Classroom Materials to Help Teachers Use Primary Sources in the Classroom

Classroom and professional development to help teachers effectively use primary sources from the Library's vast digital collections in their teaching.

• LOC Teachers Program

• Classroom Materials - primary source sets, lesson plans, presentations

• Teacher's Guides and Analysis Tool

• Teaching with Primary Resources Blog

• Today In History

• LOC Digital Collections

• Poetry & Literature - audio recordings, videos & events

• Activity Kits

Virtual MakerSpace & STEM Resources for students

CoBuild At Home The CoBuild website and Facebook group offers a wealth of online maker activities

The Community Science Workshop Network This resource is low in technology, but high in engagement and reliability. All the projects can be made with low cost or recycled materials. Check out the project library for STEM-rich ideas. Upper elementary through middle school.

Exploratorium The well-organized site from San Francisco’s Exploratorium investigates everything from skateboard engineering to cookie subduction (i.e., using an Oreo cookie to demonstrate what happens when continental and oceanic plates shift). It is heavily science focused and follows the scientific method closely. Upper elementary and up.

Science Friday The maker challenge archive from Science Friday is extremely robust. Everything from “The Many Types of Mucus” to a “Fossilize Me” card game is available here. Key vocabulary words are bolded, and the clear instructions are written with students in mind. Upper elementary and up.

MakerEd MakerEd has compiled an archive of activities with a robust pedagogical and curricular foundation. It is easy to search and use, but dense with academic language. Elementary teachers and parents.