Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The CIA's Factbook is pretty dry reading, but this site does provide some of the history of Korea, including the post-World War II division into North and South. There are other facts about culture, government, and economy, but North Korea remains one of the world's least-known and least-understood nations. Could be a useful reference for discussion of current events or a research source for projects on countries.

tag(s): korea (21)

With such poor results as a nation on geography testing, we all should try these geography games to build student knowledge of U.S. and world geography. Students can click on the region of the world and practice at different levels of difficulty. Even adults can find a challenge. Offered in a "dial up version" for those accessing the sites from a slower connection.

tag(s): capitals (16), continents (33), countries (73), maps (220)

Secondary world cultures and government teachers will find a rich resource in Brown University's Choices program - lessons based on current international political situations. Each offers background and alternatives, then asks students to formulate effective responses and support their conclusions.

tag(s): air (102), politics (118)

Designed primarily for students traveling internationally, this little 6-page guide offers some practical suggestions to help Americans bridge the cultural differences they are sure to encounter abroad. They rage from the simple (how to wave good-bye) to the more subtle (the importance of listening; differences in pace). This one should be required reading for student groups traveling abroad.

tag(s): cultures (180)

Listen to and learn about traditional music from cultures around the world and through the ages. Browse this amazing collection of downloadable tunes to find musical enrichment to enhance a unit of study. Full downloads in MP3 or FLAC format are available for purchase but each offering is accompanied by a free audio sample. Note: this site opens rather slowly.Be patient, especially if you are on a dial-up connection.

tag(s): songs (46)

This site traces the origins of paints and pigments used by artists from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Serious art students will enjoy exploring the "paintings" link that offers a detailed, illustrated description of the process of oil painting during the Renaissance. An interesting resource for an art history class.

tag(s): art history (103), painting (55)

If you can't make the journey to the Washington, D.C.'s American Museum of Natural History then take your students to this website for an online tour of the panoramic dioramas that are among the museum's most impressive features. Short videos, audio clips, 360''? panoramic views, and descriptions of geographic locations and species round out the virtual experience.

tag(s): species (16)

Find out about the history, heroes, and patterns behind the epic poem, with this middle-school level lesson. Students can learn to recognize the epic hero cycle, and the patterns and events characteristic of this genre. The lesson also introduces students to the mnemonic devices used by generations of storytellers to help with recall of long and often complicated tales. Includes downloadable worksheets, a glossary of literary terms, and ideas for lesson extensions. Aligned to Standards.

tag(s): poetry (193)

What would a world map look like if countries and continents were sized not by land area, but by population, number of elderly, various type of imports, or emigration? This site presents dozens of cartograms - or density-equalizing maps - in which each country is resized according to a specific variable. Each map is accompanied by a downloadable Excel file and a printable poster.

tag(s): immigration (68), maps (220), migration (45), population (51)

The CIA's Factbook offers a wealth of information on most of the world's nations. This is a direct link to the page for Iran.

tag(s): iran (8), terrorism (41)

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.

Discover the mysteries within the Amazon basin with this engaging activity in which students assume the role of Sam Smith, natural historian. Before boarding the virtual plane to Amazonia, students must make note of the questions their research should answer. Once in the rainforest, students can explore the river, forest floor, and canopy to learn about the flora and fauna that live in these regions. At the end of the journey, students are asked to share their answers to the research questions.

tag(s): amazon (11)

Learn about the courageous voyages that changed the course of human history with this comprehensive collection of activities, narratives, and teaching materials. Visual images and text are woven together to create a useful resource for content enrichment and student research. Visit the "Activities for Students and Teachers" for ready-to-go activities with printable handouts that can be incorporated into transparencies, presentations, or reports.

tag(s): explorers (64)

Creativity and practicality come together in this imaginative activity that places students in the role of city planner. After choosing one of three thematic scenes, students can begin to add buildings, walkways, streets, and populate them with vehicles and people. Finished designs may be saved, printed, or sent as ecards. Free registration required.

tag(s): cities (17), communities (35)

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 impressive and extensive multimedia site explores the history and culture of China and Japan, and provides a wealth of teaching materials and resources. Each featured topic is accompanied by a related lesson plan and an annotated list of supporting online sources. Browse by subject or by time period.

tag(s): asia (116), china (81), japan (57)

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)

Give your students practice in navigating through a typical obstacles with this interactive game. The object is to cross the finish line in a race around the world. This activity challenges students to use spatial intelligence and logic.

tag(s): game based learning (205), logic (161)

Find out how much you know about customs around the world with this entertaining, interactive quiz that focuses on table manners in various countries. A fun and eye-opening introduction to the sometimes humorous etiquette that defines a culture.

tag(s): cultures (180)

This impressive collection of magazine cover art represents some of the world's most compelling personalities and some of Time's most memorable art work. You'll find portraits of queens, presidents, popes, athletes, and entertainers - the famous as well as the infamous. Each portrait is accompanied by brief biographical information and sound clips.

tag(s): famous people (19), news (229)