TIPS Volume 3, No. 1
September, 2002

     Grade Level Key 
     = Elem,  = Middle
     = High, = Teachers

Textbooks are often outdated before they even go to press. For example, several social studies textbook publishers were just about to release new books, but had to delay them in order to add what few facts they had about the events of September 11th. Many publishers make their texts more current through the use of websites which have updated information and teacher resources.

Below are a few of the social studies textbook publisher websites that teachers may use to supplement texts that are on the Kentucky adoption list. This is not an endorsement of any of the products, but just a place to look for resources that may be useful supplements for any of Kentucky’s adopted social studies textbooks. The contents of these websites are subject to change at any time.

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill	This site lists all of the company’s textbooks on the Kentucky social studies adoption list. Click on the name of the book you’re using, and you’ll see a menu of unit activities, an interactive tutor, web resources, and current events.
Harcourt School Publishers	Like the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill website, Harcourt has an assortment of activities that are linked to books in their series.
Holt, Rinehart Winston	This site has some creative features, such as a online graphing program called Holt Grapher, a selection of online teaching materials for content-based reading and writing, sample rubrics, a world atlas, and others. In addition to resources for their own textbooks, the site has a link to CNN Student News, which has resources and activities provided by a variety of publishers.
McDougal Littell	Among its features, this site includes a section called Class Zone where teachers and students may access activities and resources for specific chapters in the textbooks. The teacher section of ClassZone requires an access code, which can be found in the teacher’s guide that accompanies the textbook. There is a section called Interactive Online Books that has some unique features like animated maps and animated “infographics.”
Oxford University Press – History of U.S	Provides links to websites that supplement this series of books.
Prentice Hall	By selecting the state and textbook, users get access to resources developed or chosen as supporting materials for that book. One feature that has interesting potential for professional growth is eTeach, an online seminar and teacher discussion forum. Schools that adopt this series, get free access to a teaching center called SuccessNet.

http://www.ourtimelines.com/

This neat website instantly creates a timeline of historical events for any given year span up to 140 years. See what was happening when you were 12!

http://www.pcg.cyberbee.com/

Postcard Geography is a simple variation of the pen pal concept, but using postcards - purchased, hand-made, or electronic - to encourage students to explore geography through each other! Instructions for use are on the site.

Consumer Jungle

http://www.consumerjungle.org/

Funded by the non-profit Young Adult Consumer Education Trust in coordination with the North Central Educational Service District of Wenatchee, Washington, Consumer Jungle provides free unit/lesson plans, interactive educational games and quizzes, and other resources.