Attention-Students and Visitors—This page is primarily for teachers and parents. You are welcome to use it, but all the other pages are designed for you. See the above “Menu of Pages” (in green) and the “Search” box at the top of every page.
<< Here are the topics on this page; Click to jump/scroll down >>
Using the MH3WV.org Website
The website was designed to be usable in the classroom: for research and presentations by the teacher or individually by students; for homework assignments; or for home schooling. It consists mainly of links to other, often primary, resources, and videos.
The website is “responsive”—it will automatically resize to be usable on PCs, tablets and even smartphones.
The Header—the site search box, logo, tagline and menu of pages–is at the top of every page.
Clicking on a page title loads that page.
Each page has a table of contents of the topics on that page. Clicking on the topic scrolls/jumps down the page to that topic.
Results from the site search box (at the top of every page) will indicate which page(s) include your topic. Once on the page, use CRTL+F to search on that page. (Search results may include ads from Google.)
All Links open in a new Window/Tab.
We do not link to any websites that are commercial or political in nature, nor to any that have an abundance of advertising, unless specifically noted as such.
Videos:
Most videos do not require an internet connection to YouTube (or Vimeo). Those schools which have YouTube blocked will now be able to view them. These videos play on the MH3WV page—you will NOT see comments, thumbnails for “related videos,” nor advertisements. All videos and links on the MH3WV website have been screened for appropriateness and language. But you are still urged to use due diligence and preview any Videos and/or Links you wish to use or assign.
We make regular checks of links and videos, but please let us know of any issues. Or Suggestions! Email: mh3wv.org@gmail.com
Golden Horseshoe and WV History Bowl
<< WV Golden Horseshoe and WV History Bowl Links are on MH3WV’s “Golden Horseshoe” Page >>
“The mission of West Virginia Public Broadcasting is to educate, inform and inspire our people by telling West Virginia’s story. West Virginia Public Broadcasting is an indispensable resource for education, news and public affairs, emergency services and economic development. . . West Virginia Public Broadcasting is governed by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, whose members are appointed by the Governor. Two nonprofit organizations raise money on behalf of WVPB: The Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting solicits and manages membership donations, and the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation seeks major gifts, grants, and bequests as well as managing our endowment fund.”
“The go-to destination for instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos, games, audio clips, photos, lesson plans, and more! You can search, save, and share with ease. Best of all, West Virginia Learning Media is free for educators.
“In partnership with PBS, West Virginia Learning Media provides thousands of videos and learning materials from shows such as Nature and PBS Newshour.
“We also are producing videos and curriculum targeted specifically to West Virginia teachers, parents and students, including:
“1. West Virginia Studies curriculum and videos for 8th graders, including ‘The Road to Statehood’ and ‘You Are There.’
“2. WV STEAM videos designed to inspire middle school students through telling the story of young West Virginians in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
“3. History, art, science and other activities about our national river system: ‘3 Rivers: The Bluestone, Gauley and New.’ ”
“View and discuss the short programs in this collection to examine recreation, history, exceptional individuals and groups, geography, the arts, and oddities in West Virginia. Content is appropriate for anyone with an interest in West Virginia.”
(Available videos may be different when you visit the website)
>Mummies Dearest >Moundsville Ghosts >Sasquatch >Mothman >Identifying Flying Objects >Oh Suite! >Dracula Takes the Stage >West Virginia | BASEc Facts >Links to the Past >Mountain Highs >27 Seconds Downhill >Water Water >Gauley Season >Wild Ramps! >Burning Springs >Digging Ginseng >Toy Story >Jack Frosty
>Stradivarius of Steel >I, Too, Am an Appalachian >Honky Tonked Hank >Keeping the Music Alive >Rocket Man >Doughboy Buckles >Katherine Johnson | NASA Computer >Southern Belle >For Those Who Gave All >Standing with Her Brothers >Green Lights >Light My Fire >Home Plates >Fenton Glass >Steamboat Jimmy >Soda Straws and Hoppers: Organ Cave >West Virginians in War | Recognizing Rosies: West Virginia’s Women in the Factories
“WV STEAM” / “Inspiring West Virginians” / “Appalachian Innovators”
“West Virginia STEAM is a series of videos designed to [help] middle and high school students consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. They are produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting with help from the West Virginia Department of Education.”
Nanoengineer and the Scientific Method
Pipefitter and the Pythagorean Theorem
Nurse (and) the Frontline of Family History
The Art of an Iron Alchemist
Forensic Science in the Crime Lab
Advanced Manufacturing Technicians are In-Demand
(Available videos may be different when you visit the website)
“Inspiring West Virginians – The series from WV Public Broadcasting profiles West Virginians who have exceptional careers in scientific fields. Curriculum for science and social studies is included.”
Kim Weaver: Astrophysicist
Rodney Bartgis: Conservationist
Dr. Lewis Cantley: Medical Researcher
Geoffrey Cousins: Heart Surgeon
Katherine Johnson: NASA Computer
John Ochsendorf: Structural Engineer
(Available videos may be different when you visit the website)
“Appalachian Innovators – Video programs dealing with innovations in carbon fibers, lavender farming, job creation, and rare earth elements are included in this collection. Lesson plans and discussion questions are included.”
Lavender Farming
Trail Town
Generation West Virginia
How One Man Is Using Coal to Help Blast Rockets into Space
Rare Earth Elements
(Available videos may be different when you visit the website)
“This Week in WV History” – WV Public Broadcasting & e-WV
“Explore economic, social, and political events and individuals in West Virginia history with the West Virginia Public Broadcasting series ‘This Week in WV History.’ A guided listening graphic organizer, scripts, and a timeline and extension activity for each month is included in support materials.” Extensive–and growing–audio series.
WV LearningMedia: Free searchable library of digital content for the classroom K-12+.
PBS Parents: Free resources on child development, reading readiness and math. Parents may connect to PBS Kids.
Ready To Learn: West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s initiative to promote reading readiness and math skills.
“The Mine Wars” – American Experience – PBS
“Go inside the coal miners’ bitter battle for dignity at the dawn of the 20th century with The Mine Wars. The struggle over the material that fueled America led to the largest armed insurrection since the Civil War and turned parts of West Virginia into a bloody war zone.”
“In the first two decades of the 20th century, coal miners and coal companies in West Virginia clashed in a series of brutal conflicts over labor conditions and unionization. Known collectively as the “Mine Wars,” the struggle included strikes, assassinations, marches, and the largest civil insurrection in the United States since the Civil War. Coal was the engine of American industrial progress at the beginning of the 20th century. It powered . . . “
<<WV Public Broadcasting’s and PBS’ license to stream “The Mine Wars” is renewed periodically, typically for a few months after a broadcast. When available, it will be on the website below. (It is often offered on YouTube, iTunes and other media sites for a fee. Many libraries may also have a copy.) The supplemental materials, such as clips, interviews, timelines, transcripts, etc., are still available on the website below.>>
“Series: West Virginia Mine Wars” – National Park Service
“The West Virginia Mine Wars were a series of blood-soaked labor struggles in the early 1900s that saw the coal miners of West Virginia fight for their right to unionize. The Mine Wars ended after the treason trials at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The National Capital Area’s National Historic Landmarks program created this article series in partnership with the Organization of American Historians as part of a National Historic Landmark study on the Jefferson County Courthouse.”
“Shootout in Matewan, West Virginia, May 19, 1920”
<<This clip has been removed from the “History” page so that educators may preview it for appropriateness for their students>>
“This is a scene from the movie ‘Matewan’ ” (1987) (6:37)
“A Principled Man: Rev. Leon Sullivan”
“The Reverend Leon Sullivan (October 16, 1922-April 24, 2001) has sometimes been called the tallest tree in the forest. At 6’5″ tall, he certainly fit that physical description. A West Virginia native, he was a preacher, civil rights activist, and educator who effected change at the national and international level. The purpose of this documentary and supporting materials is to inform people about this principled giant and his accomplishments.”
“Examine the life and career of NASA computer Katherine Johnson, and engage students in a discussion of the qualities Johnson exhibited that helped her break racial and gender barriers.”
“A Moving Monument: The West Virginia State Capitol”
“’A Moving Monument: The West Virginia State Capitol’ tells the story of the six statehouses that have served as West Virginia’s Capitol — an historic journey steeped with beauty, controversy and mystery. This documentary provides viewers with the opportunity to trace the establishment and movement of the WV State Capitol over time.”
“Robert C. Byrd had a long and sometimes controversial history as a politician from West Virginia. He may be best noted for his efforts to direct federal funding to WV projects during his 57 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. After viewing this documentary, make your own decision….should Byrd be called “the Soul of the Senate”? Why or why not?”
“Burning Springs – A History of the Oil and Gas Industry”
“Examine the impact of the discovery and production of natural gas on the social, political, and economic history of western Virginia and West Virginia. Learn the processes used to find and access gas deposits and the relationship between natural gas and saline deposits.”
“You Are There: West Virginia Statehood” – Video and Lesson Plans
“This video from WV Public Broadcasting uses the news desk/reporter format to study the impact of WV statehood on individuals of the time. Explore the West Virginia Statehood movement through the eyes of individuals who lived during that time period with this video from WV Public Broadcasting. Students will hear news reports from locations around the new state, see interviews with a soldier, people on the street, and learn more about the naming of the state and creation of the state seal and motto.”
Support Materials for Teachers include:
You Are There: Issues of the Day
You are There: How Geography Impacted the West Virginia Statehood Movement
You Are There: Naming the State
You Are There: The West Virginia Motto and Seal
You Are There: Music and Its Impact On A Soldier’s Life
“West Virginia: The Road to Statehood” – Video and Lesson Plans
“This documentary brings to life the issues, differences and disagreements that divided the Commonwealth of Virginia, turning families and neighbors against one another throughout what is now West Virginia.”
“Explore the events leading to statehood for West Virginia with this documentary from West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The five lesson plans provide a guided viewing graphic organizer, primary source documents, maps, and activities to engage students in the study of the presidential election of 1860, the issues of the time, and individuals who played a role in the movement.”
Support Materials for Teachers Include:
Road to Statehood: Important Civil War Battles in West Virginia
Road to Statehood: West Virginians in the Civil War
Road to Statehood: Secession on Trial
Road to Statehood: Timeline
Road to Statehood: Guided Viewing and the Presidential Election of 1860
“3 Rivers: The Bluestone, Gauley and New” – Video and Lesson Plans
“3 Rivers: the Bluestone, Gauley, and New documents the economic, social, and political impact of the rivers on Southern and Central West Virginia. Included in Teachers Resources is a cross-curricular unit which addresses the West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives for 8th grade West Virginia Studies. The video is divided into 4 chapters: Introduction, Bluestone, Gauley, and New. Curriculum is available under the Resource tab by the content area.”
–
Support Materials for Teachers Include:
3 Rivers Overview Connection 3 Rivers West Virginia Studies Connection 3 Rivers Mathematics Connection 3 Rivers Language Arts Connection 3 Rivers Fine Arts Connection 3 Rivers Science Connection 3 Rivers Physical Education Connection
“Why would the heir to one of the nation’s largest family fortunes come to one of the poorest states in the nation – and stay? This documentary traces the 50-year public service career of John D. Rockefeller IV, while capturing much of the political history of West Virginia, his adopted home.”
“Viewed largely through the [eyes] of an individual public servant, Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice is an examination of the role of political office in 20th Century America. It documents the development of his views on government and his commitment to helping individuals through public service and political office.”Broadcasting
Explore WV Public Broadcasting’s “Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice” website to view videos:
WV@150 – “One minute celebrations of West Virginia’s 150 years” – 50 videos <<these videos are on the MH3WV “WV150” page>>
WV History (40 videos)
WV Arts and Culture (Stories about the music, art, and culture of WV – 47 videos)
Inspiring West Virginians (3 videos – many people also found in other playlists)
WV Music Hall of Fame (23 videos)
Lab 304 (Science and research in WV, a project of WV Public Broadcasting and National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in WV – (15 videos)
Mountain State Science (13 videos)
<<Several of the “Lab304” and “Mountain State Science” videos are on various MH3WV pages.>>
Information only – No Link from MH3WV
WV Archives & History
“Teacher Resources” – WV Archives & History
WV Archives & History Teacher Resources Include:
Primary Resources
Links to Archives and History digital resources for 8th-grade West Virginia Studies history clusters
Online Resources by County
A quick way to find resources that Archives and History has online for your county
Lesson Plans and Exercises – Educator Resources
Archives and History educational Web site and primary source activities for classroom use
Charts, Graphs, and Maps
Images for use by teachers in developing their own projects
Daily Trivia *
A useful tool for students studying for History Bowl and/or the Golden Horseshoe
Quick Quizzes *
Multiple-choice quizzes that test knowledge on West Virginia and are a great study tool for the Golden Horseshoe
On This Day in West Virginia History *
One or more events for every day of the year with links to additional information.
Online Exhibits
Archives and History online exhibits on John Brown, statehood, Buffalo Creek, the 1960 presidential primary campaign, gubernatorial inaugurations, and other West Virginia topics
The History Center
Offers links to various features, guides, programs, publications, and history topics. Included are materials on Civil War, Disasters, Education, Government and Politics, Women, and much more.
West Virginia History Bowl *
Teams of students from around the state face off in an academic bowl competition that focuses on West Virginia history, literature, arts, architecture, geography and culture.
Audio-Video Clips
Footage of school integration at Matoaka in 1957, the Farmington mine explosion in 1968, and President Franklin Roosevelt and the Mountain State Forest Festival in 1936 and dozens more clips from the collections of the West Virginia State Archives
West Virginia Memory Project Databases
Search databases on John Brown, photographs, Golden Horseshoe winners, West Virginia Veterans Memorial names, highway markers, and more.
West Virginia Archives and History YouTube Channel
West Virginia Archives and History Facebook Page
<< * Links to these are also on the MH3WV “Golden Horseshoe” page>>
“Search through our programs for grade-specific content and other helpful resources to enhance your West Virginia studies.”
Includes: Grade specific materials for K-5, Middle, and Secondary; Teacher Resources; Public Programs; Charts, Graphs Maps and Photos; and Reference Videos. Also check out the tabs at the top of the page: Programs, About, Exhibits, Visit, Follow us, and References.
A complement to the above website includes: Museum Tours, Homeschoolers, History in a Box outreach kits (Ancient Culture, Early Settlement, 20th Century Immigration, Civil War, Fossils), and a long list of Reference Materials:
“West Virginia: A Digital Primer” – The WV State Museum at The Culture Center
“Educational Resource Guide”
“This resource seeks to bring the West Virginia State Museum into the classroom in a new digital format. When you navigate to the main screen, you will be presented with icons to choose from grades K-5 and Middle and Secondary. When you select a grade, you can then choose from a variety of topics. While the topics vary with each grade level, the material corresponds with the NxG CSOs for each grade to ensure your students learn about West Virginia History in a new and exciting way!”
Provides a complete list of West Virginia history standards.
Provides detailed lesson plans and vocabulary for the specific grade.
Offers helpful links to expand the material presented.
Offers short videos that connect to each grade’s West Virginia history standards.
Provides a focus on museum-centered activities and programs. It includes the current programs we offer, ideas for post-visit activities, an artifact gallery and how to schedule your visit to the West Virginia State Museum.
“Virtual/Video Tours” – The WV State Museum at The Culture Center
<<For more information and maps of West Virginia State Museum — as well as virtual and/or video tours of the State Museum and Governor’s Mansion — visit MH3WV’s “Capitol Complex” page.>>
“Guided Tours” – The WV State Museum at The Culture Center
For Guided Tours of The Culture Center / The West Virginia State Museum: call (304) 558-0162 ext 185. For Guided Tours of the The West Virginia State Capitol and The Governor’s Mansion: call (304) 558-4839.
“The West Virginia Humanities Council is a private, nonprofit organization providing lifelong learning opportunities to the state’s citizens. WVHC serves as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.”
“e-WV — The West Virginia Encyclopedia” – WV Humanities Council
“Bringing West Virginia to your fingertips!”
“e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia is the comprehensive reference resource for the Mountain State of West Virginia. Based on the best-selling West Virginia Encyclopedia, e-WV offers thousands of articles on West Virginia’s people and places, history, arts, science and culture.”
“Teacher Feature” – “e-WV–The West Virginia Encyclopedia”
“A new feature of e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia provides teachers with innovative ways to use the powerful online resource. The e-WV Classroom includes 18 lesson plans for eighth grade that were developed by teachers from several counties, working under the direction of curriculum specialist Margaret Miller. All of the lesson plans meet the West Virginia Department of Education’s standards for social studies and literacy.
“The Classroom section will also be helpful to students who want to learn more about West Virginia. Students will find links to e-WV articles and easy access to the e-WV quizzes, especially helpful in preparation for the annual Golden Horseshoe test.
“Visitors to the Classroom section will find directions for using e-WV’s special features, including interactive maps and the portfolio function.”
“Teaching WV Studies” – “e-WV–The West Virginia Encyclopedia”
“e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia is a valuable reference resource. With 2,300 articles and thousands of photos, maps, and other illustrations, e-WV has the answers to nearly any question about the Mountain State. This e-WV Classroom section offers a selection of lesson plans designed by West Virginia teachers on a variety of topics. e-WV Classroom also directs students to useful articles and interactive quizzes.
“e-WV has a number of other features that are valuable in the classroom: • Interactive Maps that display aspects of the state during different time periods • Portfolios where teachers and students can store items from e-WV • Forums where teachers, students and anyone with a free account can discuss anything of interest.”
“e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia offers a selection oflesson plans designed by West Virginia teachers on a variety of topics. Plans are available for eighth grade and elementary students and make use of the resources found in e-WV.”
“History Alive! provides a unique passport to the past. The program brings historical characters to life through portrayals by presenters who have conducted scholarly research on their character.
“History Alive! allows audiences to explore history through interaction with historical figures. These presentations are not one-person plays. They are intended to engage audiences in a dialogue with the character.
“History Alive! presenters have conducted thorough research into the characters they portray. They have gained insight into their character after studying primary sources such as autobiographies, journals, letters, speeches and other personal papers. Their presentation is based on scholarship and analysis rather than a script.
“The History Alive! program features scholars from around the state who portray historical figures at venues including museums, schools, libraries, community centers, and fairs and festivals. From Eleanor Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin to Minnie Pearl and Julia Child, these living history performances provide a passport through time for student and adult audiences throughout the Mountain State.”
Streaming videos of past presentations are available on the WV Library Commission website. “Features presenters who portray historical characters, with an emphasis on West Virginia history.”
“The West Virginia Library Commission is dedicated to providing relevant and useful educational material on West Virginia’s history, culture, and people to the state’s educators, students and lifelong learners of any age.”
“West Virginia: A Digital Primer, Elementary Edition”
“Additional resources for teachers, school librarians, parents, and students to further explore the exciting and fascinating events in West Virginia history. Click on the tabs to find interesting resources relating to information on the state, fun activities, books and videos about WV, and more.”
“WVInfoDepot.org, the West Virginia eLibrary, is an anywhere, anytime library that you can access from your home computer, school or public library, or mobile device. You can explore millions of magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, eBooks, digital images, test preparation resources, scholarly journals, historical materials, and more.”
“Access to [many] WVInfoDepot databases requires a username and password. For passwords or additional information about WVInfoDepot, contact the West Virginia Library Commission or your local academic, school, or public library.”
“The West Virginia & Regional History Center collects, preserves, and provides public access to materials that show the history and culture of West Virginia and the central Appalachian region.”
“Teacher Resources Guide at the West Virginia & Regional History Center”
“Activities, lesson plans, and other resources for teachers using the collections of the West Virginia & Regional History Center”
“Welcome to the Teacher Resources Guide for the West Virginia & Regional History Center at WVU Libraries. This digital guide currently contains selected digitized photographs from the history of West Virginia divided into time eras for ease of use. These primary sources provide an enrichment to West Virginia Studies lessons and a means to demonstrate national trends at the local level in US and world history.
“The tabs to the left provide easy navigation between time eras and include a tab for the Photo Analysis worksheet. This worksheet will help students focus on the details of the photograph as they place them in the context of topics they may be studying. Click on the title below each photograph to see any additional information we have on the photograph. If we haven’t selected a digitized photograph of the topic you are studying, check ‘West Virginia History OnView’ to search and view all 50,000+ available photographs.”
“West Virginia History OnView (WVHOV) in the West Virginia & Regional History Center’s online database that includes over 50,000 images digitized from our rich and diverse collections. While not every image we have has been scanned into this database, it showcases a small selection of our many photographs, glass plate negatives, tintypes, prints, and other still images. The images portray a variety of topics connected to West Virginia and the Appalachian region.”
“Named after the ancient muse of history…, Clio is an educational website and mobile application that guides the public to thousands of historical and cultural sites throughout the United States. Built by scholars for public benefit, each entry includes a concise summary and useful information about a historical site, museum, monument, landmark, or other site of cultural or historical significance. In addition, “time capsule” entries allow users to learn about historical events that occurred around them. Each entry offers turn-by-turn directions as well as links to relevant books, articles, videos, primary sources, and credible websites.”
“Clio offers a compelling intellectual challenge as professional historians work with local history experts to create and vet entries in an open digital environment. Ambitious in scope, Clio allows scholars and their students to publish humanities scholarship using an innovative digital format that will instantly reach a broad audience in ways that cannot be replicated by traditional forms of publishing. We believe that there is something powerful that occurs when our sense of the past connects with our sense of place. We hope that you will use Clio to connect with the history and culture that surrounds you.”
“Each entry includes concise information, embedded media, and links to primary sources and relevant books and articles. Clio also offers maps and navigation, as well as useful information for visitors to museums, libraries, and historic sites.
“Clio provides institutional accounts to libraries, historical societies, museums, and other institutions so that their staff can create, expand, and update entries. Clio also provides special accounts for educators that allow them to create and vet entries with their students.”
“Preserving the Story and Soul of the Mountain State”
“The mission of the West Virginia Association of Museums is to serve, educate, advocate for, and enhance communications within the museum community. WVAM carries out this mission by listening to its members and serving their interests and by keeping the members abreast of current standards and activities on a national scale.”
<<Many museums have educational programs and field trips available–see the MH3WV “Museums” page>>
The Heritage Farm Museum
“The Heritage Farm Museum specializes in programs that support learning and are designed to meet the needs of schools and home school families. Ask us to recommend programs that complement your area of study.”
“Contact Laura Perry via email or call 304-522-1244 ext. 111 to schedule your class for the next living history experience! Virtual Tour options are also available.”
“Heritage Farm has a strong tradition of educational opportunities. Qualified facilitators, gifted artisans, and talented reenactors creatively resource the best methods available to immerse students in a fun, engaging atmosphere! We are more than happy to share our lesson plans with you to utilize in your classroom or at home. Keep checking back for new lesson plans.”
“Download Lesson Plans [from the websites below] on a variety of topics:”
“In this video, Mike Perry, co-founder of Heritage Farm Museum and Village, talks about its goals and the value of reassuring young people that they come from the same line that produced the wonders we show.” (3:28/2009)
Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
“You will definitely want to bring your students to the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum in Wheeling, West Virginia this school year! The museum allows for an in-depth guide through history, that be directly focused on several different topics to help Match your curriculum from the classroom.
“Each of the school tours is a half-day learning session for your students! NO quickie half hour “experiences” here, but a full morning or afternoon of activities and fun! They will see, do, interact, and have a great time, all while learning valuable lessons and concepts that are already an integral part of your social studies curriculum!
“While we have targeted our tours to specific grade levels, the nature of the social studies instructional goals is such that they can be adapted to a range of grade levels, to make your students’ experience both enjoyable for them and relevant to their class work.
“Advance booking is necessary for all of these programs, and space is limited, so schedule your unique Toy Museum visit today!
“The WV DNR has many instructional materials and learning opportunities available for teachers to use both in and out of the classroom. They range from simple nature-related crafts and field trip ideas to creating Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) on school campuses. There are also many publications and two excellent learning trunks for bats and birds that can enhance the classroom experience.”
Try-Its!: Several projects to try outside.
Kid Krafts: Using art or design to help observe nature in different ways
Project WILD: A unique program for teachers that provides training and tools to enhance science and nature learning experiences.
Publications: A listing of brochures, checklists and booklets available from the DNR
Educational Trunks: A trunk full of fun and exciting learning tools that teachers can use in their classroom.
Kid Zone: Link to activities and fact sheets designed for children
Amphibian Cooperative Science Project For Students: Students can help state biologists learn more about our diverse amphibians.
West Virginia State Wildlife Center: A great place to take students!
“Try these wildlife activity sheets to keep the kids occupied.”
“While the kids are home, we’d like to help keep them entertained and learning. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has put together a few fun activities for them to enjoy.”
“In addition to documenting and preserving the rich and lasting contributions West Virginians have made to all genres of music, a primary mission of the Hall of fame is to develop and implement educational programs that highlight those contributions for state residents both young and old. Our most visible tool for education outreach is via the Traveling Museum . . . Other educational components of the Hall of Fame include: an interactive map of over 200 WV musical artists, now available on the web; Ideas for Teachers, which offers biographical material and lesson plan suggestions on several of West Virginia’s best-known musicians and songwriters; The Band Wagon, a mobile performance space that, like the Traveling Museum, brings Hall of Fame programs to communities throughout the state; and the HoF has branched out into dance with the “West Virginia Mambo,” a dance instruction program that is offered to schools and other groups.”
“In this unit, you’ll find stories about the childhoods of three of West Virginia’s most-loved musicians: Bill Withers, Billy Edd Wheeler, and Hazel Dickens. You can use the ideas, songs and videos, and stories to teach writing skills while you build student pride in West Virginia. . .”
“The West Virginia Legislature’s Back to School Program is a national civic education initiative designed to teach our state’s young people the value of the legislative process through interactive classroom visits from local state lawmakers.
“The program is targeted for students grades 3-12 and hopes to encourage these future voters and leaders to grow accustomed to the legislative process and understand that their ideas count.”
From WV DOE’s “Social Studies Resources” Webpage: “For those of you who are unaware, the WV State Bar currently has a great program set up on their website called School Mentors. They have listed by counties attorneys, who are willing to come out into your classrooms. They are also listed if they are available for Elementary, Middle, or High Schools . . . If your county does not have available attorneys listed you may try some of the neighboring counties. This is a great way to easily contact attorneys for activities in your classrooms. It will not give you their email address at first but it will contact them for you and they will then get in touch with you as soon as possible. I just wanted to make you aware of this site, because it is a very simple way to get into contact with attorneys who are willing to come out and assist you in your classrooms.”
“For more information on the Mentor Search contact Anita Casey at caseya@wvbar.org.”
“J. R. Clifford Project” – Friends of Blackwater
From WV DOE’s “Social Studies Resources” Webpage: “Friends of Blackwater (“FOB”) is pleased to have added the J. R. Clifford Project to its range of programs that includes heritage education and environmental preservation programs. A key element of their work is to build awareness and support for the JR Clifford lesson plans in schools around the state. Lesson plans can be downloaded from www.jrclifford.org. J. R. Clifford (1848-1933), West Virginia’s first African American attorney, is among twelve Civil Rights Pioneers announced as honorees on a 2009 Commemorative Stamp sheet issued by the United States Postal Service.”
“Since December 2004, The J. R. Clifford Project has involved thousands of West Virginians and visitors to the Mountain State in statewide and local educational programs to increase awareness of the life and works of John Robert “J. R.” Clifford. The programs reflect Clifford’s opposition to racism and highlight the supportive role West Virginia has played in upholding American civil rights.”
“Teaching With Historic Places” – National Park Service
” ‘Teaching with Historic Places’ (TwHP) uses historic places in National Parks and in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects. TwHP has created a variety of products and activities that help teachers bring historic places into the classroom.”
” ‘Teaching with Historic Places’ offers a series of more than 150 classroom-ready lesson plans that use historic sites as a means for exploring American history.Educators and their students can work through these online lesson plans directly on the computer or print them out and photocopy them for distribution. “You can browse the collection in several ways, each of which includes a short description of every lesson:
• Location/State
• Theme
• Time period
• Skill
• Primary Source
• National Standards for History
• Curriculum Standards for Social Studies
“Although designed for middle school students learning history, social studies, geography, and other subjects, TwHP lessons are easily adaptable from upper elementary through high school, and even for college courses. Each lesson includes maps, readings, and photographs, all of which are accompanied by questions. At the end, activities pull together the ideas students have just covered and require them to initiate their own research.”
“Each TwHP lesson plan links both to relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12and also to relevant Performance Expectations for Middle Grades from the national Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.”
“Teaching With Historic Places” – Arthurdale – Thurmond
Two locations in WV are included in NPS’ Teaching with Historic Places: Arthurdale and Thurmond.
<These websites have “disappeared” at times, sometimes because the NPS has changed the URLs without forwarding to the new address. Backup information from the Wayback Machine at archive.org is included below.>
“Arthurdale”
“Welcome to historic Arthurdale, West Virginia, a New Deal village built from the ground-up for coal miners and their families during the Great Depression.”
“Examine the complex and often dangerous daily routines at the Thurmond train depot, and learn how rail workers were immortalized by some of the people they served.”
“The Energy 101 series is a collection of educational videos produced by the U.S. Department of Energy, with the next generation of clean energy leaders in mind. These short, dynamic, and informative videos provide an introduction to the latest energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels, electric vehicles, and clean energy manufacturing. Each Energy 101 video is an ideal educational tool for creating awareness and inspiring conversation around clean energy solutions.”
<<Several of the videos are on the “Energy/Natural Resources” page>>
(1:20/2016/US DOE)
National Coal Heritage Area
Teacher’s Kit:
“As mining developed into an industry, the coal extracted from the rugged mountains became the fuel that drove the industrial revolution in our country. The story of the National Coal Heritage Area is the story of strong, resilient men and women, of families who spent generations mining coal, of incredible racial and ethnic diversity, of strong, close knit communities, and of isolation, danger and violence. It is a story that runs deep in the roots of West Virginia and other coal mining states.
“The Coal Heritage Highway Authority strives to help teachers share with students and other educators an understanding of and love for the culture and history of an industry that helped foster the growth of industrialization across the United States.
“We have put together a kit designed to help teachers create fun and valuable experiences for their students as they study this important piece of American history.”
“For your free kit please contact us — info@coalheritage.org”
Explore “National Coal Heritage Website — Includes: “Birth of the Industry, Three Railroads, King Coal, Coal Miners, Company Towns, United Mine Workers, End of an Era, Coal Camp Baseball,” and more.
<<The websites for each of the National Parks, Forests, Wildlife Refuges, Heritage Areas, etc., have a wealth of resources for educators and students, such as Stories, People and Places. See MH3WV’s “National Forests/Parks/More” page>>
“WV Maps”
“Maps and Map Files Related to West Virginia Geology” – WV Geological and Economic Survey
Explore WVGES’ “Map” Website – for these and many more WV maps–such as additional geologic maps, physiographic maps, mineral maps.
“Map WV” – WV GIS Technical Center
“MapWV is a public gateway to online mapping resources in the Mountain State. It allows user access to a wealth of high-quality maps and geographic data via the Internet. All of our maps are free for use by the public. Feel free to use them as you need.”
“Here is a great collection of free printable West Virginia maps. These are .pdf files that download and work nicely with almost any printer. You can print them for use at home, work or school.” (These three maps are from a commercial website and have the company information in lower left corner.)
The “Official State Highway Map 2010” pdf is one of the best.Railroads, roads, highways and important locations are clearly shown while waterways are bright blue and easily seen.Though dated 2010, it is missing only some of the most recent highway construction–such as Corridor H, Rt 9, Rt 10, and the Coalfields Expressway–projects which are shown as under construction but likely are completed now.
Additional maps from the DOT include:
General Highway County Maps Milepoint Maps West Virginia Tourism Map WVDOH Fuel Facility Map Book Free Tourist Map Printed Maps For Purchase
Federal Functional Classification Map General Highway State Map State Functional Classification Map State National Highway System Map Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Maps
“US Topo Quadrangles – Maps for America” – US Geological Survey
“US Topo topographic maps are produced by the National Geospatial Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The project was launched in late 2009, and the term “US Topo” refers specifically to quadrangle topographic maps published in 2009 and later. These maps are modeled on the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle maps of the period 1947-1992, but are mass-produced from national GIS databases on a repeating cycle. US Topo maps repackage geographic information system (GIS) data in traditional map form; this benefits non-specialist map users, as well as applications that need traditional maps.
“US Topo maps can be downloaded free of charge from several USGS interfaces. The maps are published in Portable Document Format (PDF) with geospatial extensions (GeoPDF®). They can be viewed and printed with Adobe Reader or comparable PDF viewing software. The geospatial extensions provide limited GIS functionality, such as displaying ground coordinates and measuring distances and areas. Layered PDF files allow users to turn data layers on and off. The maps include layers not present on most traditional topographic maps, such as aerial photo and shaded relief images.”
These can be used to begin your class, introducing WV to your students or to “spice up” a class, or as a teaching tool by asking students to identify the places and events in the videos. <<These videos, and others, are also found on the MH3WV “Other” page.>>
“This Is Our West Virginia” – WV Chamber of Commerce
(The WV Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization–it is not part of WV State Government.)
“A montage showing aspects of life in West Virginia in 2009. From employment to enjoyment, these glimpses of West Virginia culture and geography make up who we are and what we do.” (5:06/2009/WV Chamber of Commerce)
“Experience WV” – WV Welcome Video – WV Tourism
(8:25/2011/WV Tourism)
“Welcome Video for National Association Of Commissions For Women” – WV Tourism
(3:00/2012/WV Tourism)
“West Virginia Morning” – WV Lottery
“This West Virginia Lottery commercial produced by MotionMasters in 2001 shows the beauty of the state of West Virginia.” (0.59/2014/MotionMasters)
“Tribute to West Virginia” – American Mountain Theater
“The cast of the American Mountain Theater [Elkins] takes you through a narrative and musical history of West Virginia in honor of the state’s 150th Birthday.”
Some basic WV history lessons and historical photos. (The American Mountain Theater is no longer functioning) (8:17/2013/American Mountain Theater)
“150 in 3-D: A Century and a Half of West Virginia Pride”
“West Virginia’s history was brought to life in this magnificent three-dimensional film projected directly onto the face of the State Capitol for West Virginia’s 150th birthday. The 3-D projection was created and produced by Monster Media 3D, and the fireworks show was produced by Zambelli.” (7:00/2013/WV Sesquicentennial Commission)
“The mission of West Virginia Public Broadcasting is to educate, inform and inspire our people by telling West Virginia’s story. West Virginia Public Broadcasting is an indispensable resource for education, news and public affairs, emergency services and economic development. . . West Virginia Public Broadcasting is governed by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, whose members are appointed by the Governor. Two nonprofit organizations raise money on behalf of WVPB: The Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting solicits and manages membership donations, and the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation seeks major gifts, grants, and bequests as well as managing our endowment fund.”
“West Virginia STEAM is a series of videos designed to [help] middle and high school students consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. They are produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting with help from the West Virginia Department of Education.”
“Inspiring West Virginians – The series from WV Public Broadcasting profiles West Virginians who have exceptional careers in scientific fields. Curriculum for science and social studies is included.”
“Go inside the coal miners’ bitter battle for dignity at the dawn of the 20th century with The Mine Wars. The struggle over the material that fueled America led to the largest armed insurrection since the Civil War and turned parts of West Virginia into a bloody war zone.”
“The West Virginia Mine Wars were a series of blood-soaked labor struggles in the early 1900s that saw the coal miners of West Virginia fight for their right to unionize. The Mine Wars ended after the treason trials at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The National Capital Area’s National Historic Landmarks program created this article series in partnership with the Organization of American Historians as part of a National Historic Landmark study on the Jefferson County Courthouse.”
<<This clip has been removed from the “History” page so that educators may preview it for appropriateness for their students>>
“The Reverend Leon Sullivan (October 16, 1922-April 24, 2001) has sometimes been called the tallest tree in the forest. At 6’5″ tall, he certainly fit that physical description. A West Virginia native, he was a preacher, civil rights activist, and educator who effected change at the national and international level. The purpose of this documentary and supporting materials is to inform people about this principled giant and his accomplishments.”
“The West Virginia & Regional History Center collects, preserves, and provides public access to materials that show the history and culture of West Virginia and the central Appalachian region.”
“The Heritage Farm Museum specializes in programs that support learning and are designed to meet the needs of schools and home school families. Ask us to recommend programs that complement your area of study.” 
“The West Virginia Legislature’s Back to School Program is a national civic education initiative designed to teach our state’s young people the value of the legislative process through interactive classroom visits from local state lawmakers.
“The Energy 101 series is a collection of educational videos produced by the U.S. Department of Energy, with the next generation of clean energy leaders in mind. These short, dynamic, and informative videos provide an introduction to the latest energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels, electric vehicles, and clean energy manufacturing. Each Energy 101 video is an ideal educational tool for creating awareness and inspiring conversation around clean energy solutions.”
