Free Printable Graphic Organizers, Handouts, PowerPoints, and More for Teachers

January Winner - Monthly School Supplies Giveaway

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Tonya of Atlanta, Georgia, winner of our monthly school supplies giveaway! She will enjoy everything from pens and pencils to curricular materials.

Our monthly contest is open to everyone around the world. Contestants can complete one entry per day. Try your luck by entering our contest here.

January 2012 News

2012-01-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

Read all about it! Read the latest news from Student Handouts here.

Need a printable checklist for choosing your new apartment?

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here's something that's useful for everyone! It's a free printable apartment checklist sheet, available here.

Now that the second half of the school year is approaching, many high school seniors are gearing up to rent their first apartments soon. Obviously, the study of Economics covers the cost of living. But once the student (or adult...I've had friends/relatives use this sheet) has a budget, how does he/she decide on an actual apartment?

This worksheet is the answer. The idea is that the "future renter" brings a copy of this sheet to each apartment viewing. The sheet features tons of categories (number of electrical outlets, size, look of the neighborhood, building amenities, and so forth). There is extra room for notes. This way, the future renter has plenty of info to reflect upon after a day of apartment-viewing, and can make an informed decision.

Obviously, anyone looking to rent a new place will find these useful. For Economics or Life Skills students and teachers, these apartment checklist sheets offer terrific fodder for discussions and questions.

Example #1 - What is the time/money cost of paying for laundry facilities? Lots of kids grow up in homes with washers and dryers. Using the laundry room in an apartment building can easily cost at least $3.00 per load (not including detergent and fabric softener). Some rentals don't have laundry facilities, which means spending a couple of hours at the laundromat each week. Washing only a few loads of laundry a week easily adds up to at least $10.00 a week, or $520.00 a year. Ask your students to calculate the costs of washers and dryers, including energy cost, and then to calculate the savings (over, say, five years) of buying a washer and dryer.

Example #2 - Have students look at the energy costs of an apartment. Spacious places are nice, but how much do they cost to heat and cool?

Example #3 - Deposits/Property damage. Did you know that most states require landlords to return a deposit with interest? If you don't know, don't feel bad...most people assume that because of some thing or another, they can never get a rental deposit back. Not true! Normal wear-and-tear are okay, and the place needn't be spotless when you leave (although actual stains, such as on carpet, can be an issue). Discuss these and other renting financial issues to help create smart consumers.

You get the idea. Enjoy. :)

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

For the low price of only $4.99, we have the unabridged Charles Dickens classic holiday story A Christmas Carol available on CurrClick. This is offered as part of our Literary Classics Workbook Series. It includes the complete text, punctuated by review and critical thinking questions. There's even a word search puzzle. Instant download means that it's in your possession to print, copy, etc., in seconds, with no shipping costs.

Keep your kids busy and learning this holiday season!

"Macedonia, Alexander the Great, and Hellenistic Civilization" World History Workbook

2011-09-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

This student-friendly workbook is part of our World History series. "Macedonia, Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic World" focuses on the formation of Alexander's vast empire and the ensuing Hellenistic civilization which flourished throughout southwestern Asia, northern Africa, and the Mediterranean for approximately 300 years after Alexander's death in Babylon.

Appropriate for all learners, from tweens to teenagers, ages 10 to 100, the beauty of this workbook lies in its simplicity. Complex events and concepts are explained in easy-to-understand text without compromising the amount of content. Whether your student is a younger or less sophisticated reader, or an advanced reader preparing for college placement exams, she or he will gain the necessary content knowledge via this workbook. Brief chunks of text are perforated with questions that range from basic recall to critical thinking. There are also numerous illustrations, as well as map work and a word search puzzle.

Our student workbooks provide learners the opportunity to learn independently. Parents or teachers introduce the topic, then give students the workbook to read and complete. After the workbook has been completed, students have acquired the necessary comprehensive content knowledge to competently discuss the topic with educators and others, and will be motivated to branch their study of the topic into other related lines of inquiry. Works great as a stand-alone item or as a supplement to a larger unit. Check out other titles in this popular (and budget-friendly) series here.

Is it September already?

2011-09-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's September already. In fact, as of today, September is two-thirds finished. How is your school year shaping up? We have been busy little bees!

Prep, prep, prep...for many of us, it's a necessity. If you cover a "homeroom" class in the morning, or simply want to get your kids "in the zone" at the start of the day, try a daily online quiz. We have a quiz for every single day of the year. These quizzes run the gamut, with the primary focus on social studies.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - Answer Key

2011-09-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

This answer key is for use with our Literary Classics Workbook Series on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, available exclusively on CurrClick.

Marley

His nephew

"If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."

Marley's

A locomotive hearse

Jacob

Because this was not done during life

Answers will vary

Old Fezziwig

Scrooge's former fiancee

Answers will vary

He wears a simple green robe, bordered with white fur, a holly wreath on his head, and nothing more

Martha

Tiny Tim

Scrooge

Ignorance

It wears a deep black garment, from which only its hand is visible

Charwoman, laundress, and undertaker

Tiny Tim

Ebenezer Scrooge

B - heart

The Cratchits

Fred

B - False

Answers will vary

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - Answer Key

2011-09-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

This answer key is designed for use with our Literary Classics Workbook Series title Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, available exclusively on CurrClick.

He is the lineal representative of the ancient and knightly family of d'Urberville

D - Wessex

Marlott

White

Angel, Cuthbert, and Felix

Tess

Rolliver's

A - Abraham

Kingsbere

Tess and Abraham

The horse is killed in a collision with a mail cart

The Slopes

Answers will vary

Alec

B - False

She allows her hat to blow off, so that she must retrieve it

A - True

Chaseborough

Alec's

B - False

Alec

Her mother, Joan Durbeyfield

B - False

Mechanical reaper or reaping machine

Sorrow

D - milkmaid

Valley of the Great Dairies

Richard Crick

Angel Clare

Intellectual liberty

Tess

C - Harp

Peter the Great

D - Morning

B - Liza-Lu

Tess feels unworthy of his affections

B - Marian, Izz, Retty, Tess

Angel runs over to Tess, hugs her, and confesses that he loves her

B - Mercy Chant

B - False

Rev. Clare preached directly to Alec from the pulpit, which led Alec to publicly insult Rev. Clare

A - True

Sunday

Angel

A - True

B - False

Answers will vary

December 31 (New Year's Eve)

The man recognized Tess from Trantridge, and insulted her

An afternoon crow

Jewelry

Retty Priddle

Angel

Answers will vary

They will separate, with Tess returning to her parents' home

Believing Tess dead, he places her in a coffin

Answers will vary

B - False

B - 50

B - Brazil

Izz Huett

She pities them and wants to end their misery

Marian

B - False

B - False

A - True

A - Cross-in-Hand

Marriage license

Alec d'Urberville

Answers will vary

Their mother is dying and their father is ill

B - Alec

Tess's father, John Durbeyfield

Rural-to-urban migration, or "the tendency of the rural population towards the large towns"

Kingsbere

Izz and Marian

Tess's mother, Joan Durbeyfield

Sandbourne

The Herons

Mrs. Brooks

Blood

Alec d'Urberville

Cuthbert Clare

A - True

Bramshurst Court

Stonehenge

Answers will vary

Essay Questions - Answers will vary

Buy our Tess of the d'Urbervilles workbook for only $4.99.

Online Student Glossary

2011-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of creating an online student glossary. Our plan is to fill it full of easy-to-understand explanations and more. Please feel free to check it out. Don't hesitate to contact us with your suggestions and additions!

As always, you can join the chat in our education message boards.

July 2011 News

2011-07-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest website news here. We have plenty more to offer this month. Enjoy!

June 2011 Website News

2011-06-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Read the latest news here. For fun, we've included our story of finding a signed first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for 35 cents at a garage sale.

Free Printable Tally Score Sheet for Euchre and More

2011-05-26T03:48:00.001-07:00

This free printable tally score sheet can be used for tournament games of progressive euchre, bridge, and canasta. It can also be used for fun classroom test-prep review games.

How to play as a class:

First, you will need question cards. Try printing some of our cards, or make your own. You might even have the kids each make ten or so question cards from a study sheet.

Have prizes ready and clearly marked. You can do first-, second-, and third-place prizes (with something small for "everyone else"). You can also do prize ranges based on point totals (kind of like the tiered prizes offered at festival games).

This particular tally sheet works for student players totaling multiples of 12 (12, 24, 36, etc.). With 12 students, you will need 3 tables, followed by 6 tables for 24 students, 9 tables for 36 students, etc. (four student players per table).
If you have 6 or 9 tables going, randomly divide the class into color-coded teams. Print each team's tally card on colored copy paper.
You will also need a score writer/question reader for each table. This job can be done by "extra" students, teachers, parents, etc. (Note: If the students are playing for prizes, be sure to offer good prizes to students who volunteer for this job.)
Questions can be answered and scored different ways. (1) The "reader" can read the question, then have students slap the table, raise a hand, or ring a buzzer. The first correct answer gets the point for the question. (2) All students can have 15-20 seconds to write the answer to the question. The "reader" checks the answers and gives a point to each student with a correct answer.
Each tournament lasts eleven rounds. If you instruct the students to do ten questions per round, each round should be done in about five minutes or less. This totals 55 minutes.
To keep kids moving quickly, try ringing a bell. After 4:30, ring the bell and say, "Thirty seconds left." After 5:00, ring the bell and say, "Move onto round ___." The 5 minutes-per-round time limit will keep students focused because the kids will want a chance to earn all possible points for that round.

Classroom management tip:

In this tournament, students have no choice regarding their partners. Each student on a 12-person team will have a chance to play with every other person on her/his team. This means, particularly if students play as partners at each table, no "two troublemakers" will be partners at the same table more than once. There is simply no time in this game for kids to drift off or become behaviorally inappropriate.

Internet Age Drama: Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks

2011-03-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny and semi-educational story that I'd like to share with you. The moral of the story? Beware the linking that you do on the internet. Keep track of what accounts, phone numbers, log-ins, email addresses, etc., are linked to one another.

I am a bit of a techie nut. While no expert, I'm crazy for gadgets, gizmos, and gimmicks. I own a fancy Droid phone with more apps than I could ever possibly use. I have both a laptop and a PC, and I love investing my hard-earned money on tons of interesting-looking software I see advertised.

Needless to say, I use the Google calendar that comes free with my Google email account. You might be thinking that as an educator working on an educational website, my calendar is full of important meetings, conferences, etc. And these things are definitely in my calendar. But as a tech nut who carries her cell phone with her 24/7, I've also come to rely on my Google calendar for tons of everyday things. I get easily distracted, so if I need to do something in a few hours, darn tootin' that I put it on my calendar.

Putting a batch of jerky in the dehydrator? Mark in my Google calendar the time when it should be ready. Need to pick up toilet tissue after work? There's a Google calendar alert set for 3:00 P.M. to remind me.

The Google calendar has an option that allows you to send SMS (text message alerts) to your phone. And even though I have the Google calendar app installed on my phone, I've always used the text alerts as back-up. To do this, I had to validate the phone number by responding to a text that Google sent me.

The problem? About a year ago, I changed my service provider and got a new cell phone number. The Google calendar text messages never entered my mind. I loaded my new phone with all of my old apps and services, and went about my life. I never thought about the reality that eventually, my old provider would get around to assigning my old phone number to another customer.

Oops!

One day, I saw a new event in my calendar: "Quit sending this **** to my ******* phone!!!" I was dumbfounded. What on earth was this? After a lot of pondering, and further harsh exchanges, I realized that my mundane, incessant calendar events were still being sent to my old phone number. The poor man who was using my old phone number was every day getting reminders to buy feminine hygiene products, take the pot roast out of the oven, etc.

Quickly, I went into my Google calendar settings and erased the old phone number (but not before sending out a sincere apology via the calendar).

Your take-away:

Be very careful about what accounts and log-ins you link to your cell phone number, because if you ever change your number, those old accounts may be accessible to whomever receives your old phone number. When you validate your phone number for texting directly to and from your calendar, blog, twitter, etc., you are giving anyone who "inherits" your phone number access to those accounts.

So think twice before you link anything to your cell phone number!

What are QR codes?

2011-03-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to be talking about QR codes right now. So what the heck are they?

QR codes are, essentially, an updated version of bar codes. The benefit of a QR code is that anyone can create one. Better yet, someone creating a QR code can link it to just about anything.

How do I use a QR code when I see one?

You have to scan the code with your cell phone or laptop camera. Yes, there's an app for it. Currently, there are several free QR code apps for Droids and SmartPhones. Simply go to the app market or Google and search for "QR Code." Download the app. Once the app is downloaded, open the app. On your cell phone screen, you should see what looks like the view from your camera, except that it probably has a red line through it. This red line is the QR code reader. Aim your camera at the QR code you want to decipher. Within a couple of seconds, a screen should pop up on your phone displaying the QR code's information.

For example, here is a sample QR code:

Go ahead and aim your cell phone camera at the code. Within a few seconds, you should see the web address for www.studenthandouts.com. You should also see an option to go to the website. Neat, huh?

So what would or could I use a QR code for?

Promotions: As seen in the example above, an obvious use for a QR code is to promote a website or blog. We now place the above QR code on pretty much every piece of mail we send out. We also place it on everything from business cards to flyers.

This photo features something we are all familiar with--a flyer advertising something. At the bottom of the sheet are the familiar tabs that interested parties are expected to rip off. In the upper right hand corner, though, is something new--the QR code. Instead of ripping off a little sheet of paper, someone interested in the flyer can simply scan the QR code. In this instance, the QR code will lead the person straight to our website. Because the person has accessed our site from her/his cell phone, there is no fear of losing the information. (Oh, if I had a dollar for every paper tab that was left in my pocket and lost in the wash!)

Real-world applications for this cover everything from classroom newsletters to garage sales. Why? The QR code can be created to lead to a website and/or simple text. You can include a QR code on classroom newsletters (or even your professional stationery) that links directly to your classroom blog or website. Having a garage sale? Create a flyer like the one above, except that your QR code will contain the address, dates, and hours of your sale.

Other neat uses for QR codes:

On a homework sheet, place a QR code linking to an online tutorial, such as a video on YouTube.
On a field trip permission slip, place a QR code linking to the website of the destination.
Have students create an interactive tour of the school or classroom for an event such as your school's open house. Students can link the QR codes to text describing different things, such as the computer lab, cafeteria, etc.
Create a scavenger hunt around the classroom or school. For example, a QR code posted in the classroom asks a riddle. Answering this riddle will lead students to the cafeteria. Posted in the cafeteria is another QR code, this one a riddle that will lead students on to the school media center. Teachers can expand upon this by offering several QR code options, creating a sort of "Choose Your Own Adventure" game. Better yet, teach older kids about this technology by having them create a QR code scavenger hunt for younger students.

The possibilities for QR codes are almost limitless. Do you have an idea? Comment with your thoughts.

Ancient History PowerPoints and Outlines

2011-03-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

Are you studying the history of ancient Greece and Rome in a Global Studies, World History, or European History course? We have everything you need. Click to see a sampling of our outlines and PowerPoints:

"The Glory That Was Greece" PowerPoint Presentation

"The Glory That Was Ancient Greece" Printable Outline

"Macedonia, Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic World" PowerPoint Presentation

"Macedonia, Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic World" Printable Outline

"Establishment of the Ancient Roman Republic" PowerPoint Presentation

"Establishment of the Ancient Roman Republic" Printable Outline

"The Punic Wars (264-146 BCE)" PowerPoint Presentation

"The Punic Wars (264-146 BCE)" Printable Outline

"Civil War in Ancient Rome and the End of the Roman Republic" PowerPoint Presentation

"Civil War in Ancient Rome and the End of the Roman Republic" Printable Outline

"Civil War in Ancient Rome and the End of the Roman Republic" PowerPoint Presentation

"Civil War in Ancient Rome and the End of the Roman Republic" Printable Outline

Unrest in the Middle East

2011-03-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

Classrooms around the world are discussing the events in the Middle East. Students and teachers are asking: What is a dictator? What signifies oppression? How does a revolution unfold?

We have created a discussion sheet for these current events talks on what is happening in places like Egypt and Libya. Educators pick the countries (try a few with stable governments for comparison). After completing the chart, students should be able to identify the factors that lead to revolution. Completion of the chart can be done individually, in small groups, or as a class. (Good teachers know that basic background knowledge is pivotal for comprehension, understanding, and a thoughtful dialogue.) Kids might even be able to predict where rebellion will break out next!

Vietnam War Outline

2011-02-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Are you or your students studying the war in Vietnam (1945-1975)?

Try this: Vietnam War Outline You can view the outline online. There is also a printable version (.pdf file). We have also started adding easy-to-use HTML codes on popular pages like this, so that teachers can quickly and simply post a link to the page on their blogs and classroom websites. This way, students can view, download, and print materials at their leisure.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

2011-02-22T15:50:00.001-08:00

Frederick Douglass was a leading figure in the American abolitionist movement of the 19th century. His autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, describes his young years spent in slavery, his escape from the American South, and so much more. We have the complete text available as an eBook which you may download or print for free by clicking here.

Vladimir Lenin: Voice of Revolution

2011-02-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

If you are doing a unit on the Russian Revolution, you might want to consider showing your students Biography's "Vladimir Lenin: Voice of Revolution." We have a complete, teacher-friendly review of the documentary available here. We also have a free, printable note-taking worksheet for students. This is great for making sure that students pay attention when you play the video.

The French Revolution (1789-1799)

2011-02-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

We have updated and improved our educational materials on the Revolutionary period in France. Start checking things out by first visiting our French Revolution Outline, which can be read online, and is also available as a printable .pdf file. We hope that you like the more user-friendly formatting! We have placed an HTML code box on the page so that you can link directly to the outline page on your own blog or web page. We hope to add more such links, and to create more student- and teacher-friendly outlines, in the future...so keep checking with us! As usual, new materials, web pages, and updates are guaranteed on a daily basis.

Qwiki Website Review for Teachers

2011-01-27T00:10:00.000-08:00

Qwiki looks to be a lot of fun. The gist of it is that you click on a topic. A video/flash screen starts playing out the definition or description of the topic. Pictures flash across the screen, and text scrolls along the bottom of the screen, all while a voice (one that sounds like text-to-speech software) reads the text from the screen.

Pros: You can see and learn about a topic (e.g., Lake Titicaca, cheetah, World War II) very quickly with a lot of pictures.

Cons: The text-to-speech can be a bit off (oddly pronounced words*). The speech is read quite quickly (perhaps to keep each description to a minute or less), meaning that struggling readers may find it hard to keep up (if they try to read along). And honestly, the voice speaks so quickly that it was hard for us to keep up. In some of the descriptions we viewed, the presentations merely proved the point that complicated events (such as World War II) can never be properly explained in 60 seconds.

Our Review and Rating: We are torn. Our guess is that students will generally like Qwiki, some teachers will like it, but most teachers will hate it. As teachers, we see ourselves hating it for the same reason we would have loved it as students. Picture it...the big World History exam days away. We (as students) have a giant list of terms to know. We go to Qwiki and enter each term. In a minute per term, we have enough superficial knowledge to pass the test with a decent grade.

You may be thinking...but wait! You have hundreds upon hundreds of quiz games that test "superficial" and "trivial" knowledge! Yes, that's true. But we also have creative lesson plans, DBQs that launch thoughtful discussions, and much more. Qwiki has great potential as a teaching and learning tool, but we fear for students who zone out for the semester, use Qwiki to pass tests, and end up with little or no true comprehension.

*We have implemented text-to-speech software on our website as read-alongs to some of our images. We love using this software, but there are drawbacks. The software (no matter how good it is) never truly sounds human. And, no matter how good it is, there are a lot of words that are mispronounced. Often, when preparing a video or sound clip with text-to-speech software, we find ourselves scrambling to write terms and names phonetically so that the software will pronounce them correctly. With Qwiki (at least in its current version), it appears that programmers inputted the text without later checking the pronunciation. Hopefully, future updates will fix this bug.

News: January, 2011

2011-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We have been busy, busy, busy. Over the holidays, we caught the crafting bug. We designed and made a large number of promotional tote bags. If you are interested in "toting" around the Student Handouts message, please send us at email at studenthandouts@gmail.com with your name and mailing address, and we'll put a tote bag in the mail to you. Put "Tote Bag" as the subject of your email.

What's new this month? You may have noticed that several of the web pages have a new design. This "full page" design has received some rave reviews, so we intend to continue incorporating it into the site.

We have started a "Back to School Guide for Parents." It still needs a bit of polish, but feel free to take a look and share your thoughts.

Did you know that this web site is ranked in the top 300,000 of all American web sites? This may not seem impressive at first glance, but it's excellent for a small-time web site created from scratch by non-computer people less than three years ago! In the last year, we have gone from about 200 daily visitors to over 2,000 visitors per day. Keep spreading the word!

Adolf Hitler in the Reichstag, 1938

2010-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

Adolf Hitler in the German Reichstag in 1938

See this and many other photographic images related to Nazi German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler and World War II. All of the photos, etc., come with informative text. Many of these texts are available as sound or video in order to help struggling readers. What a neat, fun way to learn World History! For teachers, this is a great way to introduce students to image DBQs. Students look at the image, read the educational text, and discuss what they see in the photos. This will prepare kids for state proficiency exams. After taking a look at these galleries, try assigning students our printable and/or interactive DBQs, available by searching or browsing our site under "World History."

News: December, 2010

2010-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays! It is December, and the season of shopping is upon us. You'd be surprised by how much money we can spend while taking mini-breaks from working on this website!

So much has happened with this site in the last month. We have been updating individual pages, which has created a few glitches. If a page looks a bit wonky, have no fear...we are working on the problem.

We are also working to improve and increase our interactive vocabulary games. It's a lot of work, but we as well as you want to have online vocabulary games for each of our college-prep vocabulary lists. This task is underway, and we will hopefully make a lot more progress by the new year.

As you know, the educational image galleries continue to grow. Keep your fingers crossed that we maintain our momentum!

We have likewise changed the layout of a few pages, particularly the citations and graphic organizers. Some of you have reported back that the pages load more quickly, which is terrific. We were hoping for this. We were also trying to mix things up a bit by making the individual web pages more varied. The "same" is good for the most part, in terms of users always being able to find the information they need on a page, but a little diversity helps to keep the eyes from tiring.

The Rise of Parliamentary Democracy in England

2010-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

We have an interesting interactive image gallery on the rise of parliamentary democracy in England. Our unique images are captioned with facts that explain the people and events in this unique period in European history. Who was Oliver Cromwell, and what effects did he have on England and Ireland? Who was Charles I or Charles II? What were the Puritan Revolution and Glorious Revolution? This is a great introduction or review for teachers and students.

Death and Destruction in World War II

2010-11-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

We have nearly completed our World War II image galleries. The latest gallery focuses on Death and Destruction in the Second World War. Several of the images are quite graphic, so please use with caution when showing the gallery to students. This particular photograph, taken in 1944 by the Germans and confiscated after the Allied victory, features American casualties at a crossroads in Belgium.

Existential Depression in Gifted Students

2010-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

If you come in contact with gifted students, here is a neat article for you on existential depression among gifted students. The basic premise is that familiarity with the "big questions" of life can leave gifted students feeling depressed, because these students are emotionally unequipped to deal with the inevitability of death, etc. (We know...who is?) Luckily, strategies are offered to help students to overcome this sort of existential crisis and continue their ascent into higher planes of human knowledge.

Convert PDF Files to Word Documents

2010-11-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Look what we found online! This is a PDF-to-Word Converter. Take PDF documents (the type you open using Adobe Acrobat Reader) and open them in Microsoft Word. Why? You can extract the text you need easily, change the text around, and more.

Tree of Life Chart

2010-11-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

Attention science teachers...the University of Texas has a gorgeous tree of life poster/picture that you can use with your Biology classes. It looks pretty darn cool, and it's free for non-commercial purposes.

Students (and Teachers...and Parents) on Facebook

2010-11-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a neat article on "What Not to Post on Facebook." It might seem that these "adult" issues (identity theft, home robbery) do not affect students, but they do. When it comes to online safety, we generally advise students to stay away from inappropriate comments and photos and the like.

But what of the teenager, with 1000+ friends on Facebook, who posts that he and his family are going on vacation out-of-state for a week? There are now 1000+ people who know exactly where this teen's house is, and that it will be empty for a week. If the teen posts a lot of pictures, potential thieves are probably aware of what this house has to offer.

There are a lot of bad things that can potentially happen. Of course, this does not mean that we should coerce everyone to delete their social networking accounts. But we should open a dialogue with kids (and parents...and teachers) which logically and rationally looks at what we are putting online, and what the repercussions might be.

Thanksgiving Day in 2010

2010-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

In 2010, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 25. Annually, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. We have a fun, printable Thanksgiving Word Search Puzzle for kids that can be used in grades 4 through 12. This modern puzzle includes such terms as tofurkey, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Trivia Question: What professional football team plays a game every year on Thanksgiving Day? The answer is a search term in the puzzle!

New: November, 2010

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Is it really November already? Is Halloween actually over? Did I really eat that much candy? Yes, yes, yes.

Every month we write in our news, "We've been sooooo busy!" This month is no exception. As many of our new and old visitors know, we not only are now on Facebook, but Twitter as well. This is our main Student Handouts Twitter account. Try our free study games Twitter account if you (or your students) are interested in getting a single daily test-prep game.

So what have we been up to? We've been working to improve our teaching jobs pages. In the olden days, we had all of this information (on the 50 states and beyond) on a single page. This was easy for us, but was A LOT of information to scroll through. A few months ago, we created individual pages for each state. At the time, though, we never got beyond giving the basic links on each page. We've since started enriching these individual state web pages with more official links, as well as more detailed information. Hopefully this task will be completed by the end of the year (famous last words).

From user feedback, we have been thrilled to learn that numerous teachers have been using our games and tests with groups of students. Typically, the teacher takes her or his class to the school computer lab where the students locate this web site on the internet. Simultaneously, the students play a game or take a test. We are absolutely delighted that so many teachers are finding our interactive content so fun, easy, and practical to use! There is no joy quite like learning that your hours upon hours of hard work, thrown like seeds into the world, are taking root and nourishing others. Keep using the games and spreading the word! And, as always, if you have a suggest...for the love of cheese...send us an email! We check studenthandouts[AT]gmail.com at least a few times a week.

One visitor asked why we do not offer RSS feeds. Honestly, we first had to search Google to find out what on earth these are. It turns out that RSS feeds are alerts sent to visitors every time we update a web page or upload content. We spent about 1.2 seconds thinking about adding RSS feeds, and the answer was a resounding no. Why? This web site is absolutely enormous, and we are on our laptops constantly tweaking this and that. If we set up RSS feeds for you to receive, you might be driven mad enough to toss your own laptop or personal computer out of the window.

Instead, at least for the near future, we intend to keep you informed about the site like we always have...through this news article, as well as on our blogs, Twitter, and Facebook. If you are looking for something in particular, try the Google search box which is located at the bottom of nearly every page.

This Thanksgiving season, then, we are grateful for our loyal visitors, who keep growing in number. We are grateful for the fact that we have created useful course content that is accessible to all educators, regardless of type or location. We are grateful for whatever success we may be having in reaching our goal of helping to make the field of education a more equal playing field for all students. Thank you. We hope you enjoy your turkey (or tofurkey).

Tragedy in Myanmar..or Burma?

2010-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake tragedy in Myanmar/Burma. In classrooms, tragedies have the effect of highlighting an issue (faulty infrastructure, such as in Haiti), drawing attention to a region, and more.

A common question educators and parents ask is the simple: Myanmar or Burma? (Link to a BBC article on the issue.) We often wonder, "Where is that?"

As awful as this Myanmar/Burma earthquake is, educators can use this "current events" opportunity as an educative experience for students. Can something be done to help? Of course. Students can be directed to relief organizations such as the Red Cross. Teachers, parents, and students can educate themselves on the geography and politics of the region (southeastern Asia). Is it Myanmar or Burma? Why is the area called by a different name depending upon the writer's/reader's location?

Note: This is an excellent opportunity to impress upon young people the importance of being prepared for a natural disaster. After all, natural disasters happen all around the world. The Red Cross has excellent disaster preparedness materials for students.

What are your thoughts? How do you address tragic current events with your students/children?

History of Ancient Rome - Teaching Materials

2010-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Many World History-Global Studies classes nationwide (and worldwide) are currently studying the rise and fall of the ancient Roman Empire. If this describes you, you're in luck! We have all of the PowerPoints, DBQs, and printable worksheets that you'll ever need.

Our PowerPoints include:

"The Establishment of the Roman Republic"
"The Punic Wars"
"Civil War in Rome and the End of the Roman Republic"
"The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire"
"The Barbarian Invasions: The Migration Period in Europe"

There are also printable handouts such as T-charts, crossword puzzles, DBQs (document-based questions), readings, word search puzzles, and writing exercises. Need the perfect video? We have links to topic-specific movies and documentaries.

Are you in the mood for online games that you can play as a class? We have Ancient Rome Online Educational Games that your class can play together using a SmartBoard or projector. You can also share the games link with students, so that they can study at home on a laptop or PC. Kids can play Hangman or Playtime, or take a multiple-choice practice test, all with instant results. Not only will your students do better on their classroom tests, but they'll earn better scores on state exams.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939

2010-10-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and Nazi German leader Adolf Hitler (represented by Joachim von Ribbentrop) signed a non-aggression agreement in 1939. Hitler soon after violated this agreement, drawing the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) into the Second World War. Check out this and other World War II images in our educational image galleries. Each photograph, map, diagram, etc., is accompanied by easy-to-read informative text. Great learning and study tool for teachers and students!

Russian Revolution

2010-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have a terrific photo gallery dedicated to the decline and fall of Russia's Romanov dynasty.

We also have a wonderful PowerPoint presentation that succintly covers the last five tsars, and the factors that led to the Russian Revolution. Our PowerPoints come in multiple formats - PPT (PowerPoint 1997-2003), PPTX (PowerPoint 2007), PDF (easy to print, or to read/display without downloading to your hard drive). We also have a pre-made handout for students (three slides per page, with lines for taking notes).

News: October, 2010

2010-10-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Many terrific teaching materials have been added to the site over the course of the last month. These include new galleries, new games, and new printables.

We have posted a new batch of games (and more) covering the Tang and Song dynasties of China. Click to test your knowledge of this important period in early Chinese history.

The image galleries are expanding daily. Currently, we are working on a comprehensive gallery for the Second World War. As part of this larger World War II gallery, we have created an image gallery for German dictator Adolf Hitler. You can browse the Adolf Hitler Image Gallery here. The gallery, like all of our galleries, comes complete with easy-to-read captions that educate you while you browse.

Adolf Hitler as a baby.

As always, we are open to your suggestions. If you have an idea for the website, please contact us at studenthandouts AT gmail.com.

Attendance Forms and Student Sign-in Sheets

2010-09-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

We absolutely love the standard classroom attendance books. The trouble is that they are hard to find, expensive, etc. We have a DIY (Do It Yourself) version of the standard classroom attendance book, with pages you print yourself. We also have various student sign-in sheets that are terrific for daily use, using with subs, or having kids use during group meetings, study halls, detentions, etc. Click here to browse our selection of classroom attendance forms and student sign-in sheets.

The Scientific Revolution PowerPoint Presentation

2010-09-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

We have launched a terrific web page featuring a Scientific Revolution PowerPoint Presentation. This PowerPoint is available in multiple formats. Also included are printable note-taking sheets for students to use in the classroom.

Galileo Galilei Image Gallery

2010-09-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

We have launched a Galileo Galilei Image Gallery for those teachers and students studying the Scientific Revolution. Ever "read" a book by flipping through it and reading the picture captions? Then this is the portrait gallery for you! This is a 100% free educational image gallery of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), the famous Italian astronomer. Galileo was convicted of heresy by the Inquisition for his advocation, among other things, of a heliocentric view of the universe. Galileo is known as the "father of modern physics."

Declaration of Independence

2010-09-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

"We declare these truths to be self-evident..."

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson. We have images, DBQs, and more, related to the Declaration of Independence. Check out our American History Educational Materials today.

The Declaration of Independence: "When in the course of human events..." How much do you remember from the preamble?

President Abraham Lincoln

2010-09-12T11:47:00.001-07:00

Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th president of the United States of America. Lincoln's leadership saw the Union to victory in the American Civil War. In April of 1865, Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre by Confederate spy John Wilkes Booth. In honor of Abraham Lincoln, and to aid teachers and students in learning about this president, we have created an Abraham Lincoln Image Gallery full of photographs and political cartoons.

Mark Twain Image Gallery

2010-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone is eagerly awaiting the publication of Mark Twain's (1835-1910) sealed memoirs. According to his wishes, Twain's memoirs will be released posthumously (100 years after his death) on November 15, 2010, and will certainly top the best seller book lists. In honor of this pending book release, we have uploaded a new Mark Twain Photo Gallery. Browse through the pictures and learn a little about this famous American writer and public speaker.

News: September, 2010

2010-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another school year has begun. As usual, we are hard at work to create meaningful educational experiences for you to share with your students.

Many new items have been uploaded in recent weeks. One interesting item is a U.S. Citizenship Practice Test. This is a test that mirrors the official test administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for American citizen-candidates. This test is available in both interactive and printable formats.

Why give this test to students? 1. The test enlightens students regarding what citizen-candidates are expected to know about the United States. 2. The test can serve as a wake-up call to students about how much, or how little, they know about their country. 3. The test is a terrific "pre-test" for students beginning their study of American Government or United States History.

Joseph Stalin Photo Gallery

2010-08-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

We have launched a great photo gallery starring Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

Enjoy!

Citations

2010-08-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

Are you or your students writing cited research papers? We have easy-to-read instructions on what citations are, why we use them, and what the most common methods are (MLA, APA, endnotes, footnotes). This is a great link to share with students who are writing their first essays with references.

Grading Sheets

2010-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Teachers are dusting off their supplies and preparing for a new school year. We have everything that you need to get off to a great start.

Click here for free printable grades sheets and downloadable spreadsheets.

Click here for our huge inventory of free printable graphic organizers.

Click here for miscellaneous teacher forms, including printable student information sheets.

Click here to get your Substitute Emergency Folder ready.

Good luck this year! Don't forget to bookmark our site for your educational needs.

Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)

2010-08-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Leon Trotsky was a leading figure in Russia's Bolshevik Revolution. Later, he was pushed out by Joseph Stalin. Trotsky died in exile in Mexico City in 1940. To help you learn more about Trotsky and his role in the Russian Revolution, we have created a Leon Trotsky photo gallery. Click here to view our Leon Trotsky photo gallery.

Back to School

2010-08-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

August is here, and we are all preparing to go back to school. Our website has tons of materials to help you get started while saving you money.

Blank Printable Attendance Forms

Free Printable Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

Free Assorted Printable Forms for Teachers

Enjoy the free teaching materials. Print as many copies as you need. And don't forget to spread the word! Don't keep this terrific stuff to yourself. :)

List of Famous American Writers

2010-07-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

We have prepared a list of the most famous American writers. Do you agree with our selections? Look through the list and see what you think of our choices.

List of Famous American Writers

While you're at the site, browse through our other ELA: English Language Arts materials.

Interactive Geography Games

2010-07-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Our interactive geography games cover every country on every continent. Test your knowledge of state and national capitals, regional features, and more. These can be used by any person of any age. We have seen these played by fifth-graders (are you smarter than one?), college students, and mature adults. They're not just educational...they're free and fun.

Enjoy!

American History Outline

2010-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Check out our American History outline with corresponding teaching materials, links, lesson plans, and more for numerous topics.

Word Search Puzzle: The Enlightenment in Europe

2010-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

S E P A R A T I O N O F P O W E R S V L T N L N P
N D T B F T C A R T N O C L A I C O S I F A A N H
A S E R E H T A I R A M B A R O Q U E M A T C R I
O L H S W A L L A R U T A N E K C O L I R U I M L
C S T O P S E D D E N E T H G I L N E T C R S A O
O E F J N O S A E R C T S A L O N P A E E A S C S
C O N S T I T U T I O N A L I S M I T D N L A A O
O H M O Z A R T G S A U U R O W H H S M O R L U P
R A A N L D L O Q E M B S S C A A S E O T I C L H
U X I N D Y L K I X M I N S N O C R D N S G O A E
E N L I G H T E N M E N T D E G I O N A L H E Y S
T A E R G E H T E N I R E H T A C S K R L T N P O
T O R E D I D T P N M L Y K C H U N Y C O S C R Q
V O L T A I R E P E O F E D G A H E S H W T A K O
M O N T E S Q U I E U C P B J L B C M Y P W C F O

Terms:

BACH
BAROQUE
CATHERINE THE GREAT
CENSORSHIP
CHANGE
CONSTITUTIONALISM
DEFOE
DE STAEL
DIDEROT
ENLIGHTENED DESPOTS
ENLIGHTENMENT
HANDEL
LIMITED MONARCHY
LOCKE
LOGIC
MACAULAY
MARIA THERESA
MONTESQUIEU
MOZART
NATURAL LAWS
NATURAL RIGHTS
NEOCLASSICAL
PHILOSOPHES
PHYSIOCRAT
REASON
ROCOCO
ROUSSEAU
SALON
SEPARATION OF POWERS
SMITH
SOCIAL CONTRACT
VOLTAIRE
WOLLSTONECRAFT

Click here for a free printable version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

Why not honor American independence by testing your American history knowledge?

American History Module 3.1: A New Colonial System

American History Module 3.2: The Stamp Act

American History Module 3.3: Taxation without Representation

American History Module 3.4: The Townshend Acts

American History Module 3.5: Samuel Adams

American History Module 3.6: The Boston Tea Party

American History Module 3.7: The Coercive Acts

American History Module 3.8: The Revolution Begins

American History Module 3.9: Common Sense and Independence

American History Module 3.10: Defeats and Victories

Word Search Puzzle: The Scientific Revolution

2010-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

N C H T B S T G P R Y U R I K G Z J O J S L G H S
E L I R N O C A B Z M K J M P T R T O U N A N Z N
Y S A G E O C E N T R I C T H E O O R Y A W I D A
P H I E O C B H P E C R G C T J H C K W I O N D I
E E F M R L O C Y B F Y A C J S F K E E C F O D G
N L G M J W B V E F Z T X X N H Z Z P X I G S E O
D O H T E M C I F I T N E I C S S S L E T R A S L
R Y Y Y G S N O I T A V R E S B O W E K A A E C O
B R V C O P E R N I C U S J U W J N R N M V R A E
C S N D I E Z K V V O E H R Y S U A E P E I Z R H
H E L I O C E N T R I C T H E O R Y Q W H T X T T
G A L I L E O Z X Z P Y D B G P V L Z A T Y V E P
E T D T X Y Y M O N O R T S A I Z W H T A O N S F
X L H W S U P E R S T I T I O N S M N U M B N U A
G E K O S E I R O E H T C I F I T N E I C S S Q P

Terms:

ASTRONOMY
BACON
BRAHE
COPERNICUS
DESCARTES
GALILEO
GEOCENTRIC
HELIOCENTRIC THEORY
KEPLER
LAW OF GRAVITY
LOGIC
MATHEMATICIANS
NEWTON
OBSERVATIONS
REASONING
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
SCIENTIFIC THEORIES
SUPERSTITIONS
THEOLOGIANS

Click here for a free printable version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Classroom Proficiency Test Prep

2010-06-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for fun ways to prepare for tests in the classroom? If you have a SmartBoard or projector attached to your computer or laptop, preparing as a class just got easier. We have numerous chapter-specific and topic-specific online quizzes in a variety of formats that you can use with students in many different ways.

Our ENERGY SAVER quizzes operate just like old-fashioned Hangman. At the top, there is a question or a sentence with a blank space. Below is the energy box. Below this is the alphabet. At the bottom, there is one space for each letter of the answer or missing term. Students guess letters that they believe are part of the answer. When they guess incorrectly, the energy supply is depleted. These are great on a SmartBoard for playing as a class, or individually in the computer lab. If you have a classroom blog or webpage, you can link students directly to quizzes and games that they can do at home.

SILVERLIGHT MULTIPLE-CHOICE is a multiple-choice testing format which presents each question individually, rather than all questions on a single screen. Many of these questions incorporate visual elements, common on state regents and proficiency exams.

PLAYTIME is a two-player or two-team multiple-choice game that has a Vegas vibe to it. Each player pulls the lever to receive a question. The player with the biggest winnings is the winner.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE quizzes are created in a single-page format. These can be done as a group. They are excellent tools for individual students to use when studying for a test or exam.

FLASH CARDS have gone digital! Read the card, then answer it aloud or in your head. Flip it over to see if you were right. Track how many correct or incorrect answers you get. As you flip through the cards, remove those which you already know so that they aren't repeated.

None of these game styles are ultra-new or mind-blowing. But combining them with your SmartBoard or projector can make for a fun and productive classroom study session. They are all interactive, which means that no pencils, paper, chalk, boards, etc., are necessary.

Perhaps more importantly, our games are unit, chapter, and section specific. For example, under Roman civilization, we have five topics:

The Establishment of the Roman Republic
The Punic Wars
Civil War in Rome and the End of the Roman Republic
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
The Barbarian Invasions and Migratory Period in Europe

Even better, all of our games are offered online for free. This means no CD-Roms to store, no membership fees, and no hassle. You don't even need a password or log-in to use the site and test your skill. Use these educational games and quizzes in the classroom or at home, for regular chapter tests, exam preparation, or even quiz bowl practice.

You can start by browsing our WORLD HISTORY games. If you don't see precisely what you're looking for, fret not. We are hard at work creating and uploading new games every day.

Word Search Puzzle: Leading Figures of the Scientific Revolution

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

R Y A V M B R R D A Z H C J N E G L R W W X S V G
G M J H A E A E J O Z K R E V T B V S X O B S A K
A S D Y L N S C Z N Z N V D X C M F P F W O J Q A
Y X X P Q C L Y O E R A P O N R T V U C U Y S C R
A O E M A S I E U N B G I W N I N L M O O L U T O
Q K E R Q H X A E R Y O Z L P T U U M P N E O V N
B D T L P C J O A U Q Q C P X P Y C R E P D A R T
L E Y O I J D H Y S W R G P A G I E F R F C E H V
S S D G O L E W R Y Y E D P O J W X N N B I A U W
N E W T O N A K O E E W N E G J N L R I L H K K Q
B N F G J M V G B L V Y O H T T W O U C Q M C G H
N B H Z P U L L R J R P R E O Q W U Y U Y A I V B
S U I L A S E V S P A E Z O L E R N Y S G R V L Y
L C C S W T N O I T H Q F U E Z K L I B K N O J P
T T N G P V U J V T F O Z H S A B U G N M I Q M F

Names:

BACON
BOYLE
BRAHE
COPERNICUS
DESCARTES
GALILEO
HARVEY
KEPLER
NEWTON
PARE
VAN LEEUWENHOEK
VESALIUS

Click here for a free printable version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Free Educational Online Games

2010-06-14T01:53:00.000-07:00

Our new games are up and running. These are free educational games that you can play online. They run the gamut of high school courses (and then some). We intend to add new games pretty much every day, so check back often. These games are a great way to:

Keep your mind sharp and focused over the summer (so that you don't 'forget' everything).
Prepare in advance for tough AP (Advanced Placement) and other advanced/honors courses.
Hone your skills for college admissions tests (such as the ACT and SAT).
Save yourself from mindless boredom, watching hours of reruns on TV.
Have fun!

As you know, our games are 100% free. You don't have to log in or any of that rigamarole. Just click on a game and start playing.

Capitals of Central American Countries

Capitals of Eastern Asia

Capitals of Western Asia

Caribbean Country Capitals

Classical Civilizations

College Admissions Test Prep Vocabulary Quiz 9.1

Main Game Page (Note: We wanted to get these games out to you asap, so some of the HTML may look a little wocky. The game pages are all fine, but the pages listing the games still need a bit of work. You'll see what we mean. Don't worry...we're working hard to clean up the listings pages.)

Word Search Puzzle: Political Revolutions

2010-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

G R A N D A R M Y K B M S L T A T E D P U O C M H
I N A P O L E O N B O N A P A R T E C C Z X X A T
N O I T U L O V E R H C N E R F F I C Z L Q L R A
S K Z P W E P G U E R R I L L A W A R F A R E I O
I J N O T G N I H S A W E G R O E G C B L Q C E T
M X L B Z I P W N I T R A M N A S E D E S O J A R
O A D T U N O I T U L O V E R N A C I R E M A N U
N A P O L E O N I C C O D E B L O C K A D E E T O
B A B E N J A M I N F R A N K L I N R P H Z M O C
O X S Q U Z A C I R E M A N I T A L G Z I A I I S
L B I L L O F R I G H T S A T N U J K W V C G N I
I N Q M O F Q F K E S S A M N E E E V E L Y R E N
V S A N S C U L O T T E S P L E B I S C I T E T N
A I V X S I U O L A I B M O L O C N A R G A S T E
R T E R O B E S P I E R R E N I T O L L I U G E T

Terms:

AMERICAN REVOLUTION
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
BILL OF RIGHTS
BLOCKADE
COUP D’ETAT
EMIGRES
FRENCH REVOLUTION
GEORGE WASHINGTON
GRAN COLOMBIA
GRAND ARMY
GUERRILLA WARFARE
GUILLOTINE
JOSE DE SAN MARTIN
JUNTAS
LATIN AMERICA
LEVEE EN MASSE
LOUIS XVI
MARIE ANTOINETTE
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE
NAPOLEONIC CODE
PLEBISCITE
ROBESPIERRE
SANS-CULOTTES
SIMON BOLIVAR
TENNIS COURT OATH

Click here for a free printable version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Graphic Organizers: Concept Circles

2010-06-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Concept circles (or concept maps) are a terrific, versatile graphic organizer that can be used with any age group.

Commonly, they are used to determine "which item doesn't belong." Using the board, an educator writes a word on the line below the circle. Within the circle's four quarters, the educator writes three words that are related to the main word, and one word which is unrelated. Students then determine which of the four words within the circle is unrelated to the main word.

Another use for concept circles is for students to create their own definitions of words, or clues that remind them of the word's meaning.

Concept circles are also useful for social studies. A concept circle might use "France" as the main term. Teachers instruct students to fill in the quarters of the circle with things associated with France (Paris, cheese, wine, etc.). Likewise, the concept circle can be a "which one doesn't belong activity" (circle quarters with terms like cheese, Paris, and wine, along with a doesn't-belong term such as Ural Mountains).

Be creative, involve the students, and have fun!

Click here for a page full of free printable concept circles.

Final Exams Word Search Puzzle

2010-06-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

E X R Q U X K Q O E S O B P S T N P R O C T O R P
K S L E S R R N V X P P M J S S R X T D X P W O Q
O T S N C J B I O E E M E A Y X E O F F E E H Q M
O R S A S A T K N W J V F C E L C U L I A F R P U
B U K N Y C L B Y M R K C N F O G A G N Y M Z Q L
D V X U E Q O L S H A R P E N E D P E N C I L S T
E A R J M O U S I E G F J C W M A T S M V D A K I
S T B E K X L E R N E U E H A S T B M A N V C Q P
O O E G A W P B S R G N A O S I E M B F X I A P L
L S I E U D Y N O T T G N I R E B M E M E R D O E
C C R F H H I C O R I A W W E K S Q X U T D E S C
M T H A T S S N A I P O N S T B E G I N M T M S H
Q T N L S W E T G S T Y N E Y A T F Z Q O F I Q O
W J A O K F E L W U R S V S U N O W G B P L C Y I
X E K D S F E E B U Q C E R C S N O J H E W F J C
H E I V C S O C M B Z T Z U B W C R B D N C G G E
C V Y S L U L A W I U M H O Q E E A D C O M E L N
Q Q H J I U L R E B R B R C D R R L X I J Q G W M
F W E G E Y L I T M C P E R N O T A L K I N G F K
O K S S H J G N I M M A R C A C U Y G Q E D A R G

Terms:

ACADEMIC
ANSWER
BEGIN
BUBBLE SHEET
CLOSED BOOK
CLUES
CONCENTRATE
COURSES
CRAMMING
ESSAY QUESTIONS
FAIL
GRADE
GUESS
HEALTHY BREAKFAST
KNOW
MULTIPLE-CHOICE
NO TALKING
NOTES
OBJECTIVE
OPEN BOOK
ORAL
PASS
PROCTOR
QUESTION
READING
RECALLING
REMEMBERING
SCORE
SHARPENED PENCILS
WRITTEN

Click here for a printable version of this puzzle and the answer key.

Word Search Puzzle: The Growth of Democracy in England

2010-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

E N G L I S H B I L L O F R I G H T S I T M L R S
P U R I T A N R E V O L U T I O N B S M E A I A T
H A B E A S C O R P U S U L S T E R Q K S G M W U
D G H B E U C A V A L I E R S U H Q C O Y N I L A
L T E G R L A C I G R K A N Z H Y O P C T A T I R
N O I T U L O V E R S U O I R O L G U S S C E V T
R O T C E T O R P D R O L P U N S I R D A A D I D
L X R O N K H U B I V K X F H J L W I A N R M C Y
F A A U Q H D N A L E R I O W O U W T E Y T O H N
G H Y M F D P H U X A B J U I X C O A H D A N S A
F P E I F C P K J W U V N I W K L A N D R V A I S
Y H C R A N O M L A N O I T U T I T S N O C R L T
O L I V E R C R O M W E L L R J W L N U D B C G Y
Q Z N O U S B V T N E M A I L R A P J O U A H N L
T H G I R F O N O I T I T E P E I M E R T A Y E D

Terms:

CAVALIERS
CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS
ENGLISH CIVIL WAR
GLORIOUS REVOLUTION
HABEAS CORPUS
IRELAND
JOHN LOCKE
LIMITED MONARCHY
LORD PROTECTOR
MAGNA CARTA
OLIVER CROMWELL
PARLIAMENT
PETITION OF RIGHT
PURITAN REVOLUTION
PURITANS
ROUNDHEADS
STUART DYNASTY
TUDOR DYNASTY
ULSTER

Click here for a free printable copy of this (and the answer key).

Word Search Puzzle: Global Absolutism

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

L O U I S X I V J N U D Z K D B K R Y D Y C W T J
C S E B B O H T A E R G E H T R A B K A R L E A U
S H C R A N O M E T U L O S B A K T L K Z Y S E N
S U L E I M A N T H E M A G N I F I C E N T T R K
T H E L E V I A T H A N Y D K Q V A C B I S E G E
U S U B I V A N T H E T E R R I B L E O I R R E R
T S A R T L W A R T C E E B O S N V M S P A N H C
K B V T X V H P D W W T P B O T W G X S I Y I T L
M S I C I T P E K S A V U L S U I P H U L O Z R A
W B C L S W N S L T K G U U N G R R O E I B A E S
U J U I R J U G S F A T J D U O B B R T H M T T S
S G N I K F O T H G I R E N I V I D O E P W I E H
P A R T I T I O N S O F P O L A N D F N T F O P J
B R X K W Q A L M Z U L O W U L S A T S S V N H G
N O I S S E C C U S H S I N A P S E H T F O R A W

Terms:

ABSOLUTE MONARCHS
ABSOLUTISM
AKBAR THE GREAT
BOSSUET
BOURBONS
BOYARS
DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS
HOBBES
IVAN THE TERRIBLE
JUNKER CLASS
KING
LOUIS XIV
PARTITIONS OF POLAND
PETER THE GREAT
PHILIP II
SKEPTICISM
STATE
SULEIMAN THE MAGNIFICENT
TERRITORY
THE LEVIATHAN
TSAR
WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION
WESTERNIZATION

Click here for a free printable version (.pdf) of this puzzle (plus the answer key).

News for June, 2010

2010-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year approaches! We hope that you have enjoyed this academic year as much as we have.

Our plan is to keep as busy as possible. Currently, we are working on quizzes and other fun stuff to keep kids mentally engaged throughout the summer. You might want to link students and parents to our site and blog so that they can enjoy the puzzles and interactive activities that we will be adding throughout the summer.

Have fun and stay safe and sane!

Word Search Puzzle: Leading Figures in the Age of Exploration

2010-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

K K M N P U N R S N E L L A S A L T N Y U A J D Z
T E I L O J D N A E T T E U Q R A M I C O Y R A F
C R X I Z E S K C L Y A B M U A K R A B A A O Z V
H U E M R N L A O Q E M C O R T E Z L Z K B R F T
U T O B A C R E R S U I U Y N I Z A P E O L R H Y
D J J V L T P V D L W B G C P W B F M W N A R A W
S T R Z I I W Z O E G O F H I W M P A J A M R L L
O S J E L Y G C A E C M W H Z K H E H L S A A J B
N T R R H B V N W I E N C Z A S F L C R U G X T K
Q C L R X I Z U P J D P O X R U M U F O L A B A L
G R L Q N Q D T P G H Z M P R J U Y I P X D M E A
A D P V N E D R E V J P S R O W D I L W N B U O L
R T G T O Y J O E M Z N G S D N Y R H L N H T F W
I T G T B P V M A G E L L A N Y T W E U Y G H Y G
I L L E U S W K T V X K L C H V A B L Q X R C J X

Explorers:

BALBOA
CABOT
CABRAL
CARTIER
CHAMPLAIN
COLUMBUS
CORTEZ
DA GAMA
DIAZ
DRAKE
GILBERT
HUDSON
LASALLE
MAGELLAN
MARQUETTE AND JOLIET
PIZARRO
PONCE DE LEON
RALEIGH

Word Search Puzzle: West Africa during the Age of Exploration

2010-05-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

E W U A R E R A S T B Y T I N U M M O C
R A U I X O E W I L E A E S E N F L V N
C R O V S D T L D N W E A L T H E M A G
T A S O A R G U O H I E I A K O N G O H
Y H L R N O G N O K I N A M E A X N E A
J A T Y K R U V I L L A G E S R O O I N
S S O N G H A I T Z L B N E T A E I Y A
H E R D I N G S N D L O G R I U W T O I
T J L N K E N P A R A N E Q M S I I O C
O I H E A I I E V N I L I T B S R D Z U
G N I T N U H Q A M U R V S U T V A L N
L T S S R U S O R I S M E P K T A R E B
L N A E M A I A A E A I E O T D U T R S
E Y L I M A F A C L O T H E U N U L T A
U I T O U N R G I T S O T F L N I N E B

Terms:

Benin
caravan
cloth
community
Ewuare
family
farming
fishing
Ghana
gold
herding
hunting
Islam
ivory
Kongo
Mali
manikongo
oba
Sahara
salt
Songhai
Timbuktu
trade
tradition
villages
wealth

Click here for a free printable version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Word Search Puzzle: The Columbian Exchange

2010-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

N N M S I C A R T E R K F R O R R V G C Z I J S J J N T
A H O J L K G F X J U S I E C H E O L T P M V U C O O R
C E H I G T R Q V L R T J T Z O L V N X A M J B Y I I I
I H K V T V I C E R O Y S N U D S A L N R U A M O N T A
R C O N Q U I S T A D O R U C N W Z F I Z N V U N T A N
E K F O O C L T R E A T Y O F T O R D E S I L L A S R G
M U C J P Q P O C B T E X C H A N G E B N T M O I T O U
A F O O D S O D V O G X R N O R O E O D Y Y E C U O L L
N O I T A C R A M E D F O E N I L L A P A P R R Q C P A
I Z W R Q I O M L L R D H Y Q S G A Q N E E C E E K X R
T T N O I T A Z I N O L O C E I Z B O F S N A H H C E T
A C I R C U M N A V I G A T I O N I M M S C N P A O F R
L I H D Y M O N O C E N O I T A T N A L P O T O D M O A
M S I L A T I P A C O V Y Z C A S L C O P M I T U P E D
M I D D L E P A S S A G E R L R L V T X E I L S A A G E
L B C N A E B B I R A C T F E P E T J S M E I I L N A O
S E S A E S I D P E N B N A O V A M T W I N S R O Y D O
T K Z D R C W U B Z D I M X I L A I M T T D M H C R R K
M S I L A I R E P M I D L O U N Z L N O A A E C A K Q W
F J U A T A H U A L P A M M J O O C S C C H E P F O S U

Terms:

AGE OF EXPLORATION
ATAHUALPA
CAPITALISM
CARIBBEAN
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
CIRCUMNAVIGATION
COLONIZATION
COMMERCIAL REVOLUTION
CONQUISTADOR
CUZCO
DISEASES
ENCOMIENDA
ENCOUNTER
EXCHANGE
FOODS
GOLD
IMMUNITY
INFLATION
JOINT-STOCK COMPANY
LATIN AMERICA
MERCANTILISM
MESTIZO
MIDDLE PASSAGE
MITA
MULATTO
OLAUDAH EQUIANO
OLD IMPERIALISM
PAPAL LINE OF DEMARCATION
PARDO
PLANTATION ECONOMY
RACISM
SILVER
SLAVERY

Click here for a free printable version (and the answer key).

Free Online United States Geography Quiz

2010-05-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

How well do you know the capital cities of the Western stats? We have created a simple online quiz to test your knowledge. All that you need to do is (using multiple-choice) name the capitals of the 13 Western states within 13 minutes. Good luck!

Name the Capital Cities of the 13 Western States within 13 Minutes

Word Search Puzzle: Native American Cultures at the Time of Columbus

2010-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

A R A P A H O R N A R R A G A N S E T T A S B K O O N I H C
L C E T Z A E K A D A P R O U D E N A T I V E N C L R L T H
G H U R O N U I V O O U E R H E R I T A G E S Q T F L L G I
O E Z N E A A O A E E N K A S H A Y A P O M O S A G E I N P
N R I O S U J O J E M I A M I I E P A A E F N E L T H N I P
Q O J I B W A N O N O K N M E A P E I I O I K M U S R O S E
U K L U T E T T S W A W S E U R U U A U W R C I Y O I I E W
I E T K L N T E A A M A A S U J E T R T A S O N I A T S A A
N E K S R A U L O P I K I C E Z B A O E M T N O E N Z U N I
C R E I W T O U Q E P I I A O U L R R S P A N L K A T O T L
A C O A A E V N M C L U T L L S O I A W A M A E I R X U O Y
O W A T C O H C U R R T S E T L N M C E N E H A O E I S E T
A A T O K A D I N E E L A R E M N O S X O R E L W E T H N O
R S Q E I P O H A P E N I O O U R T U S A I U M A N D A N O
A A C R O W S N O Z M O N A C A N A T L G C Q T A O S W E F
K K D E L A W A R E A O E P I I O W U H R A S G P H F N Y K
I C E N M L P T M N J T R A S R T A U U O N U I A S E E E C
R I H U I C H O L A U K R C W S T T L V N S S E C O A E H A
A H H I T C H I T I Y A S H O I P O W H A T A N H H E E C L
A C O M A N C H E A E A I E O B U P R C S T D L E S N E A B

Cultures:

Algonquin
Arapaho
Arikara
Aztec
Blackfoot
Cherokee
Cheyenne
Chickasaw
Chinook
Chippewa
Choctaw
Chumash
Comanche
Cree
Crow
Dakota
Delaware
Hitchiti
Hopi
Huichol
Huron
Illinois
Inca
Iowa
Jumano
Kansa
Kashaya Pomo
Kato
Kiowa
Kiowa-Apache
Kwakiutl Nootka
Mandan
Maya
Mescalero Apache
Miami
Monacan
Narragansett
Navajo
Nez Perce
Ojibwa
Ottawa
Paiute
Pawnee
Pequot
Pima
Potawatomi
Powhatan
Pueblo
Sauk
Seminole
Shawnee
Shoshone
Susquehannock
Taino
Tuscarora
Ute
Wampanoag
Zuni

Click here for a free printable (.pdf) version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

The YouTube Party Continues with the Causes of World War I

2010-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Erika Glover and YouTube

U.S. History: 1865 to the Present

2010-05-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Research Channel on YouTube (University of Minnesota) has a lot of interesting, brief videos. These, along with other YouTube videos, are a great way for teachers to stay current, review course material, and essentially "stay in the game" during summer vacation.

The Research Channel

New Teacher Survey

2010-05-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

America: A Story of Us - A Teacher's Review

2010-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

The History Channel started broadcasting "America: The Story of Us" in April. This series spans the course of American history from the English settlement of Jamestown on May 14, 1607, to the present day.

PROS

The series is fast-paced, with a lot of trivial snippets mixed into the history that will keep students interested in the story.
Celebrity commentators (such as Meryl Streep, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Rev. Al Sharpton, Donald Trump, etc.) frequently remark on the significance of events and movements. Recognizable faces are great for getting kids' attention.

CONS

The series skips around a bit in terms of how events are paced and scoped in typical classrooms. However, this can be a benefit as it serves as a review of previous course material, as well as a preview of future course content.
Celebrity reviewers offer opinions, not historical perspective or insight (as would a professional historian).
The series begins with English settlers. This perspective completely overlooks the thousands of years of Indian settlement that predated European arrivals. (Teachers may want to examine this during a classroom discussion. Possible question: Who is the "Us" in the title of the series?)

Please bear in mind that the entire series has yet to air. A thorough review is not yet available. While History Channel does have educator materials online already (available here and here), not even the title of each episode has been released (and titles that have aired do not line up with what is officially listed). Not surprisingly, History Channel is already taking DVD preorders of the series. If you are an educator, the terrific news is that your school can obtain a free copy by clicking here.

The accompanying book (with a forward by President Barack Obama) contains the following chapters:

Rise of the Patriots
Revolution!
Westward
Seeds of War
Civil War
Conquering the Plains
City
Boom
Bust
America at War
Then and Now
Then and Now (continued)

The episodes which have aired (to the best of our knowledge) are:

Rebels
Revolution
Westward
Division
Civil War
Heartland
Cities
Boom
Bust
World War II (WWII)
Metropolis
Rise of a Superpower

Don't forget to visit the History Classroom website.

Alabama Fever!

2010-05-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

As part of our United States Geography unit, we have puzzles and more for each of the 50 states, including Alabama in the American South.

Famous Alabamians Word Search Puzzle

Famous Alabamians Word Search Puzzle Answer Key

Alabama Crossword Puzzle

Alabama Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

Click here to visit our U.S. Geography page.

Enjoy!

The Rise and Fall of African Civilizations Word Search Puzzle

2010-05-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A C H R I S T I A N I T Y N A S G
R P S J T L L S S O N G H A I O S
B O Z I K E M L S A D T H E B V U
U Q C O R N S A T A E O U A L N P
H O O K W O R M M F N E T N N U P
A R W E I I P A A R T P K N O A L
C L R E T H S L L I U S U R T U Y
G S I E D K N I A C R Q B M R M A
O I E E F A J Q R A E A M N A E N
L T S D O X C U I R D R I J D L D
D N Y L S U O O A T S N T T E S D
E U A W E M F I R O E K U I R K E
D E A N C L F V T B R O N Z E S M
A Y R E V A L S U E V I L O O J A
E S X R B U E G U M A R A B I C N
A K O R I E S R T W N L F A H N D
U V O A Z I Y E X A T G E S A L T
F R W M A N S A M U S A E S C T H
M E R C A N T I L I S M E D N I L

Terms:

AFRICA
AKORIES
AXUM
BENIN
BROCADE
BRONZE
CHRISTIANITY
COFFLES
COWRIES
DAMASK
GHANA
GOLD
GUM ARABIC
HOOK WORM
INDENTURED SERVANTS
ISLAM
MALARIA
MALI
MANSA MUSA
MERCANTILISM
OBAS
SALT
SLAVERY
SONGHAI
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
TIMBUKTU
TRADE
YAWS

Click here for a free printable (.pdf) version of this puzzle (and the answer key).

Most Popular Baby Names of 2009: Word Search Puzzle

2010-05-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Social Security Administration has released its official list of the most popular names for girl and boy babies in 2009. For future students and expectant parents (puzzles are great games at baby showers), we have created a word search puzzle using the top ten names for each sex.

J A C O B R A S B A V A T C L
N A E D R E S A T F L G N H I
J R Y S K T M E I L E I N A D
C L N D L M E M S R N A S O T
E L P N E E Q A A R H A O N S
C D E W I N O U B T U V R W S
I E T M I C H A E L Z T Y L X
L R N A E L A B L E C I D L E
I D F O G U L O L I V I A R S
A L T H L I N I A E A J E K I
O I O U M V N R A N T H O N Y
E M I L Y A C U E M L W T I S
R P U Q M O H A M M E D X O S
S S R T T N L A I L A L M Y A
P A U L E A O N Z E A A J E M
A U B O I C E E I F D B E E U
Y I Z H V D L W G I S I S R E
J X P T X U W R S Q T G S I L
O O M H N Y K O O U P A I C J
S L Z K J J N I V H S I C A U
H L B M C N D O E P F L A G L
U A M A R I A N N E Z Q Y R I
A K T M I A J U I V H W G X A
S D M E R F Q B E N J A M I N
A N B O C P R E D N A X E L A

GIRLS

1. Isabella
2. Emma
3. Olivia
4. Sophia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Madison
8. Abigail
9. Chloe
10. Mia

BOYS

1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Alexander
5. William
6. Joshua
7. Daniel
8. Jayden
9. Noah
10. Anthony

For a printable version (PDF file) of this puzzle, click here.

For a printable version (PDF file) of this puzzle's answer key, click here.

For a page of word search puzzles featuring the most popular baby names by year (back to the 1800s), click here.

Civic Literacy Report

2010-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute has a free Civic Literacy Exam online. Click here to take the test.

This is a fun, interactive way for students (and teachers) to test their civics knowledge.

Scholastic Printables

2010-05-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Scholastic company has great printables that teachers can use for free.

Regents Review Live

2010-05-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

The New York Network, a service of the State University of New York, has released Regents Review 2.0 online. The free review programs in English, Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry, Physics, and Global History are available here.

You needn't be from New York State to enjoy these proficiency test prep tools!

Using Electronic Resources and Searching on the Internet

2010-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video on how students might conduct internet searches for research purposes.

India-to-the-U.S.: Finding Teaching Jobs in the United States

2010-05-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Many Indians (as well as Filipinos and others) are eager to find teaching positions in the United States. For the most part, applicants are well-spoken, qualified educators with years of experience. However, a great many are unfamiliar with the requirements for obtaining teaching credentials in the United States.

In many countries outside of the United States, a person with a degree in Mathematics can be hired to teach Mathematics in a high school. While this does occur to a limited degree in the United States, it is not the norm. Most teachers in the United States (particularly at public schools) must possess a degree in Education. Additionally, teachers must often pass state-conducted or other standardized tests (such as the Praxis). Foreign teachers can get teaching jobs in the United States, but they must first complete the requirements for teaching certification for the state (such as Michigan, New York, or California) in which they plan to teach.

Teaching certification requirements are different in each state because, according to the United States Constitution, the administration of education is left to individual states. A teacher certified to teach in Ohio cannot automatically teach in a public school in Texas. Click here for a list of teaching certification requirements (and teacher job postings) by individual states.

If you are unable or unwilling to complete the requirements for state certification, it is still possible for you to find a teaching job in the private sector. This could be in a religious (e.g., Catholic, Jewish, Muslim) school or in a private secular school.

Catholic schools are organized by diocese. There are hundreds upon hundreds of dioceses in the United States. Typically, a single office conducts teacher hiring for an entire diocese. The diocese will have a standardized application. You must apply for a teaching job directly with the diocese. For example, imagine that you want to teach Science in a high school in Toledo, Ohio. You would visit the website for the Diocese of Toledo and complete the application process. For another diocese or school, try doing a Google search (such as "diocese New York" or "Islamic school Detroit" or "Hebrew school New Jersey").

Note: Some religious schools require that teachers practice the faith of the school, but this is not always a requirement. For example, many non-Catholics teach in Catholic schools.

Even if you do not pursue a degree in Education from an American university, you should familiarize yourself with common American educational practices and beliefs. You will be asked questions about these practices during interviews. You should understand the U.S. attitudes toward inquiry- and student-based learning.

Good luck on your journey!

Bridging World History

2010-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

This site offers terrific, brief videos complete with lesson plans and more. Units include:

1 Maps, Time, and World History
2 History and Memory
3 Human Migrations
4 Agricultural and Urban Revolutions
5 Early Belief Systems
6 Order and Early Societies
7 The Spread of Religions
8 Early Economies
9 Connections Across Land
10 Connections Across Water
11 Early Empires
12 Transmission of Traditions
13 Family and Household
14 Land and Labor Relationships
15 Early Global Commodities
16 Food, Demographics, and Culture
17 Ideas Shape the World
18 Rethinking the Rise of the West
19 Global Industrialization
20 Imperial Designs
21 Colonial Identities
22 Global War and Peace
23 People Shape the World
24 Globalization and Economics
25 Global Popular Culture
26 World History and Identity

Bridging World History

Every Month Is Black History Month

2010-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Every Month Is Black History Month is a terrific social studies teaching blog with lots of interesting material and downloadable teaching items.

You should definitely check it out!

For those at the blog--keep up the terrific work!

The Gadsden Purchase on Jimmy Fallon

2010-05-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Gadsden Purchase from Michael G on Vimeo.

This video is pretty funny! Kids love it.

Maps of War

2010-05-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Maps of War is a terrific website with lots of interactive historical maps.

Here is the history of world religions in 90 seconds.

Today in History

2010-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 10, 2010

1775 - Fort Ticonderoga captured from the British by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys

1869 - Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad

1924 - J. Edgar Hoover became the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

For more fun "Today in History" trivia, along with free printable monthly and weekly calendars and planners, click here.

World War II: History of the Battle of Iwo Jima

2010-05-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

History Annotated has a terrific video clip on the events on Iwo Jima, complete with authentic voices. Great for teachers covering World War II in the Pacific!

Looking for a teaching job?

2010-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

We are here to help not only new teachers, but current teachers making career and location changes.

Due to budget cuts and other factors, many teachers are finding themselves in a position where they must consider relocating to another district. If this describes you, take a look at our page of teacher certification requirements and educator job hiring links by state, including U.S. territories and military bases.

As this school year winds down, our thoughts are with all teachers who are faced with budget cuts, and left making tough decisions.

Gap Minder

2010-05-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

GapMinder offers lots of free statistics for students and others to use when conducting research projects.

Compare the United States to other countries, or one state to another.

Lots of fun for grown-ups, too.

Economics Today: PIGS, PIIGS, and PIIGGS - International Monetary Crisis

2010-05-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are watching the news today following the economic crisis on Wall Street and rioting in Greece. There are a lot of terms being thrown around that should be explained and discussed with students by teachers covering these important current events.

PIGS: Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain.
PIIGS: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain.
PIIGGS: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Great Britain, and Spain.
[The acronym has changed as more countries have been added to the group.]

Why are these countries "piiggs"? While not all of their economies are hurting like the economy of Greece, they are heavily in debt. A decrease in buying from Greece, the United States, or one another may cause severe recessions (or even depressions) in these countries. Because the world trading economy is so heavily linked, decreased spending by these countries can easily hurt the United States.

Example students can understand: Thousands (or more) American tourists visit Europe each year. These tourists buy necessities (food) and buy souvenirs (goods) when in Europe. Because of the recession in the United States, fewer American tourists have visited Europe. Debt-heavy European countries rely on tourism to support their economies. If American tourists do not visit Europe, the European economy suffers. [For older students, describe the trade goods of Europe and the United States.]

PIIGS from Marketplace on Vimeo.

The Story of Mothers Day: Story Word Search Puzzle

2010-05-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

Can word searches be educative? We think so. In fact, as far as we know, we invented the concept of the "story word search." This is a word search puzzle that tells a story. Essentially, there is a block of text. Certain terms within the text are capitalized and bolded; these terms are hidden in the puzzle. Instead of looking for random terms in the puzzle, students are looking for terms they understand on some level (having read them in the text).

Here is a free, printable, story word search puzzle on the history of Mother's Day in the United States.

World War I: Remember the MAIN!

2010-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mnemonic devices are a great way of remember lists of information. Acronyms do this job very well.

What were the MAIN causes of World War I?

Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism

Conceivably, after teaching this acronym (and explaining/discussing the causes of the war in detail), a teacher could assign an essay test question such as: "Explain the main causes of World War I," knowing that students should have no trouble recalling what the main causes were.

Abigail Adams - Free Printable Quotation

2010-04-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Abigail Adams:

"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."

Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Teacher Resources

2010-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has online resources for teachers.

Today in History

2010-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

A fun way to review historical events on a daily basis is by looking at today in history--the interesting and important events that occurred on this day in the past.

Today in History for the Month of April

Today in History by Month

Let's also not forget to start planning for next school year!

Our Graphic Organizers page has a printable weekly planner for the 2010-2011 school year.

Student Handouts

News for April, 2010

2010-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Spring break! This means enjoying a much needed rest. Unfortunately, it also means trying to get kids' minds back on school after they've enjoyed a taste of summer freedom.

The end of the year also means that Social Studies classes are slowly but surely catching up to current events. Thanks to the United States government's foreign outreach programs, we have a ton of printable readings with questions that can be used in American/U.S. History courses (or World History courses).

The complete list of American History readings can be found here (listed chronologically and divided into sections).

Here's a sampling:

The Native American Movement

Environmentalism

Nixon, Vietnam, and the Cold War

Conservatism and the Rise of Ronald Reagan

Panama and NAFTA

American Foreign Relations in the Clinton Years

The Presidential Election of 2000 and the War on Terror

Enjoy!

Easter Crossword Puzzle

2010-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are all eagerly anticipating Passover and Easter (and of course spring break). We have posted a great secular (non-religious), free, printable Easter crossword puzzle. This puzzle addresses the need for teaching students about religious holidays without conversion overtones.

The Ottoman Empire: Teaching Materials and Lesson Plans

2010-03-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you currently looking at the Ottoman empire, its rise and fall, etc., we have great teaching materials for you. Our free online gallery of Ottoman empire maps and images can be used in PowerPoints and handouts, as well as viewed on a SmartBoard for discussion and activities. We also have an extensive gallery of photographs of Turkey immediately following World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman empire.

Apart from using our gallery images in your own materials, they can be used as primary sources in your lesson plans. Try assigning (either at computers or using printed images) student partners an image or group of images. Have the students examine the images, asking: What does this image reveal about the later Ottoman empire? What examples of technology do you see? What do the images and captions reveal about social attitudes? Based on your knowledge of history and social studies, was Turkey on par with the rest of the world (politically, economically, democratically)?

What are footnotes?

2010-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Footnotes are notes at the bottom (the "foot") of a research paper or essay. We have tried to explain the concept of footnotes, along with other citing styles like MLA and APA, in a single-web page guide for citing sources and using in-text citations. As it is, it's a great little explanation of all of the basics. Students (and teachers) can gain a lot of knowledge of the concept of citations (and how to do them) by reading the guide. We offer a lot of links to examples, as well. Enjoy, and let us know what you think.

Spring Is in the Air

2010-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

We can hardly believe that there are only two weeks left until the official start of the spring season. Soon after that, we will be enjoying spring break.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, we have an Easter-themed crossword puzzle. As you can see from this puzzle, it is secular and history-based.

One issue that we see come up again and again is teachers' need to teach about religious holidays, and the reality that so many materials covering these topics approach the holidays from a faith-based standpoint. Certainly, there is a place for faith-based learning experiences. But what of the public school teacher who wants to explain to Jewish or Muslim kids what Easter is all about? What about teaching the non-Christian origins of the holiday?

We are attempting to address the lack of secular-based printables for religious holidays. These are handouts that are safe for use in public schools, and which simultaneously do not offend religious groups.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Why do you think teachers (and publishers) avoid religious issues, even when approaching them from a secular standpoint?