New & Noteworthy

Constitution Day!

This year, Constitution Day is being observed on September 16 and to celebrate, Teachinghistory.org has developed a new spotlight page complete with website reviews, videos, and lesson plans related to the history of the United States Constitution. Learn more.

Think you know the U.S. Constitution? Take our quiz to find out!

Elementary

Probing the Past

What can a person’s things tell you about him or her? That’s the question raised in this website about investigating probate inventories created by George Mason University and Gunston Hall Plantation. A lesson for upper-elementary grades invites students to examine Sarah Green's 1759 probate record to learn about her life in colonial Virginia. Read more.

Middle

Realizing the Value of Primary Sources

Begin the school year on the right foot by introducing your students to the importance of primary sources. In Ask A Master Teacher, we tackle the issue of students who prefer to work with secondary sources and offer a few activities that illustrate for students why primary sources are important to understanding history. Learn more.

High

In Remembrance: Teaching September 11

In honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11, Teachinghistory.org has compiled resources for learning, teaching, and reflecting on September 11. Find teaching strategies for approaching this sensitive topic, along with resources such as primary source collections, videos, and lesson plan ideas. Learn more.

Historical Thinking

Teaching American History

What is Historical Thinking?

Wondering how to explain historical thinking to students or parents? Are you looking for a good way to begin an upcoming teacher workshop on historical thinking? Watch our historical thinking video and get ideas for your next teacher workshop or back-to-school night. View here.

Historical Evidence in the Material World

Using old objects can be a powerful way to help students imagine what the past was like. But how do you teach students to “read” an object? Carolyn Halpin-Healy offers strategies to help teachers and students work with objects in the classroom. Learn more.