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Ancient Africa - Mali Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and ...more
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Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and prosperous medieval civilizations. Share this thorough collection of resources with your students as a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Mali's history, culture, and legacy. This collection also includes a helpful article (view here) for teachers that highlights many activities and books related to the Mali Empire. The article includes activities and extensions to help differentiate the content and offer extra student support.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Mali Empire with your class! Take a peek at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons. Your students will love exploring this ancient civilization together!Inca Empire Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection...more
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The Inca Empire, known to its people as Tawantinsuyu or "The Four Regions," stands as one of the most impressive pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. This extensive collection of resources offers a window for your students to the remarkable world of the Inca, from their emergence in the 13th century to their conquest by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Spanning archaeology, history, and anthropology, these materials illuminate the empire's achievements in architecture, engineering, agriculture, and more. From the citadel of Machu Picchu to the extensive network of roads to the complex social hierarchy, this compilation provides a look at the civilization that once stretched along the Andean mountain range, dominating western South America.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about the Inca Empire. 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.Maya Civilization Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th...more
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This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. From the towering pyramids to the intricate hieroglyphic writing system, these carefully curated materials shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Maya life, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Share this compilation with your students. It provides a rich tapestry of information to explore the civilization that once dominated the forests of Central America and southern Mexico. Find many resources for your students to use for research and a deeper understanding of this powerful civilization.
In the Classroom
Dive into the fascinating world of the Maya with your class! This collection has some fantastic resources perfect for your cooperative learning groups. Take a peek at each resource's "Classroom Use" section for creative ideas on weaving these materials into your lessons. Your students will love exploring this ancient civilization together!Kingdom of Kush Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating...more
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Take your students on a trip to a different time. The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful and often overlooked civilization that flourished in ancient Nubia (present-day Sudan), offers a fascinating glimpse into Africa's rich historical tapestry. This collection of resources highlights the remarkable legacy of Kush, spanning from its emergence around 2500 BCE to its decline in the 4th century CE. From the towering pyramids of Meroe to the intricate jewelry found in royal tombs, from the complex relationship with ancient Egypt to the development of the Meroitic script, these carefully curated materials reveal a civilization of great wealth, cultural sophistication, and political influence.
In the Classroom
Don't miss the chance to share this collection link on your school website and in your next newsletter. Your fellow teachers and parents will appreciate having access to these materials! Browse through to find perfect additions to your upcoming lessons--there's something here for every teaching style!Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Cluster Web Activity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures....more
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.
tag(s): africa (170), cultures (211), politics (118), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Divide students into groups representing different West African empires. Give each group specific trade goods (gold, salt, ivory, etc.) and have them negotiate and "trade" with each other, simulating the trans-Saharan trade routes. Students can create annotated maps showing the locations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, major trade routes, and key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. Have them use MapHub reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here and add visuals and summaries to their maps. Assign students to research and compare the leadership styles of Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, and Sunni Ali. They can present their findings through a podcast-style discussion using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Buzzsprout reviewed here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
The Empire of Mali- The Twang of a Bow - Extra History
Grades
6 to 12This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership...more
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Have students explore Mali's contributions to art, music, and storytelling, researching griots, traditional instruments, or historical sites like Timbuktu. They can present their findings through skits, posters, or mini-documentaries using moovly reviewed here or Animoto reviewed here. Students can participate in a Mali trade simulation, where they role-play merchants, kings, and traders exchanging goods (gold, salt, textiles) and negotiating taxes, highlighting the importance of trade in Mali's success. Students can illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here retelling key events from Sundiata's journey, emphasizing major turning points like his exile, rise to power, and victory over Soumaoro Kante.Mali Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
4 to 12Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing...more
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!
tag(s): africa (170), creative writing (125), journals (16)
In the Classroom
Students can create a travel journal to record responses to lessons on paper or using Imagine Forest, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here. Have students participate in a suitcase packing activity to prepare for an imaginary journey to Mali by choosing items they may need on the trip. Create a list of items they may pack and have them discuss their choices. Students can illustrate key moments from the Epic of Sundiata using a storyboard format. They can either draw by hand or use digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here to represent important events, such as Sundiata's early struggles, his rise to power, and the establishment of the Mali Empire. Have students participate in a trade simulation to understand the economic power of the Mali Empire. They can role-play as merchants trading gold, salt, and other goods along the trans-Saharan trade routes.Ghosts of Machu Picchu - PBS NOVA
Grades
6 to 12The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource...more
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The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource to engage students with interactive features, expert insights, and video content that uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu's construction, purpose, and rediscovery. The site provides rich visuals, timelines, and articles that support discussions on ancient civilizations, engineering marvels, and cultural heritage. This resource is ideal for history, geography, and STEM lessons, encouraging critical thinking through analysis of archaeological evidence and historical interpretation.
tag(s): archeology (30), south america (77), STEM (306), timelines (57)
In the Classroom
Have students explore the website's visuals, articles, and videos to "virtually visit" Machu Picchu. Then, in small groups, students can create a travel brochure or digital slideshow highlighting key features, historical significance, and unanswered mysteries. These projects can be completed online using Canva Edu reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. After learning about Machu Picchu's sophisticated stone construction and drainage system, students can design and test their own miniature stone wall models using clay, Legos, or sugar cubes, mimicking Incan building techniques. Students can compare Machu Picchu's engineering, society, and daily life to another ancient civilization (ex., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome) and present their findings through a Venn diagram on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire - BioGreat TV
Grades
5 to 12Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching...more
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Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching the video, a sketch artist sketches pictures or words about the Mali Empire.
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In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to take notes about the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create a timeline about the Mali Empire. Students can also research more about the leaders shared in the video.Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12The MexicoLore website's "Ancient Maya Music" section provides valuable resources for teachers exploring the role of music in Maya civilization. It covers the types of instruments used,...more
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The MexicoLore website's "Ancient Maya Music" section provides valuable resources for teachers exploring the role of music in Maya civilization. It covers the types of instruments used, their cultural and religious significance, and how music was integrated into ceremonies and daily life. The content is well-researched and includes images, expert insights, and interactive elements to engage students. This resource is ideal for supplementing lessons on the Maya, helping students connect with their traditions through the universal language of music.
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), musical instruments (54)
In the Classroom
Students can research and identify different Maya musical instruments (drums, whistles, ocarinas, rattles). They can listen to recordings of similar instruments and discuss their sounds and possible uses. Students can make simple versions of Maya-style instruments using household materials (clay whistles, bottle maracas). Students can also explore how traditional Maya music has influenced modern music in Mexico and Central America. They can also research contemporary Maya communities still using ancient instruments and present their findings through a short slideshow using Google Slides reviewed here, a video using moovly reviewed here, or a poster. Working in small groups, students can create a short musical performance inspired by Maya music. They can use simple percussion instruments, vocals, or even body percussion to replicate rhythmic patterns that might have been used in Maya ceremonies.Ancient Egypt and the Nile River Valley - Khan Academy
Grades
6 to 10Khan Academy's "Overview of Ancient Egypt" video provides a brief yet informative introduction to Ancient Egyptian civilization. It covers key aspects such as geography, the significance...more
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Khan Academy's "Overview of Ancient Egypt" video provides a brief yet informative introduction to Ancient Egyptian civilization. It covers key aspects such as geography, the significance of the Nile River, religious beliefs, pharaohs, and significant cultural achievements, including pyramids and hieroglyphics. The resource is designed for learners of all levels, using clear explanations and visual aids to enhance understanding. As a teacher, you can use this video to introduce students to Ancient Egypt, spark discussions, or supplement lessons on early civilizations. The platform also offers related materials for deeper exploration of the topic.
tag(s): asia (125), egypt (59), myths and legends (41), pyramids (24), religions (112)
In the Classroom
Have your students take on the role of a pharaoh, making decisions about governing Egypt. Present students with real-life challenges (ex., a famine, a rebellion, or a need for a new pyramid) and have them decide how to respond. Students can create a map of Ancient Egypt, labeling key locations such as the Nile River, pyramids, temples, and major cities. Then, they can annotate the map briefly to explain how geography influenced Egyptian civilization. A digital map can be made using Google My Maps reviewed here or MapHubs reviewed here. Create a class language similar to hieroglyphics, and have students or the teacher write messages to each other. Have students explore Egyptian myths and gods, then create their own to write a story or skit about them.Andean Music, the Music of the Incas - Discover Peru
Grades
5 to 12The Discover Peru website's page on Andean and Inca music offers an accessible introduction to the musical traditions of the Inca civilization. It explains that the Inca primarily utilized...more
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The Discover Peru website's page on Andean and Inca music offers an accessible introduction to the musical traditions of the Inca civilization. It explains that the Inca primarily utilized wind and percussion instruments, such as panpipes (zamponas), flutes (quenas), and drums (tinya and wankara), in their music. These instruments played a significant role in various aspects of Inca society, including religious ceremonies, agricultural festivals, and daily life. The site also notes that string instruments were introduced later by the Spanish.
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tag(s): musical instruments (54), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can recreate the musical instruments used by the Incan civilization. Students can find Incan music to listen to and compare and contrast with another civilization using Figma reviewed here. Students can record the music on Acast reviewed here to deconstruct the instruments and match them to the sounds in the songs.The Children of the Sun - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
9 to 12The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian website features "Children of the Sun," a creation story from the Inca tradition. This illustrated, child-friendly resource shares...more
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The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian website features "Children of the Sun," a creation story from the Inca tradition. This illustrated, child-friendly resource shares how the Inca believed the first people were sent by the sun god to bring order and knowledge to the world. Presented as part of the "Inka Road" exhibit, the story emphasizes cultural values such as leadership, unity, and connection to nature.
tag(s): south america (77), stories and storytelling (61)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes on each of the pages from the manuscript. Students can use WordClouds reviewed here to post words associated with their message from the story. Students can use Genially, reviewed here, to show what the have learned.The Inca Empire: Everything You Wanted To Know - History Extra Podcast
Grades
8 to 12Share the podcast episode "The Inca Empire: Everything You Wanted To Know." This one-hour program, available on Apple Podcasts, explores everyday life in the Inca civilization. It answers...more
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Share the podcast episode "The Inca Empire: Everything You Wanted To Know." This one-hour program, available on Apple Podcasts, explores everyday life in the Inca civilization. It answers questions such as what daily routines looked like, how the Inca used knotted cords (quipu) to count and record information, and why stones held deep spiritual significance in their culture.
tag(s): podcasts (114), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post information about that they learn. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes during the podcast. Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the area.How The Inca Used Knots To Tell Stories - Literacy Hub
Grades
9 to 12Explore the Inca civilization's sophisticated use of quipu--a system of knotted cords--for recording information. These cords, made from cotton or camelid fiber, utilized a base-ten...more
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Explore the Inca civilization's sophisticated use of quipu--a system of knotted cords--for recording information. These cords, made from cotton or camelid fiber, utilized a base-ten system to represent numbers, effectively functioning as a three-dimensional, tactile spreadsheet. The article highlights how quipu served as a powerful administrative tool, enabling the Incas to manage their vast empire without a written language.
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tag(s): communication (130), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Slides reviewed here to make up their own stories with Incan artifacts. Students can research other ancient civilizations that did not have a writing system and use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast their accomplishments or lack thereof.The Griot tradition of West Africa - The Griot tradition of West Africa
Grades
3 to 12The Griot tradition of West Africa featuring Sibo Bangoura is a six-minute video featuring Sibo playing the Kora. Sibo sings a traditional West African song called Nan Fulie, which...more
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The Griot tradition of West Africa featuring Sibo Bangoura is a six-minute video featuring Sibo playing the Kora. Sibo sings a traditional West African song called Nan Fulie, which focuses on the importance of the Griot people. He additionally features an improvisation on the Djembe.
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tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can learn about the musical instruments Sibo features. Students can compare and contrast Sibo to other African musicians using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Finally, students can use WordClouds, reviewed here to share their feelings and emotions while listening to the songs.PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly - PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is a six-minute video featuring what appears to be an ancient manuscript found in Timbuktu. It highlights the city's history and the Islamic...more
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PBS's Timbuktu | Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is a six-minute video featuring what appears to be an ancient manuscript found in Timbuktu. It highlights the city's history and the Islamic religion. Share the video via Google Classroom or from the provided link. Teachers can also build a lesson with the video. The video aligns with the New York State Core Curriculum.
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post their questions after viewing the video. Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here for note taking while watching the video. Finally, students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area featured in the video.Inca Empire for Kids: Myths, Legends, and Stories - Mr. Donn
Grades
3 to 12Inca Empire for Kids: Myths, Legends, and Stories highlights how studying myths, legends, and stories tells the story of the civilization. Featured are links to the Incan creation...more
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Inca Empire for Kids: Myths, Legends, and Stories highlights how studying myths, legends, and stories tells the story of the civilization. Featured are links to the Incan creation myth video, the llama legend, the myth of Mano Capac, the myth of the Rod of Gold, and more.
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tag(s): myths and legends (41)
In the Classroom
Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast myths from the Inca civilization to others. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to display what they learned about the Incan civilization after reading one of the myths. Finally, students can use Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here to re-create a myth and share it on their screen or by recording themselves.Ghosts of Machu Picchu 2 - PBS Nova
Grades
5 to 12Ghosts of Machu Picchu is a free site that explores careers related to Machu Picchu. The site offers a video on the Ghost of Machu Picchu, an interview on the ...more
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Ghosts of Machu Picchu is a free site that explores careers related to Machu Picchu. The site offers a video on the Ghost of Machu Picchu, an interview on the Incas' ice mummies, a profile of a climate expert, and a lesson on ice mummies. The lesson is divided into grades 5-8 and 9-12, with an extension activity on falling on the leaning tower.
tag(s): climate (85), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can research more about the ice mummies and how the climate affected their melting. Students can use MyLens reviewed here to document key moments/important milestones in the history of ice mummies. Finally, students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the location.How Standards and Technology Enabled the Inca Empire to Thrive - NIST
Grades
9 to 12This blog post highlights how the Inca Empire used advanced standards and technology, like the khipu for record-keeping and a vast road network, to manage their civilization. It shows...more
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This blog post highlights how the Inca Empire used advanced standards and technology, like the khipu for record-keeping and a vast road network, to manage their civilization. It shows how measurement, organization, and engineering helped the Incas thrive without a written language. This resource is great for middle and high school lessons on Indigenous innovation and infrastructure.
tag(s): south america (77)