4015 social-studies results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12
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,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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 (136), egypt (59), myths and legends (42), pyramids (24), religions (113)
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.Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students will explore how the Maya used glyphs to record history, communicate ideas, and document daily life. The lesson includes discussion questions and activities encouraging students to analyze and create their own glyphs. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, this resource brings history and language to life through interactive learning!
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a chart of Mayan glyphs and their meanings. Then, give them a short "coded" message using real Mayan glyphs and challenge them to decode it. Doing this introduces them to the complexity of the Mayan writing system in a fun, interactive way. Hide "glyphs" around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to "excavate" and analyze their findings. They must hypothesize what the symbols might mean based on context clues and prior knowledge, like real archaeologists decoding ancient texts. In small groups or individually, students can create a mini "Maya codex" by folding paper in accordion style and illustrating a short story using glyphs and pictures. They can write a key to explain their symbols, like archaeologists do when deciphering ancient texts!
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
The History of Ancient Egypt - Smithsonian Channel
Grades
4 to 8Bring Ancient Egypt to Life with Engaging Videos! This Ancient Egypt YouTube Playlist is a fantastic resource for teachers looking to make history more interactive and visual. These...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Bring Ancient Egypt to Life with Engaging Videos! This Ancient Egypt YouTube Playlist is a fantastic resource for teachers looking to make history more interactive and visual. These videos cover topics like pyramids, pharaohs, daily life, and mythology, and help students see and hear the world of Ancient Egypt beyond the textbook. Perfect for introducing new concepts, sparking discussions, or reinforcing lessons, this playlist brings history to life in an educational and engaging way for learners of all levels. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): asia (136), egypt (59), myths and legends (42), pyramids (24)
In the Classroom
After watching videos about pharaohs, students can imagine they are rulers of Ancient Egypt. They can write a journal entry or speech describing their daily life, responsibilities, and accomplishments. They can even present it in character, wearing a paper pharaoh's crown! Turn learning into a fun trivia game. Use key facts from the videos to create a Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here, where students can test their knowledge in teams. Add bonus challenges like "act out a scene" or "draw a mystery object" for extra fun. Students can participate in a "choose your own adventure" activity where they must make decisions as an ancient Egyptian (ex., choosing a job, where to live, what to trade). Students can explain and compare their choices to what they learned in the videos. Students can work in groups to create a short skit about a historical event or daily life in Ancient Egypt. They can act as scribes, merchants, builders, or even gods and goddesses, bringing history to life through performance.Ancient Egypt Map Lesson Pack - Twinkl
Grades
3 to 7Take Your Students on a Journey Through Ancient Egypt! The Twinkl Ancient Egypt Map Lesson is a fantastic resource for helping students explore the geography of this fascinating civilization....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Take Your Students on a Journey Through Ancient Egypt! The Twinkl Ancient Egypt Map Lesson is a fantastic resource for helping students explore the geography of this fascinating civilization. Students will learn about key locations like the Nile River, pyramids, temples, and ancient cities with detailed maps, interactive activities, and guided lessons, This ready-to-use lesson makes it easy to connect geography with history, helping students understand how the landscape shaped Egyptian life, trade, and culture. Perfect for an engaging and visual learning experience!
tag(s): asia (136), egypt (59), map skills (64), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Give students a blank map of Ancient Egypt and have them label key locations like the Nile River, Giza, Thebes, Memphis, the Red Sea, and the Sahara Desert. Add a challenge by having them color-code fertile land, deserts, and water sources to understand Egypt's geography. Students role-play as Egyptian traders or travelers journeying along the Nile. They will use a map to plan their route, deciding where to stop for food, trade, or religious ceremonies. They can write a travel diary entry describing their experiences. Make the travel diary online using a tool like WriteReader, reviewed here or Book Creator, reviewed here. Cut out sections of an Ancient Egypt map and mix them up. Have students work in groups to reassemble the map, identifying key landmarks as they put it together. Using clay, paper mache, or even a digital tool such as CoSpaces, reviewed here, students create a 3D model of Ancient Egypt, highlighting the Nile River, major cities, and famous landmarks.What Life Was Like As An Incan - Nutty Productions
Grades
5 to 8"What Life Was Like As An Incan" is a twelve-minute YouTube video highlighting the ancient Incas. The video highlights surgery, food, travel, astronomy, architecture, babites, marriage,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
"What Life Was Like As An Incan" is a twelve-minute YouTube video highlighting the ancient Incas. The video highlights surgery, food, travel, astronomy, architecture, babites, marriage, and mummification.
tag(s): south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can write a story about what they learned in the video by creating a simple blog post using Telegra.ph reviewed here. This site does not require any registration. Students can also ToonyTool, reviewed here to create single-frame cartoons about the video.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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
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.Native Knowledge 360: The Meaning of Innovation - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
5 to 8Discover an interactive digital lesson that explores how the Inka Empire engineered a 25,000-mile road network across challenging Andean terrain without the use of wheels or metal tools....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Discover an interactive digital lesson that explores how the Inka Empire engineered a 25,000-mile road network across challenging Andean terrain without the use of wheels or metal tools. The lesson incorporates maps, videos, historical illustrations, and inquiry-based activities to examine Inka innovations in transportation, agriculture, and water management. It also highlights how Indigenous communities continue to use and preserve these technologies today.
tag(s): inquiry (30), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use History in Motion reviewed here to create their own Inca timeline. Students can compare and contrast the innovation of the Incan civilizations to other civilizations using Google Drawings reviewed here. Finally, students can use Padlet reviewed here to post facts that they learned.The Mali Empire - National Geographic
Grades
5 to 8National Geographic: The Mali Empire is an article highlighting how King Sundiata Keita, also known as the "Lion King," brought wealth, culture, and Islamic faith to West Africa's...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
National Geographic: The Mali Empire is an article highlighting how King Sundiata Keita, also known as the "Lion King," brought wealth, culture, and Islamic faith to West Africa's Mali Empire. It also discusses the fall of the empire after his death. The article includes a vocabulary section.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast King Sundiata Keita to different rulers during the same period. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area. Finally, students can use Timeline JS, reviewed here to create a timeline of the Mali Empire.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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
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.Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
View this engaging article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her life, achievements, and impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The student-friendly article explores Ginsburg's fight for gender equality, her role as a trailblazing justice, and her lasting influence on American law. With accessible language and engaging visuals, this resource is ideal for classroom discussions on influential women in history, social justice, and the Supreme Court's role in shaping society. Teachers can use it to spark conversations about perseverance, fairness, and civic responsibility.
tag(s): civil rights (219), courts (24), jews (52), religions (113), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Display some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quotes (ex, "Fight for the things that you care about...") and have students match them to their meanings. Set up a mock Supreme Court scenario where students act as justices, lawyers, or petitioners. Present a simple, kid-friendly case about fairness, such as equal rights in sports teams, and let students debate and make a ruling. Students can also use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Have students create a timeline using Class Tools, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here of important moments in Ginsburg's life and compare them with key events in U.S. history. Inspired by RBG's famous collars, students create their own "justice badge" that represents a cause they care about. Students can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make the badge online.Teachers- Holocaust Museum Houston - Holocaust Museum Houston
Grades
K to 12The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Holocaust Museum Houston's Educators page provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. It offers specialized lesson plans, classroom activities, and professional development opportunities to enhance Holocaust education. These materials are designed to support educators in delivering accurate and engaging content about the Holocaust, fostering critical thinking and empathy among students. Additionally, the museum provides contact information and avenues for further assistance, ensuring educators can access the support they need. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): critical thinking (137), ebooks (46), empathy (37), holocaust (43), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), professional development (393), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Using the museum's digital artifact collection, students can select an item (for example, a diary, identification card, or photograph) and analyze its significance. Then they can write a short reflection or narrative from the perspective of the artifact's owner. Students can examine examples of Nazi propaganda versus resistance writings (e.g., underground newspapers, speeches, or poems). They then create their counter-propaganda messages promoting human rights and resilience. Students research a current human rights issue and compare it to lessons learned from the Holocaust. They then design a "Take Action" campaign, including posters, social media posts, or letters advocating for change. Posters and social media templates can be found on Canva Edu, reviewed here.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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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.Sundiata, Lion King of Mali - Sundiata, Lion King of Mali
Grades
6 to 8Sundiata, Lion King of Mali is a Reader's Theatre script for middle school students. Sundiata was the prince and founder of the Mali Empire. The play focuses on life before ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Sundiata, Lion King of Mali is a Reader's Theatre script for middle school students. Sundiata was the prince and founder of the Mali Empire. The play focuses on life before he was born and continues throughout his adult life.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can reenact the play and create props to use during the reenactment. Students can use Sutori, reviewed here to create a timeline of Sundiata's life and accomplishments. Finally, students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post questions about Sundiata and the Mali Empire.9 Jewish American Heritage Month Activities for Children - Britt Hawthorne
Grades
K to 8Britt Hawthorne's blog post on Jewish American Heritage Month activities provides teachers with engaging ways to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history in the classroom. The...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Britt Hawthorne's blog post on Jewish American Heritage Month activities provides teachers with engaging ways to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history in the classroom. The site includes book recommendations, discussion prompts, hands-on crafts, and interactive activities suitable for elementary and middle school students. Educators can use these resources to foster inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations about Jewish identity and history. The activities are adaptable across subjects and promote critical thinking, making them a valuable addition to classroom celebrations during Jewish American Heritage Month.
tag(s): blogs (68), crafts (76), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (226), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Reach out to local community centers or synagogues in nearby cities to inquire about any planned events or programs in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Have students read books and movies that highlight Jewish American experiences. They can present their thoughts through a podcast using Adobe Podcast reviewed here or a slide presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here. Introduce students to Tikkun Olam (the Jewish concept of repairing the world). As a class, brainstorm and complete a community service project, such as writing letters to elders, organizing a classroom donation drive, or creating kindness posters for the school.Jews & the Arts:10 Innovators - PBS
Grades
6 to 12The PBS article "Jews & The Arts: 10 Innovators" introduces students to ten influential Jewish-American artists who have significantly impacted various creative fields. The resource...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The PBS article "Jews & The Arts: 10 Innovators" introduces students to ten influential Jewish-American artists who have significantly impacted various creative fields. The resource provides brief biographies of figures such as lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, feminist artist Judy Chicago, and graphic designer Milton Glaser, highlighting their contributions to music, visual arts, and design. This compilation serves as a valuable tool for educators aiming to explore Jewish Americans' diverse cultural and artistic contributions in their curriculum.
tag(s): artists (87), composers (20), cultures (226), famous people (28), immigrants (48), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Students can create posters or digital slides using Canva Edu, reviewed here showcasing an artist's biography, artwork, and impact. Display the projects around the classroom, and have students walk around the room in small groups to learn from each other. Students select one artist from the list, research their life and work, and present their findings to the class. They can use multimedia, such as images of the artist's work or short video clips with moovly, reviewed here to make their presentation more engaging. After learning about one of the artists, students can create their own piece of artwork, whether it's visual, musical, or a poem, inspired by the themes or styles of the artist they researched. They can present their work to the class and explain the influences they drew upon.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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): myths and legends (42)
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.Inca Science, Innovation, and Technology - History's Histories
Grades
5 to 9View this in-depth look at how the Inca civilization thrived through practical innovation. The site explores topics such as the role of llamas in daily life, strategies used to unite...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
View this in-depth look at how the Inca civilization thrived through practical innovation. The site explores topics such as the role of llamas in daily life, strategies used to unite newly conquered tribes, the purpose and design of Incan roads, and how messengers navigated the empire. The site also covers the empire's defense systems, the way Incan architecture blended with the landscape, and how they communicated without a written language. Rich in content, the site includes photos, videos, and maps to enhance student understanding.
tag(s): architecture (84), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post information that they learned. Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to visit the location. Finally, students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a book about the Incan civilization.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
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
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.Peru's Machu Picchu - Ministry of Culture
Grades
6 to 12Peru's Machu Picchu site offers a virtual tour of Museo de Sitio and a link to Machu Picchu viewed through the eyes of Fernando Astete. The site can be translated ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Peru's Machu Picchu site offers a virtual tour of Museo de Sitio and a link to Machu Picchu viewed through the eyes of Fernando Astete. The site can be translated into Spanish and French.
tag(s): cultures (226), south america (77)