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Mayas - Aztecs - Incas - Wendy Conklin
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): architecture (84), religions (111), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Transform your classroom into a bustling market! Assign students roles as Maya, Aztec, or Inca merchants selling goods like cacao, maize, textiles, or gold. Have them barter and trade based on their civilization's economy. Students can analyze Maya glyphs or Inca quipu (knotted cords used for record-keeping). They can try writing their names in glyphs or creating a simple quipu with yarn. Students can research and retell a myth from one of the three civilizations. They can write a short script, perform, or illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here. Students could also record a podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here. Students can build Maya pyramids (with sugar cubes), Aztec chinampas (floating gardens using sponges & water trays), or Inca terraces (stacked cardboard "mountains") to explore their engineering feats.Early American Civilizations- Maya, Aztec, and Inca - Core Knowledge
Grades
4 to 6tag(s): critical thinking (135), literacy (123), maps (225), south america (77), vocabulary (243)
In the Classroom
Make a Mystery Box by placing pictures or replicas of Maya, Aztec, and Inca artifacts (ex., a quipu, a pyramid, a codex) in a box. Have students pull an item, describe it, and infer its use before reading about it in the text. Students create a visual comparison such as a Venn diagram, poster, or digital infographic using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here showing similarities and differences between the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. They can list areas like government, religion, architecture, and daily life. Students can write a first-person journal entry as a Maya scribe, an Aztec warrior, or an Incan messenger, describing a day in their life while incorporating factual details from the reader.Inca Civilization - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
3 to 10tag(s): cultures (209), religions (111), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Assign students different roles in Inca society (ex., farmer, noble, priest, artisan, emperor, chasqui messenger), have students research their roles, and then participate in a classroom simulation where they interact based on their social status. After reviewing the resources on Inca architecture, students can work in teams to design and build a model of an Inca terrace farm, bridge, or city using clay, cardboard, or recycled materials. They can also create a digital model using CoSpaces reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Encourage students to explain how their design reflects the Incas' use of geography and engineering skills. Using the quipu worksheets, students learn how the Incas recorded numbers using knots. Students then create their own quipu messages using string and assign numerical or symbolic meanings.Mayan Crystal - Gen-Z Media
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), mysteries (24), myths and legends (41)
In the Classroom
Have students research a Mayan myth or legend and turn it into a short comic strip. They can illustrate their own interpretation of the story or retell a scene from Mayan Crystal in comic form. The comic strip could also be made online using ToonyTool reviewed here or Canva Comic Strip Templates reviewed here. Since Mayan Crystal features immersive soundscapes, challenge your students to create their own sound effects for a short scene using everyday objects. They can record sounds or perform them live in small groups. Ask students to write a new ending or an extra scene for Mayan Crystal. How would they change the story if a key event had played out differently? Assign students different characters from the podcast and have them act out a key scene or participate in a mock interview as their character.Honoring Memorial Day In The Classroom - Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): holidays (193), memorial day (18)
In the Classroom
Show one of the short videos featuring a Medal of Honor recipient (like Florent Groberg or William Swenson) from the Memorial Day resource page. Have students identify traits such as courage, sacrifice, or integrity shown in the story and discuss how those values connect to Memorial Day. Use the "Honoring Memorial Day" lesson plan to have students write letters to veterans or active-duty service members. Provide sentence starters or prompts from the site to help guide reflection and expression of appreciation. After learning about a recipient, have students design a poster that represents a core value they demonstrated (ex., bravery, loyalty). Encourage the use of symbols, quotes, and imagery. These can be displayed in a Memorial Day gallery walk.Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers - Edutopia
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): memorial day (18), multimedia (54), virtual field trips (132), world war 1 (79)
In the Classroom
Watch a short History Channel video about Memorial Day (linked in the article). Then have students complete a quick-write on what they learned and how the holiday connects to their lives. Provide students with a set of facts from Time's article "7 Things You Didn't Know About Memorial Day." Have students highlight surprising or meaningful facts and create a mini "Did You Know?" classroom wall display. You can also create a virtual wall using Padlet, reviewed here for students to share what they found most meaningful. After learning about the purpose of Memorial Day, students can design a poster that honors the military. It may include symbols (like poppies or flags), quotes, and a short message of gratitude. This activity can also be done as a slideshow presentation using Google Slides reviewed here.Memorial Day Lesson Plans and Activities - Education World
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): critical thinking (135), memorial day (18)
In the Classroom
Have students create miniature parade floats inside shoeboxes (dioramas) to honor different U.S. wars or military branches. Assign students to write short essays or thank-you notes to veterans, then post them on a classroom "Wall of Peace." Have students use real data to create bar graphs showing the number of casualties in major U.S. wars. The graphs can be created digitally using ClassTools reviewed here.Memorial Day Lesson Plan Ideas - National Education Association
Grades
K to 8tag(s): crafts (74), memorial day (18)
In the Classroom
Create a classroom scavenger hunt where students find and decode symbols related to Memorial Day (ex., flag, eagle, poppy, dog tag). Have students write and decorate heartfelt letters to local veterans or active-duty service members. Use a simple chart or infographic to explore statistics about U.S. military history (wars fought, soldiers served, etc.). Read a picture book or short story that touches on themes of sacrifice or remembrance, such as The Wall by Eve Bunting. Assign students to write and deliver a short speech or poem answering the question, "What does freedom mean to me?" Students can share their poems using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here.9 Memorial Day Activities - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): american flag (8), american revolution (83), critical thinking (135), memorial day (18), symbols (16)
In the Classroom
Have students respond to a prompt such as "Why is it important to remember those who served?" Have students research a Revolutionary War figure or battle and design a fictional memorial to honor it. Assign students to write a short poem honoring fallen soldiers and combine it with visual symbols on a poster (ex., poppies, flags, eagles). Make a digital class collection of the poem by making a presentation on Canva Edu reviewed here.US Memorial Day for Kids - Twinkl Educational Teaching Resources
Grades
2 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): holidays (193), memorial day (18)
In the Classroom
Give students a worksheet with pictures or descriptions of key Memorial Day symbols (ex., red poppy, American flag at half-staff, soldier's grave, parade). Have students check off symbols they see and write what each one represents as they watch the video. After learning about Moina Michael and her poppy poem, have students write their short tribute poems or acrostics using POPPY or HONOR. Take students on a virtual tour of Arlington National Cemetery or Gettysburg using online resources.CTRL-F's Fact-Checking Tools -- Video 2: Looking up Claims and Website Owners - CTRL-F's Fact-Checking Tools -- Video 2: Looking up Claims and W
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): digital citizenship (89), digital literacy (9)
In the Classroom
Students can use the tips and tricks to evaluate websites. They can use Padlet, reviewed here to share the websites and evaluation. Students can use Adobe Podcast reviewed here to create public service announcements about the dangers of fake websites. Students can use Figma, reviewed here to compare and contrast websites.Jewish American Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12In the Classroom
Students can explore primary sources from the Library of Congress or the National Archives on Jewish American contributions. In pairs, they can analyze an artifact (ex., a historical photo, letter, or newspaper article) and present their findings. Assign students a prominent Jewish American figure (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). They can research their impact using resources from the site and create a short podcast using Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Students can also interview other students, as if they were that historical figure. Students can explore Jewish contributions to literature, science, politics, and civil rights and create digital slides with Visme, reviewed here or Genially, reviewed here highlighting key figures, inventions, or cultural traditions.Mali: Elementary Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lessons using the lesson plans provided. Students can use Book Creator reviewed here as a tool in writing about their life in the Mali Empire or to Market to Market. Students can use Figma reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram outlining the formation and fall of the Mali Empire.Biography: Sundiata Keita of Mali - Ducksters
Grades
3 to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can create a book using Book Creator reviewed here. Students can use MyLens reviewed here to create a timeline of Sundiata's life and accomplishments. Finally, students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast Sundiata to another emperor.OK2Ask: Tech Made EZ with Clipchamp - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Discover the power...more
Discover the power of using instructional video in your classroom by exploring Clipchamp, Microsoft's user-friendly video editing tool. In this workshop, you'll learn to create engaging videos that enhance instruction, support differentiation, and cater to the needs of all learners, including multilingual students. This session will equip you with the skills you need to leverage Clipchamp's latest features for effective teaching and assessment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master the fundamentals of Clipchamp. 2. Implement strategies for using video content to differentiate instruction. 3. Collaborate on strategies for incorporating Clipchamp into classroom instruction and assessment. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): creating media (16), professional development (390), video (267)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: Resource Roundup: Free Tools from the Edge - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Discover free digital...more
Discover free digital tools that empower students to creatively demonstrate their learning! Explore the TeachersFirst Edge--a collection of web-based resources that enable quick, engaging project creation. Learn how students can easily make explainer images, concept maps, videos, and more to showcase their understanding across different subject areas. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Navigate and understand the organization of TeachersFirst Edge resource categories. 2. Identify and select free digital tools that support creative, student-centered knowledge demonstration. 3. Develop a practical plan for integrating an Edge tool into an upcoming instructional unit by creating a sample learning artifact. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): creating media (16), professional development (390), student-centered (8)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with More Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Dive deeper into...more
Dive deeper into Project Zero Thinking Routines to focus on perspective-taking strategies that build empathy and social-emotional skills. This workshop explores innovative ways to help students think about their thinking, listen with understanding, and take responsible risks. You'll learn how to integrate digital tools and AI technologies to transform perspective-taking routines into engaging, interactive experiences. Discover practical techniques for fostering empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions that encourage students to see the world through diverse lenses. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand perspective-taking thinking routines and their impact on developing students' empathy and social-emotional skills. 2. Develop strategies to help students reflect on their thinking processes and listen with understanding and empathy. 3. Integrate digital tools and technologies to enhance perspective-taking thinking routines. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (135), differentiation (85), empathy (36), professional development (390), social and emotional learning (107)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: Believe the Hype! Using HyperDocs for Innovative Instruction - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12HyperDocs have evolved...more
HyperDocs have evolved beyond simple digital worksheets into powerful, flexible learning experiences that transform classroom instruction. In this workshop, participants will discover how to leverage HyperDocs as versatile instructional tools that support diverse learners, empower student voice, and facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technology. Learn how to design interactive, differentiated lessons that maximize student engagement and learning potential and gain new insights into using AI to streamline lesson planning and support multilingual learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the core principles and benefits of using HyperDocs in instruction. 2. Identify effective design strategies by exploring sample HyperDocs and templates. 3. Learn techniques for integrating AI tools to assist in HyperDoc creation. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (48), teaching strategies (52)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12tag(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.Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.