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United States History

January is a month of many historical anniversaries, from the discovery of gold in California at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 to Prohibition starting in 1920. Find resources to share with your students on a variety of U.S. history topics. 

Grades K-6

History for Kids

Join the lyrical rhyming adventures of history in poetry! The American history poems include: "The California Gold Rush," "The Statue of Liberty," "The Moon Landing," "The Voyage of the Mayflower," and more. Find interviews, facts, and jokes!

Grades 8-12

American Experience

Dive into this PBS documentary program featuring stories about important and interesting aspects of American history, including films, videos, and feature articles to support and provide additional information to the series' presentations.

Grades 9-12

Prohibition and Temperance

Explore this resource offering a summary of prohibition, including web resources, information about the Women's crusade against alcohol and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and contemporary opinion pieces about prohibition.

Geography Dates to Remember

The National Geographic Society was founded in January, 1883—more than a hundred years ago. Another geographic feat happened in 1908 when the Grand Canyon became a national monument. Peruse the resources in this section to teach your students about these two historical accomplishments.  

Grades K-12

National Geographic Education

Discover the teaching resources available on this site to find ideas, activities, lessons, and units all searchable by grade and topic. Be sure also to visit the mapping section to find printable maps, mapmaking kits, and interactive maps.

Grades 3-8

Arizona Kids Page

Use this resource to teach your students about the history of the Grand Canyon. Click the Natural Wonders link to learn about the national parks in the state, such as the Grand Canyon, the town of Tombstone, and the Apache Trail.

Grades 3-12

AirPano

Share this engaging tool that offers a collection of aerial, panoramic, 360-degree images of famous locations around the world, many in the U.S. As you teach about the history of these locations, take video tours of New York City and the Grand Canyon.

Grades 2-12

Photography from National Geographic

This site shares photos of people and cultures that can be used to promote human understanding more effectively than written words. Discuss the founding of the National Geographic Society in 1888 and its many accomplishments.

History of Immigration at Ellis Island

Ellis Island opened in January of 1892. The resources in this section can be used during your class discussions about immigration and the immigrant experience. Discover resources for elementary, middle, and high school students. 

Grades 3-8

Virtual Field Trip to Ellis Island

View this 30-minute video that guides you through the history of Ellis Island and the process immigrants faced after reaching the island. Hear interviews with park rangers sharing stories of their families along with personal stories of immigrants.

Grades K-12

Virtual Field Trip Resources

Take your students around the world with this curated list of resources (each including lesson ideas) offering free virtual field trips, many to locations within the U.S.: Mount Vernon, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, Ellis Island, and more.

Grades 6-12

Ellis Island Records

As you share the history of Ellis Island with your students, introduce them to this unique web resource (and research tool) that offers an online database that allows you to search for immigrants who passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924.

This Week at TeachersFirst

The winter season of our free OK2Ask® virtual workshops starts next week—so register now to save your spot! We're also sharing a related blog post to help you find more teaching ideas related to American history. And finally, we kindly ask for your input in our weekly poll.