Web-Based Learning Tools

Thinkfinity Offers Online Resources for Black History Month

• By Scott Aronowitz
• 02/02/10

To coincide with Black History Month, Thinkfinity has launched a new feature spotlighting free resources focusing on the accomplishments of African-American leaders in a variety of disciplines, offering a broad selection of digital resources, lesson plans, and student activities.

The online digital learning platform from the Verizon Foundation, Thinkfinity offers digital educational content to supplement and enhance classroom learning and independent study in all major K-12 subjects. The new Black History Month feature offers links to digital content covering the achievements of leaders in black history and civil rights, the natural sciences and inventions, and education.

Among the resources offered are:

"Ladder for Booker T. Washington"--Author Martin Puryear's exploration of the African-American experience through the perspective of legendary political leader, educator, and author Booker T. Washington. Provided by the National Endowment for Humanities through its Edsitement Web site.

Science Update, Spotlight on African-American Scientists--A series of 60-second audio podcasts from the American Association for the Advancement of Science featuring African-American scientists talking about their work in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine.

National Geographic Underground Railroad--An interactive online journey through the eyes of a slave; students can select different paths or answers that will lead them to freedom, or back to the plantation.

Martin Luther King Teaching Resources--A collection of social and behavioral science resources from Science NetLinks to celebrate King's work and legacy.

Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education--Educational resources from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help students discover and understand the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.