Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Marco Polo's Route to China and Back shows students the travels of two historical journeys of Marco Polo. As students correctly answer questions about each route, they travel further along on the map. If students answer the questions incorrectly, they are given the opportunity to click on a resource link that takes them to the correct answer. This site is not only challenging but fun for young explorers. The site also includes some wonderful authentic photos and drawings.

tag(s): explorers (64), marco polo (3)

This site offers a bird's eye view of a medieval town in France. You can compare the ancient city to what remains in the present day. Other features of the site include artistic views of and information about men and women from the time the town was built. More anthropological and archeological information includes details about crafts, items used for daily life, markets and fairs, and details about civic life. You have the option of viewing the entire site in French or English. Eleven educational activities are also available at this site. Click on the "Learning" link (pencil) to find the many offerings.

tag(s): archeology (28), france (41), french (75), medieval (32)

TGIF! The Great Idea Finder, that is. Inventive ideas and history abound here. Some helpful highlights are Facts and Myths, Inventor Biography, Innovation Time line, and Games and trivia. Within the features section, there is a "Did You Ever Wonder About?" which provides interesting history about common and popular items such as the American flag, the piggy bank, and the origins of holidays like Mother's Day.

tag(s): inventors and inventions (80)

If your curriculum calls for study of other cultures and times or even archaeology, this site makes Roman culture understandable to upper elementary and beginning middle school students. This website, created by the BBC, introduces students to the Romans, the Forum, Caesar, and more. Links and activities include City of Rome and the Roman Empire, Invasion, Rebellion, Religion, The Roman Army, and several others. There are printable pages, online activities, lesson ideas, a glossary, a link for teachers, and an illustrated timeline. Although most of this website isn't interactive, the information and printable pages are very useful in the quest to learn about the Romans.

tag(s): forum (2), romans (52)

Since almost every high school reads Shakespeare, the look at the man himself and the controversies surrounding him make fascinating study for students and pull them into the Elizabethan world (generally making study of the plays more interesting!). You will need to click the TEXT VERSION of this site to get links that work. Originally aired in April 1989 (and no longer available for purchase), this site offers the text and links to the fascinating debate of whether Shakespeare was the man from Stratford or really an intimate of Elizabeth I, the Earl of Oxford. It is divided into three sections: The Debate Continues, Updates, and Shakespeare on the Web. In a related report, the site looks at Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe as contemporaries, rivals, or being the same man.

tag(s): acting (19), elizabethan (13), mysteries (23), shakespeare (99), writing (325)

This site contains good, simple information about the life and times of the Elizabethan era in England. It is a good source of info for the basics before studying Shakespeare.

tag(s): renaissance (38), shakespeare (99)

Take virtual tour of the famous cave paintings of Lascaux in France, read about their discovery, learn to interpret the drawings, and find out fragile environment of the caves. The site itself is beautiful to explore, letting you experience the caves with a virtual "flashlight" as you enter.

tag(s): archeology (28), painting (54)

It may be a weighty title, but this user-friendly site provides a fascinating glimpse of how the development of moveable type during the Middle Ages completely revolutionized human communication, transforming Europe and, eventually, the entire world. From the earliest manuscripts and prayer books, to the very first books printed with Gutenberg's metal type, students can gain an understanding of how the metamorphosis of the written word affected human society. Includes images of manuscripts, bindings, and illustrations, along with descriptive commentary.

This beautifully designed unit examines the twentieth century's first worldwide conflict and emphasizes the rich primary source material that places a human face on the Great War. Audio recordings, vintage newspaper articles, and transcripts of historic speeches provide students with a treasure of resources for use in building a personal understanding of the devastation and effects of World War I. Aligned to standards.

tag(s): 1900s (72), foreign policy (13), world war 1 (77)

This companion site to a PBS special is filled with riveting details and historical photographs that capture the significance of the Nuremberg trials, the people and events that defined this era, and the devastation experienced by citizens of Berlin after World War II. Includes an illustrated timeline with links to related sites, a photo gallery, and transcripts of interviews with a prison guard and an army photographer.

tag(s): courts (20), world war 2 (161)

This online tool lets you create a timeline of an individual's life using dates from 1000 AD to the present year. Enter the person's name and dates, add events (historic or personal) and their beginning/ending dates, and click the "generate" button.

tag(s): timelines (56)

In 2013 the world witnessed the ancient process of selecting a new pope. This site from BBC explains the details of the process. Though some of the site requires Flash, most of it doesn't and there is plenty of information to learn here.

tag(s): religions (95)

This is much more than a site about Auschwitz. In addition to presenting a portrait of one of Europe's most infamous concentration camps, the site explores the historical context in which Hitler and the Nazis rose to power and follows the chain of events that led to the development of mass extermination camps. There is much riveting and chilling information to be found in this resource - from interactive, captioned maps to reflections from victims and perpetrators.

tag(s): hitler (6), holocaust (42), jews (33), nazis (8), world war 2 (161)

This comprehensive site covers all aspects of the Berlin Wall, from its construction in 1961 to its symbolic presence today. History students can find outstanding information in the form of a timeline, facts and FAQs, a collection of memories from Berliners, and vintage photos.

tag(s): cold war (30), german (49), germany (28)

This Web Quest engages students in examining the complexities of Victorian society through the eyes of Ebenezer Scrooge. Having developed a new attitude after visitations from the three spirits, Scrooge is ready to change the world by running for mayor of London. Students - working as campaign managers - must help Ebenezer develop campaign points and outline strategies to woo the public into accepting his ideas for social reform. Aspects of Victorian life described in A Christmas Carol, form the basis for this activity, although it could easily be adapted to any of his other novels.

tag(s): christmas (38), dickens (10), england (50), holidays (187), victorian (16)

Choose your character - and participate in an interactive game that teaches European culture and geography. Find many other games on this site about European culture on this site, plus an interactive timeline.

tag(s): cultures (180), europe (84), french (75), german (49), italian (31)

If Victorian literature or history is part of your curriculum, don't miss this site that features a rather impressive virtual stroll through a gallery of recreated Victorian businesses. You can browse through the shops and offices, peek through windows, and explore back street craftsmen's workshops. Read More links provide visitors with additional background and social context. Add this site to a study of Dickens and 19th century England.

tag(s): britain (26), england (50), victorian (16)

This well-organized site presents an authentic and factual view of the Holocaust in a format appropriate for middle and high school students. Text, historical photographs, maps, images of artifacts, and audio clips provide a riveting experience for visitors. This resource is organized by themes which include Nazi Rule, Jews in Germany, the "Final Solution," Nazi Camps, and Rescue and Resistance. Each theme is supported by in-depth information, a helpful glossary and timeline, and a list of key dates and events.

tag(s): holocaust (42), jews (33), nazis (8), world war 2 (161)

This virtual gallery highlights personalities that have had a profound impact upon Great Britain and the world. Click on "Search the Collection" to take a tour of the gallery rooms, and browse through portraits of famous British men and women from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century. Project this Web site in the classroom to illustrate authors, political figures and personalities from British history and literature. Samuel Johnson, Henry VIII, Queen Victoria, The Bronte Sisters, Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill are among the thousands of Britons represented.

tag(s): britain (26), england (50), painting (54)

Make the Bard more approachable for younger students with this clever, interactive resource. Kids of all ages can enjoy delving into the life of Queen Elizabeth and the works of William Shakespeare. Explore full texts of plays in PDF format, interactive word games, challenges, and puzzles, historical lessons (some are interactive), and fun facts about Shakespeare and his theater. A word of caution: many of the activities on this site require prior knowledge of Shakespearean plays and characters. Choose wisely based on the level and language skills of your students, and the depth of your study of Shakespeare. Use to introduce the Elizabethan era, review important concepts, or extend a literature unit with a bit of history. Created by the Folger Shakespeare Library.

tag(s): elizabethan (13), england (50), plays (32), shakespeare (99)