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African American History Online: A Resource Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), civil rights (209), maps (220), multimedia (53), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Have students select a historical letter or document and write a response as if they were living in that time, incorporating historical context and personal reflection. Students can listen to oral history recordings from the collection and take notes on key themes, emotions, and historical details. Then, they can summarize or create a first-person monologue based on what they learned. Students can choose a historical primary source (ex., a protest sign, newspaper article, or speech) and compare it to a modern event or movement with a similar theme, such as voting rights, racial justice, or activism. Have students curate a virtual museum exhibit using primary sources from the collection. They can organize sources around themes like civil rights, African American inventors, or cultural contributions and write exhibit captions. Categorize the sources in Google Slides, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here.African American Communities in America's Cities: Photographs by Camilo J. Vergara - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), communities (35), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Have students select a set of Vergara's time-lapse photographs of a specific location and analyze the changes over time. They can discuss possible reasons for these transformations (ex., economic shifts, policy changes, gentrification). Students can research factors contributing to urban decay and revitalization, using Vergara's photos as a case study. They can create a cause-and-effect diagram using MindMup, reviewed here showing how policies, economics, and social movements shape communities. Students can take photos of a specific location in their neighborhood over time (or find historical photos to compare to modern ones). They can create collages using PhotoCollage, reviewed here or Photo Joiner, reviewed here to analyze how and why changes have occurred.African American Civil Rights Events of the 20th Century: Selected Pictures - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (115), civil rights (209), photography (130)
In the Classroom
Print or digitally display a selection of images around the room. Students can walk around, write observations on sticky notes, and discuss the significance of each image in small groups. Students can choose a photograph and write a found poem, free verse, or persona poem (from the perspective of someone in the image). Encourage the use of simile, metaphor, and personification when writing. Have students select a historical image and compare it to a modern photo of a similar issue (ex., protests, voting rights, racial justice). They can create a mini research project connecting past and present using a template in Canva Edu, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Blended Learning Planner - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), blended learning (37), flipped learning (9), Teacher Utilities (198)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to use at any time to create blended learning activities throughout the year. Use the request change feature to integrate different blended learning activities. For example, ask to include flipped learning and station rotations in your lesson. Modify the activity and request additional details. If the activity consists of a learning game that requires questions or real-world problems, ask this tool to create those items and include them in the outline. Continue asking for modifications and support materials as needed until satisfied. Find additional resources for blended learning at TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Blended Learning Resources, reviewed here.Edge Features:
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Learning Game Generator - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), game based learning (205), gamification (83), Teacher Utilities (198)
In the Classroom
Use the game generator to create activities for use during station rotations, whole-class games, or as a homework activity. Use the features included on this site to request changes until you identify a game that meets your needs and your class's. Be specific with your requests; for example, ask for a Jeopardy-style game that includes all of the answers to use in your game. If your class enjoys games that require a lot of movement or use puzzles, include that type of information in your prompt. Use this site to create questions for online game-maker tools such as Classroom Jeopardy, reviewed here and those found on TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Gamification Resources, reviewed here.Edge Features:
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Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Plan My Lesson Tool - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (198)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this lesson generation tool to create new lessons or improve your current lessons. Use this tool to generate a lesson in just a few minutes, then browse through the lesson plan to find new ideas and resources to include with your current plan. In addition to the lesson activity, plans include extension activities and additional resources to include in your planning. When writing the prompt to create a lesson, include as much information as possible to generate results that work for you. Items to include are class size, type of activities to include, and differentiation needs. Visit the archive of OK2Ask: AI for Creating Learning Objects, reviewed here to find many ideas for creating learning objects that accompany your lesson plan.Edge Features:
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Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
What's So Cool About Manufacturing? - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Students can role-play manufacturing jobs such as engineer, machine operator, or quality control inspector. They can complete a hands-on assembly challenge, like building a simple paper product or organizing a production line. Students can investigate local manufacturing companies and the products they create and present what they learned using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here. Students can choose a manufacturing career from the lesson and research key job details, including skills, education, and salary. Students can prepare mock interview questions to learn the answers.Future Jobs: Technology Career Fields - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (156), computers (109), creating media (14), energy (133), problem solving (233), robotics (24)
In the Classroom
After watching a video, have students predict how the featured job might change in the next 10-20 years. Students can then select a technology-related career from the collection and create an infographic highlighting job responsibilities, required skills, and future job growth. They can present their infographics in a gallery walk or class discussion. The infographic can be produced digitally using an online tool such as Visme, reviewed here. Students can also choose a real-world problem related to one of the careers, such as cybersecurity threats or renewable energy solutions. In groups, they can brainstorm and present an innovative solution using STEM concepts. Students can research a future-focused career and prepare interview questions to ask a person currently in the field.Inclusion and Therapy Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): Accessibility (11), careers (156), disabilities (32), speech (69)
In the Classroom
In pairs, have students take on the roles of a therapist and a patient. Using real-life scenarios, such as helping someone improve mobility, assisting with speech exercises, or adapting a lesson for a student with disabilities, students can act out a short interaction. Have students research different assistive technologies (e.g., speech-to-text software, prosthetics, communication boards) and share them with the class. They can present their information using a presentation tool such as Genially, reviewed here. In small groups, students can assess how inclusive their school environment is by looking at things such as wheelchair accessibility, learning support, and inclusive activities. Students can also research a therapy-related job and participate in a mock interview, with one student as the interviewer and the other as the job candidate. They can prepare and answer questions about job skills, education, and daily tasks.WorldCat - OCLC, Inc.
Grades
K to 12tag(s): authors (107), book lists (167), digital reading (17), Research (87), resources (84), Teacher Utilities (198)
In the Classroom
Have students search for a specific book, author, or topic related to your curriculum using WorldCat. Ask them to find the closest library with the book and compare availability across locations. Choose a novel or historical text related to your class and find different editions or translations on WorldCat. Have the class compare publication dates, cover designs, and publishers, then discuss how these factors might affect interpretation. Provide students with a historical event or literary movement and have them use WorldCat to locate a primary source (ex., original speeches, diaries, first editions) and present their source, explaining its historical significance and how it connects to modern perspectives.Yourway - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), assessment (147), cross cultural understanding (173), differentiation (84), rubrics (37), social and emotional learning (102), Teacher Utilities (198), vocabulary (238)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many free tools available at Yourway to improve your lesson planning, increase student engagement, and save time. For example, use the Plan My Lesson Tool to create a lesson plan that matches learning objectives and teaching standards or create collaborative classroom activities in just a few seconds. When using AI-generation tools, include as much information as possible when writing a prompt to receive the best output. Ideas to include are the number of students in your class, the number of gifted students, and how many are on IEPs. Mention the type of activities your students enjoy and any other pertinent information that would help to create meaningful and engaging activities. Learn more about creating effective prompts at this blog post.Images of the Past - The Respiratory System: Iron Lung - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): medicine (57), respiration (11), scientists (67)
In the Classroom
Students can create a working lung model using a plastic bottle, balloons, and straws to demonstrate how the diaphragm helps with breathing. Discuss how the iron lung mimicked this process for polio patients. Students can research major advancements in respiratory treatments (ex., iron lung, ventilators, CPAP machines). Students can create a timeline for the advancements using Timeline, reviewed here. Challenge students to brainstorm and sketch a futuristic respiratory support device. Consider modern needs (pandemics, pollution, space travel) and how technology could help.Skilled Trade Fields: Future Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (156)
In the Classroom
Invite a local tradesperson (electrician, welder, or HVAC technician) to discuss their career journey. Students can prepare and ask questions about training, daily work, and career opportunities and write a summary of what they learned afterward. Students can also design a blueprint for an ideal workshop, construction site, or auto shop incorporating energy efficiency, safety measures, and modern technology. Set up small, trade-inspired challenges such as basic wiring (using batteries and LED lights), measuring and cutting materials accurately, or assembling simple mechanical parts.PBS Learning Media's Banking and Finance collection - PBS Learning Media's Banking and Finance collection
Grades
K to 12tag(s): banks (8), careers (156), financial literacy (93)
In the Classroom
Have students watch two videos on the same topic and compare and contrast them using the Venn diagram feature on Figjam, reviewed here. Students can track the stock market for a certain time using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students could also host a virtual question-and-answer session with someone in banking and finance.The Latin Rhythms of Despacito - Teach Rock
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): hispanic (36), music theory (46), rhythm (21)
In the Classroom
Play short clips of Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, and Salsa to introduce students to the rhythms discussed in the lesson. Ask students to identify the unique rhythm patterns in each style and discuss how these rhythms are used in modern music. Divide the class into small groups, each assigned to one of the four Latin genres (Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, Salsa). Have groups create a playlist of songs that exemplify the genre and explain why these songs fit within the musical style. Introduce students to the dance styles associated with each genre (e.g., salsa dancing and Reggaeton movement). Discuss how music and dance are culturally interconnected and how they reflect the communities from which they originated. Have students listen to "Despacito" and analyze the lyrics for their cultural references, themes, and storytelling techniques. Students could compare the lyrics of "Despacito" to another popular song, discussing similarities and differences in themes, cultural references, and music styles. Compare lyrics using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Mayans - Teacher Planet
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): mayans (23), mexico (37), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Make a 3D model of a Mayan pyramid. Consider using technology such as CoSpaces, reviewed here. Have students make a Mayan calendar. Students can use Mayan glyphs and write messages to each other to decode. In ELA class, students can write short stories mentioning daily activities they learned in class for a cross-curricular activity. Create and share the stories using Sway, reviewed here.The Mayan Empire - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Set up stations around the classroom with images and short descriptions of Mayan achievements (architecture, astronomy, writing, calendar system). Have students rotate in small groups, taking notes and discussing how each achievement impacted Mayan society. Introduce students to the Mayan writing system by showing examples of glyphs. Then, have them create glyphs to represent their names or a short message. They can trade with classmates to decode each other's symbols! Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the Mayan civilization to modern society. Topics could include government, architecture, writing, and timekeeping. Consider using Canva, reviewed here to make the Venn diagram online. Students can work in pairs or small groups to create a mini "Maya codex" using folded paper, illustrating aspects of Mayan daily life, beliefs, or achievements. Encourage students to include drawings and glyphs to mimic the real codices.PBS Learning Media's Agriculture collection - PBS Learning Media's Agriculture collection
Grades
K to 12tag(s): agriculture (49), careers (156), ecology (103), food chains (19)
In the Classroom
Skim through the lessons available on the site to find ideal resources for your lessons. Have students watch two videos on the same topic and compare and contrast them using Figjam, reviewed here. Have students create a word cloud with WordClouds, reviewed here with all words associated with agriculture that the class generates.Mayan Civilization Lesson Plan: Time, Continuity, and Change - BrainPOP
Grades
3 to 8In the Classroom
Use the Make-a-Movie feature under Deepen and Extend to create a video diary from the perspective of a person living in Maya society that describes a day in your life. Make a concept map using BrainPOP's Make-a-Map feature or MindMup reviewed here identifying key features and contributions of Maya society and culture. Creative Coding on the BrainPOP website can enable students to code a museum with artifacts representing key elements of Maya civilization.Teach Democracy - Teach Democracy
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): bill of rights (33), civil rights (209), constitution (96), democracy (24)