Social Studies

Social Studies (X) - Elementary (X) - Middle (X)

From Nomads to Farmers (2005)

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Explore the agricultural practices and technological devices that led to the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia. Meet the nomadic people who became farmers, and see how they established city-states, developed specialized work skills, and advanced organized religion.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:20
From Nomads to Farmers

The Development of Written Language (2005)

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In the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the Sumerians developed a written language. Examine how they carved cuneiform characters into clay tablets. Then explore Sumerian folktales.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:20
The Development of Written Language

Trade Routes and Transportation (2005)

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For the Sumerians, the Tigris River served as an important early trade route. They used it to obtain scarce commodities, such as metal and wood, in exchange for their grain. See how they traveled by river and over land to trade with India and Egypt. Then examine how technological advances, such as the cart, facilitated transporting people and goods.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:20
Trade Routes and Transportation

Follow the Drinking Gourd (1992)

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Based on the traditional American folksong, this compelling tale recounts the daring adventures of one family's escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad. This touching story captures all the drama of a perilous flight to freedom.

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:26
Follow the Drinking Gourd

20th Century Presidents - Jimmy Carter 1977-1981 (2005)

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Jimmy Carter aspired to make government "competent and compassionate," responsive to the American people and their expectations. His achievements were notable, but in an era of rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions, it was impossible for his administration to meet these high expectations.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
00:16
20th Century Presidents - Jimmy Carter 1977-1981

20th Century Presidents - John F. Kennedy 1961-1963 (2006)

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On November 22, 1963 - when he was hardly past his first 1,000 days in office - JFK was killed by an assassin as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. JFK was the youngest man elected to the presidency.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
00:22
20th Century Presidents - John F. Kennedy 1961-1963

20th Century Presidents - William J. Clinton 1993-2001 (2005)

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During the administration of Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic wellbeing than at any time in its history. He was the first Democratic president since FDR to win a second term in office.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
00:16
20th Century Presidents - William J. Clinton 1993-2001

Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock?

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Plymouth Rock is the most solid piece of history the United States has.

Author: 
Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:23
Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock?

The Pilgrims of Plimoth

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The arrival of the Pilgrims in the new world is chronicled in this dramatic re-enactment of their daily activities during the first trying years in the colony they called Plimoth.

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Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:26
The Pilgrims of Plimoth

Global Eating: Learning From Other Cultures (2003)

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What can we learn from other cultures about food and nutrition? Some countries share our love for food yet manage to avoid our epidemic of obesity. How do they do it? By studying how other cultures eat, we can gain some useful (and tasty) ideas to adapt to our own needs.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
00:22
Global Eating: Learning From Other Cultures

Food: A Multicultural Feast (1998)

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One result of increased global trade and travel is that we all have multi-cultural stomachs. This video examines the multi-cultural origins of many foods and unearths a few surprises. Viewers learn chili isn't Mexican, spaghetti and meatballs is uniquely American, chop suey doesn't exist in China, and sauerkraut was a Chinese invention.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
00:20
Food: A Multicultural Feast

Along the Erie Canal plus Carousel Menagerie (2008)

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From Albany to Buffalo, and from 1825 into the 21st Century, the Erie Canal has made American history. Tom Grasso, President of the NY State Canal Society, takes us on a tour of the Canal, past and present, in this videotape.Carrousel Menagerie explores the superb carousels of yesteryear and the people who preserve their heritage today.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
01:01
Along the Erie Canal plus Carousel Menagerie

Greater Washington, D.C. National Parks: For the People (2005)

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Examines some of the attractions of Washington D.C., looking at things to see and do outside the metropolitan area, exploring the history of the national parks surrounding the city, touring some of the capital's major monuments and memorials, and describing alternative entertainments

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:20
Greater Washington, D.C. National Parks: For the People

Lake Ontario (2004)

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Examines the features of the lake, native peoples of the area, European discovery, canals, Niagara Falls, industries and pollution problems, and modern cities surrounding the lake, including Toronto and Hamilton in Canada, and Rochester, New York.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
00:22
Lake Ontario

The World of American Indian Dance (2003)

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The beauty, artistry, athleticism, and competition of Native American dance are illustrated in this documentary. Filmed at the Crow Fair, Crow Agency, Montana, the program highlights the beautiful costumes and many dance styles incorporated into the culture from various Native American tribes and nations.

Grade Level: 
Elementary
Middle
High
Length: 
01:05
The World of American Indian Dance

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