Available FREE on PBS LearningMedia, the U.S. History Collection is organized by 16 eras of U.S. History and nine historical thinking skills. Browsable by era [More]

Available FREE on PBS LearningMedia, the U.S. History Collection is organized by 16 eras of U.S. History and nine historical thinking skills. Browsable by era or skill, these media-rich resources can reach a broad range of student learners. Quality media humanizes people from the past, develops student empathy, and facilitates connections between past and present. The U.S. History Collection retains alignment with conventional U.S. History curriculum and standards while elevating multiple perspectives.

Alabama Public Television and the Alabama Virtual Library have partnered to make PBS LearningMedia available through the Alabama Virtual Library website. PBS LearningMedia is a [More]

Alabama Public Television and the Alabama Virtual Library have partnered to make PBS LearningMedia available through the Alabama Virtual Library website. PBS LearningMedia is a free service that provides access to over 100,000 digital resources for PreK-12 educators nationwide. The Alabama Virtual Library provides all students, teachers, and residents of the State of Alabama with 24/7 online access to premier library and information resources free of charge.

In this three-part lesson, students will learn the science behind Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment and how he proved lightning and electricity to be the [More]

In this three-part lesson, students will learn the science behind Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment and how he proved lightning and electricity to be the same. Students will consider the concept of “engineering for good” by analyzing the social and public health impacts of the invention of the lightning rod. Finally, students will conduct a quick investigation into a chemical substance known as graphene and take part in an engineering design challenge of their own, with the goal of emulating Franklin’s drive to engineer for public good. About the Author: Merek Chang is a chemistry and engineering teacher who currently teaches at Workman High School in Industry, California. He received his B.S from UC Davis in Food Science and Technology and worked full time in the food industry prior to entering education. It is his desire to incorporate technology into his lesson plans whenever applicable and, if possible, through the lens of food. In addition, he is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and works with his students and other educators on developing lessons and projects that elevate the voices of youth across the country.

This two-part, four-hour documentary explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th Century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the [More]

This two-part, four-hour documentary explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th Century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.

Rediscover the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was deaf and blind since childhood, used [More]

Rediscover the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was deaf and blind since childhood, used her celebrity and wit to advocate for social justice, particularly for women, workers, people with disabilities, and people living in poverty.

All the videos and support materials in this collection incorporate accessibility features including ASL interpretation, descriptive transcripts, extended audio description, closed captioning, alternative text descriptions for primary source images, and accessible text-based handouts.

Visit this resource to learn more about the tools utilized to help make the film Becoming Helen Keller accessible for people who are blind or have limited vision, are deaf or partially deaf, or a combination of both.

Learn about Zora Neale Hurston with this video clip, printable biosketch reader, and support materials. About the Show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum is [More]

Learn about Zora Neale Hurston with this video clip, printable biosketch reader, and support materials. About the Show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum is a PBS KIDS show based on the popular book series, Ordinary People Change the World, by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos. The show follows the adventures of Xavier Riddle, his sister Yadina, and their friend Brad as they travel back in time to meet real life historical figures when they were kids. Find full episodes, digital games, and home activities on the Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum website. IMPORTANT NOTE: As a supplemental resource, this collection is not designed to facilitate dialog on the merits or virtue of all of a historical figure’s actions and behaviors. The focus is on specific positive behaviors the person demonstrated, rather than all aspects of who they were/are. Decisions about how and when to engage students in these important conversations is at the discretion of teachers, families, and school administrators at the local level. Select the biosketches that fit best with your classroom curricula and learning objectives.