Digital Websites providing a foundation for in-depth lessons:

The resources and materials provided below are for all students. Collaboration with the special educators who serve children with disabilities at your school is encouraged to maximize the support and guidance that individual children receive.

Teacher Resources

Free Virtual Tours

• Anne Frank House – Take a 360-degree tour of Anne Frank’s home in Amsterdam.
• Great Wall of China – This panoramic virtual tour allows you to walk the Great Wall.

Diverse Engagement Links

• Census- https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis.html
• PBS Learning Media - Standards-aligned videos, interactives, and lesson plans. – grades K-12
• National Geographic Kids – grades K-6
• icivics – grades K-8
• Library of Congress – resources for teachers
• National Archives – Educator resources
• Digital History – technology resource for teachers and students
• Khan Academy – free learning platform covering various arts and humanities topics

Black History Info to be used all year long

Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Mooreland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to study the achievements of black Americans and people of African descent. The organization promoted black history in schools and called for the celebration of African history throughout the U.S. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. Since that time, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.  Black history is rich, and can be taught year round.  Explore the links below as resources.

As we recall those of eminent significance, let us recognize the men and women of diversity who contributed so greatly to our country. Did you know the ironing board design was improved through a patent granted to an African American woman by the name of Sarah Boone? Did you know refrigerated freight trucks were invented by African American inventor Frederick McKinley Jones?  These two examples and a multitude of others may help to educate our students on the positive impact of black history and the role we all play in preserving the rights and privileges of each citizen in our blended American culture.

Here are just a few resources to help: 

 A collection of information from various organizations

• • https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/for-teachers/
  • https://www.history.com/news/9-black-inventors-african-american
  • http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/bhm-curriculum-resources-gradesK-5.html

Public Broadcasting Service

• • https://www.pbs.org/black-culture/educational-resources/
  • https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/tag/black-history-month/page/3/

No-Tech/Low Tech Learning Activities

• Interviews – Have students interview a grandparent with specific questions about significant events and people they experienced from history.
• Timeline – Create a timeline of a current event using newspapers and news outlets on TV.
• Scavenger Hunt – Engage in a scavenger hunt around the house. Each item on the scavenger hunt may require children to tell the story of its history. For example: grandma’s quilt – interview an adult in the home who knows all about this piece of history.
• Census Importance – Call 10 adults in your family and explain the importance of completing the Census on April 1^st. The information packet from the U.S. Census Bureau will appear in your mail with all the instructions.
• Community Service – Plan a community service project as a family.
• “Made In” – Create a list of 50 items in your house and write down where the item was made.
• Elections – Create a list of all the individuals running for office from a newspaper, on TV, or from campaign signs along the road. Locate their contact information and call one or two with questions and concerns
• Expenses – Create a list of every expense of your household for 7 days.
• Pay Stub – Explain your most recent pay stub to your middle or high school child.
• Budget – Create a budget with your family.
• Income Tax – Walk your high school child through the income tax process. Discuss your W2, federal and state filing, and certain tax credits your family applied for this year to obtain a return.
• Credit Cards – Talk to your child about credit cards. Show them your statement and talk about interest. Discuss how a credit card can improve or harm one’s credit score. Explain to them the importance of maintain good credit.
• Personal Finance – Introduce your child to checking, savings, and the use of debit cards.
• Census – Complete the Census with your child on April 1^st.
• Checkbooks – Balance your checkbook with your child present.
• Documentary – Watch the documentary Food, Inc. (free on Hulu). Write down 20 things you learned from viewing this film