Third Grade Social Studies
Websites to Support the TEKS
Karan
Duwe
In an
effort to teach information literacy skills to young children, I have created a
list of reputable websites based on the third grade Social Studies TEKS. Students donít have
the luxury of time to surf the internet searching for information at this
level, so I created this bank of websites to help the teachers and students
find information in a timely manner and to help ensure success for third
graders looking for answers to their questions.
I began with a list of general websites that I had collected over the
last two years. Then I used a search
engine called netTrekker to help me search by
TEKS. I used keywords from the TEKS to
search for information. Some of the
sites contain general information, some have lesson plans, and many have
interactive experiences for the student.
I grouped the websites according to the major strands of the social
studies TEKS ñ history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture,
science and social studies skills.
Students
need instruction on the usefulness of information found on the Internet. This list is a good starting point in helping
them evaluate websites and recognize that not all information found on a
computer is accurate and free of bias.
The teacher and library media specialist can help the student compare
the information found on the Internet with the information found in the hidden
web (library databases). Students can
learn that there are better places to find information than Yahooligans and Ask
Jeeves then eventually be able to decide which type
of media can help them solve future problems.
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 History standards
http://www.osv.org/education/docs/childhood/index.htm
Take a look into childhood
in the early 19th century. Audio content and pictures make this a nice
historical resource. Old Sturbridge
Village.
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=331
EdSitement – Understanding History
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Understanding the
important events in United States History and being able to understand how
history affects current events is a crucial skill for students. This lesson
plan leads students through
research which will help them examine and analyze important milestones in
U.S. History through first hand accounts of family members who lived through
those events. |
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http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/
Enchanted
Learning Explorers
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A very complete source
for explorers from the early 1300's to 1900's, including undersea and space
exploration. Search by era, country or alphabetically. Contains a glossary of
exploration terms. |
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Discovering
Lewis and Clark
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"...a progressive
web site that is enhanced each month." Site contains illustrations,
selections from the journals of the expedition, photographs, maps, moving
pictures, and sound files that will lead student to a greater understanding
of the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition in American history,
and in contemporary life." http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/lewisandclark/ Library of
Congress – Lewis and Clark
The official site for
the Lewis and Clark exhibition at the Library of Congress. View maps,
letters, and see William Clark's compass and case. http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-6607.html?s1 Teacher
Vision: Columbus Day
At this website,
teachers can read and download several handouts, quizzes, lesson plans, and
informative articles -- all of which are related to Christopher Columbus and
Columbus Day. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/colonial Americas Library
– Colonial Days
Pilgrims came to America
beginning in the late 1400's. This site has an overview of this time in our
history with both important events and people. http://www.geocities.com/holidayzone/columbus/
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http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/descrip.htm
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National Parks Services: Teaching with Historical Places |
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The National Park
Service has done an excellent job by providing lesson plans designed to enable the student to develop
an understanding of history through the study of historical places. Teacher
and student can browse through this collection by location, theme, time
period, and National Standards for History. |
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http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/53black/53black.htm
Excellent
lesson plan to teach the concept of historical understanding by studying a
community. In this case, we
look at the South Side of Chicago to ask, "What happened here? Why did the
place change? How am I connected to this place?"
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/lessons/e1_t1-lp.html
What did your community
look like hundreds of years ago? What natural landscape attracted settlers to
your community? In this interactive lesson students are led on a "trail of
discovery" as they investigate the history of their community. Using a
variety of research tools and working in small groups, students gain insight
into the native people, natural landscape, and attractions for early settlers. A lesson that integrates social studies, language arts, and
writing. Lesson requires approximately four class periods which may be
more suitable for middle grades. Printable worksheets and links to other PBS
websites included.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/lessons/e3_t1-lp.html
Consider the Brooklyn
Bridge. What impact has this structure had on its community? What is the
history of this great landmark? In this integrated lesson, students uncover the
history of important structures within their community, focusing on past and
present influences of the structure. Through a variety of investigative
techniques, students discover that everything, including a community landmark,
has a history. This lesson requires detailed information gathering, and contact
with community residents, government agencies, and local businesses. Lesson may
be more suitable for middle school students. Printable worksheets, link to a
historic community park website, and links to other PBS websites included.
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/373.html
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Valentine Village (Lesson Plan) |
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A cute idea for students
to use their knowledge of cities to construct buildings that would be found
in a typical city. The class then puts all of the buildings together, along
with roads, blocks, signs, etc. to create their very own city. http://www.connerprairie.org/historyonline/travel.html
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http://webexhibits.org/calendars/
Well organized website
depicts the "fascinating history of the human endeavor to organize our
lives in accordance with the sun and stars." Gives an overview and
specifics of the basis of calendars through the ages.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/hohr/springer/index.htm
Learn about the Springers and their life 200 years ago from icons you can
click on for clues. What will historians say about your life?
http://www.historychannel.com/thisday/
Students can gain an
understanding of historical events by viewing events that happened today in a
certain year. Browse through what happened today in the context of Civil War,
Cold War, Old West, WW II, Vietnam history, and more! Great
resource for understanding the concept of historical time.
http://www.mrdowling.com/603-years.html
An
easy-to-understand explanation of year numbering and the BC/BCE/AD/CE
designations.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/walk/index.shtml
A fun, interactive website
that offers games, time strips, and learning opportunities to promote
historical understanding.
http://fyi.cnn.com/fyi/teachers.subjectareas/index.html
CNNfyi provides an excellent archive of lesson plans
(complete with multimedia), organized by subject. Content also includes
recommended web references, timelines, and a guide on how to make the most of
the lesson plans to be found here.
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/
Social Studies for Kids (General)
This site focuses on what
kids are learning in school in their social studies class. Content also
includes articles, fun facts, glossaries, timelines, games, and more.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0902416.html
Dating from 1600 to the
present, timeline timeline of United States History.
Includes political and social events.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/index.html
Outstanding collection of
graphic organizers, sized and ready to print for teacher use. Includes 5 Ws,
fact and opinions, KWL, KWS, etc.
Great collection of
innovative ways for children to demonstrate knowledge of books read. Uses many
different learning styles and modes of learning
http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/explore/timeline.html
The World Almanac provides
a detailed timeline of U.S. History. Click on an "era" to expand the
timeline further.
http://teachers.teach-nology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/
Instantly create printable
worksheets to practice working with timelines, Venn diagrams and more.
3.4, 3.5 Geography
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/dustbowl/sfeature/index.html
Learn more about the
effects of drought and human adaptation by visiting this site on the Great
American Dust Bowl.
http://www.discovery.com/news/features/drought/larry.html
Read "All About Drought"
and its effects on our lives. There are many wonderful images and video clips.
Be sure to click on "Famous Dry Spells" to watch narrated movies on
the Dust Bowl, the Anasazi, and more.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/owlie/tornado1.htm
National Weather
Service Safety Tips
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Learn how to prepare
yourself for severe weather by reading Owlie's
tornado safety tips. Be sure to click on the other severe weather safety tips
listed to the side of the page |
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This is a great site to
visit if you want to learn more about volcanic behavior and the hazards of
living near an active volcano.
This site features
information slope failures, wild fires, volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes,
drought, thunderstorms, snow and ice, Hurricanes, floods, and how they effect communities and how people prepare for them.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/
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NIEHS Kids Health Page |
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Learn about keeping our
environment clean with the National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences' Web Page. There are web resources for environmental issues, games
and activities and coloring pages, too. http://www.msdgc.org/planttour/ Sewage System in
Cincinnati
Take a tour of one of
Cincinnati, Ohio's wastewater treatment plants and learn more about our
sewage system and how it serves our environment. Lots of good photos |
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http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/05/circles.html
National Geographic lesson
plans and background information about the Arctic and Antarctic. Good photos.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/09/g35/crowded.html
National Geographic xpeditions
National geographic lesson
plans, “Population Pasta.” Links to
blank maps included. Helps student
determine where most of earth’s population resides.
http://www.countryreports.org/
: Everything you need to research a report on a
foreign country.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/mapreading/1.shtml
Map reading activities
with printable worksheets.
Fact Monster.com contains
kid-friendly atlas, almanac, information pages on countries and states.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet?_lang=en
This official U. S. Census
site is a great source for current data (such as population, economic, housing
and geographic) from the Census 2000. It contains data sets, tables and maps
for all geographies including the U.S., states, counties cities, towns,
American Indian reservations, metropolitan areas, zip codes, census tracts and
more.
http://factfinder.census.gov/home/en/kids/funfacts/funfacts.html
Find out how many people
live in the United States as well as interesting facts about the populations of
each state.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/
"Destinations" allows you to view any country anywhere in the world online.
It provides you with zooming capabilities for a closer look at the maps and
land layouts. Once you've selected your country, "destinations" will
give you a comprehensive fact sheet about the country along with various
beautiful slide shows
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/02/getoriented.html
National
Geographic Get Oriented
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Teachers: Here are
lesson plans and activities that are related to the use of the compass. All
grade levels are represented |
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http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/
National Geographic
magazine has a wonderful online atlas that is printer-friendly. There is an
activity section as well as lesson plans.
http://www.graphicmaps.com/clipart.htm
This map company offers a
FREE collection of map clip art that you can reproduce. They have an extensive
selection; world,continent,
and U.S. maps are only a few. Flags are also available
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=329
The students will be able
to understand different types of maps and their uses and compare different
sizes and uses for maps. Lesson plan includes academic content standards,
materials list and additional resources.
http://www.maps.com/explore/factbook/
A useful research tool
containing a world atlas, satellite images, world and United States factbook, world time zone map, and map games for elementary
students.
Enter the one stop site
that colorfully provides physical and political maps for regions of the world
along with facts, figures, statistical data, and history. Everything you need
at your fingertips.
Absolutely
wonderful site that features photos of countries, cities, geographical terms,
and weather patterns from outer space. Great site for making geography relevant to
students' lives.
http://www.plcmc.org/forkids/mow/
Detailed maps and flags
from various countries of the world. The information is based on the CIA World Factbook.
http://www.50states.com/fileindx.htm
This is a very in-depth
site. You can choose a state to study. From the state's page there is basic
information with links to find out more comprehensive information.
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/1821.html
Written for 2nd
grade, but can be adapted to third grade.
This lesson gives students
a basic understanding of what a map is and what its components are. Students
will then take this information and create their own map of a garden.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/04/gk2/favplace.html
Students will be asked to
think of their favorite place or a place they find particularly interesting.
They’ll draw pictures of that place and share information about it with a
partner. They’ll conclude by designing monuments that showcase their favorite
place." Indicated for K-2nd grade.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/04/gk2/bowerbuild.html
This lesson will give
students a basic overview of the geography of islands. They will learn where
islands are located throughout the world and will study two very different
island groups (the Philippines and the British Isles) to illustrate the
diversity of the world’s islands. Students will explore the islands’ flora and
fauna, languages, and climates and cultures.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/
http://www.mariner.org/age/stu_activity1.html
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Great hands-on activity.
That will encourage students to learn their Cardinal Directions. http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/Geography/GGR0200.html Lesson Plan for Cardinal directions
A detailed lesson is
provided to help young students become familiar with the cardinal directions
and how a compass works. http://kidshub.org/kids/logic.cfm Cardinal
directions
Use North, South, East,
and West to place the color blocks in the appropriate area. Develop problem
solving and logic skills as you practice and review the cardinal directions. http://www.kidsedge.com/cgi-bin/kidsedge/scripts/aol/sp_index.jsp?cat=earth Game for
Cardinal directions
Frog Feast, Street Fair Shuffle
and Lost Mail Lookout are three fun games to build Social Studies skills.
Macromedia Flash is required to play Frog Feast and learn directional skills
- North! South! East! West! Practice U.S. geography and help find the mail
and sort items found at the street fair. http://mac.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/teachers-packets/mapshow/lesson2.html Some Things You
Need to Know to Read a Map
A lesson plan is
provided to allow students the opportunity to obtain information from various
types of maps. It focuses on absolute directions, relative directions, and
calculating distances. Handouts, maps, and follow-up activities are provided. http://mac.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/teachers-packets/mapadventures/malessn7.html Student
activities for drawing maps to scale
Hands on activities help students understand drawing maps
to scale. |
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/689.html
Students paint pumpkins to
make globes.
3.6, 3.7, 3.8 Economics
http://www.orangekids.com/home.htm#
Choose a guide and visit
Planet Orange to learn about "earning, spending, saving, and
investing." Easy to navigate, nice graphics and a
dictionary with money terms and definitions.
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/students/level.php?id=2
Practical Money
Skills for Life
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This very comprehensive
website is designed to help students practice better money management for
life. There are games for students, lesson plans for teachers, a parent
resource center and other consumer topics http://www.kidsbank.com/index_3.asp Kids Bank.com
This descriptive site
explains some "basics of banking." Children can learn about savings
accounts, checking accounts, interest, and electronic funds transfers. http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/lookitup/crunchers/Money.html
http://www.umsl.edu/~wpockets/schoolhouse/lessons/lessons.html Wise Pockets
The Wise Pockets World
Schoolhouse presents a dozen lesson plans based on children's books and
teaching money management. All include lesson descriptions, cross-curricular
connections, instructional objectives, activity sheets, assessment
techniques, and extension recommendations. http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/educators/budget.html PBS Kids
Democracy Project: Budget Making
This
"real-world," integrated math and social studies lesson plan
focuses primarily on budget making. In this detailed, 4-6 week plan, students
are engaged in a variety of hands-on activities such as budget making, data
collection and analysis, graphing, computation, and problem solving. Students
are then guided into making connections between their budgeting activities
and similar functions within our national government. This lesson is
adaptable for students in grades 3-5. Social studies concepts highlighted
include communities, branches of government, goods and services, and
government responsibilities. Extension activities in language arts, social
studies, and technology provided. Available links include the American
Library, U.S. Budget for the year 2000, interactive government game that
features easy to read facts and kid surveys, and other PBS Democracy
activities. http://www.davidson.k12.nc.us/webquests/money/money.htm Internet lesson on Money Through use of the
Internet, the students will learn how money is minted, how to save money, how
to make change, how to invest, and how to run a business. Complete lesson
plan. http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/sav/savkids.htm Savings Bonds
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Find out all you ever
wanted to know about U.S. Savings Bonds: what they are, how you get them, what
they look like, and the different types. There are games and a glossary too.
http://www.edhelper.com/money.htm
This site provides free,
printable worksheets for learning money skills ranging from counting money to
business math.
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/1144.html
Here is a great way to
involve two classrooms in an ongoing money activity. An older class sets up a
"mall" and the younger class goes "shopping."
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/iongoal/g45b-submoney.htm
This Web site gives you a
lesson on how to subtract money. Then there is a place to practice and also
play games
http://www.angelfire.com/il2/colettemcgrew/Money,Money,Money.htm
Use this website to
develop a great money unit. Includes 9 different lesson plans to link.
http://googolplex.cuna.org/5spot/5spot.html?sub_id=19551
A comprehensive site about
saving money, with information on history of credit unions, money words, games
about money, and more.
http://www.banksite.com/kidscorner/homepage2.htm
A
complete guide to banking. An informative site that teaches you about banks, checks, savings
and more.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002318F/default.htm
A student site on creating
a budget, including a budget form, puzzles, and a quiz
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM279&page=teacher
Go to this site for fun
activities for you and a great lesson for your teacher on personal choices and
specialization. This lesson provides the primary teacher with an excellent
opportunity to incorporate a character education lesson of self-esteem, while
teaching students the economic concepts of personal choice and economic
specialization.
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM39
This site will provide you
with an easy-to-understand, real world explanation of what opportunity costs
are, and how to make the best decisions with your limited resources. Teacher's
version, along with convenient lesson plan links is attached to this site.
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM314
Use this EdEconLink intermediate lesson to teach your students about
the concept of scarcity. Allow students to use the interactive simulation of
the Lewis and Clark Expedition to demonstrate their ability to make sound
decisions in the face of scarcity and adversity.
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM276&page=teacher
Use this site to learn
about the concepts of consumer choice, supply and demand, producers and more,
in an interesting way! There is also a Teacher Version, which provides teachers
with a lesson that addresses all of the aforementioned concepts
http://www.e-connections.org/lesson9/
An
interactive activity that involves resources, good and services, and how
decisions are made in a market economy. For Grades 3-5
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/grade1/Make_Way.html
Using a literature
favorite, students study the difference between wants and needs. Opportunities
for teaching economic concepts are plentiful. Scarcity, production, and
interdependence are highlighted here. There are also suggested links for
further study.
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM252&page=teacher
This cross-curricular
lesson on scarcity and opportunity costs, also teaches a valuable lesson about
why we share. Includes the student's and a printable version!
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM295&page=teacher
This lesson incorporates
the folk tale of "The Shoemaker and the Elves," to teach your
students about the concept of capital resources. Lesson contains a link to an
animated retelling of this beloved classic. Use it to have students identify
examples of capital resources!
http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/litdough.htm
An economics and
literature lesson plan addressing capital resources, increasing productivity
and research skills
http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/lit-goat.htm
This is a lesson plan
geared toward first through third grades, cross-curricular, dealing with
economics and literature. "Learn about economics: producers, resources
(natural, human, capital), intermediate goods; and Language Arts: Categorizing,
sequencing, noting details, writing personal narrative."
http://pittsford.monroe.edu/jefferson/calfieri/economics/GoodService.html
A short
description of goods & services. Includes a quiz.
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/grade2/Mama_Miner.html
In order to make a living,
a mother must work in the coal mines of Kentucky.
Economic concepts of production, resources, and opportunity cost are all part
of this lesson. Many suggested activities are given to enhance understanding of
these concepts. An elementary dream for economics education.
http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/Economics/ECO0200.html
This two class-session
lesson is ideal for the intermediate social studies teacher, who is looking a
way to incorporate multiple economic topics into a couple of lessons. Topics
covered include: interdependence, goods, services, resources, and
specialization
http://www.coolbank.com/Elementary/3To5/GoodsWorksheet.htm
A worksheet to identify
items as either goods or services for Grades 3-5.
http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/lessons/mouse.htm
This lesson plan is cross-curricular, economics and literature. Using the book "If
You Give a Mouse a Cookie," students will understand cause and effect and
unlimited want, goods and services
http://www.cadburylearningzone.co.uk/maths/index_content.htm
Doing math with chocolate!
Enjoy working basic math problems including graphing and probability in a
chocolate factory.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/lessons/e3_t4-lp.html
Introductory
lesson in entrepreneurship in which students uncover the meaning of micro and
macroeconomics through a study of 19th century industrial and financial
revolutions. Lesson activities
include creating a business, developing a written IPO, and selling or
purchasing stock at the classroom marketplace. A lesson that allows students to
see first hand, that it's not easy to, "get rich quick." Printable worksheet and links available to other PBS websites.
3.9 Government
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/educators/index.html
Public Television has a
site that is full of activities and lesson plans that will facilitate
understanding of the democratic process.
http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/lessons.cgi/Social_Studies/US_Government
Ask ERIC, a personalized
Internet-based service providing education information, includes a variety of
selected U.S. Government lesson plans, organized by subject and grade level.
http://members.aol.com/MrDonnHistory/Government.html#elections
Mr. Donn’s Lesson Plans on Elections
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Site provides
suggestions for lesson plans and unit plans to teach about the US system of
elections, political parties, and campaigns. |
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http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/kids/civilrights/
The Stand Up for Your
Rights site is part of a PBS series called American Experience WayBack: U.S. History for Kids. A highly interactive site
that offers students detailed history of each movement, authentic pictures, and
brief biographies of noted leaders within the religious freedom, women's voting
rights, school desegregation, and civil rights movements. At this site,
students are able to read a personal interview with one of the "Little
Rock Nine," take a "Who's Who" quiz, play the Civil Rights
brainpower game, and react via personal comments to photos at Snapshot. Student survey and links to other WayBack
sites included.
3.10, 3.11 Citizenship
http://www.myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=web_dubois
"The fist African
American to earn a PhD from Harvard," W.E.B. DuBois
was not only an inspirational; and extraordinary individual, but a champion in
the fight for equality and the end of racism. Read about his founding of the organization which eventually became known as the NAACP and
check out the "related links" for even more information about this
"freedom hero."
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/index.html
On this site, kids can
explore the intriguing history of New York, do activities to learn more about
the history of their own towns -- and participate in their communities. There
are special sections for teachers and parents to learn how to get the most out
of this rich resource."
http://www.hud.gov/kids/kidsvlta.html
Kids really can make a
difference! Find out here many ways that kids can volunteer and help out people
in need
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/k-2/index.html
This site effectively
illustrates the branches of the U.S. Government, using easy to follow diagrams.
This site also provides a brief description of our country's most important
documents. Additionally, this site offers pictorial representations of
community functions. Finally, there is access to numerous web sites that
contain information on U.S. Government for Kids. Ideal for
primary age students.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/recon/jb_recon_revised_1.html
After the Civil War, the
14th amendment granted citizenship to ALL people. The Library of Congress has
information and photographs about this topic.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0101054.html
The Statue of Liberty is
one of the most recognized American Monuments. This site contains general facts
and information about this great statue.
http://edsitement.neh.fed.us/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=313
Through this series of 7
lesson plans, which explore The Statue of Liberty and symbolism. Students learn to dissect common symbols in
everyday life and literature. Focuses heavily on American values as relayed
through American symbolism.
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/indepday/index.html
Using the concept that a
class has become independent, students work in groups to design symbols that
depict their class. This activity not only teaches the history of American
symbols, but it exercises higher order thinking skills.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/lessons/e4_t4-lp.html
Have immigrants
transformed America or has America transformed its immigrants? This is the
question students must analyze in this two part lesson
plan for grades 4-8. Students will employ a variety of investigative techniques
such as interviewing, data collection, and oral reporting to answer this
question. Students will then explore whether America is still the "melting
pot" or if the, "melting pot has given way to the quilt," many
separate, unique American cultures. This detailed lesson includes worksheets
and links to other PBS sites.
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr008.shtml
Activities from the
editors of Weekly Reader can help develop K-6 students’ understanding of the
five citizenship themes---honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, and
courage."
http://www.michiganepic.org/coredemocratic.html
This site provides a
variety of materials, ranging from interactive storybooks to relevant
biographies, which explore core democratic values. A wealth
of educator materials are also provided to bring these materials into
the classroom.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/j1.html
A most
compelling and interactive site.
Here you will take a virtual tour from being a slave to freedom. The tour
allows you to make decisions as to what you would do in a given situation. Most
fascinating!
http://www.myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=Helen_A_KELLER
Despite her disability
Helen Keller became a famous lecturer, writer, and advocate from the deaf and
blind. Read about Keller's education and influential life and check out the
"related links" for further reading and research.
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=91
This is a nice, simple
biography of Helen Keller. Along with the biography is a very nice photo of
Helen Keller.
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/presforaday/index.html
Sign your name and apply
for the job of the President of the United States. Participate in a regular day
as president. Learn about all the duties you have to perform.
http://www.headbone.com/derby/polls/
With this webquest, called a "derby" on this site, students
will learn the fundamentals of Internet research and apply their knowledge of
key aspects of American government. Fun illustrations and
story line to help students learn and apply knowledge.
http://edsitement.neh.fed.us/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=385#LESSON1
By learning the roles and
responsibilities of the U.S. President, children explore "their own roles
as citizens of a democracy." This website includes two lesson plan ideas:
"The Role of the President" and "President for a Day."
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/indepday/index.html
Using the concept that a
class has become independent, students work in groups to design symbols that
depict their class. This activity not only teaches the history of American
symbols, but it exercises higher order thinking skills
http://www.brainpop.com/specials/election/index.weml?&tried_cookie=true
Here you can find a great
little animated movie about the election process. A corresponding quiz is
included, as well as an experiment with "Bob the Ex-Labrat,"
real life situations with "Cassie & Rita," a timeline,
activities, and more.
http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/SocialStudies/GovStructure/GovStructure.htm
Kid Port Reference Library - Basic Structure of the U.S. Government
Students will learn the
basic structure of the United States government which consist
of the U.S. Constitution, the Federal, State and Local Governments.
http://www.planning.org/bookcorner/Default.htm
Great spot to learn about
what is a city planner and how communities are created. Scavenger hunt included
that can be used in any community!
3.12, 3.13, 3.14 Culture
http://www.field-trips.org/ss/america/
This field trip is an
exploration about "things American." By no means is it meant to be
all-inclusive, but rather it touches a little on history, whimsy, symbolism,
and some of what it means to be American
http://www.texancultures.utsa.edu/kidsstuff/kidssplash/kidssplash.htm
Museum is "dedicated
to enhancing the understanding of the history and diverse cultures of
Texas..."
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/
This site explores the
history and geography of Texas, from prehistoric peoples to the European and
Anglo explorers to the modern day. Content is supplemented with a wealth of archeologic photographs and artwork. A teacher section full
of lesson plans and learning activities is also included.
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/factover/holidays.htm
National Celebrations – Holidays in the U.S.
Teachers: Here is a site
with a brief description and history of the holidays that are celebrated in the
United States
http://members.aol.com/MrDonnLessons/Holidays.html#PAT
Check out this site to
find information for teaching about St. Patrick's Day. Site provides links to
stories and activities suitable for elementary students.
http://www.wilstar.net/holidays/
Select a holiday to get
the history, customs, traditions and games of that day. Check out the countdown
to your favorite holiday.
http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/misc/stpats031099.html
Background
on St. Patrick and on the shamrock.
Learning activities in art, science, social studies and math, as well as a list
of suggested books.
http://members.aol.com/MrDonnLessons/2Holidays.html#CINCO
Site provides information
about the background of Cinco de Mayo and El Dia de los Muertos.
Also provides lesson plans for these Mexican holidays.
http://www.theholidayzone.com/cinco/index.html
A variety of activities to
help one learn about the Mexican holiday of Cinco de
Mayo as well as many other holidays. Includes games, arts and crafts links to
other related sites and even some recipes.
http://www.moonchildren.com/cincodemayo/
An introduction to the
celebration of Cinco de Mayo, this site provides
links to the origin of Cinco de Mayo, ways the
holiday is celebrated, and crafts that can be used in class. An excellent resource!
http://teachers.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/hanuk/
Want to teach your class
all about Hanukkah? Find a vast assortment of activities and lesson plans here.
Also, some great recipes!
http://teachers.teach-nology.com
A
collection of lesson plans, assessment ideas, and links for teachers. Covers all
subject areas.
http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/index.htm
Entertaining, colorful
site featuring information about Kwanzaa with many fun activities to do to help
celebrate
http://www.kulturezone.com/kidz/abc/contents.html
This site highlights the
innumerable contributions African-Americans have made to the American culture.
The resources are concise cover every letter of the alphabet - from Martin
Luther King Jr. to the NAACP to Quebec and it's importance to the Underground
Railroad.
http://members.dca.net/areid/kwanzaa.htm
This page provides clear
explanations of the seven ideals of Kwanzaa and of many other Kwanzaa terms. It
also has a selection of Kwanzaa-related activities that could be done by a
class, small group or family.
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/archives/holidays.shtml
This site provides an
archive of Lesson Plans and ideas focused around a variety of holidays and
other special days throughout the year.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0194035.html
A
general listing of different figures and legends in American History. Includes Johnny Appleseed
and Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett and Uncle Sam.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/newyork/laic/lessons/e1_t5-lp.html#worksheets
Did George Washington
really chop down a cherry tree? Did the Dutch buy Manhattan from the American
Indians for only 24 dollars? This lesson, delivered in a series of mini lessons
presented over a 15 week period, allows students to
examine legends, myths, and folklore associated with early American heroes such
as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Students will discover that some of
America's most treasured historical legends have "little basis in
truth." The goal of this lesson is to peak student curiosity and spark
interest in understanding that historical facts are often intertwined with
fiction. The lesson challenges students to uncover the true history of America.
Links to other PBS lesson and activities included.
http://www.myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=t_jefferson
This brief article on the
heroic deeds of Thomas Jefferson includes images and "related links."
http://pbskids.org/lions/pecos/story2.html
This version of the Pecos Bill story, from