Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This interactive game challenges students to correctly identify specific oceans and continents while keeping track of accuracy. A great independent review activity.

tag(s): continents (33), maps (220), oceans (149)

Drag each state to its correct position on the map. This interactive game keeps track of "average miles of error" and challenges students to learn more about names and locations of states. No hints are provided.This site requires FLASH.

tag(s): map skills (63), maps (220), states (124)

Take a virtual field trip though the pyramids, temples, and architecture of ancient Egypt. The most impressive feature of the site is a self-guided QuickTime tour through the Land of the Pharaohs that offers dozens of impressive 360 degree photos. Originally designed as a companion site to a NOVA program, the site could be the focus of a great computer lab activity for an ancient history unit.

tag(s): egypt (56), pyramids (21)

Search this virtual atlas by clicking on a continent, country, or region, or use the alphabetical "Map List" index. Geographic and economic information, current population, and state/national flags are also included with each map. Uses for this site go beyond basic geography. Project these maps in class during discussions of current world events. Available in Spanish.

tag(s): countries (73), maps (220)

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)

Explore how myths and legends have taken visual form in the works of artists with this online gallery of 26 masterpieces from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Apart from the art, students can learn about what a myth actually is, and read about multicultural mythological themes. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and teaching materials.

Who were the very first Americans? This site explores evidence found by archeologists, examines artifacts found throughout the United States, and involves visitors in interpreting Stone Age tools. Includes interactive activities and a downloadable teacher's guide. Though some of the features require Flash, there is so much to see and do on this site, it's worth a visit.

tag(s): archeology (28)

Guide your students' research of Christmas customs with this printable worksheet.

tag(s): christmas (38)

Make this interactive calendar part of your daily routine during the holiday season. Each day of Advent, students can click to open a window and discover all sorts of Christmas information, answers to questions about Christmas celebrations throughout the world, Christmas Caroles and Songs, Corny Christmas Jokes, and much more! There are numerous categories to click on, so you might want open class with this and end your class with this.

tag(s): calendars (37), christmas (38), holidays (187), seasonal (16)

The History.com "Christmas Traditions Worldwide" page offers a rich exploration of how Christmas is celebrated across different cultures and countries. The site provides detailed descriptions of unique traditions, historical origins, and festive customs from around the globe, making it a valuable resource for teachers. Educators can use this content to help students compare cultural practices, explore the historical evolution of holiday traditions, and understand the global diversity of Christmas celebrations. This resource is ideal for incorporating geography, history, and cultural studies into holiday-themed lessons.

tag(s): christmas (38), cross cultural understanding (173), cultures (180), world war 1 (77)

Use this interactive geography quiz as an independent review activity or for Geography Bee preparation. Select from a variety of topics and regions of the world. Some of the advertising is rather annoying, but the quizzes themselves are great.

tag(s): continents (33), countries (73), quiz (67), quizzes (90)

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)

Take your students on a virtual tour of Japan with this beautifully designed site that investigates Japanese culture from a kid's perspective. It's easy to navigate and filled with easy-to-understand text, pictures, and interactive surprises. Complete a virtual origami airplane, compose a tune on the koto, and learn to say some basic everyday phrases in Japanese. Though some of the features require Flash, there is SO much to see and do on this site, it's worth a visit. Provide some direction for your students before turning them loose.

tag(s): cultures (180), japan (57), japanese (47)

Make the connection between scientific understanding, literature, and cultural diversity with this fascinating collection of myths and legends that reflect our human attempts at explaining the sun in terms of our own world views. Solar tales from the indigenous peoples of Australia, the Americas, and Mesopotamia are included, along with Judeo-Christian views and observations of ancient astronomers.

tag(s): planets (113), solar system (110), sun (71)

What can artifacts reveal about the ancient men and women who created them? This site encourages students to think about the type of information human-made objects can reveal about people of the past and present. The three print-friendly lesson plans are the true treasures on this site. With incredible detail they walk through the process of setting up a series of archaeological tasks and provide related worksheets and charts. Topics explored include identifying artifacts, dating soil layers, and interpreting artifacts using typology.

tag(s): archeology (28)

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)

From volcanoes to marine turtles, explore some of Costa Rica's natural wonders. Two lesson plans - one on frogs, the other on volcanic soil - are included in the Teacher Resources section. While a bit heavy on text, and a bit lacking in photographs, the site has great content for student research. Aligned to national standards.

tag(s): oil (22), soil (16), volcanoes (55)

Add this entertaining resource to a study of the Midwestern United States and the Corn Belt. Your students will be "all ears" for this engaging multimedia presentation. While quite regional in content, it does provide students with an understanding of the history and economic importance of this crop. Check out the Teacher Resources for additional information, links to standards, and interdisciplinary connections.

tag(s): agriculture (49)

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 practical research tool provides useful, kid-friendly information about each of the fifty states. Students can learn about the census, discover state-related facts, and test their knowledge with some challenging quiz questions. An interactive map serves as an easy navigational tool to reveal state-by-state information including total population, urban and rural residences, school enrollment, and languages spoken.

tag(s): states (124)