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NPR- Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts, and Podcasts - NPR
Grades
K to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), cultures (211), journalism (74), news (226), podcasts (114), scientists (71), space (220)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to NPR's Student Podcast Challenge winners for inspiration and assign them to create a short podcast episode on a topic related to your curriculum. Use free tools like NPR's podcast resources or Buzzsprout, reviewed hereto guide their scriptwriting and recording process. Choose an NPR article and a similar report from another news source and have students analyze the tone, word choice, and sources used. Use NPR's science and history archives to explore a key discovery or event. Have students present their findings through a timeline project using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here.Indus Valley Civilization Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about the Indus Valley Civilization. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Encyclopedia Britannica - Encyclopedia Britannica
Grades
K to 12tag(s): biographies (95), primary sources (120), Research (88), resources (83), timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Assign students a historical figure from Britannica's biography section and hold a "Meet the Influencers" day, where students dress up and present as their historical figure. Students pick a topic, use Britannica to research key details and gather images or videos. They create a short video (2-5 minutes) using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here or moovly reviewed hereexplaining their topic, incorporating facts from Britannica. Students develop their own research question use Britannica's resources to find answers and create a one-page infographic summarizing their findings using Canva Infographic Creator, < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here.Do Now Activity Generator - Yourway Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), classroom management (119), Formative Assessment (73), questioning (36), Teacher Utilities (203), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (17)
In the Classroom
Use this activity generator to create quick Do Now activities (or entrance tickets) as schema activators that set the tone for your daily lessons. These brief, focused tasks set the tone for learning and provide valuable formative assessment data. Take advantage of digital whiteboard tools such as Figjam, reviewed here and Whiteboard.chat, reviewed here to have students share their ideas. At the end of your lesson, use Project Zero Thinking Routines, reviewed here such as I used to think, Now I think to extend learning and encourage critical thinking skills.Edge Features:
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Geography and the Nile River - Ducksters
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (170), asia (125), egypt (59), map skills (64), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to build a hands-on model of the Nile River using clay, sand, and blue-colored water to simulate flooding and irrigation. Have students plant seeds (such as wheat or barley) in small pots of soil. Water one pot regularly (to represent land near the Nile) and leave another dry (to represent the desert). Give students blank maps of Egypt and have them label the Nile River, delta, major cities, and trade routes. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here or Google Earth, reviewed here to make maps online. Students could write a first-person journal entry as an Egyptian farmer, merchant, or noble traveling along the Nile. They should describe what they see, how they use the river, and why it's important to their daily life. To write a digital journal, use ePubEditor, reviewed here.The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome - World History Encyclopedia
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (211), fashion (13), holidays (194), italy (30), literature (221), religions (112), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students work in groups to design a front page of a Roman newspaper. They can write articles about political events, fashion trends, a leader's achievements, or daily life in different housing types. Encourage them to include headlines, "interviews," and illustrations. Create the newspaper from a template on Canva, reviewed here. Provide students with materials like sheets, fabric, and belts, and challenge them to recreate Roman clothing styles. Have them present their outfits and explain the significance of different garments for men, women, and social classes. Divide the class into two groups: one representing the Roman Republic and the other the Roman Empire. Each side must argue why their form of government was better, using evidence from the videos. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Assign students to design a Roman house based on their social status. Have them sketch or build a model. They can also create a 3D model on CoSpaces, reviewed here.Roman Children - History for Kids
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), roman numerals (7), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students create a diary entry from the perspective of a Roman child. They can include details about their education, chores, meals, and games they might play. Encourage them to illustrate their diary with drawings of Roman clothing, toys, or tools. Create the diary on a device using ePubEditor reviewed here or Canva < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here. Introduce students to games Roman children played, like knucklebones (similar to jacks) or board games like "Ludus Latrunculorum" (Roman chess). Create simple versions of these games using classroom materials and let students play them in groups. Using craft supplies, have students create replicas of Roman toys, such as wooden dolls, balls, or spinning tops. Show images or videos of historical Roman toys to guide their designs. Set up the classroom to resemble a Roman school. Assign students the roles of teachers and students, and practice writing Roman numerals and basic Latin phrases or solving math problems on "wax tablets" made of paper or cardboard.The Roman Empire: A Brief History - Milwaukee Public Museum
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Ask students to research how artifacts like Mediterranean oil lamps reflect the cultural, religious, or technological advancements of the Roman Empire. Students can create a short presentation connecting the artifacts to Roman innovations using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here. Another way to present their findings is by recording a podcast using Anchor, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here. Have students write a diary entry or short story from the perspective of a Roman citizen using details from the page about daily life and the importance of items like oil lamps.Ancient Rome Geography Lesson Plans - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), map skills (64), maps (224), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of the Roman Empire and have them label key geographical features such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Tiber River, the Alps, and the Apennine Mountains. Discuss how these features influenced trade, defense, and the growth of Rome. Have students create a 3D model or diorama of Ancient Rome's geography using clay, paper, or cardboard. Include rivers, mountains, and other geographical features, emphasizing their significance in Roman life. Assign students to write a short journal entry imagining they live in Ancient Rome, focusing on how the climate and geography affect their daily lives. Encourage details about farming, transportation, and trade. Have them make the book online using ePubEditor reviewed here. Make an online quiz game with details about the civilization and add some friendly class competition using Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here.Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (112), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.Ancient Rome Map Activity - Sharp School
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), map skills (64), maps (224), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students use the map to trace the paths of Roman military expansion and trade routes. They can label key cities and locations where Roman influence spread and then research how these areas contributed to the growth of the empire in terms of resources, culture, and power. Students can choose a specific region within the Roman Empire (Egypt, Gaul, or Hispania) and research how its geography affected Roman life. Students can present their findings in a multimedia format such as Padlet, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here. After completing the map, organize a debate on the impact of geography on the rise and fall of civilizations. Students can use the map to argue how geographical features like rivers, mountains, and proximity to other cultures either helped or hindered the Romans in their empire-building.Ancient Rome 101 - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
After watching the video, have students create a visual timeline of Rome's three major periods (Regal, Republican, Imperial). Include key events, rulers, and innovations discussed in the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to make digital timelines. Assign small groups to research one Roman innovation mentioned in the video (such as aqueducts, roads, or gladiator combat). Have them create a model of their innovation. Have students explore how the Romans were influenced by other civilizations, such as the Etruscans and Greeks, as mentioned in the video. They can create a Venn diagram using Canva, reviewed here to compare Roman art, architecture, or religion with that of the Greeks or Etruscans.Ancient Rome- Free Interactive Online Games for Kids and Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (207), italy (30), roman numerals (7), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Use the quizzes on the website to create a classroom trivia game. Try a gamification tool such as Quizizz reviewed here. Divide students into teams and have them compete to answer questions about Roman history, mythology, and culture. Design a digital or in-class escape room inspired by the activities and games on the website. Use clues and puzzles about Roman daily life, such as food, clothing, and social hierarchy, to challenge students to "escape" a scenario in Ancient Rome. Have students create games based on what they've learned about Ancient Rome, inspired by the examples on the website. Genially, reviewed here provides templates for escape rooms and game building online for a digital twist. Use a Roman-themed strategy game (adapted from the website's activities or created independently) to simulate decisions about managing resources, expanding territories, or maintaining power in Ancient Rome.Ancient Rome- Myths and Legends for Kids and Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), myths and legends (41), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a Roman myth from the website. Have them create and perform short skits retelling the myth. Using examples of Roman deities from the website, have students design their own Roman god or goddess. They should describe the deity's domain, symbols, personality traits, and a myth involving them. Students can present their creations through drawings, writing, or digital art using Google Drawings, reviewed here or Draw.io, reviewed here. Challenge students to write a myth set in the modern world but inspired by Roman mythology. For example, they could create a story where a Roman god intervenes in contemporary life. Provide students with a list of Roman gods and their Greek counterparts (ex., Jupiter and Zeus, Venus and Aphrodite). Ask them to research and compare the two versions, focusing on similarities and differences in myths and cultural significance.Ancient Rome for Kids - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): game based learning (207), holidays (194), italy (30), myths and legends (41), religions (112), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to compare the Roman Empire with another ancient empire (ex.,Greek, Persian, or Chinese), including topics such as government, culture, and military. Use a comparison tool such as Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can create a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Roman Empire - Happy Learning
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of Europe and surrounding regions. Have them label key cities, territories, and trade routes mentioned in the documentary, reinforcing their understanding of the Empire's vast reach. Organize a class debate on whether the Roman Republic or the Roman Empire was more effective as a system of governance. Students can use evidence from the video and additional research to support their arguments. Have students create a timeline of key events mentioned in the documentary, such as the founding of the Republic, Julius Caesar's rule, and the fall of the Empire. Consider using one of the timeline tools at Class Tools, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create on online.Ancient Rome for Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): architecture (84), myths and legends (41), religions (112), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to create a travel brochure showcasing different regions of the Roman Empire. Include famous landmarks (like the Colosseum), cultural highlights, and maps. Task the students with building a mini Roman aqueduct or road using materials like paper, straws, and clay. This hands-on activity helps them understand Roman innovations and their impact on society. Have students write articles as if they were reporters in Ancient Rome. Topics could include gladiatorial games, a new temple opening, or Julius Caesar's latest triumph. Encourage creativity with headlines and illustrations.Ancient Egypt - Crash Course
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Create a giant "knowledge pyramid" in the classroom. Divide students into groups and assign each group a topic related to Ancient Egypt (ex., pyramids, mummies, pharaohs, hieroglyphs, gods and goddesses). Have them research their topic, summarize key points, and add them to a section of the pyramid (using poster paper or a whiteboard). Teach students the basics of Egyptian hieroglyphs using a simple alphabet chart. Then, have them create short secret messages for classmates to decode, or write their names using hieroglyphs. Provide art supplies or digital design tools, such as Genially, reviewed here and have students design their own Egyptian-style tomb for a fictional pharaoh.How to Make a Digital Escape Room for the Classroom - Nearpod
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): collaboration (94), digital escapes (17), game based learning (207), problem solving (234), puzzles (149)
In the Classroom
Start the lesson with a quick digital escape puzzle related to the topic. For example, students solve an equation in a math class to reveal a clue, or in an ELA class, they decode a sentence to find a hidden theme. After experiencing a digital escape room, have students design their own using Nearpod or Google Forms, reviewed here and Nearpod, reviewed here. They can create puzzles based on a novel they read, a historical event, or a math concept, reinforcing learning through creation. Combine multiple subjects into one escape room experience. For example, students solve a math puzzle to get a clue, analyze a poem for another, and answer a science question to unlock the final key--blending critical thinking across subjects. Design a digital escape room focused on real-world skills (ex., financial literacy, digital citizenship, or environmental science). Students must apply knowledge to solve practical challenges and unlock the final "escape."Ancient Egypt Free Lesson Plans - Mr. Donn
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): africa (170), asia (125), egypt (59), myths and legends (41), pyramids (24)