good history websites for middle school students

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The History Cat’s US History

Written by a high school teacher in teen-speak, The History Cat presents US history topics in a more approachable way than textbooks. Sections cover colonial America through the Civil Rights era. Topics include:

• The Colonial Age
• Road to Revolution
• American Revolution
• Creating a Constitution
• Westward Expansion
• Trail of Tears
• Reconstruction
• Industrial Revolution
• Women Get the Vote
• Ellis Island
• World War I
• Roaring 20s
• The Great Depression
• World War II
• The Civil Rights Movement

The content is complete. But the author has other interactive elements planned but not yet available as of this writing. They will include critical thinking questions, document analysis, history detective, and quiz.

Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center

Educational Adventures at Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center give kids a window into what life was like for the Powhatan Indians and settlers in the Tidewater, Virginia area.  There are videos and podcasts on food, customs, traditions, economy, and the historic conflict with England that lead to the Revolution.

There are curriculum materials and activities for elementary age students, as well as information on field trips and programs available to homeschool students.

Tennessee History for Kids

TN History for Kids! has resources about Tennessee history and geography for K-12 students at every grade level.  You can find activities and information by grade level, or by topic.  Take a virtual tour of more than 40 historic sites from Burgess Falls to the Cumberland Gap, Hermitage Park and so much more.  Learn the history of each of TN’s 95 counties and several major cities.  View videos of historic re-enactments.  Learn about the famed sons and daughters of TN.  Find out how the state government is structured.  Take an interactive quiz based on Tennessee’s curriculum for state knowledge.

Mission US is a set of multimedia interactive games, designed for kids in grades 5-8, that immerses them in U.S. history at the time of the American Revolution and the Civil War.  Additional missions are planned for coming years.

• Mission 1 , “For Crown or Colony,” students role play as Nat Wheeler, a printer’s apprentice in 1770 Boston. They encounter both Patriots and Loyalists, and when rising tensions result in the Boston Massacre, they must choose sides.
• Mission 2 , “Flight to Freedom,” students play the role of Lucy, a 14-year-old slave in Kentucky. They must navigate her escape and journey  to Ohio.  In the process, they learn that life in the “free” North has its own dangers and difficulties. With the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, will Lucy ever truly be free?
• Misson 3  takes students to the northern plains to help the Northern Cheyenne tribe to track and hunt a buffalo herd.
• Mission 4  takes students on an immigrant’s journey in the Progressive era as she works to save the money to bring her family to America.
• Mission 5  takes students on a exploration of New Deal construction projects.

Each mission has about 10 timed questions, and opportunities to replay with different question sets.  Also available as an iPad app .

There is also a short quiz in game format to check students’ understanding of causes and events of these two periods.

Teachers, there are accompanying educator guides with additional activities and links to resources, including primary resources.

Teaching History

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Teachinghistory.org is designed to help K-12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S History education in the classroom.

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Top 10 Free History Websites for Students 

Welcome to our handpicked collection of the “Top 10 Free World History Websites for Students.” Whether you’re a middle school, high school, college student, or an advanced learner, these interactive history websites bring the past and present to life, making it engaging and accessible. Delve into a treasure trove of research resources, including firsthand accounts, images, videos, audio, and scholarly work. 

Many of these websites showcase expertly curated museum and archival collections, offering you a chance to step into the world of history. Satisfy your curiosity by analyzing primary documents, artifacts, historical figures, and significant time periods, as you embark on an inspiring journey through the annals of history.

10 Best Websites to Learn World History for Students

Now, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of history with these top-notch history websites.

#1. World History Encyclopedia

Explore the captivating world of ancient history and cultures with the free, web-based World History Encyclopedia. This valuable resource offers a vast library of articles, images, and interactive maps, all meticulously reviewed by editors. 

Endorsed and recommended by prestigious institutions like Oxford University and the European Commission’s e-Learning Initiative, this website provides a comprehensive understanding of world history. Delve into diverse historical topics and civilizations, gaining valuable insights into cultures, societies, and significant events that have shaped our world. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, this encyclopedia is your gateway to an enriching historical journey.

Price: Free

For Grades: 7-12

Website: https://www.worldhistory.org/

#2. National Archives

Uncover a treasure trove of legal and historical records on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. A valuable resource for students, providing access to original government documents and materials. Whether you’re doing research for school or just satisfying your curiosity, this site is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Dive into the fascinating world of authentic historical documents, photographs, and records that give us incredible insights into important events of the past. When you study these original materials, you will really get a feel for history and the amazing people who made it happen.

For Grades: 5-12 and beyond

Website: https://www.archives.gov/

#3. Library of Congress

Explore a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and resources covering diverse historical topics. This rich repository of information allows students to delve deep into specific historical periods and themes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history.

For Grades: 1-12

Website: https://www.loc.gov/

#4. Google Arts & Culture

Immerse yourself in the arts, culture, and history of various civilizations through high-quality images, exhibits, and virtual tours. This website offers a unique opportunity to explore historical landmarks and artifacts from around the world, enhancing students’ understanding of global history and cultural heritage.

For Grades: 6-12

Website: https://artsandculture.google.com/

#5. Smithsonian Institution

Engage with the fascinating world of history through educational materials and exhibits covering a wide range of historical topics. Students can explore historical artifacts and learn about significant events and individuals that have shaped human history.

For Grades: Pre-K-12

Website: https://www.si.edu/

#6. Khan Academy – World History

Deepen your understanding of world history with comprehensive video lessons and interactive exercises. This platform offers engaging and informative content that covers various historical eras, helping students grasp complex concepts with ease.

For Grades: High school students

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history

#7. OER Project

The OER Project is an impressive collection of free, open-source educational resources designed for history and social studies teaching. It features two year-long courses, the Big History Project (BHP) and the World History Project (WHP), along with three smaller stand-alone “extension” courses: Project X (focused on data), Project Score (which tracks students’ writing progress), and a three-week course on climate. 

This platform blends science, history, and even philosophical aspects, aiming to deepen middle school and high school students’ understanding of the past, its connection to the present, and its implications for the future. It’s a fantastic social studies program that encourages reflection, critical thinking, and imagination across all levels of students.

For Grades: 9-12

Website: https://www.oerproject.com/

#8. Histography.io

Experience history through captivating sounds, animations, and visuals with Histography.io. This interactive timeline covers 14 billion years of history, starting from the Big Bang and extending up to the year 2015. Sourcing historical information from Wikipedia, the timeline automatically updates as new events are recorded. 

You can navigate through history by moving the mouse across the timeline, allowing you to focus on specific historical events for in-depth exploration. Alternatively, use the categories on the left bar to explore related events and discover the cascading impact of historical occurrences on the world. It’s a fascinating tool that brings history to life in an engaging and visually immersive manner.

For Grades: All

Website: https://histography.io/

#9. Ancient-Origins

Uncover mysteries and wonders of ancient civilizations through historical discoveries and insights. Students can explore ancient cultures, archaeological findings, and historical discoveries that shed light on the origins of human civilization.

For Grades : All

Website: https://www.ancient-origins.net/

#10. Ducksters History

Dive into history with age-appropriate articles, quizzes, and interactive materials, making learning history fun and enjoyable. This website caters to middle school students, offering a user-friendly platform to explore historical topics and enhance their knowledge of the past.

For Grades: Middle school

Website: https://www.ducksters.com/history/

Closing Remarks

Discovering the wonders of world history becomes an enriching experience with these top-notch websites. From primary source materials to interactive timelines, these resources offer a captivating journey through the past, making history accessible to learners of all grades.

Whether you’re a middle schooler, high school student, or a curious mind seeking to explore ancient civilizations, these websites are your gateway to unlocking the treasures of our shared human heritage. So, start your historical journey today and let these websites bring the past to life!

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55+ Best Social Studies Websites for the Classroom

Don’t you love it when other teachers do the research for us?

Social studies takes a look at the different branches of human society, and as we’ve navigated this global pandemic, we’ve watched a major moment in history unfold. Why not use this opportunity to push our kids and students to explore humanity? Whether you’re teaching online or in-person, this list of the best social studies websites will help you create lessons that are informative, fun, and interactive. We’ve categorized over 55 of the best social studies websites as follows:

Social Studies Lessons

• Virtual Museum Tours

Virtual Field Trips

• Games and Simulations

American Panorama

This historical atlas of the United States combines cutting-edge research with innovative interactive mapping techniques.

American Social History Project

This resource challenges traditional ways of learning about the past by exploring the diverse social and cultural histories of the United States. The site also offers professional development seminars for teachers.

Big History Project

Focused on high school students, the Big History Project is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge.

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Crash Course World History

This fantastic YouTube channel provides an engaging glimpse into some of the most notable events and developments in history. With sequences of videos on the World Wars, the history of science, U.S. History, and more, it’s a great first introduction or review.

Crash Course Kids

The creators of Crash Course have also created a second channel geared towards younger students. This biweekly show is meant for elementary school kids and covers topics ranging from Earth science to chemical reactions.

EdTechTeacher

Need a list of some great history websites? EdTechTeacher has done the hard work and compiled them all for you!

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

A nonprofit organization that has developed an array of programs for schools, teachers, and students that now operate in all fifty states, including a website that features more than 60,000 unique historical documents.

The Idea of America

At its heart, America is an idea. What keeps this idea vibrant? The Idea of America is a digital U.S. history program that presents our nation’s rich history through an original framework that views America as an enduring “Great Debate.”

Inquiry Journeys

A free inquiry-based distance learning curriculum created by inquirED. The 20-minute social studies lessons can be done at home and address questions like How can I capture where I am in time and place? , How can we communicate with others to share our thoughts and ideas? , and How can we celebrate our everyday heroes? . New inquiries are being released weekly.

Library of Congress

It’s hard to beat the National Library of Congress. It’s one of the best social studies websites and even features an entire portal just for teachers.

National Archives

Use the online tool to access countless primary source documents to enhance learning. Find lesson plans and more on the Educator Resources page.

Rozzy Learning

This colorful site contains lessons that meet national and state standards as well as STEM and College and Career Readiness goals. They’ve even got lessons on coronaviruses!

Smithsonian’s History Explorer

Developed by the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian’s History Explorer is designed for K-12 teachers and students and offers hundreds of free, innovative online resources for teaching and learning American history.

Stanford History Education Group

The Reading Like a Historian curriculum promotes historical inquiry while engaging students. The lessons are designed to explore a central historical question and include a set of primary documents for students of various reading skills.

Studies Weekly Online

It’s easy to see why we’ve included this on our list of the best social studies websites. Studies Weekly Online allows you to create a customized, standards-based curriculum for social studies and offers a free trial.

TCI offers the full package! You’ll find resources to help you better prepare, present, assign, grade, and teach—even through distance learning!

Teaching American History

The Ashbrook Center at Ashland University worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop web-based lesson plans for U.S. history and American government teachers.

Teaching History

This site is designed to help K–12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom and through distance learning.

Teaching Tolerance

Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations, and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children. There is even a special module specifically designed for the racism surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Utah Education Network

This interactive site is designed for 3-6 grade students and includes lessons on geography, environment, U.S. history, and U.S. government.

Voices of Democracy

On this site, you will find scholarly articles offering critical analyses of significant speeches, curriculum units designed for undergraduate teachers and students, lesson plans for high school and middle school teachers, and a blog with brief commentaries on speeches and pedagogical issues.

World History Matters

A portal to world history websites including Women in World History, World History Sources, and more.

World History Project

This infinitely adaptable, free standards-aligned world history course for high school students connects to the past to the present, with an eye to the future.

Museum Tours

Art institute of chicago.

Enjoy virtual visits to the galleries, go behind the scenes, and engage with art from anywhere with our virtual events, videos, and themed audio tours.

Boston Children’s Museum

Explore three floors of the Boston Children’s Museum on this virtual tour which includes fun stops at the Explore-a-Saurus and Japanese House exhibits.

British Museum, London

Located in the heart of London, students can explore this iconic museum with exhibits dedicated to everything from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Explore the “ At Home With DIA ” museum experience at the Detroit Institute of Arts that offers virtual field trips, online exhibits, weekly film screenings, and more.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

This is definitely one of the best social studies websites around! Use Google’s Street View feature to tour the world-famous Guggenheim museum, including works of art and the breathtaking spiral staircase.

J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Street View tour of this California museum gives students access to European artworks that date back as far as the 8th Century.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Travel to Paris might be out of the question right now, but students can virtually walk through this gallery which includes works from Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and more.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Scope out two incredible online exhibits through Google: one dedicated to American fashion and another featuring a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Dig into the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage with a virtual tour of 23 exhibit rooms , including artifacts from the Mayan civilization.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

South Korea might be on the other side of the Pacific, but you can still visit one of the country’s most popular museums through this extensive virtual tour of Contemporary art  from Korea and more.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

This historical museum in Germany provides a virtual glimpse of ancient artifacts, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most iconic painters of all time, and this virtual tour allows visitors to marvel at the largest collection of his artwork.

Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips

Go beyond the classroom walls and explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations—no permission slips required.

Elkhorn Slough

Explore a variety of remote learning opportunities for students, including virtual field trips (Elkhorn Slough) , science challenges , walkabouts , and more. The site also offers a teacher resource library .

The Great Lakes

Embark on a virtual field trip that covers three main components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. The videos are short and targeted at middle schoolers.

The Great Wall of China

Even through a virtual tour on a tiny screen, students will be dazzled by the magnificence and wonder of this thousands-year-old fortification system.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

There’s so much to see at this iconic New York museum—even on a virtual tour. From couture ball gowns to a history of music, students will be captivated by the 26 online galleries.

Nature Works Everywhere

These wonderful virtual field trips allow students to explore a coastal rain forest or the coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, and so much more.

San Diego Zoo

Check out the fantastic behind-the-scenes videos and stories. Then, be sure to check out the great list of activities and downloadables.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium hosts a 30-minute virtual field trip. Students can learn about the animals and the food web that can be found in the Puget Sound waters.

This incredibly cool and responsive website allows students to explore more than 60,000 stars, watch sunrises, search for planets, and more!

The Smithsonian

These self-guided virtual tours give students an up-close look at permanent, current, and past exhibits.

U.S. Census Bureau

This site details the Census Bureau’s plans used to engage, educate, and ultimately count an increasingly diverse and growing population.

Perfect for K-8 social studies students, this site includes curriculum content, online learning videos, and quizzes along with a list of the corresponding national and state Standards.

Yellowstone National Park

The best way to experience Yellowstone is to visit. The second best way is to explore the cool interactive maps and, of course, the live stream of the Old Faithful Geyser eruptions.

Social Studies Games and Simulations

Classroom law project.

Dive into engaging civics and law-related education programs. Students of all grade levels can learn more about the values and skills essential to being a responsible citizen.

Kids Discover Online

Choose articles based on reading level, so you can use these articles for various ages and skillsets. Schools and districts closed due to the outbreak can request free unlimited access to Kids Discover Online.

Hippocampus

This free, core academic website delivers videos, animations, and simulations for middle-school and high-school students.

Horrible Histories BBC

This pick for best social studies websites allows students to “watch episodes, play games, and sing along to your favorite Horrible Histories songs!”

iCivics provides tools to help students learn about civic life. Teachers and students can access printable lesson plans, interactive digital tools, and award-winning games.

National Constitution Center

Established by Congress, this interactive website provides free online resources for remote students of all ages who are learning more about the Constitution.

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Our Free Online History Courses

Standards-aligned social studies courses that connect the past to the present with an eye to the future. Infinitely adaptable. Ideal for middle-school and high-school students. Free, open, and online. For everyone.

Big History Project

A course that asks big questions about our Universe, our planet, life, and humanity.

• Covers Big Bang to the present
• Adapts for grades 6–10
• More than 50 lesson plans across 10 units
• 62 videos, 117 texts, 40 activities

WHP Origins to the Present

A world history course covering early humans through today.

• Designed for high school students
• Aligned to world history state standards (U.S.)
• Videos, articles, activities, and more

WHP 1200 to the Present

A world history course designed to cover the period just before the Columbian Exchange through today.

• Aligned to the vast majority of world-history state standards
• Designed for high school
• More than 30 lesson plans across 9 units
• 64 videos, 185 texts, 185 activities

WHP 1750 to the Present

A world history course designed to cover the Industrial Revolution through today.

• 76 videos, 180 texts, 183 activities

World History Project AP®

Designed for AP ® World History: Modern students.

• Aligned to the AP ® World History: Modern CED
• 53 videos, 233 texts, 228 activities

Climate Project

A new take on climate education, developing critical thinkers and impatient optimists.

• 21 lessons across 5 units
• Flexible materials for easy modification
• Designed for grades 6-12
• 13 videos, 15 texts, 29 activities

Get OER Project insights and updates delivered to your inbox.

Resources for Teachers and Students

U.s. history: textbook.

A detailed history of the United States, from before the arrrival of Europeans on the American continent, up through the end of the 20th Century

Ancient Civilization: Textbook

To truly understand American history, you need to know about the ancient civilizations that rose and evolved and fell for thousands of years around the globe.

American Government: Textbook

The founding fathers created a framework for governance that has survived for over 200 years and is still going strong. Learn all about the different branches of American government, the checks and balances that exist between them, and why they work so well.

Declaration of Independence: Lesson Plan

Explore the events that led up to the American Revolution, the eight years of war with Britain and the emergence of the new American nation with carefully constructed discussion question and activities for students.

National History Day Philadelphia

Each year, thousands of middle and high school students and teachers across the United States participate in National History Day, a year-long educational program that culminates in a national contest every June. If you are a student or teacher with a passion for history, get involved now!

African-American Resources

No understanding of the history of our nation is complete without a thorough knowledge of the unique struggles for justice and equality faced by African-Americans, from the early abolitionist movement up through the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement in the '60s and continuing today.

Philadelphia: The Great Experiment

A perfect resource for teachers. This high-quality video series follows the history of the city of brotherly love, from the early days of European settlement, through the American Revolution and continuing up through modern times.