One of the elements of engaging history studies is interactives. These days students can visit historical locations at the click of a mouse. Some interactives also put the student in the place of the participants of an event, facing the decisions they faced and providing a depth of understanding. Here are 12 favorite (and free) history interactives (in rough chronological order):
- Growth of a Nation
Free animated atlas showing the growth of the United States from the original thirteen colonies. Read our full review. - Young George Washington’s Adventures
Interactive from the National Park Service covering Washington’s role as a soldier. Students face the decisions he had to make. Revolutionary War Animated Maps{no longer available}
Follow the battle first hand.- George Washington’s World for Kids
Students step into the life and times of George Washington in this interactive from the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. - Go West Across America with Lewis and Clark
Interactive from National Geographic that has you making the decisions throughout the trip. - Hold the Fort
An interactive game of strategy from the National Park Service covering the War of 1812 where “The fate of Baltimore — and perhaps the United States — hinges on your actions!” - The Battle of Waterloo
You can participate as Napoleon or Wellington, making battlefield decisions in this interactive from the BBC. - Building a Sod House
Interactive from the Smithsonian where you are settling on the open prairie and need to build a house for you and your family. How will you do it? Killing Lincoln{No longer available}
Older students can learn about the conspiracy and plots against Lincoln that ultimately lead to his assassination. Despite the gruesome title, this is an excellent interactive presentation from National Geographic.- Railroad Connections
Interactive from the National Park Service where students explore railroads and trains by solving two mysteries. - Remembering Pearl Harbor: Attack Map
National Geographic interactive with a timeline look at events through photos, interviews, video clips, and more. - Apollo 11: Walking on the Moon
Smithsonian interactive covering the race to space through photos, video clips, activities, and background information.
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