation Quest". Lessons are organized by grade bands: Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. Each activity is linked to a Google Slides presentation that provides a teacher overview, estimated time needed, targeted skills, and reflection prompts.
tag(s): STEM (331), women (174), womenchangemaker (67)
In the Classroom
Students can research additional women using Kiddle reviewed here and create their very own "Guess Who Changed the World" game. Students can use Canva Edu reviewed here to generate an image for their stamp from the "Putting her Stamp on History" activity. Students can use Seesaw reviewed here to post their findings each day after participating in the "Women's History Month daily activities."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hail to the Chief - Exploring American Presidents - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This article is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series, reviewed here, it features a book list and activities to teach...more
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This article is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series, reviewed here, it features a book list and activities to teach about American presidents and monuments. The activities section shares book ideas, presidential speeches, and suggestions for using AI tools to enhance lessons. Discover numerous extension ideas, including virtual field trips and utilizing timelines to enhance learning through interactive and engaging lesson plans. The article correlates with the AASL National School Library Standards.
tag(s): book lists (170), presidents (145), primary sources (118), professional development (270)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many teaching and technology ideas included in this article. Find many more free resources to include with your lessons on presidents by visiting the TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: American Presidents Related Resources found here.
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Rock the Vote Incorporating Local, State, and National Elections into the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This article from TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series, reviewed reviewed here, provides background knowledge and ideas for...more
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This article from TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series, reviewed reviewed here, provides background knowledge and ideas for teaching students about the voting process and elections. This article includes a book list, free election teaching resources, and suggestions for incorporating technology to engage students in learning about the election process. Extension activity suggestions include ideas for voting in the classroom, watching democracy in action, and ways to inspire change.
In the Classroom
Use the many ideas in this article to find engaging resources for teaching about elections in any classroom. Modify ideas to suit your classroom needs using an AI resource such as Claude, reviewed here
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George Washington and the American Revolution - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 12
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The George Washington and the American Revolution collection provides media-rich resources from George Washington's Mount Vernon, highlighting his role as a leader during the Revolutionary...more
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The George Washington and the American Revolution collection provides media-rich resources from George Washington's Mount Vernon, highlighting his role as a leader during the Revolutionary War. Students can explore the progress of the war through Washington's actions and decisions, including confrontation, military strategy, disease prevention, and spy techniques. The collection features visually engaging content, including animated maps, live-action re-enactors, compelling narration, and interactive resources, such as an analysis of the famous "Washington Crossing the Delaware" painting. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this virtual field trip offers a unique opportunity to visit Mount Vernon and learn from the estate's interpreters and curators, thereby enhancing their knowledge of early American history. The collection brings this pivotal period in American history to life through primary sources, biographical information, and immersive storytelling that helps students understand Washington's leadership and the birth of our nation.
tag(s): american revolution (87), presidents (145), washington (32)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens reviewed here to create a pathway to the American Revolution. Students can use Adobe Podcast, reviewed here to create a public announcement informing everyone that the American Revolution has begun. Finally, students can use Figma reviewed here to compare George Washington to another person who was influential during the American Revolution.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Science and Technology - PBS Learning
Grades
2 to 12
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PBS LearningMedia's American Experience Science and Technology collection brings history to life through compelling videos and media resources exploring groundbreaking inventions, technological...more
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PBS LearningMedia's American Experience Science and Technology collection brings history to life through compelling videos and media resources exploring groundbreaking inventions, technological innovations, and their transformative impact on American society. These free, classroom-ready materials help students connect historical scientific achievements to modern life, examining everything from early innovations to contemporary technological advances. The resources include engaging video clips, lesson plans, and interactive activities that make complex historical concepts accessible and relevant. Whether you're teaching about famous inventors, exploring how technology shaped cultural identity, or discussing the societal impacts of scientific progress, this collection offers rich, standards-aligned content that captivates students while deepening their understanding of how science and technology have shaped our nation's story!
tag(s): 1920s (25), 1940s (69), 1950s (32), 1960s (54), 1970s (30), 1980s (21), cold war (36), inventors and inventions (82), space (231), world war 1 (83)
In the Classroom
After watching "Tesla: Early Experiments with Wireless Power," students can continue to research Tesla's history by completing a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. After watching Sputnik's Launch Begins the Space Race | Chasing the Moon, students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast the space race between the United States and Russia. Students can also research using Kiddle, reviewed here about what advancements have been made in fire safety, work conditions, and immigration since the Triangle Fire.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Washington Crossing the Delaware Painting: Mount Vernon - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 10
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The PBS LearningMedia resource "Washington Crossing the Delaware" offers a short, accessible video that introduces students to Emanuel Leutze's famous 1851 painting and explores its...more
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The PBS LearningMedia resource "Washington Crossing the Delaware" offers a short, accessible video that introduces students to Emanuel Leutze's famous 1851 painting and explores its historical and symbolic significance. The video highlights how the artwork was intended to inspire unity and patriotism, especially during times of national division. The resource is designed for classroom use and includes discussion questions and background information to support historical thinking and visual analysis skills. It's an excellent tool for helping students understand how art can reflect and influence public perceptions of historical events.
tag(s): art history (109), presidents (145), washington (32)
In the Classroom
Show the painting without context and have students write short reactions or questions on sticky notes. Then, play the video and discuss how their initial impressions compare to what they learned. While watching the video, students can take notes on symbols in the painting (ex., the flag, Washington's posture, ice chunks) and then research what each might represent. Students find or create a modern artwork that conveys a message about unity, leadership, or patriotism, then compare it to Leutze's painting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Valuing our Veterans - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 8
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Van Andel Institute for Education offers free Veterans Day lessons that encourage understanding, gratitude, and respect for those who served. Activities include meeting defenders and...more
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Van Andel Institute for Education offers free Veterans Day lessons that encourage understanding, gratitude, and respect for those who served. Activities include meeting defenders and veterans from throughout the ages, a tour of America's wars, and expressing gratitude to a veteran. Lessons are grouped into kindergarten to grade 2, grades 3 - 5, and grades 6-8. All games are linked to Google Slides that include a teacher overview, the required time, skills, and reflection.
tag(s): veterans (29)
In the Classroom
Students can use Podcast Generator reviewed here to create a thank you podcast for veterans. Students can use Seesaw reviewed here to answer the reflection questions. In addition, students can pick a war and create a timeline of important events using Time Graphics Timeline Maker reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12
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Step back in time to explore the era of Prohibition through original documents and teaching tools. This website from the Library of Congress offers rich primary source materials on...more
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Step back in time to explore the era of Prohibition through original documents and teaching tools. This website from the Library of Congress offers rich primary source materials on the 18th Amendment, which led to the national ban on alcohol in the early 20th century. Educators will find curated digital collections, print resources, and external links, including the National Archives' DocsTeach framework, all of which are freely accessible without registration.
tag(s): 20th century (169), bill of rights (36), constitution (101), history day (37)
In the Classroom
Engage students with primary documents by examining the 18th Amendment, as well as the links provided for the Volstead Act and the 21st Amendment. Use these resources to teach key content vocabulary words such as ratification, prohibition, amendment, and statute. Use Connections reviewed here to hook students on word games while fostering language skills and background knowledge for American law and government. Students can deepen their knowledge of these topics by creating a picture or photo timeline using ReadWriteThink reviewed here, or MyLens reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Let's Learn Social Studies - Let's Learn
Grades
K to 3
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Let's Learn Social Studies offers free, kid-friendly videos that introduce young learners to essential concepts like families and communities, civics and government, economics,...more
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Let's Learn Social Studies offers free, kid-friendly videos that introduce young learners to essential concepts like families and communities, civics and government, economics, and geography. With engaging visuals and relatable content, these videos are perfect for sparking curiosity about the world. Educators can sort videos by theme, such as "All About Us," "Where We Live," "My Five Senses," "Transformation," and "Games." Video lengths range from under one minute to sixteen minutes, making them easily adaptable to any lesson or daily routine.
tag(s): communities (37), family (53)
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a book about their family and/or family history (or other Social Studies topics). Students can complete activities posted in Seesaw reviewed here. Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to learn about different communities and locations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Uncovering Loyalties - iCivics Inc.
Grades
K to 8
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Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and...more
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Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and walk in their shoes as Loyalists or Patriots. Throughout gameplay, students learn to explain connections in historical contexts; explore why individuals and groups held differing perspectives during the same period, and apply critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources. The game also helps students understand how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests led to the American Revolutionary War. Teachers can enhance the experience using a free Extension Pack, complete with a lesson plan, student handouts, and Google Slides available from the iCivics "Teach" section.
tag(s): american revolution (87), game based learning (215), williamsburg (8)
In the Classroom
Using chart paper or a digital tool like Padlet, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, have students create a visual map showing how political, religious, and economic ideas and events led to the American Revolution. Ask students to research whether there were Loyalists or Patriots in their own state or region during the Revolutionary War. They can present their findings in a poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here, a slide show using Google Slides, reviewed here, or a brief documentary-style video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here to connect national events to local history. Provide students with quotes, images, and short passages from primary sources and have them sort the evidence into categories that reflect political, religious, and economic motivations for either loyalty or rebellion. Then, students use evidence to explain differing colonial perspectives.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Native Americans' Contributions to American Culture - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Native Americans, the indigenous peoples of North America, have had a huge impact on the fabric of American culture, shaping the nation's identity in countless ways. This comprehensive...more
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Native Americans, the indigenous peoples of North America, have had a huge impact on the fabric of American culture, shaping the nation's identity in countless ways. This comprehensive collection of resources offers a deep dive into the indigenous peoples' influence on the United States, spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day. From agricultural innovations and environmental stewardship to art, language, and political thought, these materials highlight the diverse and significant impacts of hundreds of distinct tribal nations. This curation includes a selection of historical documents, oral traditions, archaeological findings, and more in the fields of medicine, military service, literature, music, and cuisine. It serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ongoing importance of Native peoples in shaping American culture and identity.
tag(s): native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection featuring the fascinating impact of Native Americans. Look at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History - ThinkTV
Grades
4 to 12
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ThinkTV's article "10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History" highlights the significant contributions of notable Jewish Americans, including Albert Einstein, Gloria Steinem, Irving Berlin,...more
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ThinkTV's article "10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History" highlights the significant contributions of notable Jewish Americans, including Albert Einstein, Gloria Steinem, Irving Berlin, Jerry Lewis, and Elizabeth Taylor. The resource provides brief biographies and accompanying videos, making it an engaging way for students to learn about these influential figures. Educators can use this content to introduce students to diverse individuals who have shaped American history and culture through science, social activism, music, entertainment, and film.
tag(s): acting (16), composers (21), cultures (248), famous people (31), immigrants (45), jews (53), religions (123)
In the Classroom
Assign each student a historical figure from the list to research. They can give clues about their person's achievements while the class guesses who they are. Students can choose one figure and research how their contributions shape society today. They can present their findings through a written essay or a slideshow using Visme reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Assign students to compare one of the Jewish Americans from the list with another historical figure from a different background but in the same field (ex., Albert Einstein vs. Marie Curie in science, Gloria Steinem vs. Susan B. Anthony in activism). They can create a Venn diagram on paper or digitally using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg for Kids - Bedtime Stories
Grades
3 to 5
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The "Ruth Bader Ginsburg for Kids" video provides an engaging and accessible overview of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life, highlighting her perseverance, dedication to education, and advocacy...more
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The "Ruth Bader Ginsburg for Kids" video provides an engaging and accessible overview of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life, highlighting her perseverance, dedication to education, and advocacy for gender equality. Teachers can use the video in the classroom to introduce students to important themes such as resilience, breaking barriers, and social justice. The video's storytelling approach makes it ideal for sparking discussions about historical gender discrimination, the role of the Supreme Court, and how individuals can create change. Incorporate the video into lessons on influential women in history, civic engagement, or career exploration. As a follow-up activity, students can reflect on challenges they have faced, research other trailblazers, or discuss ways to promote fairness and equality in their communities. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): courts (25), jews (53), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Students can create a timeline of key events in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life using drawings, captions, or digital tools such as Timelinely, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here. Students can research another historical figure who fought for fairness (ex., Malala Yousafzai, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks). They can present their findings in a "living museum" where they act as the person. Divide students into small groups and assign roles: judge, lawyer, and citizens. Then, present a simple fairness-related scenario (ex., "Should recess time be equal for all grades?"). Students debate both sides before the "judge" makes a decision, practicing critical thinking and public speaking.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7
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View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight...more
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View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight for gender equality, her role as a trailblazing justice, and her lasting influence on American law. With accessible language and engaging visuals, this resource is ideal for classroom discussions on influential women in history, social justice, and the Supreme Court's role in shaping society. Teachers can use it to spark conversations about perseverance, fairness, and civic responsibility.
tag(s): civil rights (218), courts (25), jews (53), religions (123), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Display some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quotes (ex, "Fight for the things that you care about...") and have students match them to their meanings. Set up a mock Supreme Court scenario where students act as justices, lawyers, or petitioners. Present a simple, kid-friendly case about fairness, such as equal rights in sports teams, and let students debate and make a ruling. Students can also use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Have students create a timeline using Class Tools, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here of important moments in Ginsburg's life and compare them with key events in U.S. history. Inspired by RBG's famous collars, students create their own "justice badge" that represents a cause they care about. Students can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make the badge online.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bill of Rights: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12
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The Library of Congress has created this site that includes information about the Bill of Rights and digital materials such as external websites, images, and many other primary documents....more
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The Library of Congress has created this site that includes information about the Bill of Rights and digital materials such as external websites, images, and many other primary documents. Click on the links on the left side to access the topics, including Digital Collections, Related Online Resources, External Websites, and Print Resources. No registration is required to use the resources at this site.
tag(s): bill of rights (36), constitution (101), primary sources (118), Research (79)
In the Classroom
Share this link with your students when studying the Bill of Rights. During Constitution Day activities, have pairs of students create captions that could be used with the documents using a tool such as Boxie reviewed here. Another option for younger students would be to use Padlet reviewed here to share reactions to some of the images at the site. With Padlet, students can reply using audio or video, so even the youngest students can participate. Students could use this to research how the Bill of Rights was developed and which individual rights were hot topics in 1891.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Archives - The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Grades
3 to 6
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The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website is valuable for teachers seeking primary sources, historical documents, and government records to enhance their...more
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The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website is valuable for teachers seeking primary sources, historical documents, and government records to enhance their lessons. It provides access to a vast collection of materials, including the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, as well as photographs, letters, and military records. Teachers can use NARA's educational resources, lesson plans, and digital exhibits to bring history to life in the classroom. The site also includes interactive tools, such as DocsTeach, which allows students to analyze and engage with historical documents meaningfully. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): bill of rights (36), constitution (101), declaration of independence (15), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Use DocsTeach to select a primary source related to your lesson (Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, letters from historical figures) and have students answer questions about who wrote the document, why it was created, and how it relates to today's world. Show students a virtual tour or video from the National Archives YouTube Channel and take notes using Webnotes, reviewed here or TurboNote, reviewed here for a class discussion afterwards. Select a historical photograph, letter, or document from DocsTeach or archives.gov and provide students with limited context. In groups, students can play detective by analyzing clues (dates, signatures, language, historical events) to figure out the document's purpose and significance.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teach Democracy - Teach Democracy
Grades
3 to 12
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The Teach Democracy section on the Share My Lesson website provides educators with a wide range of resources to teach civics, democracy, and government to students. View lesson plans,...more
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The Teach Democracy section on the Share My Lesson website provides educators with a wide range of resources to teach civics, democracy, and government to students. View lesson plans, activities, and multimedia materials designed to help students understand democratic principles, the Constitution, and the importance of civic participation. These resources are ideal for grades K-12 and include engaging materials like simulations, debates, and primary source analyses. The website helps teachers foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and active citizenship, aligned with national and state standards. The videos are hosted on YouTube.
tag(s): bill of rights (36), civil rights (218), constitution (101), democracy (25)
In the Classroom
Based on the "Electoral College" lesson plan, organize a classroom mock election. Students can research candidates or create fictional platforms, hold debates, and vote, experiencing firsthand the process of elections and the importance of civic engagement. Inspired by the lessons on community engagement, challenge students to identify a local issue they care about (such as recycling, public transportation, or voting rights) and develop a plan to take action. They can create petitions, host awareness campaigns, or present their project to local leaders or school administrators. Use a list of key civics terms from the Teach Democracy collection (like "democracy," "rights," and "constitution") and challenge students to define each term, then use it in a sentence. To gamify the lesson, turn it into a class competition or game like "Jeopardy!" to test their knowledge. Use Classroom Jeopardy, reviewed here to make a game board.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Library of Congress Research Guides - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12
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Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides...more
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Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides help teachers incorporate authentic historical artifacts, government records, and literary works into their lessons, enhancing students' critical thinking and research skills. With ready-to-use teaching resources, topic guides, and bibliographies, this site supports interdisciplinary learning and provides rich content for inquiry-based projects in history, literature, civics, and more.
tag(s): african american (117), architecture (85), black history (132), branches of government (66), civil rights (218), civil war (140), conservation (104), energy (138), engineering (140), environment (249), foreign policy (13), hispanic (45), industrialization (11), jews (53), latin (21), literature (217), middle east (51), native americans (116), nutrition (138), photography (130), politics (120), population (53), religions (123), Research (79), sports (84), statistics (117), Teacher Utilities (194), women (174), womenchangemaker (67), womens suffrage (63)
In the Classroom
Assign students to explore a Library of Congress guide on a historical event (ex., Civil Rights Movement, World War II) and have them read and summarize a firsthand account or diary (or blog) entry. Students can then write a journal entry or letter from someone who lived through the event. Try a simple blogging tool like Telegra.ph reviewed here. Choose a literature-focused research guide related to a classic novel or author (such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby) and have students create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or a newspaper front page using a template from Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NPR- Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts, and Podcasts - NPR
Grades
K to 12
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NPR (National Public Radio) is a valuable resource for educators, offering high-quality news, podcasts, and articles on current events, culture, science, and history. The site features...more
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NPR (National Public Radio) is a valuable resource for educators, offering high-quality news, podcasts, and articles on current events, culture, science, and history. The site features engaging audio stories, in-depth journalism, and educational content that can enhance classroom discussions and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use NPR's stories to connect lessons to real-world events, introduce students to diverse perspectives, and encourage media literacy. Additionally, NPR's student-friendly resources, such as NPR Ed and Student Podcast Challenge, provide interactive and project-based learning opportunities.
tag(s): civil rights (218), cultures (248), journalism (74), news (223), podcasts (137), scientists (71), space (231)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to NPR's Student Podcast Challenge winners for inspiration and assign them to create a short podcast episode on a topic related to your curriculum. Use free tools like NPR's podcast resources or Buzzsprout, reviewed hereto guide their scriptwriting and recording process. Choose an NPR article and a similar report from another news source and have students analyze the tone, word choice, and sources used. Use NPR's science and history archives to explore a key discovery or event. Have students present their findings through a timeline project using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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