Help clarify the nature of symbols for your students as they study the Statue of Liberty, complete research on a national symbol, and use their research to communicate a message of their own.
Some of the most the most essential works of literature in the world are examples of epic poetry, such as The Odyssey and Paradise Lost. This lesson introduces students to the epic poem form and to its roots in oral tradition.
People make the past come alive as students research and then share stories about famous Americans who promoted democratic ideals.
This video segment explores how the song Strange Fruit became one of the best-known and most enduring songs of protest. In 1939, the legendary blues singer Billie Holiday performed the song as a daring criticism of the commonplace practice of the lynching of African-Americans. Civil rights groups such as the NAACP had made countless appeals, but it was Holiday’s haunting rendition that made it impossible for white Americans and lawmakers to ignore the widespread crime.
A second video segment includes the story of Abel Meeropol, son of Russian Jewish immigrants and a high school English teacher in the Bronx neighborhood where he was born, wrote a poem entitled Strange Fruit. This video discusses how the poem would later be performed by the legendary Billie Holiday as a song of protest, bringing national attention to the crime of lynching.
https://opb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/bf09.socst.us.prosp.songborn/abel-meeropol-billie-holiday-and-a-song-born-in-protest/
Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.
The strategy of the Civil War for the Confederacy (the South) was to outlast the political will of the United States (the North) to continue the fighting the war by demonstrating that the war would be long and costly. The Confederacy also hoped to entice European powers such as the United Kingdom to assist them against the United States in order to protect their cotton supply. The strategy for the United States was to surround the territory of the South in the Anaconda Plan, blockading the Atlantic Ocean and controlling the Mississippi, to keep goods from going into or out of the South and forcing them to surrender.
This resource provides brief explanations of all the amendments that are part of the Bill of Rights.
An introduction to the Sunni and Shia schism that forms in Islam after the death of Muhammed.
As Ali becomes caliph, the Ummayads under the leadership of Muawiya refuse to recognize him, sparking the first Muslim Civil War. The increased division leads eventually to the Tragedy at Karbala which is a defining event for Shia Muslims.
Check out a sampling of the “don’t miss” highlights of the Supreme Court Building and the ground floor exhibits created by the Office of the Curator.
Informatinon about well-known Supremem Court justices
Unlike the Presidential Oath of Office, the wording of the Supreme Court Oath is not explicitly defined in the text of the United States Constitution. Learn more on this webpage.
Take the Constitution quiz to find out how much you know about the Constitution of the United States of America.
The federal judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court as well as the district and circuit courts, is one of three branches of the federal government. This lesson provides an introduction to the Supreme Court.
These activities introduce students, teachers, and families to some of the history and symbolism featured at the Supreme Court of the United States. Recommended for grades 5-12. Downloadable PDFs are available.
Look closely and take in the East and West Pediments, the Fraser statues flanking the front steps, the Bronze Doors, flagpoles, lampposts, and perimeter medallions.
Explore the highlights of the ground and first floors of the Supreme Court Building, including the John Marshall statue, spiral staircases, Great Hall, and Courtroom.
Let's continue our fast survey of ancient history, with references to the stories from the Old Testament.
Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Balfour Declaration
Wealthy Romans and Chinese silkworms: connections that reshape the world. Created by Big History Project.
From June - July 2023, the U.S. Virgin Islands commemorated 175 Years of Emancipation. This booklet, considered an instructional tool, iconic cultural bearers Ten Sleepless Knights (TSK) reflected on how far Virgin Islanders have come as a people. In the words of TSK INC, "In 2023, we are able to look back and evaluate how our lives today have been shaped by events of July 3, 1848. "As an institution, slavery was a brutal and oppressive system that controlled the day to day existence of our ancestors. The bravery and determination of many individuals who wanted a better future for themselves and their loved ones were largely responsible for bringing an end to this evil institution." The booklet is intended to be utilized as an instructional tool for educators locally and beyond.