In Religion in Mesopotamia, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains how religion unified early societies amidst the uncertainty of life. Temples were spiritual and economic hubs, which reinforced a sense of order in a chaotic and uncertain world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
The article "Daily Life in Ancient Egypt: How Ordinary People Lived Beneath the Pharaohs" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the lives of regular Egyptians who built a great civilization. Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley describes family roles, childbirth, jobs, homes, diet, clothing, medicine, religion, and burial customs.
In The Mormon Journey to Freedom, Simon Reeve hikes with two Mormon sisters as they explore the rugged Mormon Trail and share their faith. Along the way, he learns how Joseph Smith founded Mormonism and inspired thousands to trek through the harsh Rockies in search of freedom. The sisters reflect on their deep connection to those pioneers and explain how their religion continues to expand through dedicated missionaries. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
Discover the wonders of Chichén Itzá, one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Students will explore how the Maya used astronomy, mathematics, and engineering to create impressive temples and monuments that still amaze people today.
This Kahoot examines the history and design of Chichén Itzá, including the famous pyramid El Castillo, the role of calendars and celestial observations in Maya society, and the beliefs and traditions that shaped daily life. Students will also discover how ancient knowledge and culture influenced the construction of one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
Ideal for lessons on history, world cultures, mathematics, and geography, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the achievements and lasting legacy of the Maya civilization.
In Exploring the Hidden Caves and Ancient Wonders of Cappadocia, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating underground world of Cappadocia, where thousands of caves have been transformed into homes and religious sites. Visit a monastery dating back to Turkey's Christian period and a restored church. Beneath the surface, a newly discovered network of caves used by ancient traders is revealed, highlighting the rich history of the region. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Democracy and Conflict in Ancient Greece, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains the duality of ancient Greece. Advances in philosophy, democracy, and the arts coexisted with political discord, social unrest, and violent power struggles. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Introduce students to the rich cultures, landscapes, and history of India with this classroom-ready fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore India’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about the Himalayan Mountains, major rivers, diverse religions and traditions, colorful festivals, and animals such as Bengal tigers and Indian peafowl.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city hidden high in the Andes Mountains. Students will explore who built this remarkable mountain settlement, why it may have been abandoned, and how it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This Kahoot examines the engineering, architecture, and beliefs of the Inca Empire, including the stone structures, terraces, and pathways that allowed people to live in harmony with the steep mountain environment. Students will also discover what Machu Picchu reveals about Inca culture, religion, and scientific understanding.
Ideal for lessons on history, geography, engineering, and world cultures, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the lasting achievements and ingenuity of one of the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations.
The article "What Was It Like to Be a Kid in the Middle Ages?" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores what life was like for children during the Middle Ages. The article highlights how children's lives were shaped by age, gender, class, and religion. It also reveals surprising facts about literacy, mortality rates, and how children played, worked, and were disciplined.
In Thomas Jefferson Takes Power, learn how Thomas Jefferson became the first president inaugurated in Washington, D.C., and promoted freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. He significantly reduced the national debt, reformed taxes, and faced early foreign challenges, including confrontations with Barbary pirates. Jefferson also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States, and commissioned exploration of the Mississippi River.
In Disagreements on the Declaration of Independence, historian Lucy Worsley researches the ambiguity of the first drafts of the agreement. It had to satisfy people from 13 states, with opposing views on divisive subjects such as slavery and religion. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
In Religion in Mesopotamia, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains how religion unified early societies amidst the uncertainty of life. Temples were spiritual and economic hubs, which reinforced a sense of order in a chaotic and uncertain world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
The article "Daily Life in Ancient Egypt: How Ordinary People Lived Beneath the Pharaohs" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the lives of regular Egyptians who built a great civilization. Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley describes family roles, childbirth, jobs, homes, diet, clothing, medicine, religion, and burial customs.
In The Mormon Journey to Freedom, Simon Reeve hikes with two Mormon sisters as they explore the rugged Mormon Trail and share their faith. Along the way, he learns how Joseph Smith founded Mormonism and inspired thousands to trek through the harsh Rockies in search of freedom. The sisters reflect on their deep connection to those pioneers and explain how their religion continues to expand through dedicated missionaries. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
Discover the wonders of Chichén Itzá, one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Students will explore how the Maya used astronomy, mathematics, and engineering to create impressive temples and monuments that still amaze people today.
This Kahoot examines the history and design of Chichén Itzá, including the famous pyramid El Castillo, the role of calendars and celestial observations in Maya society, and the beliefs and traditions that shaped daily life. Students will also discover how ancient knowledge and culture influenced the construction of one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
Ideal for lessons on history, world cultures, mathematics, and geography, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the achievements and lasting legacy of the Maya civilization.
In Exploring the Hidden Caves and Ancient Wonders of Cappadocia, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating underground world of Cappadocia, where thousands of caves have been transformed into homes and religious sites. Visit a monastery dating back to Turkey's Christian period and a restored church. Beneath the surface, a newly discovered network of caves used by ancient traders is revealed, highlighting the rich history of the region. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Democracy and Conflict in Ancient Greece, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains the duality of ancient Greece. Advances in philosophy, democracy, and the arts coexisted with political discord, social unrest, and violent power struggles. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Introduce students to the rich cultures, landscapes, and history of India with this classroom-ready fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore India’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about the Himalayan Mountains, major rivers, diverse religions and traditions, colorful festivals, and animals such as Bengal tigers and Indian peafowl.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city hidden high in the Andes Mountains. Students will explore who built this remarkable mountain settlement, why it may have been abandoned, and how it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This Kahoot examines the engineering, architecture, and beliefs of the Inca Empire, including the stone structures, terraces, and pathways that allowed people to live in harmony with the steep mountain environment. Students will also discover what Machu Picchu reveals about Inca culture, religion, and scientific understanding.
Ideal for lessons on history, geography, engineering, and world cultures, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the lasting achievements and ingenuity of one of the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations.
The article "What Was It Like to Be a Kid in the Middle Ages?" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores what life was like for children during the Middle Ages. The article highlights how children's lives were shaped by age, gender, class, and religion. It also reveals surprising facts about literacy, mortality rates, and how children played, worked, and were disciplined.
In Thomas Jefferson Takes Power, learn how Thomas Jefferson became the first president inaugurated in Washington, D.C., and promoted freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. He significantly reduced the national debt, reformed taxes, and faced early foreign challenges, including confrontations with Barbary pirates. Jefferson also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States, and commissioned exploration of the Mississippi River.
In Disagreements on the Declaration of Independence, historian Lucy Worsley researches the ambiguity of the first drafts of the agreement. It had to satisfy people from 13 states, with opposing views on divisive subjects such as slavery and religion. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.