Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in the United States. This collection, based on the PBS documentary "Asian Americans", covers key historical events, personal narratives, and themes such as immigration, identity, and civil rights. Many of the videos include support materials for teachers and students. Educators can use these resources to enhance diversity, inclusion, and American history discussions while engaging students with primary sources and thought-provoking questions.

tag(s): asia (124), civil rights (216), identity (33), immigrants (41), immigration (77), japan (60), japanese (52), politics (119), racism (81), railroads (15)

Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history, art, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Teachers can access lesson plans, primary source materials, and multimedia content to integrate AAPI perspectives into their curriculum. The site also features interactive experiences and virtual programs that engage students in exploring diverse narratives. This resource fosters inclusive learning and deepens students' understanding of AAPI heritage in social studies, history, and language arts classrooms.

tag(s): artists (87), asia (124), cultures (206), japan (60), japanese (52), multimedia (54), poetry (196), virtual field trips (132)

Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements, and downfall of these ancient empires. Packed with fascinating facts and organized for easy comparison, this PDF is a must-have for teachers looking to bring history to life. Whether you're sparking discussions, guiding research projects, or creating interactive activities, this resource will help your students uncover the brilliance and complexity of these legendary civilizations!

tag(s): architecture (84), religions (108), south america (77)

The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource to engage students with interactive features, expert insights, and video content that uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu's construction, purpose, and rediscovery. The site provides rich visuals, timelines, and articles that support discussions on ancient civilizations, engineering marvels, and cultural heritage. This resource is ideal for history, geography, and STEM lessons, encouraging critical thinking through analysis of archaeological evidence and historical interpretation.

tag(s): archeology (30), south america (77), STEM (304), timelines (58)

Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM Shows, this immersive story follows a brave young girl who unlocks an ancient power, setting off a high-stakes journey filled with mystery, danger, and mythical forces. With rich storytelling, cinematic sound design, and captivating performances, Mayan Crystal is perfect for listeners who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of magic. Ready to uncover the secrets of the Mayan world? Tune in now!

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), mysteries (24), myths and legends (41)

Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed descriptions, historical context, and related resources to understand better these prominent figures and their contributions to social justice. This resource is an excellent visual tool for educators teaching African American history and the Civil Rights movement.

tag(s): african american (119), black history (134), civil rights (216), martin luther king (46)

Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown is based on a 2017 exhibition at the California Museum. The collection of photos explores a now-vanished and mostly forgotten neighborhood, which was once the fourth-largest Japantown in the nation. Some of the photographs featured allow you to zoom in and explore. The photographs start in the 1900s with Early Japan and span to forced removal between 1942-1945, post-war Japantown from 1945-1959, and redevelopment from 1955-1965. The site ends with Japanese notables.

tag(s): japan (60), japanese (52), photography (132)

Google Arts and Culture features Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story. The story of Tommy Kono is told through photographs that share information about his early life, Tule Lake Judo Club, early training, Buddhist Church of Sacramento, Olympic Gold, his legacy, and more. Some of the photographs allow you to zoom in further.

tag(s): cultures (206), japanese (52), religions (108), sports (83)

The Jewish American Heritage Month website is a valuable resource for educators looking to integrate Jewish American history and culture into their curriculum. It provides access to primary sources, lesson plans, videos, and exhibits from institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian. Teachers can use these materials to explore Jewish contributions to American society, discuss historical events, and engage students in activities that promote cultural understanding. The site also includes virtual exhibits and suggested readings, making it a versatile tool for classroom learning.

tag(s): cultures (206), jews (46), religions (108)

The MexicoLore website's "Ancient Maya Music" section provides valuable resources for teachers exploring the role of music in Maya civilization. It covers the types of instruments used, their cultural and religious significance, and how music was integrated into ceremonies and daily life. The content is well-researched and includes images, expert insights, and interactive elements to engage students. This resource is ideal for supplementing lessons on the Maya, helping students connect with their traditions through the universal language of music.

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), musical instruments (54)

This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students will explore how the Maya used glyphs to record history, communicate ideas, and document daily life. The lesson includes discussion questions and activities encouraging students to analyze and create their own glyphs. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, this resource brings history and language to life through interactive learning!
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46)

"What Life Was Like As An Incan" is a twelve-minute YouTube video highlighting the ancient Incas. The video highlights surgery, food, travel, astronomy, architecture, babites, marriage, and mummification.

tag(s): south america (77)

The Discover Peru website's page on Andean and Inca music offers an accessible introduction to the musical traditions of the Inca civilization. It explains that the Inca primarily utilized wind and percussion instruments, such as panpipes (zamponas), flutes (quenas), and drums (tinya and wankara), in their music. These instruments played a significant role in various aspects of Inca society, including religious ceremonies, agricultural festivals, and daily life. The site also notes that string instruments were introduced later by the Spanish.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): musical instruments (54), south america (77)

Discover an interactive digital lesson that explores how the Inka Empire engineered a 25,000-mile road network across challenging Andean terrain without the use of wheels or metal tools. The lesson incorporates maps, videos, historical illustrations, and inquiry-based activities to examine Inka innovations in transportation, agriculture, and water management. It also highlights how Indigenous communities continue to use and preserve these technologies today.

tag(s): inquiry (30), south america (77)

The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson plans, classroom activities, and professional development opportunities to enhance Holocaust education. These materials are designed to support educators in delivering accurate and engaging content about the Holocaust, fostering critical thinking and empathy among students. Additionally, the museum provides contact information and avenues for further assistance, ensuring educators can access the support they need. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): critical thinking (135), ebooks (44), empathy (36), holocaust (43), immigrants (41), immigration (77), jews (46), professional development (390), religions (108)

Britt Hawthorne's blog post on Jewish American Heritage Month activities provides teachers with engaging ways to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history in the classroom. The site includes book recommendations, discussion prompts, hands-on crafts, and interactive activities suitable for elementary and middle school students. Educators can use these resources to foster inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations about Jewish identity and history. The activities are adaptable across subjects and promote critical thinking, making them a valuable addition to classroom celebrations during Jewish American Heritage Month.

tag(s): blogs (67), crafts (74), cross cultural understanding (176), cultures (206), identity (33), immigrants (41), immigration (77), jews (46), religions (108)

The PBS article "Jews & The Arts: 10 Innovators" introduces students to ten influential Jewish-American artists who have significantly impacted various creative fields. The resource provides brief biographies of figures such as lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, feminist artist Judy Chicago, and graphic designer Milton Glaser, highlighting their contributions to music, visual arts, and design. This compilation serves as a valuable tool for educators aiming to explore Jewish Americans' diverse cultural and artistic contributions in their curriculum.

tag(s): artists (87), composers (16), cultures (206), famous people (21), immigrants (41), jews (46), religions (108)

Inca Empire for Kids: Myths, Legends, and Stories highlights how studying myths, legends, and stories tells the story of the civilization. Featured are links to the Incan creation myth video, the llama legend, the myth of Mano Capac, the myth of the Rod of Gold, and more.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): myths and legends (41)

View this in-depth look at how the Inca civilization thrived through practical innovation. The site explores topics such as the role of llamas in daily life, strategies used to unite newly conquered tribes, the purpose and design of Incan roads, and how messengers navigated the empire. The site also covers the empire's defense systems, the way Incan architecture blended with the landscape, and how they communicated without a written language. Rich in content, the site includes photos, videos, and maps to enhance student understanding.

tag(s): architecture (84), south america (77)

Ghosts of Machu Picchu is a free site that explores careers related to Machu Picchu. The site offers a video on the Ghost of Machu Picchu, an interview on the Incas' ice mummies, a profile of a climate expert, and a lesson on ice mummies. The lesson is divided into grades 5-8 and 9-12, with an extension activity on falling on the leaning tower.

tag(s): climate (85), south america (77)