Educator Resources: Social Studies and Civics

The Smithsonian's goal for grades PK-12 social studies and civics resources is to provide a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience that fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and a global perspective among students. These resources aim to empower learners to reach their full potential while simultaneously contributing to the overall well-being of the United States, both socially and culturally. To achieve these objectives, the Smithsonian employs a range of resources and media tailored to different grade levels, including videos, online materials, primary source documents, hands-on activities, and multimedia content. These resources are carefully designed to be age-appropriate and align with the specific curriculum standards for each grade. These are only a small representative of the wealth of civics resources the Smithsonian has to offer.

Grades PK–2 (Early Learners/Elementary)

Text: Grades PK-1. Image: A Suffragette carrying a banner.

National Museum of American History

OurStory: Winning the Vote for Women

Read a recommended historical fiction book and then try fun activities to learn more about the people who earned the right to vote for women.Grades PK–2. Read-along book activity guides.

Image: A young African-American girl sitting in a red chair. Text: Grades PK–1

Smithsonian Learning Lab

My Beautiful Skin

Explore age-appropriate resources and activities for having conversations about race with young learners. Grades PK–2. Learning Lab collection containing images, videos, and reflection questions.

A graphic print featuring a cartoonish self-portrait of Roger Shimomura as George Washington crossing the Delaware.

National Portrait Gallery

Roger Shimomura: Young Portrait Explorers

Learn about artist Roger Shimomura and how he uses his paintings to express his identity (what makes someone unique).Grades PK–5. Learning Lab collection containing portraits, hands-on activities, and question prompts.

More PK–2 Resources

Grades 3–5 (Primary)

Image: A newspaper clipping of the "Presente" activity booklet. Text: Presente!

National Museum of the American Latino

¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States

Engage with inspirational and informative stories that explore the American Latino experience. Grades 3–8. PDF Activity Guide.

Image: Photograph of a model of the Statue of Liberty. Text: Grades 3–5

National Museum of American History

American Experiments: Ideals and Images

Play a game with a partner matching images that you think best represent American ideals. Grades 3–5. Teaching facilitation guide. College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework-aligned.

Image: Filipino American Kulintang Musician Text: Grades 5–8

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

A Cultural Journey Across America

Journey across America with this story map and discover the rich diversity of cultures and artistic traditions that enliven our nation. Grades 3–8. Interactive audio story map.

More Grade 3–5 Resources

Grades 6–8 (Middle School)

Illustration of the US Capitol building, with "Community and Zines" text.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Design a Zine

Inspired by the way zines have amplified diverse voices, this collection explores how to craft a zine in celebration of our communities and identities.Grades 6–8. Learning Lab collection containing step-by-step instructions for constructing a Zine, student examples, as well as discussion and reflection prompts.

Image: Comic drawing of a group of incarcerated Japanese Americans. Text: Grades 4–8

National Museum of American History

Teaching Japanese American Incarceration through Comics

Learn about the personal experiences of Japanese American incarcerees during World War II and will practice communicating information concisely by developing an original comic.Grades 5–8. Teaching facilitation guide. Common Core-aligned.

Image: Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington Text: Grades 4–6

Smithsonian Learning Lab

Spotting Symbols in the Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington

Follow the clues to uncover the mysteries of the Lansdowne portrait at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Each correct answer will help you learn something about George Washington and the portrait!Grades 4–6. Learning Lab collection containing portrait looking exercise, video, and critical thinking question annotations.

More Grade 6–8 Resources

Grades 9–12 (High School)

Image: The SNCC Freedom Singers performing in Harlem, 1965. Text: Grades 9–12

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Voices of Struggle

Listen and learn about the Civil Rights Movement through the music that shaped the era.Grades 9–12. Collection of historical recordings and contextual information.

Image: The original American Flag that inspired the national anthem. Text: Grades 9–12

National Museum of American History

The Star-Spangled Banner

Learn more about the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem. Grades 9–12. Interactive website containing historical documents, audio recordings, and quiz questions.

Image: Photograph of the US Capitol. Text: Grades 8–12

National Portrait Gallery

Visualizing Democracy

Students will visualize democracy from the colonial era to the 21st century by analyzing portraits. Grades 9–12. Learning Lab collection containing elements of portrait portrayal definitions, portraits, and critical thinking questions.

More Grade 9–12 Resources

Extended Learning

Resources designed for use by K–12 teachers, afterschool program providers, families, and individuals interested in lifelong learning.

Image: Gateways mural created by artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner. Text: Educators Resources

National Museum of American History

Becoming US

Resources for teaching a more accurate and inclusive migration and immigration narrative.Teaching Resource including deliberation guides, essential understandings, primary documents.

A group of educators deliberate a printout around a table.

National Museum of the American Indian

Native Knowledge 360°

Share more about Native Peoples' vibrant, ongoing traditions and diverse cultures throughout the year with the museum's NK360° resources to bring new ways of thinking about Native Americans to your students with these classroom ready resources!Teaching Resource containing learning activities, artifacts, webinars, Professional Development opportunities, and resources.

National Museum of American History

Classroom Resources

Explore history lessons, interactives, books, links, and other educator resources from across the Smithsonian. Teaching Resource containing a searchable database of American History learning activities, artifacts, and resources.

More Extended Learning Resources