The Outreach Center is aligning some of its resources to follow the Massachsetts State Frameworks for History and Social Sciences. Below are some of our recommendations from our library that we think fit the Frameworks.

You can search for these resources by clicking on "Lending Library" and then "Search Our Collection". Curriculum kits can be ordered by clicking on "Prepared Curriculum Kits" and then "Request a Curriculum Kit".

Please check back often as we're always updating with new resources!

K-4: Folk tales & myths, stories from around the world, embracing multiculturalism in America

Henderson, K. (2006). Lugalbanda: the boy who got caught up in a war. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

An ancient Sumarian tale about the youngest and weakest of eight brothers who, caught up in an ill-advised war, uses his wits and courage and eventually becomes king.

 

Jafy, J. (Director), & Mujahid, A.M. (Producer). (1997). Ramadan Mubarak [motion picture]. Chicago, IL: Sound Vision.

Number 9 in the "Adam's World" series for children, Ramadan Mubarak explains the importance of fasting on the holiday of Ramadan. It features Ramadan and Eid, a trip to Indonesia, and an introduction to Arabic letters.

 

Jones, L. (2000). Kids Around the World Celebrate!: the best feasts and festivals from many lands. New York: Wiley.

Introduces a variety of festivals celebrated around the world. Includes recipes and hands-on activities to give a tste of what it is like to be a part of a feast or ceremony in another country.

 

Khan, A.K. (2003). What You Will See Inside a Mosque. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths Publishers.

Describes what happens inside a mosque and introduces the Muslim faith.

 

For a more comprehensive list of our K-4 recommended resources, please click here.

5-7: Political & physical geography, ancient & classical civilizations

Chrisp, P. (2002). Ancient Egypt Revealed. New York, NY: DK Publishing.

Traditionally rendered illustrations mix with computer graphics and transparent pages that covers different topics about life on the Nile, such as rulers and gods, warriors, notions of beauty, craftsmanship, methods of writing, techniques for building tombs, and mummification.

 

Knower's Arc Educational Foundation. (2004). The Middle East: a full colour educational wall poster. Mansons Landing, BC: Knower's Arc Educational Foundation.

Contains maps, charts, flags, and 25 coountry profiles: oil, water, politics, religion, economics, geography, demographics, military spending, human development, international trade, and the environment.

 

McCarthy, J. (2003). The MAP project. Tucson, AZ: Middle East Studies Association of North America.

Includes 103 colorful, detailed maps of the Middle East, North Africa, and central Asia (17 modern political maps, 9 physical maps, 7 on climate and earthquakes, 10 on vegetation and agriculture and demographics, 19 on history to 1912, 33 on wars and other history, 8 on the economy). All maps are .tif images on a CD-ROM and can be printed on transparencies or imported into presentation programs.

 

Schlessinger Media (Producer). (2005). The Arab World [motion picture]. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media.

This film series provides a sweeping look at Arabic culture and civilization from the ancient world to modern times through the use of historic Arabic monuments and architectural marvels located in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Students will visit ancient cities, explore cultural centers, travel lengendary trans-Saharan trade routes, and develop an understanding of the historical importance and cultural contributions of the Arab World. Suitable for grades 7+

8-12: World History I & II: 500- 2001

Antoon, S. (Director). (2004). About Baghdad [motion picture]. New York: InCounter Productions.

This film documents the effects that decades of oppression, war, sanctions, and occupations have had on Baghdad through the eyes of exiled poet Sinan Antoon and a team of independent filmmakers and artists.

 

Elkassabani, A. (2005). Hanaan's House. In F. Afzal-Khan (Ed.), Shattering the Stereotypes: Muslim Women Speak Out (pp. 230). Northampton, MA: Olive Branch Press.

Perceptions of Muslim Arabs in the United States, by Muslim Arabs and the community after September 11, 2001. Suitable for grades 9+

 

Gardner, R. (Producer & Director). (2000). Islam, Empire of Faith [motion picture]. Alexandria, VA: PBS Home Video.

Narrated by Ben Kingsley, this program documents the rise of Islam throughout the world, from the birth of Prophet Muhammad in the 6th century through the peak of the Ottoman Empire 1000 years later. It discusses the impact of Islamic civilization on world history and culture through historical re-enactments as well as interviews with scholars.

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