13 TOOLS

Best Websites and Apps for Lessons About the American Revolution

Students can explore diverse perspectives on the American Revolution with this collection of engaging apps, games, and websites. From clever animations and hip-hop songs to interactive time lines and primary source documents, these resources can help personalize the United States' struggle for independence and add depth to your history lessons.

Flocabulary

Delightful hip-hop-based site connects literacy to every content area

Bottom Line: This site's content is savvy enough to keep students focused, and teachers will love the flexible options for deepening learning.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free to try

Library of Congress

Dig into famed library's collection of research goodies

Bottom Line: The Library of Congress delivers the best of America's past and present, and with teacher support it could be a reliable research resource for students.

Grades: 1–12
Price:
Free

America's Story from America's Library

Kid-friendly tidbits of history are fun; site feels dated

Bottom Line: Somewhat engaging mini-encyclopedia of American history gives kids a jumping-off point to discover more about the past.

Grades: 2–6
Price:
Free

BrainPOP Featured Movie

Incredibly engaging cartoons on a wide range of topics draw kids in

Bottom Line: These short videos are undeniably valuable as a teaching tool for elementary and middle school kids.

Grades: 2–8
Price:
Free

American Revolution by KIDS DISCOVER

Interactive textbook includes diverse perspectives on U.S. history

Bottom Line: This interactive textbook is a fine supplement to your U.S. history curriculum, but it won't replace a primary text and in-depth learning activities.

Grades: 4–8
Price:
Paid

BrainPOP

Clever animated hosts Tim and Moby masterfully tackle complex topics

Bottom Line: This extensive collection's videos and games break down ideas in a straightforward and thoughtful way.

Grades: 3–8
Price:
Free to try

National Archives

Access U.S. history with treasure trove of docs, genealogy, and other resources

Bottom Line: NARA's website wasn't designed for kids, but they can definitely use it to research and learn about history, genealogy, and the U.S. population and government.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free

Mission US: For Crown or Colony?

First-person journey through pre-Revolutionary War America

Bottom Line: This online game immerses kids in history by letting them make the choices people living in the 1770s would have made.

Grades: 6–8
Price:
Free

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Stellar history website, gateway to cool PD and scholarship

Bottom Line: In class, a good resource for U.S. history; beyond, a great website for free teacher PD and some great in-depth exploration of primary sources.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Sutori

Build timelines, embed media with cool storytelling tool

Bottom Line: With a super-simple design and tons of flexible features, this is an appealing and intuitive way for teachers and students to organize and share class content.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Zinn Education Project

Resources, lessons help teach a more inclusive version of U.S. history

Bottom Line: Free downloadable resources encourage critical thinking and active learning in search of a more accurate picture of American history.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

The Idea of America

High-quality digital history curriculum encourages debate

Bottom Line: A dynamic collection of resources and instructional strategies to enhance the teaching of U.S. history.

Grades: 8–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

Stanford History Education Group

High-quality, document-based lessons spark stellar historical inquiry

Bottom Line: A gold mine of cross-curricular literacy lessons that encourage sound, research-backed strategies for reading, analysis, and critical thinking.

Grades: 8–12
Price:
Free

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