Learning about the World’s Famous Places

|By Elizabeth Mohn|

Teachers can take their students on a virtual trip around the country or around the world using the resources available in Gale In Context: Elementary. They can encourage students to learn about cultural, historical, and natural landmarks in the United States and other parts of the world by sharing articles, pictures, and other resources.

One of the best-known historical landmarks in the United States is the White House, and the new White House portal can help students learn about and explore this famous landmark. Teachers can help students begin their virtual exploration by reviewing the portal’s Quick Facts. These facts help engage students’ interest and preview the types of information they’ll learn in the accompanying articles. Teachers can then encourage students to read more about the building and its history in the Level 1 White House article. Students who are ready for more information and a more challenging reading experience can go to the Level 2 article.

Teachers can also guide students to explore the related magazine articles to learn more about this famous building. For example, students can read magazine articles about famous cats that lived in the White House and other pets that have called the building home. News articles, such as one about the White House reopening to tourists after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, can help students better understand the building’s modern history.

Teachers and students can continue their exploration of famous places by reading about other important landmarks in the United States. For example, teachers can guide students to read new articles about the history and significance of the Black Hills. The Level 2 article about the Black Hills contains more information for students who have mastered the first article. Students can also see the beauty of this famous American landmark by looking at the images in the system, such as the one showing the rock formation called the Pinnacles. Teachers can extend students’ learning by helping them read magazine articles about the Black Hills and their history.

Teachers can help students learn about countless other famous places using Gale In Context: Elementary resources. For example, they can guide students to learn about American landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Mesa Verde, and the Capitol Building. Or they can take students on a tour of landmarks from around the world, such as the Valley of the Kings, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China, and the Eiffel Tower.

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