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Friends of Gillette Castle State Park - The Gillette Castle Friends
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): architecture (75), connecticut (4), medieval (32), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
After viewing the gallery, students can create their own "castle" design inspired by Gillette Castle. They can draw floor plans, include unique features like secret passages or quirky rooms, and present their designs to the class, explaining how the original structure inspired them. Students can analyze the unique architectural details shown in the gallery and research why certain design elements (Ex. medieval motifs, custom locks, stonework) were popular or unusual at the time. Inspired by Gillette Castle's mysterious atmosphere, students can write a short story set in the castle, perhaps incorporating its unique features, like hidden rooms or secret staircases, as plot elements. Students could write (and share) their short stories using Google Slides, reviewed here.Sagrada Family Vista Familia Virtual Tour - Fundacio Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): europe (84), spain (13), spanish (109), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
While exploring the tour, students can journal their observations, describing details and questions they have about Gaudi's choices. In Spanish class, students can write a descriptive paragraph in Spanish about the basilica, focusing on vocabulary related to art and architecture. Students can sketch parts of the basilica, focusing on Gaudi's unique designs, and then share interpretations of their meanings or symbolism. Have students research Catalan culture, noting how it influenced Gaudi's design, and present findings in small groups.Victorian Christmas - Paul Stafford
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
After learning about the origins of Christmas cards in Victorian times, have students design their own cards using traditional Victorian themes like holly, ivy, and nostalgic winter scenes. After discussing Charles Dickens' role in popularizing Christmas traditions, have students read excerpts from A Christmas Carol and discuss its impact on Victorian and modern Christmas celebrations. Have students research and present on how Christmas celebrations have changed from the Victorian era to today. They can compare music, decorations, food, and social customs. Have students create traditional Victorian decorations like paper chains, dried orange ornaments, or cornucopias. They can research each decoration's significance and origins and then display their creations around the classroom.Mesopotamia - Crash Course
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): asia (116), mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Have students work in groups to research specific Mesopotamian innovations (the wheel, cuneiform writing, irrigation systems). Each group could create a mini-presentation or poster to share how these innovations impacted society. Students could locate and label key Mesopotamian cities, rivers, and regions using a blank map. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to complete this activity. Afterward, they can discuss how geography influenced Mesopotamian society and its development. Provide clay or clay-like materials and have students create their own cuneiform tablets, using resources to guide them on Mesopotamian symbols and techniques. Assign students to create an illustrated timeline using a resource such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here of Mesopotamian history, highlighting major events, figures, and achievements.Discovery Ed- First Thanksgiving - Discovery Ed
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): empathy (34), holidays (187), native americans (108), perspective (14), thanksgiving (24)
In the Classroom
Students can create visual art or a collage that contrasts traditional Thanksgiving imagery with representations of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. They can use a free resource such as PhotoCollage, reviewed here. Have students explain their artwork in a gallery walk format, fostering discussions about historical accuracy, respect, and representation. Provide students with primary sources like excerpts from Pilgrim diaries or early colonial documents. Ask them to analyze the sources to identify different perspectives and motivations, encouraging critical thinking about reliability, bias, and how history is documented. Students can write a reflective essay on how learning about Indigenous perspectives of the first Thanksgiving has altered their understanding of the holiday. Encourage them to research present-day perspectives from Indigenous voices and suggest how these insights might change their approach to Thanksgiving traditions.5 Presidential Inauguration Activities - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135)
In the Classroom
Compare and contrast inaugural speeches from presidents. Students can use a tool like Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here to compare the speeches. Identify the tone of the speech and the challenges the country was facing at the time. Have students predict what the next inaugural speech will mention. Have students plan an inaugural parade. Who would they include? Make a class list of ideas.Analyzing Historical Presidential Inaugural Addresses - CNN
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135), speeches (23)
In the Classroom
Organize a mock congressional hearing where students research a current event or policy issue. Assign roles such as committee members, witnesses, and reporters. Students will present their findings, ask questions, and debate differing viewpoints, helping them understand legislative processes and critical thinking. Select a video from C-SPAN Classroom that features a significant historical event or speech. Have students analyze the video, discussing its context, impact, and significance. They can create a presentation using a resource such as Visme, reviewed here or write a reflection on how this event relates to contemporary issues. Start a current events journal where students regularly summarize and reflect on news articles about the U.S. government and politics. They can use C-SPAN Classroom videos as discussion starters. Establish a debate club where students select topics related to government policies or historical events featured on C-SPAN. Divide students into teams to research their positions and engage in structured debates. Many of these activities could be done on the virtual debate website Kialo Edu reviewed here.Illuminative Lesson Resources - Illuminative and the National Indian Education Association
Grades
K to 12tag(s): cooking (32), crafts (64), cross cultural understanding (173), cultures (180), game based learning (205), landmarks (22), native americans (108), poetry (193), stories and storytelling (58)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site as a resource for lessons on Native American cultures that present information in a culturally accurate manner. Find lessons and activity guides that integrate into your current subject area lessons; for example, one activity is called "Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game." Picaria is a game of logic and strategy that easily integrates into math station rotations that involve games of logic and strategy. Ask students to use Canva Docs, reviewed here to create and share flyers that include instructions for games they play.Watch Live House of Representatives Proceedings - United States House of Representatives
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): branches of government (65), house of representatives (8), politics (118)
In the Classroom
Students can watch House of Representatives proceedings during civics and government lessons to see how voting and discussion occur. They can also take advantage of the other features to view the upcoming legislative schedule and legislative action filed during the previous week. Find additional ideas and lessons for teaching about the legislative process at the Education 4 Democaracy, reviewed here.Smithsonian American Women's History Museum - Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12tag(s): women (151), womenchangemaker (37), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can create biographies of the women they research. Biographical examples can include videos, pamphlets, or slides. Students can create digital stories using Sway, reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast women from the same time and debate who was more influential. Use the online debate tool Kialo Edu, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips or watch virtual interviews.National Women's History Museum - National Women's History Museum
Grades
K to 12tag(s): women (151), womenchangemaker (37), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Students can be assigned a specific woman and create digital books explaining why this woman is important in history. Students of all ages can create digital books using Book Creator, reviewed here. They can also compare and contrast women from the same time or era using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, students can take virtual field trips to museums/exhibits associated with the women and era or time.The Jewish Educator Portal - The Jewish Educator Portal
Grades
K to 12tag(s): holidays (187), jews (33), yom kippur (15)
In the Classroom
Students can compare and contrast Jewish holidays and traditions. Use a tool like Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can create videos to share the importance of the holiday and how it is celebrated with younger children. Finally, students can share their favorite Yom Kippur book with others.8 Fun Constitution Day Activities for Students: We the People - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): congress (40), constitution (96), electoral college (22)
In the Classroom
Have students role-play as delegates to debate and draft amendments to the Constitution. Create a scavenger hunt where students search for specific articles, amendments, or key concepts within the U.S. Constitution. Use a virtual scavenger hunt creator such as GooseChase, reviewed here. You can also present students with famous Supreme Court cases related to constitutional issues. They can work in groups to analyze the case, debate the decisions, and present their findings to the class. As an extension, students can research how these decisions affect current laws and rights.Hispanic Heritage Month - National Education Association
Grades
K to 12tag(s): central america (20), cross cultural understanding (173), cultures (180), dance (31), hispanic (36), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Have students select a country from the Hispanic world and research its culture, traditions, and famous figures. They can create a presentation or a digital poster to share with the class, allowing students to explore diverse aspects of Hispanic heritage using a platform such as Canva, reviewed here. Using a large map of Latin America and Spain, have students pin locations based on historical events or contributions of notable Hispanic individuals discussed in class using a resource such as Google My Maps, reviewed here. Invite a guest speaker from the local Hispanic community or arrange a virtual field trip to a Hispanic cultural center or museum. Introduce students to traditional Hispanic music and dance styles like salsa, flamenco, or mariachi.QRToon - QRToon
Grades
1 to 12In the Classroom
Teachers create custom QR codes for each student with their image that link to personalized learning activities or feedback based on their learning progress. Enhance classroom posters with QR codes that students can scan to access additional information like videos or interactive content related to the subject matter. Students can design QR codes as part of an art project, combining technology and art that links to their portfolios or project descriptions.QRCode Monkey - qrcodemonkey
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): Formative Assessment (74), images (263), qr codes (18)
In the Classroom
Generate QR codes that link to online surveys or quizzes where students can submit their understanding of the day's lesson before leaving. Create QR codes that link to clues or questions hidden around the classroom or school. Students scan to receive their next hint, promoting active learning. Link your QR codes in handouts or on a classroom bulletin board to newsletters, school event calendars, or homework help resources that parents can easily access. Set up stations with QR codes linking to different educational activities or virtual labs where students can engage with the material in diverse ways.An Introduction to Julius Caesar Using Multiple-Perspective Universal Theme Analysis - ReadWriteThink
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): julius caesar (11), plays (32), themes (16)
In the Classroom
Ask students to write an alternate ending to Julius Caesar from the perspective of one of the characters. Challenge students to draw parallels between Julius Caesar and modern political or historical figures. Assign students different themes from the play (such as ambition, betrayal, or loyalty) and have them create a visual collage representing their theme using a resource such as PhotoCollage, reviewed here. Have students create a comic strip and include scenes that could have happened during Roman times using Make Beliefs Comix, reviewed here. Use Printable Comic Strip Templates, reviewed here for rough drafts or classrooms without computers.The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Summary and Analysis - Storyboard That
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): julius caesar (11), plot (15), shakespeare (99)
In the Classroom
Have students create storyboards on Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can compare and contrast two characters on their actions, motivations, etc. Using a resource such as Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here create a timeline of Julius Caesar's life events. Create a fictional social media account for one or more of the characters using Fakebook, reviewed here.Julius Caesar - Royal Shakespeare Company
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): julius caesar (11), plays (32), shakespeare (99)
In the Classroom
Divide the class into groups and assign each a key scene to rehearse and perform for the class. Students can work in groups to create a Roman-era newspaper covering the play's events using a resource such as Smore, reviewed here. Select a few students to embody key characters from the play (Brutus, Cassius, Caesar) to play a game of Character Hot Seat. The rest of the class asks these characters questions about their motives, actions, and emotions. This activity helps students delve deeper into character analysis and understand the complex motivations driving the play's events.Free Resources Julius Caesar - The Practical English Teacher
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): julius caesar (11), readers theater (12), shakespeare (99), writing prompts (61)