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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
American Revolution Interactive Timeline for iPad
Give students up-close, detailed access to rare objects and artifacts
Bottom Line: A great companion to a real-life museum visit, and a neat resource for exploration in a history class.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.