Tween Tribune | Sign Up Form

Lesson Plans

Smithsonian Resources

Preparing for the Oath: Symbols & Holidays
Use this lesson from the Smithsonian’s History Explorer to help students discover America’s key symbols and holidays through short videos, mini-activities and practice questions related to U.S. history and civics for citizenship.

An Exploration of Spanish Music and Dance Traditions
Song and dance are important parts of many holiday celebrations. Use these Smithsonian Folkways lessons to introduce students to some of the history, traditions and music of Spain.

A Cheerful Depression-Era Holiday Greeting
Even when times are tough, people like to celebrate. Invite students to read this article from the National Museum of American history to see how one family managed to spread holiday cheer during the Great Depression.

Hand-Painted Paper Fruits and Vegetables
In this Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum lesson, elementary students create hand-painted fruits and vegetables to hang in the Sukkah, a temporary shelter used during the Jewish Holiday, Sukkot.

Carousels, Carnivals and Cotton Candy: Design for Fun
A fair or carnival is a fun way for a community to celebrate. And one thing most fairs, carnivals and even amusement parks have is a carousel. In this lesson from the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, students will design a carousel. They will work in collaborative groups, conduct research, develop a presentation, write a descriptive paragraph, evaluate design features and draw an artistic rendering of their ideas.

Monday Morning Ready

Anyone can make up their own weird or random holiday

In Switzerland, an exploding snowman helps predict spring

Badges make today's Girl Scouts tomorrow's cybersleuths

Interactive map shines a spotlight on women's cultural contributions in Paris

Celebrating the much-loved Paddington Bear