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White House Historical Association
Grades
1 to 12
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This entertaining and informational site about that famous residence on Pennsylvania Avenue is filled with something for everyone. Younger students can focus on the colors and shapes...more
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This entertaining and informational site about that famous residence on Pennsylvania Avenue is filled with something for everyone. Younger students can focus on the colors and shapes found throughout this historic home while meeting some "first kids" and famous "first pets." Older students can listen to audio clips of presidents during the last century, take several outstanding White House tours, and discover many historic treasures located throughout this famous home. All students will enjoy the colorful virtual tours.
In the Classroom
Use this site to provide background information for a unit on 19th and 20th century American history, to form the basis of a lesson or unit on the American presidency, or as a stand-alone enrichment activity for your history classroom. Lesson plans in printable PDF formats are available for all grade levels
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The 50 Worst Inventions - Time Magazine
Grades
4 to 12
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We all know inventions that have changed and improved the world, but what are some of the worst ideas that just never worked out? Time Magazine offers their insight into ...more
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We all know inventions that have changed and improved the world, but what are some of the worst ideas that just never worked out? Time Magazine offers their insight into the 50 worst inventions. This slideshow takes the viewer through some ideas that never got off the ground or never found their way into America's heart - popup ads, Snuggie for dogs, pay toilets, NEW Coke, and more all hold a spot on the top 50. The slideshow can be viewed screen by screen, or the viewer can see the entire list. Have fun reading through this list of less than stellar improvements to modern life.
In the Classroom
Challenge students to create a list of useless inventions or to invent one of their own. Display the slide show on your interactive whiteboard or projector and discuss if students agree with a product's placement on the list. Generate a list of characteristics that would keep an invention OFF this list! Have students create commercials advertising their new product (or the one they researched). Enhance learning by challenging students to create a video commercial. Modify classroom technology use by using FlexClip. FlexClip is designed to allow you to create short animated or explainer videos to share on YouTube and other social media sites. Share using a site such as SchoolTube.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Our Documents - 100 Milestone Documents - National Archives
Grades
6 to 12
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This site, a collaborative effort among the National Archives, National History Day, and USA Freedom Corps, highlights the most important documents in US history. Each of these "milestone"...more
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This site, a collaborative effort among the National Archives, National History Day, and USA Freedom Corps, highlights the most important documents in US history. Each of these "milestone" documents is detailed and photographed on a separate page; the photo can be enlarged for presentation on an interactive whiteboard. Use this site with DocsTeach, reviewed here, with tools for educators. This site was clearly designed with teachers in mind! Click the items from the menu on the right.
In the Classroom
The use of primary sources in teaching has been greatly increased by our digital access to documents like these. Peruse the list of "milestone" documents, and commit to using the photographs on an interactive whiteboard (or projector) when the document comes up in a lesson or discussion. For teachers who are supporting student projects for National History Day, this site also has a link to specific tips, although it appears the site has not been kept up to date with current information on individual competitions. Challenge cooperative learning groups to investigate one of the documents and create a multimedia project of their choice. Looking for some inspiration? How about having groups create a podcast using podOmatic, reviewed here. Or have students create online posters on paper or do it together as a class using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard, reviewed here, or PicLits, reviewed here. Have students narrate a photo of the document (using a FREE and LEGAL photo) with a too such as Google Drawings, reviewed here. Google Drawings allows you to annotate an image with links to videos, text, websites, and more. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Causes, Conduct and Consequences of the U.S. Civil War - Univ. of Pennsylvania
Grades
6 to 12
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The department of history at the University of Pennsylvania developed this searchable collection of primary source materials dealing with the Civil War. The collection includes editorial...more
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The department of history at the University of Pennsylvania developed this searchable collection of primary source materials dealing with the Civil War. The collection includes editorial cartoons, images, and manuscripts, all grouped by subject and time period. While some of the material will require interpretation, this would be a useful site for secondary research that requires the use of primary sources. Some of the sources require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom
Share this site with your students while researching the Civil War.
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Histories of the First Nations
Grades
4 to 12
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Here's a site that offers concise summaries of several dozen Native American tribes. Each of these in turn links to a far more detailed history of that tribe. This makes ...more
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Here's a site that offers concise summaries of several dozen Native American tribes. Each of these in turn links to a far more detailed history of that tribe. This makes the site suitable for students at many levels, and for many purposes. We wish there were more historical or thematic indexing, but this is still a great resource.
In the Classroom
Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson on a projector. The site has brief blips about many of the Native American tribes that existed pre-colonial America, although it varies in content. There are a lot of interesting details that students will find interesting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Truman Presidential Library
Grades
6 to 12
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The Truman Library site contains resources from the Truman administration, including photos, documents, and links to other resources dealing with the Truman presidency. ...more
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The Truman Library site contains resources from the Truman administration, including photos, documents, and links to other resources dealing with the Truman presidency.
In the Classroom
Within the "education" section of the site are several lesson plans, for both elementary and secondary teachers. Lessons aren't solely excluded to Truman, but ran the gamit for U.S. history or government. Be sure to save this one as a favorite to allow for easy retrieval later on.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lyndon Johnson Library - University of Texas
Grades
6 to 12
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Lyndon B. Johnson was a politician's politician, and the site from his presidential library offers tools that both scholars and students can use to trace his career and the accomplishments...more
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Lyndon B. Johnson was a politician's politician, and the site from his presidential library offers tools that both scholars and students can use to trace his career and the accomplishments of his administration. There's an extensive "Kids' Section" with information on the Johnson Administration.
In the Classroom
Use the kids portion of this site as a learning center or station during a lesson on the Johnson Presidency. Based on what they've learned in the site, have students resummarize it in a "breaking news presentation," using PowerPoint Online, reviewed here. This site allows users to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. To find Creative Commons images for student projects (with credit, of course), try Pikwizard, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Blues - PBS
Grades
6 to 12
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The PBS series on "The Blues" combines history and musicology in a reverential treatment of this uniquely American musical form. The site includes biographies, some good analysis of...more
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The PBS series on "The Blues" combines history and musicology in a reverential treatment of this uniquely American musical form. The site includes biographies, some good analysis of the musical theory and compositional form behind the blues, and samples of blues songs that are in the public domain. While you probably cannot make an entire unit out of this one, it would be a neat addition to a unit on African American culture, American music, or the history of the twentieth century.Though the video clips and music require Flash, there is a lot of information to learn from this site, and it has links to other sites about the blues.
In the Classroom
A true American art form, "the Blues," makes a great interdisciplinary study, and this site's lesson plans provide a well-researched foundation for that study. Our only regret is that sites on this subject so rarely include sound files for the music they're describing. You and your students could explore the Blues music offered at Perfect Blues: 1920s, 30s and 40s Vintage Blues; Duke Ellington; Leadbelly, reviewed here. There are still the biographies and resources list available on this PBS site. Enhance student learning by having students select a blues musician to complete a brief biography on, using the list provided on this site as a starting point. There is plenty of information, and students with little inspiration are sure to find someone of interest here. Enhance learning by having students share what they learn using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, an easy to use free tool for creating infographics using pre-designed templates or by starting from scratch.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Atomic Archive
Grades
6 to 12
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While it covers all aspects of American involvement with nuclear activities, this site's coverage of the history of atomic investigation will be particularly attractive to students...more
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While it covers all aspects of American involvement with nuclear activities, this site's coverage of the history of atomic investigation will be particularly attractive to students and teachers. There is a timeline on the history of atomic energy, and the teacher's section includes several activities built on the effort to build the first atomic bomb. There's a lot of content in this site that is too advanced for secondary students, but creative teachers will find lots of opportunities here.
In the Classroom
Save this site in your favorites on your class computers and use it as a point of reference for students working on research projects or papers. The information is reliable and plentiful, spanning all issues of atomic energy - from the Manhattan Project to Nuclear Facilities, this site has it all. It is a little advanced, but science and history teachers in the upper levels of high school will appreciate the resources this site has to offer.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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World War II As Seen Through Children's Literature - Yale University
Grades
1 to 12
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This site will show the pervasive influence of World War II on children's literature. ...more
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This site will show the pervasive influence of World War II on children's literature.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plan on this site! Be sure to save as a favorite, allowing you to take advantage of it whenever you need.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The American Presidents
Grades
1 to 12
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The Whitehouse official website presents biographical informtion about every past American President. Each biography describes a bit about what was happening in America when the person...more
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The Whitehouse official website presents biographical informtion about every past American President. Each biography describes a bit about what was happening in America when the person took office, his accomplishments, and failures.
In the Classroom
Use this site as a point of reference for information about our Presidents. Students could use this site as a spring board for research projects, or historical heads. For historical heads, have students draw inside of a blank outline of a human face graphic representations of the president chosen for their project. Students should be able to describe and explain all representations, but it's a great way for them to organize their ideas and provide more memorable symbols for facts that they need to know.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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UPI Photo Library - UPI
Grades
4 to 12
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This searchable library of UPI news photos could be a great addition to in-class current events discussions. ...more
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This searchable library of UPI news photos could be a great addition to in-class current events discussions.
In the Classroom
We've looked in vain for copyright statements regarding educational use. While there's a wealth of content here, tread carefully if you plan to use these outside the classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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History and Politics Out Loud
Grades
9 to 12
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Here's a small site we hope will grow quickly. There are recordings and videos of famous political speeches - including William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" and Churchill's famous...more
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Here's a small site we hope will grow quickly. There are recordings and videos of famous political speeches - including William Jennings Bryan's "cross of gold" and Churchill's famous "iron curtain" speech. Interestingly, many of these are in their entirety, making for listening sessions of an hour or more. History teachers will find numerous possibilities for this one, especially if the collection continues to grow. If your district block YouTube the videos will not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Use this site to supplement a lecture on Martin Luther King and the impact of his "I have a dream" speech. Browse the results by speaker and select the speech under King's collection. After discussing King's role in civil rights, play the clip or as much of it as you can for students. Use the audio as a writing prompt, in which students respond to the difference in hearing vs reading the speech. Students should also respond to the emotional appeal of the speech, in addition to the overall message presented. This activity would be a great short review at the end of a unit on MLK Jr.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Deadly Virus - National Archives and Records Administration
Grades
8 to 12
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How does the threat of the bird flu compare with the actual influenza pandemic that swept the world in 1918, killing more people than died World War I? This ...more
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How does the threat of the bird flu compare with the actual influenza pandemic that swept the world in 1918, killing more people than died World War I? This site provides riveting photographs and commentary, detailing the development and spread of the virus that indiscriminately lowered average life expectancy in the United States by more than 12 years. Find out how it affected American society and read first-hand accounts of its path of destruction.
In the Classroom
The most descriptive part of this website are the images of civil servants in contact with the public wearing surgical masks while performing their everyday duties. Use these images to supplement your lecture on the epidemic, and to spur a class discussion on the comparison between people's reaction for diseases today such as the Swine flu or the Bird flu.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Today in History - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12
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The Library of Congress offers this daily look at historical events - mostly American. There is typically more than one event listed per day, and the text integrates cultural, literary,...more
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The Library of Congress offers this daily look at historical events - mostly American. There is typically more than one event listed per day, and the text integrates cultural, literary, and political trends into the daily reporting. The story links have real depth and are well written for easy comprehension. Pictures make the history come alive and support the information given. This makes this daily nugget far more than just a collection of "factoids."
In the Classroom
This site provides excellent historical research! For a classroom-ready activity each day to build understanding of historical events in the context of your students' prior knowledge, also try TeachersFirst's Dates That Matter. Include both links on your teacher web page for instant access by students both in and out of class. Maybe start a class wiki for your own "This Day" collection and assign student groups a day of their own. Add to it from year to year. Or have students write blog responses on class or individual blogs as they choose an event for the day from several sources and react to it.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bound for Glory: America in Color - Library of Congress
Grades
8 to 12
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The Library of Congress features more than 70 color photographs - taken between 1939 and 1943 - that vividly capture the effects of the Great Depression on rural and small-town ...more
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The Library of Congress features more than 70 color photographs - taken between 1939 and 1943 - that vividly capture the effects of the Great Depression on rural and small-town America and highlights the economic growth that preceded World War II. This is great visual resource for a 20th century American history class. Photography students can use the site to examine how the "Kodachrome" era changed the way we view our collective past.
In the Classroom
It's interesting how viewing the images in color makes the viewer feel as though the Great Depression was something far more recent - perhaps due to the dated feeling of black and white images. In a discussion of the Great Depression, spend some time comparing these images and the traditional black and white images on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Ask students about the differences and if one is more revealing or not. This can also lead into a discussion on the reliability of primary sources and the effects of seeing something rather than reading it.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Real Clear Politics - Real Clear Politics
Grades
9 to 12
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If you are a politics geek, this site will occupy you for hours! "Real Clear Politics" is a collection of video clips, editorials, blog postings, and news stories on current ...more
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If you are a politics geek, this site will occupy you for hours! "Real Clear Politics" is a collection of video clips, editorials, blog postings, and news stories on current politics. The site strives to capture both the left and the right, and "everything in between" and carries the full range from Limbaugh to Olbermann; from the Wall Street Journal to the Nation. If you and your students don't have time to catch all the evening commentary programs, read half a dozen papers, and search the blogsphere for facts and opinion (and who does?) this site might be a great place to start each day. Stories are categorized by date and by topic and there is a link to video content.
In the Classroom
Make this site available in Favorites on your classroom computer for students to refer to often when they have questions about current events or politics or build deeper understanding. You may also want to list this link on your class website or wiki, so students can access the page both in and out of the class. Consider using the site as an icebreaker at the beginning of a class: pick one of the polls or short video clips (share it on your interactive whiteboard or projector) and discuss. Use the site to demonstrate how to negotiate the partisanship in political reporting on television and to teach students about how political bias affects the tenor of the conversation about current events. After doing research, have cooperative learning groups create podcasts or video commercials highlighting a recent event or political figure. Create FREE podcasts using a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). Share student-made videos on a site such as Teachers.TV reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Arkansas
Grades
4 to 12
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The state's home page. ...more
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The state's home page.
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American Airlines: CR Smith Museum - learningbox.com
Grades
4 to 10
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Use this site to learn about Cyrus Rowlett Smith, a pioneer aviator and patriarch of American Airlines. See this website, ...more
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Use this site to learn about Cyrus Rowlett Smith, a pioneer aviator and patriarch of American Airlines. See this website, here, that offers a simple timeline of his life and accomplishments. The time line stretches from 1899 - 1990. There are graphics, historical and scientific information, information about World War II, and biographic information about C. R. Smith. The site and timeline are very simple to use and offer some little known information.
In the Classroom
Use this website as a resource for a research project about inventors. Share the timeline on an interactive whiteboard or projector during a unit about inventors, engineers, or aviation.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Attack on Pearl Harbor - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12
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The National Geographic's visually attractive presentation on the Pearl Harbor attack includes several resources that could easily be adapted for instructional purposes, and the interest...more
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The National Geographic's visually attractive presentation on the Pearl Harbor attack includes several resources that could easily be adapted for instructional purposes, and the interest in first-person accounts and recollections could be adapted for many different subjects. This site could also be a nice resource for student research and reports.
In the Classroom
Use the "aerial view of Pearl Harbor" on this site as a learning center or station during a lesson on the attack on Pearl Harbor. Students can view the image and read the information in cooperative learning groups or individually, although because there is a lot of information - we recommend creating a follow-along to highlight for students what's most important. For help creating graphic organizers, we recommend trying Graphic Organizer Maker, (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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