As history teachers, we devote time each year to
teaching about the leaders of our nation. President’s Day, next week reminds us
of the varied contributions made by the 44 men who have held that office. Here
are a few digital tools and unique resources you can use to add variety and perspective
to your lessons.
#myfavoritepresident
The #myfavoritepresident contest is
from Bill of Rights Institute
and runs through February 23, 2014. It is open to students in middle school and high
school. Students participate by sharing a picture of their favorite president along
with a reason why they are their favorite.
Answer can be are submitted through Facebook (@WeTheStudentsGroup), Twitter (@bristudents), or Instagram (@wethestudents). Your students should use the hashtag #myfavoritepresident so entries can be
tracked.
#WhatsUpGW
Tweet a question about George Washington to the
Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount
Vernon using the hashtag above and they will respond.
Apps and More!
Prepare
for the launch of Sea of Liberty on February 17, 2014. You can explore Jefferson’s
ideas and create projects using primary sources. Try Learn with Homer a new free iPad
app to tell the story of the Founding Fathers to primary students.
Explore Abraham Lincoln’s Crossroads
Use the flash-based exhibit at the National
Constitution Center to explore the political decisions of Abraham Lincoln.
Compare your decisions with this talking Lincoln and deeply examine his
struggles.
iCivics
Use iCivics to engage student conversations about citizenship and government. Teachers can use their digital resources to teach a lesson or have students play an interactive game. In Win the Whitehouse, students run for president. Executive Command gives students the chance to try their hand at being president for four years.
Hoover Online! & Hoover wore many hats.
These are two online resources that
students can use to learn about the life of Herbert Hoover. Use these resources
to take a deeper look at a man with a storied past. Biography can be a great
tool to help students relate to historical figures. Hoover
wore many hats lets elementary students look at the many different hats
a president wore. Students place a hat on Hoover’s head and see how he
fulfilled each role.
Look for a course on the presidents that your students
can take for free. In fall 2013, students had the chance to take The Kennedy
Half Century. "Age
of Jefferson" Massive Open Online Course begins February 17, 2014. This online, six-week course is open to all. Students
will learn about Jefferson’s life and legacy, and its importance to
understanding global history.
Use a tool like TodaysMeet to create a room for
students to chat about a president or advocate for why their president should
be your favorite. Your heart will cheer as they begin to recognize the significant
achievements of each leader they have researched.
Roosevelt
Rap
Learn the Roosevelt
Rap and discover more about the life of FDR and how he shaped America. At
the FDR Presidential Library, you can find the lyrics, video, and questions. The
video is engaging and made from primary source images and footage from Pare Lorentz Center. Here is your chance to
tune in and rap bout FDR
Take a Virtual Field Trip
Take a Virtual
Tour of the White House or another landmark or museum. Visit our Pinterest
board for more options.
