What does it mean to be governed by the people? This lesson introduces students to the foundations of democracy in ancient Athens, highlighting how reformers like Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles expanded political participation and shaped a system based on civic engagement and equality.
Take & Teach Lessons: National Geographic World History Voyages of Exploration | DBQ, Cave Paintings
What can prehistoric art reveal about the lives, beliefs, and creativity of early humans? In this lesson, students investigate three ancient cave paintings from France, Argentina, and Africa to compare artistic techniques, materials, and purposes across time and cultures.
Take & Teach Lessons: National Geographic U.S. History America Through the Lens | Curating History: Japanese Internment
This lesson from U.S History America Through the Lens invites students to explore Japanese American internment through powerful works of art and photography.
Take & Teach Lessons: National Geographic World History: Great Civilizations | Traits of Civilization
This lesson from World History: Great Civilizations introduces students to the five essential traits that define a civilization. Through engaging discussion, visual analysis, and hands-on group work, students examine how elements like record keeping, specialized labor, and complex institutions contributed to the development of early societies.
Take & Teach Lessons: National Geographic World History: Great Civilizations | City-States Develop
This lesson explores how the independent city-states of ancient Sumer laid the foundation for the first civilization in Southwest Asia. Students examine how geographic conditions, food surpluses, and trade networks influenced the rise of complex societies in Mesopotamia.
Take & Teach Lessons: National Geographic World History: Great Civilizations | Samurai and Shoguns
This engaging lesson guides students through the rise of feudalism in Japan and the central role played by samurai warriors. Through visual analysis, historical comparison, and interactive activities, students explore the structure of Japanese society and the values of loyalty, honor, and service that defined the samurai code of bushido.
What’s New with MapMaker? Enrich Classroom Science and Social Studies Explorations
National Geographic MapMaker, developed by Esri and National Geographic, is a mapping application that uses the latest in GIS software to connect social studies and science classrooms with essential technology for exploration. Created specifically for students and educators, MapMaker is easy to use, free to access, is browser-based, and usable on most laptops and tablets. Learn about MapMaker and how your students can gain a better understanding of how the world’s most crucial issues, challenges, and opportunities fit into the context of place.








