Weblinks for History Quest: United States Study Guide
Paul Simon sings “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during America: A Tribute to Heroes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdWW4IH5JW4&list=PLv_Z-b9pO4-hLTvir93CDF3Er7-GXGMGu&index=38
September 11th video from BrainPop: https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/september11th/
This is a segment NBC News produced around the time of the 15th anniversary of September 11th. It may give parents some idea about how children understand the events of September 11th. “Too Young to Remember: How Kids Comprehend 9/11” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugp_QluPos4
Here’s a brief clip from an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood where Fred Rogers shows children a behind-the-scenes look at his studio. https://www.misterrogers.org/places/
A short video describing why it’s important to remember September 11th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2xy0ac-PGc
Suggested Reading List
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman
Seven and a Half Tons of Steel by Janet Nolan
Saved by the Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11 by Julie Gassman
America is Under Attack by Don Brown
September 11: Then and Now by Peter Benoit
Ground Zero Dogs by Meish Goldish
In Their Own Words: September 11, a Primary Source History by Alan Wachtel
Ranger in Time: Escape from the Twin Towers by Kate Messner
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis
Main Spine- History Quest: United States by Lindsey Sodano
Hygge Literature- There are five units in the study guide that employ the Danish concept of hygge, where enjoyment of literature is your only assignment for the week.
#1. Native American Tales
The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales retold by James Bruchac and Joseph Bruchac, Ph.D. (ISBN 978-1402732638)
#2. Black Folktales
The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales told by Virginia Hamilton (ISBN 978-0679843368)
#3. Tall Tales
American Tall Tales by Mary Pope Osborne (ISBN 978-0679800897)
#4. Legendary Women- Choose from the following options:
1. Choose any number of the following stories that feature female protagonists:
Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora (ISBN 978-0375861444)
Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg (ISBN 978-0688140427)
Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen (ISBN 978-0152060060)
The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch by Anne Isaacs (ISBN 978-1416902010)
Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs (ISBN 978-0140559088)
2. Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales told by Virginia Hamilton (ISBN 978-0590473705)
#5. Exploring Civics- We recommend reading both of the following books, but if you can only find one, it’s OK:
1. That’s Not Fair: Getting to Know Your Rights and Freedoms by Danielle S. McLaughlin (ISBN 978-1771382083)
2. How to Build Your Own Country by Valerie Wyatt (ISBN 978-1554533107)
Want to learn which Native American nation(s) existed near where you live now? Try this interactive map.
Here’s a teacher resource from the National Museum of the American Indian about Native American terminology.
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/pdf/Impact-of-Words-Tips-for-Using-Appropriate-Terminology.pdf
Here are links to two sources of information about the preferred autonyms used throughout History Quest:
https://najanewsroom.com/ap-style-insert/
Getting ready to research a Native American nation in your local area during next week’s Research Quest? Here’s History Quest author Lindsey Sodano’s brief tutorial on how to find children’s books specific to your chosen nation or tribe:
American Jukebox: Visit the Bear Mountain PowWow to watch a Stick Dance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw8ZQAuoh7o
Here’s a teacher packet with information, pictures, and activities prepared by the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howe’s Cave, NY. Check out the list of common words in the Mohawk language near the end.
Learn more about Haudenosaunee government past and present—with a special focus on women in government—in this brief video. Highly recommended.
https://www.pbs.org/video/haudenosaunee-women-and-governance-4zi5yu/
Here’s a quick video about the Iroquois Indian Museum:
https://www.pbs.org/video/iroquois-indian-museum-dunta8/
Check out the work of modern-day Mohawk artist Jay Havens:
https://www.jayhavens.me/about
Any lacrosse fans using the History Quest curriculum? Check out this link to learn more about the Iroquois Nationals team.
A History of Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse
By Lena Camara Lacrosse is not what tends to come to mind when Canada and sports are mentioned in the same breath, though it is the country’s national sport – in summer, at least. The sport has been around for centuries, predating even the European settlement of North America; it is believed the Native Americans … Continue reading
A History of Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse
A History of Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse
The Haudenosaunee Constitution from Modern History Sourcebook and National Public Telecomputing Network https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/iroquois.asp
American Jukebox: Here’s a presentation about Wampanoag culture including music and dance from the Wampanoag Nation Dancers and Singers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJjBH4DgDjA
Explore the website of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for information on culture, history, and current events.
https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/culture
A link to the games/activities section of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums website for some additional enrichment options.
https://plimoth.org/for-students/activities-games
Here’s some more information on the founding of the Jamestown colony.
https://ed.ted.com/best_of_web/mz20AmLy
Learn more in this TEDEd overview on the Atlantic Slave Trade: https://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_hazard_the_atlantic_slave_trade_what_too_few_textbooks_told_you?language=en
American Jukebox: Check out the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps playing Revolutionary War-era music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRUImzd9FDo
Here’s some information on the Boston Tea Party from TEDEd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cT_Z0KGhP8
A kid-friendly biography of George Washington.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X9f2waOKU8&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=2&t=0s
A video about the American Revolution:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtW0gmh3kg&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=4&t=0s
Check out this TEDED video that teaches about the 13 colonies through a hip hop song.
American Jukebox: Here’s an entire page to explore about the music from George Washington’s Mount Vernon, plus a compilation from Mount Vernon of songs enslaved workers sang. Note that like much of the music from this era, some of the lyrics contain religious content.
https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/music/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGUy_GKCo1M
A brief TEDEd overview of the Constitutional Convention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=3&t=0s
Chapter 4 of History Quest briefly covers the three branches of government, and future chapters will dig deeper into this system. Here’s a brief TEDEd that explains the three branches and some of their responsibilities and powers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuFR5XBYLfU&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=11&t=0s
A brief video about the life of William Lee:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whl7qmUUm0g&list=PLr40fFkNNADFoXZi78o9951CxOkjk2I1p&index=2
If you’re interested in learning more about Ona Judge, watch this brief video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9qf6WWc6QU&list=PLr40fFkNNADFoXZi78o9951CxOkjk2I1p&index=4
American Jukebox: Visit this link for some beautiful Mandan-Hidatsa music from composer and storyteller Keith Bear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHICU8HJAps
This TEDEd explains the Louisiana Purchase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMh8RCqJf9U&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=9&t=0s
Cherokee word list.
https://language.cherokee.org/word-list/
American Jukebox: Listen to the “Cherokee Morning Song” performed by The Band’s Robbie Robertson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQTYmWTnrSY
If possible, watch this video about the Cherokee syllabary before your “Create” day activities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0OkSqsZnIw
Andrew Jackson was a very controversial president. This TEDEd video explains many of the reasons why.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx5IyumKmDI&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=17&t=0s
Here’s a brief explanation of the Trail of Tears from Discovery Education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AJjCbII0VU&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=50&t=0s
Want to see a historically accurate recreation of the famous New Echota print shop where the Cherokee Phoenix was printed? Check out this link.
American Jukebox: Here are two versions of the famous song “Go Down, Moses,” one recorded in 2020 by Cynthia Liggins Thomas and the other in 1937 by the famous singer Marion Anderson. Note: This song was originally about a story from the Old Testament of the Bible. However, it is now much more associated with Black Americans and their fight for freedom from slavery. It is included here are a piece of history, not to promote any particular religious beliefs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcPPCrIJQjI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lebh64WKUOM
Here’s an explanation of the effect of the cotton gin on slavery in the United States from TedEd:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SMNYivhGsc
A brief retelling of Harriet Tubman’s life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_9IA10MXvs&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=16&t=0s
Here’s another version of Harriet’s life from TEDEd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv7YhVKFqbQ&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=36&t=0s
Learn more about Frederick Douglass with this TEDED video. (Note that this is an older video and it states at one point that the current president is Barack Obama, so you may want to explain to your child that the video was made several years ago.)
American Jukebox: A singing ballot box does its best to explain the Electoral College in this Schoolhouse Rock video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc8e5Pm1_bM
Here’s an excellent overview of the executive branch of government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWR2p9j9hWo
A brief biography of Abraham Lincoln.
American Jukebox: Poet and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe wrote the lyrics to the Union’s anthem, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to help inspire the troops to victory. Here’s an article about the history of the famous song, along with full original lyrics and an early recording of the song. Note that the lyrics are highly religious in nature, as many abolitionists’ desires to end slavery were influenced by their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Here’s an online version of the Gettysburg Address. (Note: There are some battlefield photos, so you may want to preview.)
https://ed.ted.com/best_of_web/4Tpzh53v
What was the real cause of the Civil War? Check out this TEDEd video to learn more.
American Jukebox: “The Ballad of John Henry” tells the story of the steel driving man in song. There are many, many versions that have been recorded over the years. Here are three to check out:
Pete Seeger version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Zt0O2lyhk
Harry Belafonte version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydTRk1l0ZqI
Bruce Springsteen version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqxjHzff-Qo
Here’s a brief video showing some of the sights you can see at John Henry Historical Park, along with some historical drawings and photos describing the steel driving process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEUqYb2ubVQ
This is a brief review of the wins and losses of the Reconstruction Era.
American Jukebox: “Git Along, Little Dogies” was a popular song among cowboys in the West. It’s also known as “Whoopie Ti Yi To.” Here’s a version performed by Pete Seeger.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3RP4WMJ7fs
Some parents may remember learning about U.S. westward expansion by playing the Oregon Trail video game. Here are three options to check out:
Try the emulated version of Oregon Trail. You can die of dysentery just like in the ‘90s… the 1990s, that is!
https://archive.org/details/msdos_Oregon_Trail_The_1990
Download and install When Rivers Were Trails, created through collaboration with over 30 Native American creators.
https://indianlandtenure.itch.io/when-rivers-were-trails
If you are an Apple Arcade user, you can try the updated version of Oregon Trail, which has been designed to include more respectful representation of Native American characters. Search for “Oregon Trail” on the App Store. Note: We were able to try this game by signing up for a free trail of Apple Arcade. To continue playing after the free trial, families would need to subscribe to Apple Arcade.
American Jukebox: Want to hear Thomas Edison’s first recording of his recitation of “Mary Had a Little Lamb?” Check out this video. Listen closely, because it’s very hard to make out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3qPT30LejM
For science-minded students, check out this excellent explanation of the technology involved in the Wright Flyer from SciShow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S7H8TlkBC4
Take a virtual field trip to learn more about the Orville and Wilbur Wright.
https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/learn/education/virtual-learning.htm
American Jukebox: “Low Bridge, Everybody Down,” also known as “The Erie Canal Song,” was originally recorded in 1912. The song commemorates late 19th century mule barges in New York, which transported “lumber, coal, and hay” across the state. Here are a few versions:
Dan Zanes featuring Suzanne Vega:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH4RjD7A23s
Pete Seeger:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxKy1_c6DeM
Bruce Springsteen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDvYBCZwMIk
Here’s a brief video explaining the work of Lewis Hine. It contains images of child labor, so you might want to preview it before showing to sensitive children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddiOJLuu2mo
For those immigrants who arrived through New York, the Statue of Liberty would have been one of the first things they saw as they arrived. Here’s more information on the famous statue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usHRc7G0gVo&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=12
American Jukebox: Louis Armstrong was one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Here are two recordings from 1928 of Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five:
“West End Blues”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHdqTVC3cA
“Fireworks”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B06DwBVi9LA
Here is a brief overview of the Tulsa Massacre from Vox, including some discussion of the historiography of the event and the investigation in modern times. (Please pre-view before showing to sensitive students.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-ItsPBTFO0
Here’s a link to the full movie of Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood. If you skip to right around the one hour and twenty minutes mark, you can see Fairbanks slide down the curtain just like in your History Hop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x73nPX-06X8
Interested in learning more about the stock market? This TEDEd video provides a clear explanation.
American Jukebox: “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime, written by Yip Harburg and Jay Gurney for the musical Americana, became one of the best-known songs about the Great Depression. Here’s Bing Crosby’s popular version of the sad song. You may want to do a web search to pull up the lyrics so you can read along while listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eih67rlGNhU
This TEDED video explains Roosevelt’s New Deal, including many of the new government agencies created during the era. It also highlights common criticisms of the New Deal.
Here’s a very quick biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential first ladies in U.S. history.
American Jukebox: Don Raye and Hughie Ross wrote “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” for the Andrews Sisters to perform in a 1941 comedy film. The fun song about a jazz-loving trump player who gets drafted into the military was quite popular during World War II.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfWc52smNs8
This website from the Library of Congress is a rich resource of information Japanese-American internment camps.
https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=69183af8d45d4f46a9dc4eba99440891
Want to learn more about Senator Daniel Inouye? Visit the website of a documentary film about him, Senator Inouye Told By His Son. There is also a podcast by the same name and you can find it wherever you download podcast episodes.
https://seninouyetoldbyhisson.com/
Check out the virtual field trip videos available online from the National World War II Museum. These videos are longer and some are meant for older students.
American Jukebox: The Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Around that same time, a new style of music was becoming increasingly popular—rock and roll. Here are two famous (and fun!) rock songs from the 1950s.
“Rock Around the Clock,” by Bill Haley & His Comets:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgdufzXvjqw
“Roll Over Beethoven,” by Chuck Berry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOrMg3pY7hw
Here’s an excellent overview of the judicial branch of government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9giPmCWnepU
This brief kid-friendly video summarizes the story of Brown v. Board of Education, including animations and historical photos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX9Dmo24_cc
Here’s a segment on Brown v. Board of Education from PBS’s The Supreme Court, including some historical video clips and interviews with stakeholders.
American Jukebox: Here’s one of the Pete Seeger songs that attracted the attention of the House Unamerican Activities Committee, “If I Had a Hammer.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO39e5Uznu4
Want to know more about the Berlin Airlift? Here’s a website from the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum with more information and some great photos.
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/supplying-city-air-berlin-airlift
The short movie “Duck and Cover,” shown in schools across the country during the 1950s, instructs children on what they should do when (not “if”) an atomic bomb hits their city. Parents, please watch this first on your own and decide if you want to show it to your children. It is quite creepy on a number of levels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqXu-5jw60
Pete Seeger talked about how folk songs change over time. Here’s an article that explains the origins and evolution of “We Shall Overcome.”
American Jukebox: “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and is still a popular protest song today. Listen to the Morehouse College Glee Club’s haunting performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aor6-DkzBJ0
Here’s a video showing the actual bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgadWXYrET4
A brief video biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. for those who would like to learn more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG8X0vOvi7Q&list=PLXKV4TSyDgyDoWQfoVo3d-GcvNel8PbFE&index=10&t=0s
This is an overview of Muhammad Ali’s conscientious objection to the Vietnam War.
Write a Letter to Your Representative. To find out your representative in the House, click on this link (or type “find my representative house” into a search engine). https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
American Jukebox: Here is the song you heard in your History Hop, “Habanera” from the opera Carmen. This performance was recorded at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2snTkaD64U
Looking for a quick overview of the Bill of Rights? Check out this TEDEd video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYEfLm5dLMQ&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=7
This podcast episode page from the Civics 101 podcast has a brief video that shows how to memorize the main freedoms in the Bill of Rights using your hands and fingers.
https://www.civics101podcast.org/civics-101-episodes/billofrights
This TedEd (academically suitable for older students) theorizes about how best to convert protest into progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_g1BMVFcuw&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=31
American Jukebox: Just a few weeks after the Moon landing, many American young people turned their attention away from space and toward music. The Woodstock Music and Art Fair (usually known as “Woodstock”) took place in August of 1969 and featured many of the most famous musical acts of the time. Here is one of the most iconic performances from the festival, master guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjzZh6-h9fM
The drop in global polio cases since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative began in 1988 is stunning. Here are two maps showing the progress toward wiping this disease out of existence.
https://www.cdc.gov/polio/progress/index.htm
Here is a TEDEd video about the life of the author of Silent Spring, Rachel Carson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVEzCmiXM4
Check out the original NASA video of the first moon walk. It’s a lengthy video, but if you want to catch Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, you can find it at about the 3 minutes, 30 seconds mark. The flag planting begins around the 45-minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9HdPi9Ikhk
Want to show the kids what logging on to the internet used to “sound” like? Here’s a blast from the past:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0
Here’s a photo of the piece of wood and fabric from the Wright Flyer that traveled to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
American Jukebox: Want to show the kids how we learned about bills and laws back in the olden days? Here’s “I’m Just a Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgVKvqTItto
Visit the website of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins to learn more about Jennifer and the Capitol Crawl. If you click on the ‘Media’ tab, you will find many more articles and videos of interest. The website also has a study guide to go along with the book All the Way to the Top.
This video gives an excellent overview of the legislative branch of government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hltv8-nzcUc
Here’s a study guide from the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center about Congressional apportionment with opportunities for further research. (Best for older students.)
Interested in learning more about disability history and the Americans with Disabilities Act? Check out this website for further research.
Paul Simon sings “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during America: A Tribute to Heroes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdWW4IH5JW4&list=PLv_Z-b9pO4-hLTvir93CDF3Er7-GXGMGu&index=38
September 11th video from BrainPop: https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/september11th/
This is a segment NBC News produced around the time of the 15th anniversary of September 11th. It may give parents some idea about how children understand the events of September 11th. “Too Young to Remember: How Kids Comprehend 9/11” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugp_QluPos4
Here’s a brief clip from an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood where Fred Rogers shows children a behind-the-scenes look at his studio. https://www.misterrogers.org/places/
A short video describing why it’s important to remember September 11th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2xy0ac-PGc
American Jukebox: This unit’s History Hop is about a first-time teenage voter. Imagine Mariana leaving the polling location with her very first ‘I Voted’ sticker. Since this chapter takes place in 2009, there’s a pretty strong chance she might have been humming this hit song, Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA
Here’s a very quick overview of some of the major voting rights expansions in U.S. history from TEDEd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9VdyPbbzlI&list=PLMmas_BnOtY431rG-9Th2UuKn7CTclckl&index=17
An explanation of the Electoral College from TEDEd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9H3gvnN468
This video gives a quick overview of the history of democracy.
American Jukebox: One of the most joyful songs in Hamilton is “The Schuyler Sisters.” Here is the original cast of Hamilton performing the song at the White House.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ffjFS_4I8c
Interested in learning (a lot) more about climate change? Here’s the TEDEd “Our Changing Climate” series.
https://ed.ted.com/series/?series=our-changing-climate
History Hop back to before Hamilton arrived on Broadway to a very early performance of the opening number at a White House event. Be sure to check out the audience’s reaction. They’re not sure what to think – is this a joke? Note: This song contains some strong language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNFf7nMIGnE
You visited the East Room of the White House during your History Hop. Here’s a look at the East Room throughout U.S. history.
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/videos/a-tour-of-the-white-house-the-east-room
