Social Studies

CIA - The World Fact Book
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Provides information on the countries of the world, form the famous spy center, The Central Intelligence Agency. Find out all the basic data about people, land and politics of a country. Includes maps and flags.

CIA NEWS: Country Profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
Gives background information about the countries of the world. Country profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries; also includes audio and video clips from the BBC New archives

Exploring Ancient World Cultures
http://eawc.evansville.edu/
This site offers links to explore more about the ancient cultures of the Near East, India, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome as well as early Islam and medieval Europe.

The Life & Death of the Berlin Wall
http://www.wall-berlin.org/gb/berlin.htm

BBC History - Building the Great Pyramid
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/great_pyramid_01.shtml
The recent robotic explorations of the 'air-shafts' in the Great Pyramid have demonstrated that there are still many mysteries surrounding the ancient monument. Ian Shaw discusses the debate around the building of the great structure and investigates the methods used in its construction.

Ancient India (British Museum)
http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/
Presents information about ancient India through the use of objects from the British Museum's collection. Divided into these sections: Geography, Story of the Buddha, growth of civilization around the Indus Valley, ancient scripts, how time was kept in ancient India, and the evolution of the gods and goddesses and the development of the modern Hindu religion. Don't miss the "Staff Pages" for a browseable search tool as well as aids for using the site.

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/
Updated constantly, this site has all the world top news stories and a message board that allows you to read others opinions about the news and add your own.

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MODEL UNITED NATIONS

United Nations
http://www.un.org/
This site offers links to everything you need to know about the UN. This is a great place to start your research!

Country at a Glance
http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/infonation/e_glance.htm
Includes addresses, phone and fax numbers for all of the UN State Missions in New York & Geneva.

United Nations System
http://www.unsystem.org/
Looking for an organization that is related to the UN? Here's how to find it. There are also links to find non-UN related organizations.

Green Peace International
http://www.greenpeace.org/
Green Peace is an independent, campaigning organization which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to force the solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future. This site offers links to many helpful environmental sites.

Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org/
This site aims to expose some of the human rights violations that force refugees to seek asylum in countries other than their own. It documents the imprisonment of prisoners of conscience, political detention without trial, torture, disappearances, and executions in 151 countries and territories. It challenges governments around the world to fulfill their duty to protect the human rights of all people, including refugees.

The United Nations Association of the United States of America
http://www.unausa.org/
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan national organization dedicated to enhancing U.S. participation in the United Nations system and to strengthening that system as it seeks to define and carry out its mission. Their site offers links to current news topics.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
http://www.fao.org/
The Food and Agriculture Organization attempts to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations.

World Atom
http://www.iaea.or.at/
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) serves as the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field, and as the international inspectorate for the application of nuclear safeguards and verification measures covering civilian nuclear programs.

Library of Congress: Country Studies
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html

National Archives and Records Administration Home Page
http://www.nara.gov/

Background Notes United Nations
http://www.state.gov/www/background_notes/un_0007_bgn.html

Great Material for Social Studies
http://www.archives.gov/
http://www.archives.gov/global_pages/site_index.html

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MAPS, ATLAS, GAZETTEERS, AND FLAGS

Maps and Geography
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/

Dynamic Atlas
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/Map.aspx
View the various world regions through different perspectives.

Graphic Maps
http://www.graphicmaps.com/graphic_maps.html
This site provides a very large selection of maps, globes, and flags and also provides a world atlas. For a fee, you can even order a custom map of your choice!

MapQuest
http://www.mapquest.com/
Use MapQuest's Interactive Atlas to locate almost any city or region in the world!

Maps On Us
http://www.mapsonus.com/
This site provides advanced maps and also driving directions for the United States.

Online Maps (National Geographic)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/maps/
The maps on this page are from earlier times. Be sure to note the section for historical maps. Then, note the map's date when you access it!

The National Atlas of the United States of America
http://www.nationalatlas.gov/
This atlas is intended to provide a comprehensive, map-like view into the enormous wealth of data collected by the Federal Government. You can use your Web browser to display, print, and query custom-made maps, which include links to related sites on the Internet for more up-to-date, real-time, and regional data information. Based on a 400-page collection of maps from the mid-1960's, this 1997 edition uses current information presentation, access, and delivery technologies.

Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/index.html
This is one of the most popular and early source of maps on the Web. Includes a strong historical map section, as well as current maps. One helpful feature for librarians wanting to support current events questions and assignments is the section, Online Maps of Current Interest.

U.S Geological Survey
http://www.usgs.gov/
Geographical information for the United States is offered here. See and browse their interesting topics section for USGS information by state, and for information on earthquakes, floods, maps, public health, volcanoes and other similar/related topics. Their Teachers and Students section offers considerable resources for users at all grade levels.

The Fascinating World of Maps and Mapping
http://oddens.geog.uu.nl/index.html
Provided by the Cartographic Lab of Belgium’s Utrecht University, this specialized directory links to maps and geographical resources found at other sites. Claiming over 20,000 cartographic links, it allows keywords searching, plus a subject browse and a clickable map-browse feature. Its uncomplicated page design makes it easy to use. The subject section includes extensive supporting resources, such as atlases, cartographic vendors, tourism services, and an extensive gazetteer. Go directly to their gazetteers at: http://oddens.geog.uu.nl.index.html

Gazetteers: There are many types of gazetteers, each created for the purpose of providing essential geographical data for different types of subject matter.

The World Gazetteer
http://www.gazetteer.de/

Astronomical Gazetteer: Planetary Nomenclature
http://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/

http://www.ku.edu/history/index/europe/ancient_rome/E/Gazetteer/Periods/Roman/home.html

World Flag Database
http://www.flags.net/
There are over 260 pages on countries and international organizations. Each page contains basic information on the country, including its formal name, capital city, area, population, currency, languages, and religions. The flags include the national and state flags, ensigns, and sub-national flags.

City Creator
http://www.citycreator.com
Built your own city! Choose from different city types and click the corresponding 'build' button to begin. Click 'Save & send' to send your unique city to your friends.

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RENAISSANCE HISTORY

Exploring The Renaissance
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/index.html
What conditions set the stage for the incredible period of human history known as the Renaissance? What roles did exploration, trade, printing, art, medicine, and politics all play as Europe emerged from the late Middle Ages? Take a trip through the Renaissance with this online interactive exhibit to explore the merging of many influences in this important time period.

Have You Ever Wanted To Ride On A Time Machine?
http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/
Journey back in time to Europe during the Renaissance. What was it really like to live during these dynamic times? Students will have to find out, using online resources and creating a news presentation or play to demonstrate what they have learned about their topic.

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Built in America: Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record, 1933-Present
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/collections/built/
Designed to help educators use the information to teach history and culture, it offers tips and tricks, definitions and rationale for using primary sources, activities, discussions, lesson plans and suggestions for using the collections in classroom curriculum.

Biography of America
http://www.learner.org/biographyofamerica/
This site presents American history as a living narrative corresponding to PBS programs. For each program you’ll find a listing of key events of the period, a map relevant to the period, the transcript of the video program, and a “Webography”- a set of annotated web links. Sponsored by a partnership between The Annenberg Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Encyclopedia Smithsonian American Social and Cultural History
http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/start.htm

The Student's Source--AP U.S. History Timeline
http://members.home.net/ahsi/studentsource/apush/review/review.htm

TP Images of American Political History
http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/_browse.htm

The Boston Massacre
http://americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ma/massacre 1

The New Deal Network
http://newdeal.feri.org/
This web page offers thousands of links to collections, web sites, pictures, articles all which discuss the New Deal period of history.

American Memory from the Library of Congress
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/amhome.html
This site has incredible collections of primary source materials, pictures, and text on various topics of American history. A great place to search when doing a research project for your American History class!

National Park Homepage
http://www.nps.gov/
The official page to find information on America's National Parks

National Park Magazine
http://www.npca.org/index.html
The Homepage for National Park magazine, it has several good links that will help you find out more in-depth information on your National Park.

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ECONOMICS

National Budget Simulation
http://www.budgetsim.org/nbs/
This site-from the University of California at Berkeley's Center for Community Economic Research-makes the national budget understandable through a simulation that lets you second-guess Washington by manipulating spending and taxes to reach a balanced budget. It also includes sites of other sources of information on the Federal Budget.

Yahoo! Finance
http://finance.yahoo.com/http://finance.yahoo.com/
Another way to look up your stock activity.

American Stock Exchange
http://www.amex.com/
More stock market information, updated every twenty minutes.

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CIVICS AND LAW

FirstGov.gov
http://firstgov.gov/
Official website for searching the U.S. Government

The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/

GovSpot - federal, state and local government resources
http://www.govspot.com/

THOMAS -- U.S. Congress on the Internet
http://thomas.loc.gov/

Supreme Court Cases- Summary
http://www.tourolaw.edu/patch/CaseSummary.html

Find Law
http://findlaw.com/

Supreme Court Cases
http://tourolaw.edu/patch/casesummary.html

Cornell Law site
http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/cases/historic.htm

DOJ U.S. Department of Justice Home Page
http://www.usdoj.gov/

The PBS Democracy Project 2000
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/

The History Place
http://www.historyplace.com/

US Historical Documents
http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/

The American Presidency A Glorious Burden
http://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/home.html

American Presidents Life Portraits
http://www.americanpresidents.org/

IPL POTUS -- Presidents of the United States
http://www.ipl.org/ref/POTUS/

Welcome To The White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Information Please Today in History
http://www.infoplease.com/cgi-bin/dayinhistory

Home Page American Memory from the Library of Congress
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amhome.html

A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1873
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lawhome.html

Continental Congress & Constitutional Convention Broadsides Home Page
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bdsds/bdsdhome.html

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VOTER INFORMATION

California General Election Voter Information, Secretary of State’s Office
http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm
This is where most of the “official” California election information is found: Voter guides, election results, and campaign spending reports are some of the major pieces of information available here at this official website of the State of California. A voter registration card is also available, as is online voter registration. Here are some direct links to some useful sections of this site:

On line Voter Registration: Information and forms
http://ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

Reports of Registration: Statistics of voter registration levels
http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_u.htm

Qualified Political Parties: Names, address and links to their Websites
http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_f.htm

League of Women Voters of California: Elections Center
http://ca.lwv.org/lwvc/edfund/elections/index.html
Provides impartial information and guidelines on choosing candidates to vote for. Includes name and contact information for U.S. and California State elected officials; Political Parties Links are very thorough, and connect directly to government offices, officials, and agencies. See also these related sited sponsored by the League.

Smart Voter: Find your personal candidates, ballot measures, etc.
http://www.smartvoter.org/

Political Money Line
http://www.tray.com/fecinfo/
Devoted to exploring the relationship of money to elections and their results. Allows one to look up the donors in their local areas and elsewhere, including out of state donors to California campaigns. Also, allows you to type in 5 or more letters of the Employer/occupation of a person and find out to whom they’ve contributed during the election cycle: Actress, Actor, Journalist, Artist, Lobbyist, Author, Musician, and Economist are sort of fun…but don’t forget corporate names like Microsoft or Warner….

OpenSecrets.Org: California
http://www.opensecrets.org/states/summary.asp?State=CA

This organization looks into the sources of money for political campaigns, and how it affects the winners and losers. Find out about “The money behind the candidates”, including the heavy contributors. Offers charts that clarify this complex aspect of elections.

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BLACK HISTORY

Black History month is an exciting time to explore the many contributions of African-Americans.
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/lesson-plans/lesson-6602.html

History Channel: Celebrate Black History Month
http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/blackhist/main.html
The History Channel provides biographies of great African Americans, from Muhammad Ali to Booker T. Washington. Additional content includes a "Roots" exhibit containing interview excerpts, historical accounts of slavery and the slave trade, and more.

Infoplease.com: Black History Month
http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/blackhist/main.html
This site provides a wealth of encyclopedia resources, special resources, interactive games, and quizzes which all relate to Black History and Black History Month.

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WOMEN IN HISTORY

National Women's History Project
http://www.nwhp.org/

History Channel
http://www.historychannel.com/

Women of the West Museum
http://www.wowmuseum.org/

WASP (women & aviation)
http://www.wasp-wwii.org/

PBS Not For Ourselves Alone The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony-The Movement
http://www.pbs.org/stantonanthony/movement/index.html

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POLITICAL CARTOONS, POSTERS, AND PICTURES

Chico H.S. Library
http://dewey.chs.chico.k12.ca.us/edpolcart.html

Library of Congress in the American Memory Historical Collections http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/lessons/media.html

Library of Congress Cartoon Cornucopia
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/artwood/aw-political.html.
Includes a handy overview on Political Illustration and provides self-instructional or introductory information on cartooning. The examples that are shown range from those by Thomas Nast to Rube Goldberg.

Library of Congress Herblock’s History, Political Cartoons from the Crash to the Millennium
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/herblock/
A gifted and highly recognized political cartoonist of the 20th Century.

Library of Congress Oliphant’s Anthem
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/oliphant/
A gifted and highly recognized political cartoonist of the 20th Century.

American Studies Crossroads Project at the University of Virginia
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA96/PUCK/part1.html
A Brief History of Political Cartoons article looks back to the political cartoon’s European origins in caricature by such artists as Da Vinci, and brings it up to a discussion of Thomas Nast’s 1871 Harper’s Weekly cartoons on Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall and a discussion of the use of cartoons in the historic period known as the Gilded Age. This introduction, with its many examples, is especially useful to teachers wishing to engage their U.S. History students in high quality primary source documents.

George Mason University’s History Matters Web site.
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/sia/cartoon.htm
It includes six (Quick Time) audio files with full-text transcripts and does an excellent job of helping students analyze a Thomas Nast cartoon.

Daryl Cagle’s Web site
http://cagle.slate.msn.com/
Contemporary political and editorial cartoons in a large, well-organized and constantly growing collection. Cagle includes a Teachers Guide section with lesson plans and reproducible cartoons that are appropriate for elementary, middle and high school students. Cagle has several master lists of cartoonist, arranged by state and name, as well as special features on topics such as The War on Terrorism, Iraq, as well as The Best of Year In Review.

Dr. Seuss Went to War
http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/
Over 400 editorial cartoons created by Theodor Geisel during 1941-1943 for the New York newspaper PM. Browse by date, and subject (people, countries/regions, war/domestic issues, battlefields). Publisher: Mandeville Special Collections Library at the University of California, San Diego.

Transportation Pictures 1894-1896
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wtc/wtchome.html
This site contains nearly nine hundred images related to people and transportation. Taken between 1894-1896 from many countries around the world.

The Visual Front- Posters of the Spanish Civil War
http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/visfront/index.html
Offers over forty full-color propaganda posters from the Spanish Civil War, representing the Republican Spain point of view. Includes introductory essay, a narrative chronology of the War from February 1936- April 1939, and bibliography. Each poster has a well-written description which provides a historical background, which helps with its understanding. Titles of the posters are in Spanish, with English translation. Publisher: Mandeville Special Collections Library, University of California, San Diego.

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CALIFORNIA HISTORY

The California Gold Rush
http://www.museumca.org/goldrush/index.html
Journey back to the mid 1800's and explore the art and stories of the California Gold Rush with this interactive online exhibit from the Oakland Museum. Explore mines and towns, experience the Gold Rush, tour, learn about the women involved in the Gold Rush, participate in a Gold Rush Adventure, or take the Gold Rush quiz.

Online Archive of California
http://www.oac.cdlib.org

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY SITES

20th Century (1900-2001) Year By Year
http://www.infoplease.com/millennium1.html
The Infoplease Almanac outlines the important events for each year from 1900 to 2001. World events are listed at the top, the U.S. events, including sports, entertainment, science and deaths of famous persons. Includes quizzes, and special interest reports, such as best and worst, disasters, entertainment, and sports.

Info Please: Today in History
http://www.infoplease.com/cgi-bin/dayinhistory