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10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History - ThinkTV
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): acting (20), composers (18), cultures (211), famous people (25), immigrants (44), jews (50), religions (112)
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.African American Activists of the 20th Century - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): african american (119), black history (135), civil rights (217), martin luther king (46)
In the Classroom
Have students select an activist from the website, research their life and achievements, and create an interactive digital timeline using tools like Canva, reviewed here or Class Tools, reviewed here. Have students choose an activist and prepare a short presentation or monologue in character, sharing their achievements and struggles. Turn the classroom into a "living museum," with students acting as historical figures. Using the website images as inspiration, students can create hand-drawn or collaged posters highlighting an activist's achievements, including key facts, quotes, and visuals. Ask students to select an activist, research their contributions, and create a short podcast episode using Acast, reviewed here or Podbean, reviewed here) explaining their importance.Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): civil rights (217), courts (23), jews (50), religions (112), 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.American Jewish History and Culture - NYU Libraries
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), critical thinking (136), cultures (211), immigration (79), inquiry (30), jews (50)
In the Classroom
Students can choose a primary source, such as an immigrant's letter or an editorial, and write a response as if they were a contemporary witness to that moment in history. In small groups, students can select primary sources from the NYU guide to design a virtual museum exhibit on a theme such as Jewish immigration, civil rights, or cultural contributions. They can present their "exhibit" using Google Slides, reviewed here or Venngage, reviewed here. Students can also explore the guide's digital archives to find a historical newspaper article, photograph, or document related to Jewish American history. Students can share their findings in small groups, discussing the historical significance and connections to broader U.S. history.Jewish American Heritage Month Resources - American Jewish Committee
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), cultures (211), immigration (79), jews (50)
In the Classroom
Use articles and videos from the AJC website to analyze historical documents or speeches about Jewish American experiences. Students can work in groups to interpret the sources and present their findings. Students can create a short podcast or video featuring a Jewish American figure, event, or cultural contribution, including interviews, historical analysis, or reflections on the topic's significance. Students can use Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here to make podcasts, and Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here to make videos. Students can explore current issues related to antisemitism and civil rights, using AJC resources. They research advocacy efforts and develop an awareness campaign or action plan to educate their school community.The Jewish Americans - PBS
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), cultures (211), immigration (79), jews (50)
In the Classroom
Utilize the links on the PBS resources page to visit virtual exhibits from institutions like the Museum of Jewish Heritage or the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Assign students to explore specific exhibits and share their findings with the class. Guide students to use JewishGen, a genealogy resource linked on the PBS site, to research Jewish immigration patterns. Students can investigate family histories or community case studies and then present their insights on how these migrations influenced local cultures. After researching Jewish American music, art, or literature using the PBS resources, students can create artistic pieces inspired by their findings. This could include composing music, creating visual art, writing poetry, or performing scenes that reflect Jewish American cultural themes.Bill of Rights: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (34), constitution (99), primary sources (120), Research (88)
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.Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Resource Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): cold war (31), presidents (136), world war 1 (77)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here of important milestones of President Eisenhower. Students can create a living museum in which they research and then reenact a part of Eisenhower's life. Dive deeper into primary source analysis by having students read excerpts from Eisenhower's speeches or presidential papers. Students can compare his farewell address (especially the "military-industrial complex" warning) with modern political concerns, promoting critical thinking and historical connections.Emancipation Proclamation: Primary Documents in American History - Library of Congress
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): emancipation proclamation (14), lincoln (67)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here from the start to the finish of the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. Students can compare and contrast three pivotal documents to understand the progression of emancipation in the United States. Compare using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram. Students can creatively express their understanding of the Emancipation Proclamation through art. After studying the Emancipation Proclamation, students can create a visual representation (ex., a poster, comic strip, or illustration) that captures the essence and impact of the document. These items may be completed online using resources such as Canva Edu reviewed here or Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here.Library of Congress's 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents in American - Library of Congress's 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): constitution (99), primary sources (120), senate (11)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the links that are on the Library of Congress's website. Students can create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here from start to finish of the passage of the 15th Amendment. Students can also examine artistic representations related to the 15th Amendment, such as political cartoons or commemorative posters. They can discuss the messages conveyed through these artworks and their historical context.Teach Democracy - Teach Democracy
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (34), civil rights (217), constitution (99), democracy (24)
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.13th Amendment to the Constitution - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), constitution (99), emancipation proclamation (14), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Students can use free online tools like Class Tools, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to create an interactive timeline that tracks the events leading to the passage of the 13th Amendment. They can include key moments such as the Emancipation Proclamation, debates in Congress, and the ratification process. Students work in pairs or small groups to record a short podcast episode discussing the significance of the 13th Amendment and its legacy today. Online tools such as Acast, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here can be used. Students can incorporate quotes from historical figures, reflections on modern civil rights issues, and their interpretations of how the amendment has shaped U.S. history. Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the abolition of slavery in the 19th century to modern-day issues surrounding freedom and justice. The Venn diagram can be completed on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.The Getty Center's Scenes from the Headlines - The Getty Center's Scenes from the Headlines
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): images (263), newspapers (93), writing (325)
In the Classroom
Share the lessons as presented on the site. Challenge students to a debate about which of the images was the most noteworthy or influential. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Students can also research more about the time period featured in each image and the impacts that occurred.Indigenous Rights and Controversy over Hawaii's Maunakea Telescope - Facing History & Ourselves
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): hawaii (9), native americans (117), telescopes (11)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lesson as it is on the website. Students can create a timeline using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students can debate these issues by providing reasons for or against them. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Library of Congress Research Guides - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (119), architecture (84), black history (135), branches of government (65), civil rights (217), civil war (140), conservation (102), energy (133), engineering (137), environment (252), foreign policy (13), hispanic (36), industrialization (12), jews (50), latin (23), literature (221), middle east (50), native americans (117), nutrition (139), photography (131), politics (118), population (51), religions (112), Research (88), sports (84), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (203), women (152), womenchangemaker (37), womens suffrage (52)
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.NPR- Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts, and Podcasts - NPR
Grades
K to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), cultures (211), journalism (74), news (226), podcasts (114), scientists (71), space (220)
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.Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (112), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.From Election Results to Inauguration: Teaching the 2024 Transition of Power - Share My Lesson
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (136)
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 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (136)
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 8tag(s): constitution (99), women (152), womens suffrage (52)