Resources

Statista is the perfect site if you are looking for a chart/graph that relates to a particular lesson/classroom topic or if students are in need of more chart and graph practice in preparation for the GED social studies test. After creating an account, Statista's free plan allows access to an extensive collection of statistics ranging from the economy to the environment, and even stats related to celebrities, personality, and behavior.

Ford's Theater provides free lessons and resources for students at multiple levels (grades 3-12). While Lincoln's life and legacy is the theme of the materials, there are also lessons that are related to many well-known plays that have appeared at the theater. For the U.S.'s 250th birthday, the site has new classroom resources for elementary, middle and high school students that explore how American leaders across eras understood the ideals of freedom and equality. The site also offers opportunities for teacher professional development, strategies for teaching oratory, and ideas for presenting Lincoln's assassination and legacy.

Facing History & Ourselves includes a civics education curriculum collection that helps students build historical analysis and media literacy skills, and a U.S. History curriculum collection that includes flexible resources about the themes of democracy and freedom. In addition to social studies materials, the site includes ELA resources that integrate literacy skills development with civic education practices. The site also has numerous resources and lessons addressing the Holocaust and antisemitism. Registration for the site is required but the materials are free and are leveled for grades 6-12.

Facing History & Ourselves includes a civics education curriculum collection that helps students build historical analysis and media literacy skills, and a U.S. History curriculum collection that includes flexible resources about the themes of democracy and freedom. In addition to social studies materials, the site includes ELA resources that integrate literacy skills development with civic education practices. The site also has numerous resources and lessons addressing the Holocaust and antisemitism. Registration for the site is required but the materials are free and are leveled for grades 6-12.

The Social Studies: Integrating Reading & Writing Curriculum Framework is a free resource that incorporates social studies content with various reading and writing skills. The curriculum is designed for HSE teachers but lessons and activities could be adapted for other levels. Units 1-3 all include lesson plans and supporting materials and cover the colonial period, the Constitution, and westward expansion. Each provides topical social studies content and then uses it to reinforce reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. For Units 4-12, while there are no lessons or materials, there is a curriculum map with guidelines. Also included is a comprehensive resource guide for HSE social studies.

Offers hundreds of free activities that teachers can use in any year. Statistics in Schools (SIS) uses Census statistics to create classroom materials for grades pre-K through 12. The SIS site also includes materials specifically designed for the 2020 Census; these materials can be used with adult English language learners for building skills in history, math, geography, and English.