Educator Resources for West Virginia Studies
West Virginia Studies
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 “Menu of Pages” on the Home Page and the “Search” box at the top of every page.
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“Using the MH3WV.org Website”
This 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.
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- 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 “Search” will indicate which page(s) include your topic. Once on the page, use CRTL+F to search on that page.
- 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: Videos do not require an internet connection to YouTube (or Vimeo). 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@aol.com
“Golden Horseshoe and West Virginia History Bowl”
<< Links for West Virginia Golden Horseshoe and West Virginia History Bowl are on MH3WV’s “Golden Horseshoe” Page >>
“West Virginia Dept. of Education”
Explore “West Virginia Dept. of Education” Website
“Teacher Resources” – West Virginia Dept. of Education
“The resources outlined on this page provide a one-stop, grade-specific site highlighting West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards and resources that are essential to the classroom teacher. The resources include grade-specific lessons, professional learning, and guidance documents crafted to help enhance teaching practice and guide the classroom teacher in the art of teaching. The links will connect teachers with web pages essential to the profession as well as relevant policies that are critical to specific grade and/or content levels.”
Explore West Virginia DOE’s Teacher Resources” Website
“West Virginia State Social Studies Fair”
“Philosophy: Social studies education is essential for the preservation and improvement of our constitutional democracy. Effective social studies education must afford students the opportunity to ask essential questions, recognize patterns of behavior, think critically, create solutions, predict outcomes and draw conclusions to help them learn to solve problems. The West Virginia State Social Studies Fair provides the opportunity for students to excel in these realms. . .”
Explore West Virginia DOE’s “West Virginia State Social Studies Fair” Website
“Social Studies Educator Resources”
– George Sumner, Secondary Education Specialist, Fayette (WV) County Schools Includes: CSOs-DBQ-NextGen Tools-Primary Documents-Reading Bundles-Resources-WV Dept of Archives-WVDE Resources
“The National Council for the Social Studies defines social studies as “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.” The National Council also states that the primary purpose of social studies education is to help our children and young adults “develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”
“Social studies promotes engaging participatory citizenship where global awareness of civic issues such as financial literacy, healthcare, domestic affairs, foreign policy and the environment are actively monitored and influenced by all citizens interacting internationally for the benefit of all mankind. . .“
Explore George Sumner’s “Social Studies Educator Resources” Website
“West Virginia Public Broadcasting”
“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.”
Explore “West Virginia Public Broadcasting” Website
“West Virginia Public Broadcasting Education”
“WVPB Education has resources for:
- Libraries/Youth Groups
- K-12th grade
- Career Readiness
- Professional Development
“WVPB Education offers these programs and more:
- PBS Kids and PBS Parents Content
- Inquire Within Library Program
- PBS LearningMedia
- Above and Beyond
- Education Station with WV Department of Education
“Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with the WVPB Education Department! The WVPB Education e-Newsletter is your weekly update on programs, events, and more!”
Explore WVPB’s “Education” Website – includes newsletter signup
“Education Station” – WVPB
“Education Station is at-home-learning for West Virginia kids, designed to supplement coursework.”
“Developed and provided by educators at the West Virginia Department of Education as well as those in the field, Education Station addresses the critical need to provide access to learning opportunities.”
Explore WVPB’s “Education Station” Website – dozens of episodes on many subjects – (note: these videos are on YouTube-the playlist is accessed from the “hamburger” menu in the upper right corner of the video)
“West Virginia Learning Media” – WVPB
“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.’ ”
Explore WVPB’s “West Virginia Learning Media” Website (Teacher View)
Explore WVPB’s “West Virginia Learning Media” Website (Student View)
“PBS LearningMedia Tutorials”
“Find tutorials that satisfy many of your burning questions on how to make the most of PBS LearningMedia. Our library of classroom-ready materials is organized by subject area, topic, and grade level, and aligned to state and national curriculum standards. Take a spin through our How-Tos, create a free account, save and organize content, and bring the world to your classroom.” [Videos range from 2 to 5 minutes]
- How to Create an Account and Create Class Rosters
- How to Search, Browse, and Filter Content
- How to Assign and Share Content
- How to Use Lesson Builder
- How to Access Assignments and Student Results
- How to Use Google Classroom
- How to Favorite Content and Create Folders
- How to Find Spanish or Alternate Language Content
- Recursos Digitales para Padres y Maestros
- Transforming Digital Lessons with On-Demand Resources
Explore “PBS LearningMedia Tutorials” Website
“Weird, Wonderful West Virginia”
“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
Explore WVPB”s “Weird, Wonderful West Virginia” Website
“West Virginia Poster Gallery”
“The . . . posters in this collection deal with the Adena culture, Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Observatory, West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette free speech case, the Swiss town of Helvetia, George Washington’s visit to Berkeley Springs [and more]. Support materials include background information on each event or location and a poster analysis activity for students.”
Explore WVPB’s “West Virginia Poster Gallery” Website
“The Future is You”
“Join Emily Calandrelli as she travels West Virginia and explores careers in STEM in this series from WVPB and the West Virginia Department of Education.” [Ten videos recorded in 2021 and 2022.]
“Find a career in STEM. The Future is You! with Emily Calandrelli featuring:
- Morgan Johnson, Marshall University student majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
- Callyn Zeigler, WVU student majoring in Computer Engineering.
- Amina Irfan, WVU student majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
- Cindy Rodina, Instructor of Aviation Maintenance Technology, Pierpont Community & Technical College.
- Tracy Miller, President, Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex
- Grace Lenhart, Industrial Engineer – Pratt & Whitney Engine Services.
- Arria Hines, CEO of Allegheny Science & Technology.
- Jeanne Oiler, CTE Engineering Instructor, Project Lead the Way – University High School.
- Jennifer Saul, Analytics Consultant for Advanced Technical Solutions/New Era Technology.
- Dominique Ranieri, Assistant Airport Director and Chief Operating Officer, Yeager Airport.
“West Virginia STEAM” / “Inspiring West Virginians” / “Appalachian Innovators” – WVPB
“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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia History”
“Explore economic, social, and political events and individuals in West Virginia history with the West Virginia Public Broadcasting series ‘This Week in West Virginia 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.
Explore WVPB’s “This Week in West Virginia History” Website
“Folkways”– WVPB
“The Inside Appalachia Folkways Project expands the reporting of the Inside Appalachia team to include more stories from West Virginia as well as expand coverage in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Ohio. The project establishes the Inside Appalachia Folkways Corps, which launched with 10 specialized freelance reporters from four Appalachian states.”
“The Folkways initiative will include developing ongoing partnerships with folklife organizations and artisans across the region, as well as expanding WVPB’s educational components surrounding Appalachian folklife and culture, providing a tool kit for educators to incorporate “Inside Appalachia” into classrooms everywhere.”
Explore the current version of WVPB’s “Folkways” Website
“Folkways Curriculum”
“A team of teachers from across the Mountain State was formed to create an educational component featuring Appalachian folklife and culture. They developed a tool kit for educators to incorporate Appalachian folkways into their classrooms.”
“This initiative is part of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Inside Appalachia Folkways Project which expands WVPB’s coverage into Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky, and deepens our cultural reporting in West Virginia. Reporters with the Folkways Project uncover a diverse range of stories about folk arts, culture, music, and foodways, and other cultural practices found throughout central Appalachia. The stories provide a glimpse into people and places that are often left out of the media’s portrayal of Appalachia, and allow people to talk about the cultural traditions from their communities that they want to preserve for future generations.”
Explore WVPB’s “Folkways Curriculum” Website
“You Are There: West Virginia Statehood” – Video and Lesson Plans
“This video from West Virginia Public Broadcasting uses the news desk/reporter format to study the impact of West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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:
- 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.
“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.”
Explore the documentary “Burning Springs – A History of the Oil and Gas Industry” on WVPB’s “PBS Learning Media” Website – Support materials for teachers in upper right
“Robert C. Byrd – The Soul of the Senate”
“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?”
Explore the documentary “Robert C. Byrd – The Soul of the Senate” on WVPB’s “PBS Learning Media” Website – Support materials for teachers in upper right
“Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice”
“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.”
Explore West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice” website to view videos: Part One (58:27/2016/ WV Public Broadcasting) Part Two (58:47/2016/ WV Public Broadcasting)
“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 — a historic journey steeped with beauty, controversy and mystery. This documentary provides viewers with the opportunity to trace the establishment and movement of the West Virginia State Capitol over time.”
“Katherine Johnson – NASA Computer”
“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 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.”
“Jay: A Rockefeller’s Journey”
“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.”
Explore WVPB’s “Jay: A Rockefeller’s Journey” to view video
“Migration of the Monarch”
“It is one of the most impressive displays of migratorial instinct and ability in the animal kingdom: Each year millions of monarch butterflies migrate from eastern Canada and the United States to Mexico — a journey of more than two thousand miles for some. This video segment from NOVA: The Mystery of Animal Pathfinders explores why monarchs make such an epic journey and how they manage to do it.”
“Treason Island: The Blennerhassetts and Aaron Burr”
“Was it treason or not?”
“Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett led complicated lives both personally and professionally. From their roots in the British Isles, they made their way to an island in the Ohio River near what is now Parkersburg, West Virginia. This documentary traces their physical, emotional, financial, and political journeys in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s United States. Their lives were filled with controversy and intrigue, including an accusation of treason against Harman.”
“Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.”
“YouTube Playlists” – WVPB
Includes: (actual number of videos may vary from number shown)
- 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
“Teacher Resources” – West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
An introduction to West Virginia Archives and History and to the West Viginia State Museum Education Department.
Explore West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History’s “Teacher Resources” Website
“West Virginia Archives and History”
“
Whether studying for the Golden Horseshoe exam, researching your family lineage, or looking for information on the history of West Virginia, the Archives and History website is the premier on-line resource. The site features primary and secondary source documents, photographs, and databases; lists collections and other materials available in the State Archives; and provides research guides and assistance for genealogists.”
Explore West Virginia Archives and History’s “Welcome” Website – dozens of links
“Teacher Resources”
West Virginia A&H 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)
Explore West Virginia Archives and History’s “Teacher Resource” Website
“YouTube Playlists”
Includes: (actual number of videos may vary from number shown)
- An Introduction to the WV Division of Culture & History (9 videos)
- WV Archives and History (11 videos)
- Films (18 videos)
- Ellis Dungan Films (17 videos)
- Musical Performances (15 videos)
- WV Heritage Music (19 videos)
- History Lectures (63+ videos)
- Recent Videos (92+ videos)
- Information only – No Link from MH3WV
“The West Virginia State Museum at The Culture Center”
“The West Virginia State Museum is dedicated to inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of the public by instilling a deeper understanding and sense of pride through the collection, preservation and exhibition of diverse cultural and historic traditions, focusing on every aspect of West Virginia history, culture, art, paleontology, archaeology and geology from all geographic regions – representing the people, land and industries.”
Explore “West Virginia State Museum at The Culture Center” Website
“West Virginia State Museum Education”
Explore West Virginia State Museum at The Culture Center’s “Museum Education” Website
“To extend your museum experience, we offer programs and activities for learners of all ages.”
“Teacher Resources” – The West Virginia State Museum at The Culture Center
“Extensive list of educator resources and links
“Lesson Plans” – The West Virginia State Museum at The Culture Center
“Search through the available K-1 Lesson Plans; 2nd Grade Lesson Plans; 3rd Grade Lesson Plans; 4th Grade Lesson Plans; 5th Grade Lesson Plans; 6th Grade Lesson Plans; 7th Grade Lesson Plans; 8th Grade Lesson Plans; and High School Lesson Plans. Also, check out our Teacher’s Resources page for further helpful information.”
“Virtual/Video Tours” – The West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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
“West Virginia Humanities Council”
“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.”
Explore “West Virginia Humanities Council” Website
“e-WV — The West Virginia Encyclopedia”
“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.”
e-WV is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council.
Explore “e-WV–The West Virginia Encyclopedia” Website
“Teaching West Virginia 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 of lesson 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.” <<List of “Lesson Plans for West Virginia Studies” is in a separate section below>>
Explore the “e-WV Classroom” Website
“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.”
Explore the “e-WV Classroom” Website.
“Guide to e-WV For Elementary and Middle School Teachers”
Major Topics:
- ART AND CULTURE
- ECONOMY
- FAIRS, FESTIVALS, AND CELEBRATIONS
- GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY
- GOVERNMENT AND CIVICS
- HISTORY
- LABOR HISTORY
- NATURAL RESOURCES
- POPULATION
- PROMINENT WEST VIRGINIANS
- STATE SYMBOLS
- TRANSPORTATION
- WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Includes multiple subtopics for each of the Major Topics, links to articles within e-WV, and listings of corresponding CSO’s.
Explore “Guide to e-WV For Elementary and Middle School Teachers” pdf
“Lesson Plans for West Virginia Studies” – “e-WV–The West Virginia Encyclopedia”
Elementary Lesson Plans:
- Learning about West Virginia’s Cities and Towns
- Captured: Noteworthy West Virginians
- History of West Virginia’s Glass Industry
- Exploring West Virginia’s Parks and Forests
- West Virginia’s Natural Resources: Which is Most Valuable?
- Music by Mountaineers
Eighth Grade Lesson Plans:
- The Story of Statehood
- The Two Constitutions
- Daily Lives and Culture of Native Americans
- West Virginia and the Revolution
- Explorers of Western Virginia
- French and Indian War in Western Virginia
- John Brown: Hero or Traitor?
- West Virginia Mine Wars
- Labor/Management Strategies
- West Virginia in the Roaring 1920s
- The Great Depression
- Economic and Industrial Growth during World War II
- Transportation’s Role in West Virginia History
- Fairs and Festivals in West Virginia
- Recent World Events and West Virginia
Explore the “e-WV Classroom” Website
Explore e-WV’s “Lesson Plans” Website
“History Alive!”
“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 additional “History Alive!” presentations are available on the West Virginia Library Commission website. “Features presenters who portray historical characters, with an emphasis on West Virginia history.”
Explore West Virginia Library Commission’s “Streaming Videos” List
“West Virginia Library Commission”
“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.”
Explore “West Virginia Library Commission” Website
“Streaming Video”
A wide range of videos, including additional History Alive! presentations, are available from the Library Television Network.
Explore West Virginia Library Commission’s “Streaming Video” full page list
“WV INFODEPOT” – West Virginia Library Commission
“Your Personal Guide to Information Exploration”
- Magazines and Newspapers (Ebsco)
- Learning Express Lib 3.0
- Job/Career Accelerator 4.0
- e-WV West Virginia Encyclopedia
- Consumer Health Complete
- Scholastic Go!
- NoveList Plus
- NoveList Plus for K-8
- Points of View
- Clio: Guide to Historical and Cultural Sites
- Kid Search
- Searchasaurus
- West Virgfinia Archives and History
- GreenFILE
“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.”
Explore West Virginia Library Commission’s “WV INFODEPOT” Website
“West Virginia Public Education Collaborative”
“The WVPEC is a non-partisan collaborative of diverse state and national leaders committed to championing public education at all levels through outreach and innovation, while engaging government, education and business leaders to rapidly respond to emerging issues. By creating a pipeline from educational and training opportunities to jobs, the WVPEC helps strengthen West Virginia’s future workforce and economy.”
Explore West Virginia Public Education Collaborative’s “About” Webpage
“Resources for Online Learning”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for educators, families and students across the nation. The WVPEC expresses our deepest thanks to educators, parents, caregivers and families for all they have done, and continue to do, to reinvent education for our students during these unprecedented times. We hope the resources below help you to keep virtual learning engaging and exciting!”
“West Virginia & Regional History Center” – West Virginia University Libraries
“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.”
Explore “West Virginia and Regional History Center” Website
“Teacher Resources Guide at the West Virginia & Regional History Center” – WVU Libraries
“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 [on the website] 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 On View” – WVU Libraries
“54,000 Images and Counting…
“West Virginia History On View (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.”
Explore “West Virginia History On View” Website
“Clio”
“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.”
“Clio in the Classroom”
“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 historical 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. Clio is free for everyone.”
Explore “Clio in the Classroom” Website
“West Virginia Association of Museums”
“
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.”
Explore ‘West Virginia Association of Museums” Website
<<Many museums have educational programs and field trips available–see the MH3WV “Museums” page>>
“The Heritage Farm Museum” – Huntington
“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 Museum can accommodate large groups with advance notice. Picnic facilities available by reservation only. Call to schedule. “To assist educators in planning a trip to the Farm, the Regional Educational Service Agency 2 has provided an informative listing of how our exhibits support the West Virginia Social Studies Content Standards and Objectives (Grades K-12).”
“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:” [List subject to change]
- Coal Mining (docx)
- Path to WV Statehood (docx)
- Civil War Battles in Western VA (docx)
- John Brown and the Civil War (docx)
- Native Americans in Western Virginia (docx)
- Coal and the Labor Movement (docx)
- French and Indian War (pptx)
- American Revolution and Western Virginians (docx)
- European Exploration and Settlement (docx)
- Settling in Appalachia (docx)
- Practice of Medicine in Early Appalachia (docx)
- One Room Schoolhouse (docx)
- Bathtub or Bread Bowl (docx)
- Coal Mining (docx)
- Progress Museum 1850 1925 (docx)
- Sleep Tight and Dont Let the Bed Bugs Bite (docx)
- The Science Behind Blacksmithing (docx)
Explore The Heritage Farm Museum’s “Education” Website
Explore The Heritage Farm Museum’s “School Groups” Website
“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.” (3:27/2009)
“Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum” – Wheeling
“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!”
Explore “Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum” Website
“Spark! Imagination and Science Center” – Morgantown
“Explore Science & the Arts at Spark!”
“Our Mission: The mission of Spark! Imagination and Science Center is to inspire people of all ages to explore science and the arts through hands-on exhibits and programs that spark a lifelong love of learning.”
“Explore science and the arts through interactive exhibits at Spark! Imagination and Science Center. Children from 6 months to age 10 will love learning and playing with their grown-ups at the museum.”
Explore “Spark! Imagination and Science Center” Website
“For Teachers” – West Virginia Dept. of Natural Resources
“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!
- Archery in the Schools site
Explore the current version of WV DNR’s “Classroom Resources/Resources For Teachers” Website — scroll to bottom of the page for several activities/resources including: Mountain State Jellyfish; Hummingbird; Migration; American Robin; Eastern Chipmunk; Freshwater Mussels; Native Brook Trout; Monarch Butterfly; Spotted Turtle, Wood Frog; and Woodpecker Adaptions
“Welcome to where kids can learn about West Virginia’s wildlife and have fun doing it. Stay tuned as we continue to add more information and activities.”
“While the kids are home, we’d like to help keep them entertained and learning. So, here’s a few fun activities for you and your kids can enjoy together.”
Explore WV DNR’s “Try These Wildlife Activity Sheets . . .” Website
“Project Learning Tree”
“LEARNING IS IN OUR NATURE”
“Activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests.”
“Project Learning Tree” – West Virginia Forestry Association
“Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning, environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators working with students in grades K-12.
- PLT uses the forest as a “window” into the natural world, helping young people gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them, as well as their place within it.
- PLT provides more than 175 interdisciplinary, instructional activities.
- PLT provides workshops and in-service programs for teachers, foresters, youth group leaders, resource managers and others.
- PLT works in the city and the country, whether there is a single tree or a forest.”
Explore West Virginia Forestry Association’s “Project Learning Tree” Website
With your students you can:
- ADOPT A TREE… use all of your senses to investigate your tree and see how it changes throughout the year.
- GO… on a school safari.
- DISCOVER… the secret ingredients in soil.
- INVESTIGATE… the value of wildlife to a community.
- DESCRIBE… all the many roles wood and paper products play in our lives.
- CREATE… a collage using only materials from the environment.
- DEBATE… as a group of interested citizens trying to decide how to manage a piece of forested land acquired by your community.
- TEST… the effects of overcrowding on plant growth.
Explore West Virginia Forestry Association’s “Project Learning Tree Activity Guide” Website
“Education Programs” – West Virginia Music Hall of Fame
“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 West Virginia 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.”
Explore West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s “Education Programs” Website
“Ideas For Teachers”
“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. . .”
Explore West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s “Ideas for Teachers” Website
“Ideas for Classroom Activities”
Includes: “Writing assignments; Whole class discussion; Online research and activities; West Virginia history; You write lyrics for a song”
Explore West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s “Ideas for Classroom Activities” Website
“Back to School Program” – West Virginia Legislature
“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.”
Explore The West Virginia Legislature’s “Back to School Program” Website
“Educational Opportunities and Resources” – National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Includes:
- Field Trips to the Observatory
- Download our Field Trip Guide!
- Programs for Teachers
- Programs for College Students
- Quiet Skies Project for 5-12 students, and youth groups
Resources:
- What is Radio Astronomy?
- Fun Activities
- Excellent Astronomy Links
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Forty Foot Educational Telescope
- Radio Astronomy Image Gallery
- Make an Itty Bitty Telescope!
Explore Green Bank Observatory’s “Education” Website
Explore National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s “Educational Opportunities and Resources” Website
“The West Virginia State Bar – School Mentor Program”
From WV DOE’s “Social Studies Resources” Webpage: “For those of you who are unaware, the West Virginia 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. . . 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.”
Explore West Virginia State Bar’s “Mentor Search” Website – to search for “members of the State Bar that have expressed interest in mentoring students.”
“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.”
“National Park Service and US Forest Service History and Culture Websites”
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 the “National Forests/Parks/More” page as well as the links below:
Explore Bluestone National Scenic River’s “History & Culture – People, Places, Stories” Website
Explore George Washington and Jefferson National Forests’ “History and Culture” Website
“Teaching With Historic Places” – National Park Service
” ‘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 5-12 and also to relevant Performance Expectations for Middle Grades from the national Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.”
Explore National Park Service’s “Teaching with Historic Places – Lesson Plans” Website – the link for West Virginia may not work – Information for the two sites in West Virginia (Thurmond and Arthurdale) are below.
“Teaching With Historic Places” – “Arthurdale” – “Thurmond”
Two locations in West Virginia are included in NPS’ Teaching with Historic Places: Arthurdale and Thurmond. Very extensive information, with links on first page. Also use the “Continue” button in the lower right of the page. [These websites have “disappeared” at times, sometimes because the NPS changes 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.”
As a backup, here is the NPS website for Teaching with Historic Places’ “Arthurdale: A New Deal Community Experiment” Website from the “Wayback Machine” at Archive.org — All links work as of Feb. 2022, including the “continue” button on the lower right of each page.
THURMOND — “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.”
As a backup, here is the NPS website for Teaching with Historic Places’ “Thurmond: A Town Born from Coal Mines and Railroads” Website from the Wayback Machine at Archive.org — All links work as of Feb. 2022, including the “continue” on the lower right of each page.
“The Civil War – Online Resources” – National Park Service
“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 — The “Historic Info” drop down 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 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.”
“At the dawn of the 20th century, coal was the fuel that powered the nation. Yet few Americans thought much about the men who blasted the black rock from underground and hauled it to the surface. The Mine Wars tells the overlooked story of the miners in the mountains of southern West Virginia — native mountaineers, African American migrants, and European immigrants — who came together in a protracted struggle for their rights. . . “
View “The Mine Wars”
View “The Mine Wars” on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Website (1:51:49/2016/PBS)
(WVPB’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 at this linked website. It is often offered on YouTube, iTunes and other media sites for a fee. Many libraries may also have a copy.)
“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.”
Explore National Park Service’s “Series: West Virginia Mine Wars” Website – includes 11 chapters:
- Introduction to the West Virginia Mine Wars
- Paint Creek and Cabin Creek Strikes
- Mother Jones
- Matewan Massacre
- Major Labor Leaders of the WV Mine Wars
- McDowell County Courthouse
- The March on Logan County
- Sheriff Don Chafin
- The Battle of Blair Mountain
- Jefferson County Courthouse Treason Trials
- Resources on the WV Mine Wars
“Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources” – West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
“A new generation is learning the power that this history holds.
“The absence of the Mine Wars and other industrial abuses of power in public discourse and classroom curriculum was no mere oversight but, rather, a deliberate cover up by state officials. The story of the West Virginia Mine Wars did not make its way into the state’s narrative or public history textbooks for over fifty years after the Battle of Blair Mountain.
“At our Museum, we’ve created a full curriculum to teach students about the facts and the stories of the Mine Wars, to create an active learning space where participants analyze and think for themselves about what these stories might have to teach us.
“These lessons were carefully created alongside teachers and include asynchronous and synchronous activity options for remote, virtual, and in-person learning. The activities included here are not to be an end in and of themselves, they are only the beginning. They offer students and educators an opportunity to better understand their world so that they might begin to change it.
“Each of the lessons below are aligned with West Virginia State curriculum standards,
and offer additional primary and secondary sources.”
“Teach With Movies” – “Matewan”
‘“Matewan” is a dramatization of the events leading to the famous Matewan massacre of 1920, in which the mayor, two miners, and seven armed coal company strong-arm men were killed in a shootout.’
“TWM is a collection of lesson plans and curriculum materials in which movies are employed to inspire, inform and motivate students. We want to make it easy for teachers to give their classes excellent lessons using movies. The goal: on the few occasions that movies are used in the classroom, the educational benefit for students will be maximized.
“But TWM is really more than just a collection of curriculum materials. It’s a system for using film in the classroom. TWM has standard questions, standard assignments and an essay concerning the devices used in film that can be adapted to any movie.”
“Energy 101 for Educators” – US Dept. of Energy
“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.” (1:20/2016/US DOE)
Explore US Department of Energy’s “Energy 101” Website
<<Several of the videos and other materials are on the “Energy/Natural Resources” page.>>
“Statistics in Schools” – US Census Bureau
“Statistics in Schools (SIS) brings school subjects to life using real-world Census Bureau statistics to create materials for use year after year for K-12 students. Explore this site for engaging resources and activities in social studies, math, English, geography, sociology and more.”
Explore US Census Bureau’s “Statistics in Schools” Website
<<Additional links on “Research Resources” page>>
“Learning how to Learn The Difficult Art of Studying” – Intelligent.com
“There is no “right” way to study, but there’s probably a way that works best for you.”
“A study plan is an organized schedule outlining study times and learning goals. Just like with work or school schedules, . . . students should develop a schedule that sets aside dedicated time each week for studying. This schedule should include dates of quizzes, tests, and exams, as well as deadlines for papers and projects.”
Explore Intelligent’s “Create a Study Plan” Commercial Website
“Making smart choices simple.”
“The internet is filled with garbage. Yet where do we go when we need answers?”
“We’re tired of all the garbage, and decided to do something about it. So, we’re sifting through it all to find the buried treasure. We’re talking to experts. We’re analyzing mountains of data. We’re doing whatever it takes to create content that helps you live better. . .”
Explore “Intelligent” Commercial Website
“Introductory West Virginia Videos”
These can be used to begin your class, introducing West Virginia to your students, 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.>>
“Right Time. Right Place. Right Now. #WV Film in #Almost Heaven”
(0:45/2022/West Virginia Department of Commerce
“Take Me Home, Country Roads”
“One of our favorite pieces of #AlmostHeaven is this song! . . . “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Performed by John Denver; Courtesy of Windstar Productions” (2:00/2018 / WV Tourism)
“West Virginia – America’s Richest State – A Time Lapse Film by Alex Wilson”
“From Dolly Sods to Grandview and Marshall University to West Virginia University West Virginia has beauty and people that make it the richest state in America.” (3:25/2017/Alex Wilson)
“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 / State of West Virginia)
“This Is Our West Virginia” – West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
“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)
(The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization–it is not part of West Virginia State Government.)
“Welcome Video for National Association Of Commissions For Women”
(2:59/2012 / WV Tourism)
“West Virginia Morning”
“This West Virginia Lottery commercial produced by MotionMasters in 2001 shows the beauty of the state of West Virginia.” (0.59/2014 / MotionMasters)
“Experience West Virginia” – West Virginia Welcome video
(8:25/2011 / WV Tourism)
“West Virginia Maps”
“MapWV” – West Virginia 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.”
“Maps and Map Files Related to West Virginia Geology” – WVGES
“Maps” – West Virginia Department of Transportation
“The [West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) Geospatial Transportation Information Section] is responsible for producing the following maps and is currently in the process of reproducing them in a GIS format. Please be aware that these maps are snapshots of spatial data at a certain time and therefore the information presented on the maps may not be current.”
Explore WV DOT’s “Maps” Website — includes: Official State Tourism Map; State General Highway Map; Functional Classification Map; State Highway Base Map; County General Highway Maps; and others.
“Great West Virginia Map”
The “Official State Highway Map 2010” (pdf) is one of the best for education. Railroads, roads, highways, airports, and other 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 may be completed now. It is also more accurate than more recent Official Highway Maps from the DOT.
“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.”
Explore US Geological Survey’s “Maps” Website
“Printable West Virginia Maps”
“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.)
Printable State Outline Map pdf
Printable Blank County Map pdf
Printable County Map with County Names pdf
WV Studies – Educator Resources
West Virginia Studies – WV History
WV Studies Lesson Plans – WV History Lesson Plans
8th Grade WV Studies – Teacher Resources WV Studies