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I've had many requests for a virtual field trip about Landforms and Bodies of Water , and I'm excited to share the details about this new activity! As with all of my virtual field trips, this activity includes ready-to-go content, response questions, and incredible Google Earth 360-degree views! This virtual field trip brings geography to life by allowing students the opportunity to explore real locations using Google Earth. Instead of just viewing a few textbook images, your

If you are looking for a way to engage your students, spark curiosity, and bring ancient civilizations to life, this Machu Picchu virtual field trip might be exactly what you need. This digital activity takes students on an interactive journey through one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the world. So often, a textbook narrows down an entire group of people, or an entire civilization, into one single paragraph or photograph. Instead, this activity combines expl

If you are looking for an activity that isn't just test prep, but an interactive civics experience, this Supreme Court of the United States virtual field trip is a great option. This activity moves beyond memorization and instead has your students connect with how the Supreme Court of the United States shapes everyday life. From understanding how laws are interpreted to seeing the human stories beyond court decisions, your students build the kind of civic literacy that lasts

Ever wished your students could walk the halls of American history without leaving the classroom (or homeschool)? Well, here's a solution! Get ready to bring history to life with this interactive virtual field trip to Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Enrich your activity program with live guided virtual field trip experiences! Perfect for group viewing, Strategic Educational Services offers interactive virtual tours around the world designed to engage the mind and spirit, providing both intellectual stimulation and emotional fulfillment.

Do your students think the Boston Tea Party was just a party with tea? Help your students understand the real story with this virtual field trip!

Bring Japan to your students with this ready-to-use virtual field trip simulation. Guided Google Earth links, map skills, culture, geography, and editable student response questions, this activity is perfect for elementary/upper-elementary social studies.

Too often, students can list the five W’s of the American Civil War: who, what, when, where, and why, but still struggle to truly understand the people who lived through it. They can tell you that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president or that the Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865, but they can’t always imagine what daily life was like for a soldier, a nurse, or an enslaved person during that time. That’s why bringing history to life matters. When students experience the pas

’Tis the season of giving , and what better way to spread a little joy than by surprising the social studies teacher in your life with something thoughtful and practical? Whether you’re a colleague, partner, or friend, this 2025 Gift Guide includes ideas that teachers will love—both in and out of the classroom. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. Every item featur

The days leading up to Thanksgiving break can be hectic for teachers. Between shortened schedules, assemblies, and excited students, finding something meaningful yet low-prep  can feel like a challenge. I've created a ready-to-go virtual field trip experience that lets students travel back in time to the early 1600s to learn the history and significance of Plymouth colony from multiple perspectives. In this Plymouth Colony virtual field trip, your students will visit historic

Teachers make so many decisions each and every day. Some say that teachers make more decisions in a day than a brain surgeon. With teachers wearing many different hats and needing to make split-second decisions, it can easily lead to decision fatigue. I can think of one year in particular--my fifth year of teaching that led to burnout. After a full day of teaching, I just wanted to come home and lie on the couch. Between being in a new school and learning the ropes of new sys

As we approach the season of giving-thanks and reflect on the story of Thanksgiving and Plymouth Colony, it’s vital that educators take time to teach this chapter of American history with accuracy, nuance, and respect. The popular narrative of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal and being friends, while appealing, often leaves out deeper truths, multiple voices, and the complexity of what truly happened. Here is how you can use a virtual field trip to teach Thanksgi

If you are new to virtual field trips, I'm so excited that you're here! If you are an Activity Director or Professional who works within...

If you are new to teaching social studies, or are maybe looking for some fresh ideas, this free resource kit is for you! I've designed...

Are you looking for classroom-ready U.S. history content that’s perfect for differentiated instruction, morning bellwork, or independent...

I'm excited to once again share my summer book recommendations for teachers! Since I've been sharing summer books recommendations for...

Today more than ever, older adults are choosing to remain in their homes and age in place. My Sittee (Arabic for grandmother) lived at...

We just got home from an incredible trip to Cuidad de Mexico, which was a surprise trip for my husband's 50th birthday. My husband did...

I'm hearing from social studies teachers across grade levels that the struggle with AI and students simply Googling answers is becoming...

Teaching geography can feel like a daunting task, especially when the subject spans across the history and geography of Ancient China....

Civic education is an important aspect of teaching social studies, and right now during the 2024 election season is a great opportunity...

If you are celebrating Grandparents Day in your elementary classroom and need a fun, but low-prep activity during your celebration, I've...

If you are teaching the Italian Renaissance after your Middle Ages unit, this interactive virtual field trip will help you bring history...

If this is your first year teaching social studies and you want to get a head start on planning, I've got you covered. Maybe you've stepped into your classroom and realized you only have an outdated textbook or the teacher before you didn't leave you much in the way of materials. I've totally been there. But you don't have to reinvent the wheel. 1. Find Your State Social Studies Standards Whether you have a full curriculum or nothing at all, one of the most important things t

For the past few years, I've been sharing my summer book recommendations. I've heard from so many of you that you love having a book list...

Did you know that every U.S. state has outlined its own set of social studies standards? And we're not talking about the Common Core...

If you are getting ready to teach a sensitive or tough topic with your students, it can be especially helpful to do some prep work. No...

If you are looking for meaningful end-of-year social studies activities to keep your students engaged, check out these great ideas!

Even though Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year, learning about earth and human activity can be taught all month long, and...

Since 2012 I've been sharing social studies resources that I've created either for my own classroom or have been the result of teachers...

I don't know about you, but I was one of those teachers who struggled to take my sick days. Creating lesson plans to leave for a...

I'm so excited to share with you my latest virtual field trip that will take your students on an interactive journey to each of the Seven...

Are you ready to take your students on a thrilling journey into the mysterious world beneath our feet? Say goodbye to traditional lesson...

Are you on the lookout for an engaging and low-prep activity that seamlessly blends science and geography into an unforgettable learning...

If your students embark on any of my virtual field trips, I encourage you to delve into this free bonus lesson all about travel etiquette...

This gift guide is a great place to start for meaningful gift ideas for the social studies teacher in your life.

Do you teach a thematic unit on U.S. landmarks or symbols? I want to encourage you to add an important monument to your list--the Crazy...

As a middle school teacher, you understand the need to find engaging and immersive experiences to ignite your student's passion for...

In today's digital age, it's easy for students to rely solely on GPS and smartphones to get from point A to point B. However, there is...

When I was teaching upper elementary, I was always on the lookout for engaging and educational social studies activities. If you are...

Over the past few years, I have been making transitions to live more sustainably and include more eco-friendly choices in my daily life....

Over the past few years, virtual field trips have become an incredible way to engage students in immersive learning experiences. If you...

Are you searching for an interactive way to teach your students about the history and cultural significance of the California Missions?...

Are you a new teacher on a rollercoaster ride of emotions? If that resonates with you, I completely understand! Balancing teaching and...

As educators, we strive to provide our students with rich, diverse, and engaging learning experiences that go beyond the confines of...

As teachers, we know that our students deserve a high-quality social studies education. So often our schools do not provide any materials...

As the back-to-school season approaches, teachers everywhere are juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and personal goals. Maybe this is the year you finally pack lunches the night before, or commit to leaving school by 4:30. While you’re setting goals for a smoother school year, don’t overlook these four small but powerful habits that can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and create more balance. 1. Discuss Household Responsibilties Before School Starts If you live w

Technology has opened up endless possibilities for education, including virtual field trips. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to...

I'm so excited to share that registration is open for the 2023 First Year Teacher Summit! This is the first virtual event of its kind...

Virtual field trips have become a popular way for educators to provide students with engaging and interactive learning experiences,...