Big History Project: Expansive coverage
We recommend the Big History Project for a quick and engaging overview to spark interest in the history of our world for everyone, or for an extensive curriculum for students with teacher registration. The Big History Project is a free and open resource available to both teachers to supplement online lectures and to students who would like a comprehensive and engaging introduction to world history. With course plans for semester-long or year-long schedules, Big History Project provides an organized and easy-to-follow lesson plan aligned with Common Core standards. Big History Project was created to encourage a multi-disciplinary approach towards learning world history, for both high school students and life-long learners. Big History Project uses chapter outlines with easy-to-read text and engaging videos to present lessons to students online, while sprinkling in some quick assessments to maintain focus on the big ideas of each section. Big History Project is a good resource to introduce students to world history, as each section provides entertaining but to-the-point information covering everything from the world's origin to the projected future. It is a good choice for students who would like to supplement or prepare for a world history class, and for students who just have a passion for learning on their own. Some teachers felt that the reading with each chapter may exceed the reading levels of some students. This content may therefore be challenging for some students based on their levels of reading comprehension.
Grades: Middle School - High School
Cost: Big History Project offers a free, open program for anyone interested in learning, while also providing a resource for teachers to register with and access a more in-depth curriculum with lesson plans spanning semester-long or year-long courses.
OTHER DETAILS
Key features
Type of Tool: Website
Time required: 45 minutes - 1 hour per lesson
Special Needs:
Literacy Requirement (does a child need to know how to read):
Screens
Screens: Yes, an electronic device is required
Online requirement:
Time
Parent/Caregiver Involvement: No, parent/teacher/caregiver involvement is necessary
Prep Time: Minimal prep time
Other characteristics
Modality: Audiovisual
Adaptive: Lesson plans are the same, but students are free to mix up lessons as seems fit.
Educational Philosophy: Not really, doesn't seem to be influenced by a particular educational philosophy
Other characteristics: STEM, Nature-based, Inclusive of diverse viewpoints and perspectives, Fun and entertaining
Accountability
Assessment: Yes, there are built in assessment tools
State Standards: Yes, with Common Core
Teacher Accounts:
Read Reviews: https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/big-history-project/teacher-reviews
