50 Great Sites for Studying Ancient History Online

By Pamelia Brown

If you don’t have time to head out to a museum, travel halfway around the world, or even take a course but still want to learn more about ancient history–not to worry. These great sites offer opportunities to college students at all levels to study and better understand these ancient cultures through videos, photos and much more.

General

These sites cover a range of ancient cultures.

1. Ancient History Sourcebook: This site is absolutely full of useful resources on ancient cultures like Persia, Rome and Ancient Egypt.
2. Exploring Ancient World Cultures: Get an introduction to ancient cultures from around the world using the summaries, photos and information found on this site.
3. BBC Ancient History In-Depth: Check out this site for information on India, the Vikings, Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and much more.
4. Ancient History: Use this site to look for even more resources to help you research or learn more about the world’s ancient civilizations.
5. About.com: Ancient History: This site posts all kinds of information about different ancient historical events and figures from Attila the Hun to the Punic Wars.
6. Best History Websites: Ancient/Biblical History: Through this site you’ll find links to ancient history sites on all kinds of subjects. Sites are rated, so you’ll know if what you’re getting is good or just so-so.

Greece

Use these sites to explore this classical civilization.

7. Perseus Digital Library: Tufts University Library maintains this online collection of hundreds of works of Greek playwrights and philosophers.
8. The Ancient City of Athens: This site contains a large number of photographs that document the archeological remains of the ancient city of Athens.
9. The British Museum: Ancient Greece: The British Museum has an amazing collection of Greek artifacts, a good number of which you can see on this site. Visitors will also get a chance to learn about Greek culture like markets, festivals, daily life and more.
10. The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization: The website for this PBS special offers a great timeline of Greek civilization as well as numerous informative links and stories.
11. The Ancient Greek World: Visit this site to see an online version of the Greek art collected at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Rome

As a society that influenced much, and conquered most of Europe and parts of Africa and Asia, you undoubtedly know a little about Roman civilization, but these sites can help you learn even more.

12. Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors: Through this site you can look up just about any Roman ruler and their family to learn about them as individuals and their place in history.
13. Roman Law: Roman Law played a role in determining the legal systems we have today, and you can see a great record of it on this site.
14. LacusCurtius: Into the Roman World: Here you’ll find a collection of Greek and Latin texts, helpful free books, and some beautiful photos of Roman ruins and artifacts.
15. Illustrated History of the Roman Empire: This site is an absolute must for learning about the history of the Roman empire, as it offers not only good reading, but images that go alongside to help make explanations clearer.
16. The Classics Page: On this page you’ll find news, information and even games all focused on the lives and culture of ancient Greeks and Romans.
17. Forum Romanium: This site is home to a library of Roman literature, outlines of Roman history, and detailed information about the daily lives and medical knowledge of the Romans.
18. From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians: Learn more about how the Roman empire fell and Christian civilization took over on this site.

Asia

Visit these sites to learn more about ancient Asian cultures like those of China and Japan.

19. Ancient China: Through this site you can learn about ancient Chinese history, culture and philosophy.
20. East Asian History Sourcebook: From religious traditions to Imperial rulers, this site offers a great selection of links to help you learn about China, Japan and Korea.
21. Mysterious Mummies of China: This site is all about the Takla Makan mummies: where they came from, who they were, and the uses of mummification around the world.
22. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties: Chinese culture has existed for several millennia and is divided into numerous dynasties that you can find ordered and explained on this site.
23. Asian Studies Virtual Library: Learn more about the ancient and modern history of East and South Asian nations through the resources on this site.
24. Ancient Japan: Read through this site to get a great overview of Japanese history.

India

Take a look back in time with these great ancient Indian history sites.

25. BuddhaNet: Use this site to learn more about the origins and spread of Buddhism and the Buddha himself.
26. The British Museum: Ancient India: This site offers lessons on the Buddha, geography, civilizations of the Indus Valley, writing and more.
27. ILoveIndia.com Ancient India: Read through this site and click on the links to learn more about the religious history and the biggest empires in ancient India.
28. South Asian History: Ancient India: Visit this site for links to information on all aspects of ancient Indian culture.
29. The Hindu Universe: This site will help you to learn more about the history and origins of Hinduism.

Near East

These sites will let you learn more about the cradle of civilization–ancient Mesopotamia–and the people who called it home.

30. ABZU: Here you will find a map of where to find open access data on the web all about ancient Near East and Mediterranean cultures.
31. Cuneiform Digital Library: This site will help you learn more about one of the earliest written languages in the world–Cuneiform.
32. Hittite Home Page: The links, information and photos on this page will help you learn more about the Near Eastern society of the Hittites.
33. Ancient Near East and the Mediterranean World: The University of Chicago Library offers this interactive and informative collection of historical data on the Near East.
34. Oriental Institute Virtual Museum: Explore the amazing collections of this museum on their fully-featured website.
35. Art of the First Cities: You don’t have to visit the Met to appreciate their exhibits, as this online collection will let you see some of the most famous works from Mesopotamia.

Egypt

Take a look at these sites to find out more about the lives of the pharaohs and the people they ruled throughout the centuries.

36. Duke Papyrus Archive: Look through ancient texts and drawings in this amazing digital collection housed at Duke University.
37. Theban Mapping Project: This site is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking to learn about the Valley of the Kings and Egyptian burial practices.
38. Egyptology Resources: Use this site to find even more resources and information about ancient Egyptian culture.
39. Mark Millmore’s Ancient Egypt: From hieroglyphs to lists of kings and queens, this site offers a wealth of information on this ancient culture.
40. Egypt’s Golden Empire: On the website of this PBS special, you’ll be able to learn about the height of Egyptian civilization during the New Kingdom.

Africa

These sites will help you learn more about some of the great civilizations who have called Africa home.

41. Wonders of the African World: From the kingdoms of the Nile to the ancient city of Timbuktu, this site will help you explore ancient African cultures around the continent.
42. Africa: South of the Sahara: Use this site to find all the information you could want on ancient African cultures.
43. Pre-Colonial Africa: This About.com site will point you in the direction of some of the biggest ancient civilizations in Africa.
44. Kingdoms of Medieval Sudan: Explore the history of this area of Western Africa from the earliest cultures to the later introduction of Islam on this site.
45. NubiaNet: This site can help you learn about ancient cultures like the Kush, Kerma and the Mangbetu.

Americas

Through these resources, you can learn more about the ancient cultures of North and South America.

46. The Sport of Life and Death: The Mesoamerican Ballgame: This site will help you learn about this game of life and death played by ancient Mayans.
47. Ancient America: World of the American Indian: Use this site as a helpful starting point in learning about some of the biggest Native groups living in North America.
48. Ancient America: This site offers information on the Inca, the Maya, the Aztecs and more.
49. Civilizations in America: Here you’ll find information to study the culture of a variety of ancient American cultures.
50. Cahokia Mounds: Visit this site to learn about one of the largest ancient cities ever built in North America.

10 Things You Should Know About Your Aging Brain

In the recent economic downturn, many people have decided to go back to school to help themselves find a better job. Others have made the decision in the interest of keeping busy during a layoff or after retirement. No matter your reasons for considering an education, going back to school is an excellent way to keep an aging brain sharp. Researchers have discovered astounding facts about the aging brain, putting an end to any misconceptions about the inability for older individuals to learn, adapt, and grow. Read on to discover ten things you may not have known about your aging brain.

1. Brain plasticity. The aging brain can continue to grow and learn through a process called "plasticity" that is a natural creation of neural pathways in the brain. After age 50, most people’s cognitive function begins to decline. By encouraging brain plasticity, you can help combat that decline. Keeping your brain active and challenging yourself to continually learn new things will promote the natural plasticity in your brain. Some programs are designed specifically for promoting brain plasticity, such as this one from Posit Science.
2. Brain change. All brains experience change with aging. Some of these changes can begin around age 30, with more significant changes setting in later in life. A combination of both natural and age-related changes contribute to brain changes. The brain will naturally eliminate the least necessary synapses, keeping those that are more important. Also, as your brain ages, such factors as injury, stress, and oxidation can lead to changes within the brain. Despite a belief that brain cells die off as the brain ages, this is, in fact, one way the brain does not change. The brain keeps all its brain cells and can even continue to create new ones throughout life.
3. Factors in brain health. There are three areas of influence that contribute to brain health in which scientists have spent time researching. These three factors are emotional, demographic and social, and biomedical and physiological. Scientists have learned that both depression and how well an individual believes he can function are important factors that contribute to either brain health or brain decline. Socioeconomic status and how well-incorporated an individual is in her community contribute to brain health. Physiological contributors such as cardiovascular health and how much exercise an individual gets can also affect how healthy the aging brain is.
4. Plaques and tangles. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the focus of much Alzheimer’s research right now. The plaques are found outside neurons, or nerve cells within the brain, and tangles are found inside the neurons. It was once believed that the presence of these plaques and tangles were the cause of Alzheimer’s. Scientists now know that all people create these plaques and tangles in their brains, starting in the mid-twenties. It is now believed that Alzheimer’s is caused by inflammation and the resulting calcification in the brain that results from aging.
5. Dementia. Dementia is not necessarily a normal part of aging. In fact, dementia is rare before age 65, with only 1-3% of those aged 65 experiencing dementia. However, by the time those people reach 85, half of them will have dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s, with 60-80% of dementia cases being attributed to Alzheimer’s. Vascular dementia, or dementia caused by a stroke or a series of small strokes, is the next most common type. Diseases, medications, and toxins can also cause dementia.
6. Middle-age brain. Scientists are now learning that the middle-age brain, while once thought to be on the decline, is actually capable of processing the world differently and, in some ways, better than the brain of a younger person. The brain in middle age sees a more comprehensive view, thus being better able to recognize patterns, which leads to the ability to understand significance of events and recognize solutions to problems much more quickly than a younger brain. The ancient idea of wisdom coming with age now has scientific proof.
7. Forgetfulness can be learned. Unintentionally, you may be training your brain to be forgetful. Synapses that are used more frequently are maintained, while those used less frequently are discarded. If you are building synapses that tell your brain to panic when you have forgotten something, that grow accustomed to misplacing items (such as keys) on a regular basis, or that reinforce your belief that you are losing your memory, then you may well be teaching yourself to do all of these things. Instead, try reinforcing more positive habits, such as always placing keys in the same location, make mental connections to things easily forgotten such as people’s names, and focus on the positives of your working memory.
8. Abnormal brain aging. Genetics may certainly have something to do with abnormal brain aging, as does gender (men experience more abnormal brain aging than women), but other more controllable factors also affect the aging brain. Anything that restricts blood flow can negatively impact brain health. Many common ways blood flow is restricted is from high blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, having high cholesterol, and living with high stress. Diabetes can also affect how the brain ages, as can the level of educational or career attainment you have, depression, and head injury.
9. Exercise. Exercise can help keep a brain working smoothly. Walking three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time is enough to maintain and possibly even reverse cognitive decline in older individuals. Researchers have learned that exercise affects the brain in a number of ways. Exercise has shown to improve concentration and attention in aging adults. It also helps create new nerve cells in the brain, strengthen synapses, prevent the loss of gray matter, and increases blood flow.
10. Salmon. There are definitely certain foods that contribute to a healthy, aging brain. One of the most touted brain foods is wild-caught salmon. Salmon is high in essential fatty acids, low in fat, and has some of the lowest mercury content compared to other seafood. Wild-caught salmon has been shown to reduce depression and and improve cardiovascular health. There is also evidence that salmon can help reduce the risk of stroke and dementia.

100 Free Classic Films Everyone Should See

By Pamelia Brown

While summer blockbusters and new movies can be great, older movies have a lot to offer as well and can show you a wealth of artistry, inspiration for later films and great storytelling. These 100 films are worth a watch and won’t even require a trip to rent or borrow, and can help break up those study sessions for your college courses.

Action and Adventure

These films will take you exotic locales as characters engage in battles, conflicts and more.

1. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Check out the 1916 adaptation of this classic novel for some adventure beneath the seas.
2. Hercules: This film was a hit when it came out in 1958 and follows the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece.
3. Long John Silver: This movie picks up with the adventures of Long John Silver after the events of Treasure Island.
4. Snows of Kilimanjaro: In this 1952 Hemingway adaptation starring Gregory Peck, a writer on his deathbed takes a look back at his life.
5. The Jungle Book: Here you’ll find the first film adaptation of the Kipling novel about a boy who is raised by wolves.
6. Mark of Zorro: Watch this film to see one of the early film adaptations of the mysterious masked Zorro.
7. Dick Tracy: In this 1945 film, Dick Tracy has to put together the clues to figure out the connections between a series of murders.
8. The Iron Mask: Turned into a later adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this original tells the tale of a twin’s quest, along with the Three Musketeers, to foil an evil plot.
9. Mutiny: Set during the War of 1812, this film shows the power of gold to sway loyalties.
10. The New Adventures of Tarzan: This film from the 30’s shows Tarzan leaving his jungle home to seek out his friend and finding adventure along the way.
11. Battle of Midway: Check out this film to see a dramatic retelling with real footage of the battle between the Japanese and Americans over Midway Island.

Western

Take a look back at this once very popular genre in these films.

12. ‘Neath the Arizona Skies: This film follows a cowboy as he works to protect an oil-heiress.
13. Chino: Starring Charles Bronson, this movie tells the tale of a horse breeder who develops a strong bond with a young man he takes in and teaches to raise, break and care for horses.
14. The Legend of Custer: See the exciting story of Custer’s battle and defeat in this 1968 series.
15. Gunsmoke Ranch: In this film, three men try to warn the local people of the nefarious plans of Flagg, an unscrupulous businessman.
16. The Outlaw: Watch the classic story of Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, Pat Garrett and a host of other classic western outlaws in this film.
17. McClintlock: Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, this film follows cattle baron George Washington McLintock as he tries to manage his wife, his land and his family.
18. One-Eyed Jacks: In this film, a betrayed bank robber seeks out revenge on his partner, who is now a law-abiding sheriff.
19. Gone With the West: Sammy Davis Jr. and James Caan star in this film that has its entertaining moments despite being widely panned by critics.
20. The Proud and the Damned: In this film, a group of Confederate mercenaries must choose sides when a town becomes embroiled in a rebellion–a choice that may ultimately decide their fates.
21. Deadwood ‘76: Here you’ll see the story of a young man who is mistaken for Billy the Kid, with unpleasant consequences for him.

Comedy

While comedy changes over the ages, these films are sure to elicit at least a smile from you.

22. The Noose Hangs High: In this Abbot and Costello classic, the men are mistaken for messengers and are sent out on a errand by a gangster.
23. His Girl Friday: This romantic comedy stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Russell’s character is about to leave town and remarry but her ex-husband and former boss recruits her for one last newspaper story.
24. Happy Go Lovely: Watch as one stodgy but kindhearted man learns to live life in this musical comedy.
25. Making a Living: This hilarious Chaplin film is one of 22 different ones you can watch through this link.
26. A Hole in the Head: Directed by Frank Capra and starring Frank Sinatra, this film incorporates music and humor into the main character’s battle to hang on to his hotel and his son.
27. The Gold Rush: Watch this film to see Chaplin mug it up as an Alaskan gold miner who falls hard for the lovely Georgia.
28. The Little Shop of Horrors: This classic musical film tells the tale of a young man who finds a bloodthirsty plant and is forced to provide food for it.
29. That’s My Baby: In this film, a girl and her husband try to pull her father out of a funk through a series of fun musical numbers.
30. This is the Army: WWII soldier Johnny Jones is called upon to develop an all-soldier performing act while balancing his personal life in this film.
31. Animal Crackers: In this Marx brothers classic a painting is stolen and the brothers try to help, though really just hinder, finding it.

Drama

Check out these classic films for some serious drama.

32. The Elephant Man: Based on a true story, this film explores the life of a man deformed by congenital disorder and the relationship he develops with a doctor who helps him live a happier and better life.
33. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: This 1920 film tells the classic story of a Victorian scientist with a murderous and unpredictable dark side.
34. The Phantom of the Opera: In one of the earliest film adaptations of this story, the beautiful Christine meets the phantom in the catacombs of the theater where she works.
35. Windjammer: When a rogue ship sinks the yacht of a famous Commodore, he and his passengers are brought aboard as slaves–but not for long.
36. The Great Gabbo: This film tells the story of a ventriloquist who begins relying more and more on his dummy to do the talking for him, to the point of madness.
37. We Dive at Dawn: Here you’ll get to see a British submarine crew battle with a Nazi U-boat in this WWII drama.
38. The Count of Monte Cristo: Based on the classic Dumas tale, this film details the betrayal and quest for revenge of the Count.
39. Abraham Lincoln: Watch this film to learn more about the life and times of Abraham Lincoln through a dramatized retelling.
40. Freaks: This film, a cult classic for its use of real sideshow performers and violent plotline, shows that true monsters are often scarier inside than out.
41. Napoleon: Check out this movie to see a retelling of the life and death of Napoleon.

Film Noir

From dames in distress to shadowy characters, these films are great representations of the genre.

42. D.O.A.: Perhaps one of the most classic of the genre, this film follows a doomed man’s quest to discover who poisoned him before the poison takes his life.
43. Beat the Devil: This 1953 Bogart film mixes elements of comedy into the classic noir tale.
44. Detour: On his way to California a man gets a ride from a stranger, a choice that will leave him in a bit of a pickle when he later picks up a femme fatale.
45. He Walked By Night: This thriller follows a manhunt for a killer engaged in a game of cat and mouse with the police.
46. The Hitch-Hiker: This film from the 50’s revolves around a couple of hunting buddies who pick up a mysterious hitchhiker.
47. Jigsaw: A US District Attorney discovers an unusual group while investigating a series of murders in this 1949 film.
48. Kansas City Confidential: In this classic noir film, a man is framed for a robbery he didn’t commit and must follow the real criminals to Mexico to prove his innocence.
49. Love from a Stranger: After a young woman wins the lottery, she meets a man who she thinks is the love of her life, only to discover after they are married he may not be who he seems.
50. The Red House: The teens at the center of this movie are warned to stay away from the creepy red house, but seek it out anyway in this 1940’s classic.
51. Somewhere in the Night: A marine suffering from amnesia is at the center of this film as he tries to piece his life back together.

Thriller and Mystery

These films are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

52. The 39 Steps: In this Hitchcock classic, a couple who can’t stand each other are chased by the police and other mysterious characters.
53. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari: This horror-filled film is a must-watch for film buffs. It tells the story of a traveling magician and his assistant whose arrival in town always coincides with a series of vicious murders.
54. Dressed to Kill: Get a dose of classic Sherlock Holmes in this film adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Series.
55. Bluebeard: In this film, an artist captures the beauty of his models then disposes of them.
56. The Man Who Knew Too Much: Hitchcock made two versions of this film, and this is the earlier one that tells the story of a couple being blackmailed by having their daughter kidnapped.
57. The World Gone Mad: In this movie a District Attorney and a reporter are on a mission to find a out who murdered a man who discovered a large fraud scheme.
58. M: In this Fritz Lang classic, a group of criminals decide to hunt down a murderer themselves because the increased police presence his actions have brought have made it impossible for them to operate.
59. The Fall of the House of Usher: Check out this 1928 adaptation of the famous Edgar Allen Poe story.
60. The Third Man: Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles star in this international thriller that won an oscar and received multiple nominations.
61. Fog Island: In this film, a man out for revenge sets up traps and tricks on his island home for those who betrayed him.

Sci-Fi

From B-movie silliness to more serious issues, these films offer a great look back at classic sci-fi.

62. The Lost World: In this film, a much maligned scientist is sure that dinosaurs still exists in the high reaches of South America.
63. Killers from Space: This 50’s film takes a look at what an alien attack might be like–in classic B-movie style.
64. Lady Frankenstein: Take a look at this movie for a continuation of the Frankenstein story.
65. The Bionic Woman: On this site, you can watch a collection of episodes from this iconic US TV series.
66. Flying Disc Man from Mars: In this film, Martians come to conquer Earth as they are worried about newly developed nuclear weapons.
67. It Came from Beneath the Sea: This cheesy film is sure to keep you entertained with its hardly-terrifying octo-monster and its cute female scientist.
68. Voyage to Prehistoric Planet: Here you’ll see two astronauts who are exploring the surface of Venus try to escape with their lives after something goes terribly wrong.
69. Invaders from Mars: When strange lights appear in the sky, changes begin happening to the adult in a small town with one man left to question the cause.
70. Last Man on Earth: In this Vincent Price classic, the actor is depicted as the last man on Earth, or so he thinks.
71. Nineteen Eighty-Four: This adaptation of the Orwell novel was made in, appropriately enough, 1984.

B-Movies and Cult Classics

Sometimes movies are so bad they’re good. Check out these titles to stage your own Mystery Science Theater 3000.

72. The Toxic Avenger: In this classic, a nerd is turned into a somewhat deformed superhero after falling into a barrel of toxic waste.
73. Reefer Madness: Every wonder what all the fuss is about when it comes to banning marijuana? This film started it all.
74. Plan 9 from Outer Space: Perhaps one of the worst, and consequently best, horror films of the era, this film sees an evil alien race resurrecting the dead to act out their sinister Plan 9.
75. The Corpse Vanishes: The wife of a mad scientist stays curiously young looking, and as the film develops you’ll discover why.
76. Attack of the Puppet People: In this film, a lonely and slightly mad puppet-master and doll-maker designs a machine that shrinks people.
77. The Bloody Brood: In this early Peter Falk film, a group of beatniks does, well, what beatniks and outcasts do.
78. Manos the Hands of Fate: Widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, its appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000 made this awful film a cult classic.
79. Sex Maniac: Loosely based on an Edgar Allen Poe story, this film is an early example of the exploitation genre.
80. Wasp Woman: This 1960’s film follows the head of a cosmetics company who, through using an untested treatment, manages to beautify herself with the unexpected consequence of sometimes turning into a murderous wasp.
81. Carnival of Souls: When their car goes off of a bridge, three friends are assumed dead. One, however, emerges alive and tries to start her life over, but something isn’t quite right.

Foreign

These foreign films will let you see classics from around the globe.

82. L’age D’or: This surrealist classic by director Luis Bunuel will baffle you, shock you and downright confuse you–just what it was meant to do.
83. Rashomon: Lovers of film have to see this Japanese classic that addresses the nature of truth by giving viewers four different accounts of a rape and murder.
84. Un Chien Andalou: Look to this Salvador Dali film for shocking and sometimes gruesome imagery, but an artistic experience well worth having.
85. Battleship Potemkin: Based on a true story, this Soviet film has been the inspiration for many modern filmmakers.
86. Der Golem: Made in 1915, this horror film is inspired by the ancient Jewish legend of the Golem–a clay man who comes to life.
87. Ikiru: Made by acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, this film is often considered to be his greatest masterwork and one that takes the harshest but ultimately most compassionate look at human life.
88. Sword of Lancelot: This British film tells the tale of the night Lancelot and his love for the off-limits Guinevere.
89. Fire Over England: In this period film starring Laurence Olivier, a man goes undercover to foil a plot to assassinate the queen.
90. Faust: Based on the classic tale by Goethe, this movie tells the tale of Faust, tempted into sin by Mephisto.
91. Nora Inu: Translating to Stray Dog in English, this Kurosawa film tells the story of a detective who is frantically trying to reclaim his pistol which has been stolen on the train. A manhunt ensues when the gun is used in a murder.

Horror

Make sure to watch these classics with the lights on.

92. Dracula: Explore the classic tale of the battle between Dracula and Van Helsing in this film.
93. White Zombie: A young couple is tricked into getting married on a Hatian plantation only to have the young woman, and several others, turned into zombies.
94. Nosferatu: Perhaps one of the best known and most loved of vampire films, this movie stars Max Schreck as the terrifying Count Orlok.
95. Beware the Blob: In this sequel to the original Blob, the blob is brought back to life and starts consuming everything around it.
96. Night of the Living Dead: Radiation fallout brings the blood-thirsty corpses in this film back to life as a group of people hiding out in a farmhouse attempt to hold them off.
97. Deep Red: An English pianist gets involved in trying to solve a series of murders in this film only to realize too late that the murderer is watching his movements closely in this Dario Argento classic.
98. Dementia 13: In this film a young woman manipulates her family to get a share of the inheritance, but when she moves into their ancestral home she may get more than she bargained for.
99. A Bucket of Blood: This film will make you laugh as much as you’ll be scared, as a young artist becomes murderous in his quest for success.
100. The Ghost Train: Legends of a phantom train haunt the stranded travelers at a rural rail station in this film.

50 Brain Facts Every Educator Should Know

By Pamelia Brown

The brain is perhaps the most fascinating organ in the human body. It controls everything from breathing to emotions to learning. If you work with children, here are some facts that you might find helpful, from how the brain affects learning to facts about memory to interesting facts about the brain that you can share with your students.

Brain Development and Learning

Read on to learn interesting facts about how the brain develops, what can affect that development, and how learning is impacted.

1. Read aloud. Parents and teachers who read aloud and talk often to young children are promoting brain development.
2. Bilingual brains. Children who learn two languages before the age of five have a different brain structure than children who learn only one language.
3. Child abuse and the brain. Studies have shown that child abuse can change the way the brain develops and can negatively affect learning.
4. New neurons. Throughout life, mental activity promotes the production of new neurons in the brain.
5. Handedness. Those who are left-handed or ambidextrous have a corpus collosum that is about 11% larger than those who are right-handed.
6. Brain growth. The human brain continues to grow until about age 18.
7. Stimulating environment. If a child is in a stimulating environment, she has a 25% greater ability to learn . Conversely, if she is in an environment with low stimulation, she has 25% less ability to learn.
8. Creative vs. methodical. Scientists have shown that creative thinkers’ brains work in different ways from the brains of those who think more methodically.
9. Food and intelligence. One study looked at students in New York and showed that those who ate lunches that did not include artificial flavors, preservatives, and dyes did 14% better on IQ tests than the students who ate lunches with these additives.
10. Boredom. Humans have an innate curiosity, but when they have a lack of stimulation, boredom sets in.
11. Learning new things. A study shows that when people are learning new things, their brains change very quickly. Those learning to juggle showed change in the brain in as little as seven days.
12. Music. Children who take music lessons show a considerable increase in the ability to learn.
13. Reading faces. The area of the brain called the amygdala is responsible for the ability to read someone’s face for clues to how they are feeling.

Memory

Learn about the way short-term memory differs from long-term memory, how scent affects memory, and more.

14. Different types of memory. The ability to learn and remember new things is called declarative memory and is processed in a different part of the brain from where the memories of how to do something are stored.
15. Scent and memory. Scent is a powerful trigger for memory. A study indicates that a memory paired with scent can be recalled more easily.
16. New connections. Each time a memory is recalled or a new thought occurs, a new connection is created in the brain.
17. Create associations. Memory is formed by associations, so to promote memory in students, create associations for them.
18. Sleep. The brain consolidates memories while you sleep.
19. No sleep. A lack of sleep may actually decrease your ability to create new memories.
20. Short-term memory. Studies suggest that short-term memory happens as a result of chemical and electrical impulses in the brain, as compared to more structural changes that are associated with long-term memory.

Brain Trivia

From how the brain helps while blinking to early brain surgery, these bits of trivia might come in handy the next time you are teaching about the brain.

21. Blinking. Each time we blink, our brain keeps things illuminated so the whole world doesn’t go dark each time we blink, which is about 20,000 times a day.
22. Laughing. As easy as laughing seems, it is actually a very complex task that requires activity in five different areas of the brain.
23. The purpose of yawning. Yawning often promotes yawning in others nearby. Scientists believe that yawning may have been an ancient social behavior that signaled an event, with others yawning in response. Today, we still hold on to the response, even if we don’t need it.
24. Brain Bank. Harvard maintains a Brain Bank where over 7,000 human brains are stored for research purposes.
25. Disney and sleep disorders. Disney creators used real sleep disorders such as snoring, nightmares, and sleepwalking in many of the characters in their movies.
26. Thoughts. It is believed that humans experience 70,000 thoughts each day.
27. Aristotle. Aristotle mistakenly thought that the functions of the brain actually took place in the heart.
28. Outer space. The lack of gravity in outer space affects the brain in several ways. Scientists are studying how and why, but you may want to hold off on your next trip to the moon.
29. Shakespeare. The word "brain" appears 66 times in William Shakespeare’s plays.
30. Early brain surgery. Archeologists found evidence that primitive brain surgery was performed by drilling a hole in the skull as far back as 2000 BC.
31. Imaginary playmates. A psychological study in Australia showed that children with imaginary playmates between the ages of 3 and 9 tended to be first-born children.
32. Oxytocin and autism. Oxytocin is a hormone that is responsible for promoting social interaction and may help children with autism increase social skills and trust.

The Physical Brain

With this list, you’ll be prepared the next time you need to whip out fast facts about the make-up of the human brain.

33. Water. The brain is made up of about 75% water.
34. 10% myth. If you were taught that humans only use 10% of their brain, then know that is just a myth. Scientists can attribute a function to each part of the brain.
35. Weight. The human brain weighs about 3 pounds.
36. No pain. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain.
37. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and makes up about 85% of the brain’s weight.
38. Gray and white. The human brain consists of about 60% white matter and 40% gray matter.
39. Neurons. About 100 billion neurons make up the human brain.
40. Synapses. For each one of those neurons, there are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 synapses.
41. Cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex grows thicker the more it is used.
42. Yawns. It is believed that yawning sends more oxygen to the brain, therefore working to cool it down and stimulate it.

Amazing Brains

Here are examples of some amazing people and their brains.

43. Daniel Tammet. Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant who can perform astounding mathematical computations, knows seven languages, and is developing a language of his own.
44. Albert Einstein. Einstein’s brain was similar in size to other human brains except in the region that is responsible for math and spatial perception, where his brain was 35% wider than average.
45. Keith Jarrett. This jazz musician, at age 3, was discovered to have perfect pitch, which scientists have been able to pinpoint in the right frontal lobe.
46. London taxi drivers. Famous for knowing all the London streets by heart, these taxi drivers have a larger than normal hippocampus, especially the drivers who have been on the job longest. This suggests that as people memorize more information, the hippocampus continues to grow.
47. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. After his death, Lenin’s brain was studied and found to have been abnormally large and to have contained numerous neurons in a particular region. Some believe this brain structure may explain his famous intelligence.
48. Oldest brain. At the University of York in northern England, a brain thought to be 2000 years old was unearthed.
49. Ben Pridmore. Ben Pridmore, a world champion memorizer, memorized 96 historical events in 5 minutes and memorized a single, shuffled deck of cards in 26.28 seconds.
50. Henry Molaison. Known for decades as "HM," Molaison underwent brain surgery in 1953 and could not form new memories afterward. He became the most studied patient by those who research the brain. Molaison died about a year ago and donated his brain to science. Currently, it is undergoing extensive research.

100 Inspirational Blog Posts for Homeschoolers

By Pamelia Brown

If you are a homeschooler and are looking for inspiration from other homeschoolers, then this list is a great place to start. Taken from some of the most popular homeschooling blogs from homeschool students, and from both mothers and fathers, these blog posts provide inspiration on homeschooling, family, God, and even food. Enrich your family’s education with these inspirational words from other homeschoolers.

About Homeschooling

From the politics of homeschooling to why some families choose to homeschool, these posts all offer a take on homeschooling.

1. Why I still homeschool. This post describes why one family homeschools their children, despite what others sometimes say.
2. school tour. A homeschooling mom considers a private Catholic school, but opts to continue to homeschool instead. Find out why.
3. How we came to homeschool. Read about this family’s decision to homeschool their children.
4. Why don’t Students like school?. Examine these thoughts on how traditional schools remove freedom from students.
5. Arthur B. Robinson on Homeschooling. This essay likens a child’s education to learning to swim, with public schools throwing students into the deep end.
6. A Call to Homeschool. This young woman explains what homeschooling provided her and why she plans to do the same for her family.
7. A Special Feature on Homeschooling. This homeschooler denounces the media attention in favor of being left alone to take care of her family.
8. Salon.com: Home schooling: How we do it. This post provides links to two articles on homeschooling.
9. When Your Family and Friends Don’t Support Your Homeschooling. Thinking back on the decision to homeschool, this mom remembers the reactions of friends and family–and how different they are today.
10. Success on Paper or Success in Life – Which Would You Choose?. What is your ultimate goal for homeschooling? This post takes a look at one answer.
11. Alternative Education. Take a look at emotional education and how people learn with the thoughts here.
12. Special Needs Children: Bring Them Home Where They Belong. This post takes a look at homeschooling special needs children and offers additional resources on the subject.
13. Reaching Homeschoolers. This homeschooler thinks about how understanding homeschoolers is essential when trying to connect with them.
14. The Outlawing of Homeschooling. This post asks for reflection on what you would do to protect your right to homeschool your children.

Making Things Run Smoothly

Finding what works for each family is at the heart of these blogs.

15. 10 Habits of a Happy Homeschool. From awakening 1/2 hour before her children to having the children play outside for at least 2 hours a day, find out what works for this family.
16. Foreign Language Instruction in our Home. These parents initially disagreed over how to teach German to their children, but through homeschooling, get to embrace both ways of instruction.
17. Travelling with (Homeschool) Kids Step 3: Coming to Terms With "Skipping" School. If you struggle with feeling guilty about not staying on your schedule, then read this post about appreciating the ability to learn outside the lesson plan.
18. Weekly Wrap Up. This mom faces the reality of needing to teach in the manner that is most effective for her rather than depending on what works for someone else.
19. Inspiration. This post offers one way a mom finds inspiration.
20. Establishing a Morning Routine — Maximize Your Mornings. Find out what this mom has to say about her family’s morning routine.
21. Household Ways. Discovering your routine and what works for your family is a gift.
22. Cyber School?. This mom lets her homeschooling take a turn based on her daughter’s informed choice.

Homeschooling Tips and Resources

Find great suggestions and resources to give your lessons a boost.

23. Cameras as Homeschool Tools: 10 Great Ideas. Use these suggestions to incorporate photography into your homeschool curriculum.
24. NASA teaching your kids science. Find out about five science lessons available from NASA that are appropriate for K-12.
25. History Helps. Get ideas on how to teach history in the elementary years based on the Charlotte Mason’s methods.
26. Free Online Homeschool Videos: Math, Science, and More!. Learn where you can get free videos to use with your children.
27. Great Homeschool Resources. This blog post offers seven homeschool resources, including books, Web sites, history lessons, and more.
28. Large Family Workbox System for Homeschool. This large family uses a great system for keeping materials organized.
29. Thoughts on Teaching Fractions and Student Work Ethic. This mother thinks about fractions and what they may signal to a parent and teacher–and how a student work ethic can be reinforced.
30. 35 New Year’s Traditions from Countries and Cultures Around the World. Find out what people around the world do to welcome the new year.
31. New thoughts for school. Eliminating so much reading across all subjects has helped one young learner to move ahead with much more progress on her reading abilities.
32. Happy Phonics–Happy Mama!. A veteran homeschooler shares how she has adapted her phonics lessons and organization.
33. Change and Motion: Calculus Made Clear 2nd Edition. Read about this recommendation for calculus help.
34. Art Cards. Take a look at these art cards and see how one mom incorporates them in her lessons.

Lesson Ideas

These posts offer specific lesson ideas to inspire your teaching.

35. Writing Project for Early Readers. Learn how to make your own word-picture books here for young children who are reading.
36. Respecting our Elders. Use the ideas here to ensure you are instilling a respect for elders.
37. Homeschool Mini Conference. See how these homeschool families set up a mini conference here.
38. How To Write a Lab Report and Keep a Lab Book. High school students can learn this science lesson in preparation for college science labs.
39. Of Haiti and Homeschooling. This mom thinks carefully about how she will teach her family about the earthquakes in Haiti and how she will guide them through the devastation.
40. Marine Biology – Fun Experiments #1. Find out about some fun high school science experiments in this blog post.
41. Handwriting & Brush Painting. This post explores the idea of using brush painting as a tool for reinforcing handwriting skills.
42. Itty-Bitty Book Worm: I Like Me. This lesson features using the book, I Like Me, to reinforce self-esteem and God’s blessings for preschool-aged learners.
43. Commonplace Book (or half-sheet binder) cover tutorial. Here is a great tutorial to help you learn about making and using a commonplace book.
44. Productivity. Find a fun recipe for making bowls from goo and newspaper about half way down in this post.
45. Craft Your Own Board Games. Have your kids make their own board games with this resource.
46. I get to make candy for school?!?. Anne of Green Gables inspired this fun lesson.

Adventure

Homeschool family have the ability to make any adventure a learning experience. See what these families have explored.

47. Climbing Mt. Rainier. These families take learning to new heights.
48. up a tree. Taking a tree climbing class can be fun and educational, as this mother and daughter discover.
49. Christmas Break!. Leaving the lessons behind doesn’t mean the learning stops. This family has a fun adventure learning new skills.
50. Top of the mountain. On the third attempt, this family reaches the summit.
51. Looking Back on Our First Year on the Farm. Homesteading can be a life adventure, as this post demonstrates.

From Homeschooled Students

Hear from these astute homeschooled students.

52. Happy Birthday, Daddy. This young woman remembers her father on his birthday and thanks him for all he has done.
53. ~Ambitions~. This blogger ponders her place in the world in this post.
54. If The Shoe Fits. Choosing to wear skirts on a daily basis can bring the question of what shoes to wear that will look good with a skirt, yet be practical enough for every day use. See what this woman suggests.
55. The Long and Short of It. Find out what this post says about having long hair as form of service to God.
56. Home Making. Now in college, this woman ponders the role of a wife as she reads the book, Home Making.
57. Welcome, {Samuel Ira}. This proud big sister demonstrates the love and thankfulness a new baby can bring the family.
58. Look What I Found…. These photographs not only showcase talent, they also remind the reader to recognize the beauty of the every day items.
59. the value of doing nothing. See what this post says about letting go and giving over to God.
60. Acorns & Autumn. This young lady gives thanks for autumn and all that it brings.
61. "Tight enough to show I’m a woman…". Thinking about how to wear her clothing so that she is both modest and feminine is the focus of this post.

Religion

These homeschooling bloggers share what they have learned in their walk with God.

62. Cultivating Habits. This mom thinks about cultivating the habits of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God in order to model these activities for her children.
63. "Whatever you do whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Col. 3:17. Reflecting on her work as a mother, this mom realizes that what she does is in the glory of God.
64. Spiritual Lessons from Deaf Dog. A family learns about following God through their deaf puppy.
65. The Path of His Presence. Read these thoughts on choosing to follow the path of the Lord.
66. Gifts. Reflecting on hospitality–truly opening your doors to others– as a service to God is the focus of this blog.
67. All Good Gifts. This post shows the bounty provided by God.
68. Trying on Shoes. Thinking about being a servant to God and to others, this mom recognizes a chance to try again tomorrow.
69. Have Thine Own Way, Lord!. This mom offers up a prayer to help her surrender to God’s plan.
70. It’s a Sacrifice. The pain that sometimes comes into life can be seen as a sacrifice.
71. A quick note to the young men at my table…. A father shares a few words with his sons about keeping the Christian faith.
72. Do You Have Your Child’s Heart? Part 1. Having your child’s heart leads to helping guide them to the Lord.

Family

These posts all have something to say about the special role family plays.

73. Drenching love. This thoughtful post examines the qualities of love and asks readers to think about removing anything that can stand in the way of the love you show those in your life.
74. What I do when I’m not blogging…. Take a glimpse into this family’s life on their farm in Texas.
75. De-Cluttering your Soul—the Secret to Peace and Rest 2010. This post is a great example of a married couple working together as well as the importance of decluttering your life both physically and spiritually.
76. Kicks, Chocolate, and a Vegetarian. This family is experiencing everything from martial arts to vegetarianism, and Mom guides them through it all.
77. Family Time is a good thing!. A father reflects on the importance of family time.
78. More Games. This family connects through a fun day of games and hot chocolate.
79. silly me. Family comes through when they are needed, no matter the weather outside.
80. A Wise Son Makes His Father Glad–How About a Wise Daugher-In-Law?. Find out what this dad learns from his new daughter-in-law.
81. Real pictures, mental pictures. Sharing a winter vacation at the beach with extended family brings joy to all.
82. My Daughter is Writing a Book. Mom guides her daughter through discovering writing for her own pleasure.
83. Christmas Eve at the Bowling Alley. Family traditions are the focus of this blog post.
84. A Mother’s Legacy. This post offers encouragement to mothers everywhere.
85. Sir Todd, The Dragon Slayer. Get a good reminder of how a husband can support his wife with what seems on the surface to be small tasks.
86. This Post Will Make You Hungry. A father helps his son understand how women and men approach the world differently by using a food analogy.
87. The Mom in the Mirror. Children learn about parenting from their parents, as this post discusses.

Food

From recipes to traditions, these posts unite family through food.

88. Winter: A time to rest, learn and prepare. This stay-at-home daughter writes about canning fruits and vegetables as an act of self-sufficiency.
89. Coconut Cocoa Pecan Chocolate Chip Brownies. These brownies look delicious. Find out how you can make them with this blog post.
90. Homemade Pie Crust. Not only do you get to follow along as this young woman makes her first pie crust, but you also get the recipe.
91. Apple Dumplings. These seven sisters make apple dumplings to last all year long.
92. Sourdough Bread, Quilting, and Good Words. Find out how this first attempt at making sourdough bread went, then see what else this young woman is up to.
93. Dec. 25, 2008 – A Homemade Christmas-Jesse Tree & Christmas Morning Treat. Learn about this family’s tradition of making monkey bread as well as their homemade tree.
94. Canning Pork Roast. If you have never heard about canning meat, then you definitely want to check out this post.
95. New Year Goal: Trim the Grocery Budget!. Find out how to make a meal for just a few dollars here.
96. zucchini bread. Try this family’s favorite recipe.
97. Andes Mint Cookies. If these cookies taste as good as they look, you’ll want to keep this recipe around.
98. 2010 Health Goal: Drink More Water!. Learn interesting facts about drinking water and get tips on how to increase your and your children’s water intake.
99. Smockity Cooks: Homemade Country Gravy. Watch this video to learn how to make homemade country gravy without the lumps.
100. More Pie Recipes to Share. Get some delicious pie recipes here.

100 Incredible Lectures for History Lovers

By Pamelia Brown

Ironically, one of the best places to learn about the past is with the technologies of the future, as web lectures abound from renowned lecturers and college campuses around the world. Here you’ll find 100 of these lectures that will help you indulge your history enthusiasm by learning about everything from the fall of the Berlin wall to ancient Egyptian history and just about anything in between.

World History

Explore the history of civilizations around the world through these lectures.

1. Modern Civilization from 1750 – Present: In this series of lectures, you’ll hear from Professor Lynn Hunt on the rise of Western civilization.
2. Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age: Learn a little more about classic and infamous pirates like Blackbeard as well as a great deal about pirate culture and history in this lecture.
3. Latin America: Two Hundred Years of Solitude: Ernesto Zedillo gives this lecture on the isolation of Latin America until recent years.
4. Invisible History: Afghanistan’s Untold Story: This lecture will show you the true history of the country and explore the ways in which current foreign policy can handle its issues.
5. Over the Edge: Magellan’s Terrifying Travels: Learn about one of the most epic and dangerous sea journeys ever undertaken in this lecture.
6. Re-Membering Africa: This lecture will attempt to tell about African history from the African perspective, untainted by colonialist interests.
7. Marco Polo: Silk Road to China: Through this lecture you’ll learn about the journey Marco Polo took to China using the silk trade routes.
8. The Cold War and American Dominance in the Middle East: Learn what effect the Cold War had on the Middle East and the impact it is still having today through this lecture.
9. Vladimir Putin and the Oligarchs: Professor Marshall Goldman explores some of the major changes that have happened in Russian leadership in the past few decades.
10. Oracle Bones: A Journey Between China’s Past and Present: Check out this lecture for an examination of China that addresses history, archaeology, language, and contemporary culture.
11. Americas Before Columbus: This lecture offers an opportunity to learn about the large-scale cities and advanced civilization that occupied the Americas before the European’s arrival.
12. Japan’s Colonization of Korea: Many may be unfamiliar with this chapter in Asian history, but this lecture will help make it crystal clear.
13. A Voyage, Long and Strange: In this lecture you’ll get an explanation about what happened in the Americas in the years between Columbus’ arrival and the landing of the Mayflower.

European History

Take a look and listen to these lectures to learn about the history of European nations.

14. Nine Jews Who Fled Hitler and Changed the World: From novelists to nuclear scientists, this lecture chronicles nine Hungarian Jews who were lucky enough to escape the Nazis during WWII.
15. European Civilization, 1648-1945: Listen to this series of lectures from Yale to get a great overview of European civilization until the end of WWII.
16. France Since 1871: This series of lectures touches on social, economic and political changes that have occurred in France over the past century.
17. The Fall of the Wall: 20 Years Later: Here you’ll find a recorded discussion on the impact of the fall of the wall and the changes that have happened since.
18. Lives and Landscapes of the French Monarchy: Listen to this lecture to learn about Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI and their growing interest in art and landscape design.
19. Milestone of the Revolution: Katie Carroll and the IRA: Learn more about Katie Carroll, a woman murdered by the IRA, and the era of violence the incident ushered in.
20. Fall of the Berlin Wall: This series of lectures will take you through this tumultuous period in history.
21. Verneys: Love, War and Madness in 17th Century England: In this lecture you can learn more about this amazing family through their records and correspondence.
22. After the Victorians: The Decline of Britain in the World: Historian A.N. Wilson explores British history from the death of Queen Victoria to the present day in this thoughtful lecture.
23. Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels Who Helped Save England: Learn why the young men who battled to bring Churchill to power may have made all the difference in British history in this lecture.
24. George III: A Life in Caricature: In this lecture you’ll learn more about one of England’s best known but least understood rulers.
25. History of Paris: Learn how Paris went from being a crowded medieval city to one with sprawling boulevards and numerous cultural landmarks in this video series.

American History

These lectures will help you learn more about the history of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the tumultuous 60s.

26. Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property: In this lecture you can learn more about the man and the slave rebellion of 1831.
27. Abraham Lincoln’s Invention of Presidential War Powers: Check out this lecture to hear more about the creation of this important element of American politics.
28. Race, Religion, and American Politics from Nat Turner to George W. Bush: This three-part series will take you through the early slave uprisings to modern day racial conflicts.
29. The Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1845-1877: In this series of lectures, you’ll hear about the history of the Civil War and the difficult years that followed.
30. African American History: The Modern Freedom Struggle: Give this series of lectures a try to learn more about African American history and leaders.
31. Boston’s Spectacle Island and It’s Native American Past: This lecture will teach you more about the Native American history of Spectacle Island, once inhabited by the Algonquin.
32. French Ally in America’s War of Independence: Learn how French Colonel Armand Tuffin helped George Washington win some of the battles of the Revolutionary War.
33. Slavery and the Making of America: This series will help you learn more about the history of slavery in the United States.
34. Ken Burns on Thomas Jefferson: This link collects a series of lectures that will help you learn more about this amazing founding father.
35. The Causes of the Great Depression: You can learn more about the reasons for the economic downturn of the 1930s in this informative lecture.
36. 1963 March on Washington: Listen to this original broadcast on these historical marches through this link.
37. Loyalists and the American War for Independence: In an interesting change of perspective, this lecture examines the War of Independence from the Loyalist point of view.

Art History

See and hear about some of the artwork that has reflected distinctive periods in history through these lectures.

38. Shifting Meaning: African Art in the World: Learn about the ways in which African art has been interpreted at home and in the global community in this lecture.
39. Thomas Gainsbourogh: The Substance of Style: In 18th century England, Gainsbourogh’s portraits were the height of fashion. You can learn more about his techniques and the history of the period in this lecture.
40. Marie Antoinette: Patron of the Arts: In this lecture you’ll hear about Marie Antoinette’s love of the arts, especially fine porcelain.
41. Art, Gender and Politics in Egypt: Queen Hapshetsut: Through this lecture you’ll learn more about the woman who was the first to take on the title of pharaoh and the art created around her.
42. Raphael and the Art of Portraiture: Learn more about some of the Renaissance’s most important works in this lecture.
43. Role of the Academy in American Art: The academy played a big role in the European art world but this lecture addresses the impact of such a structure on arts created in the Americas.
44. In Search of Culture: The Birth of the Museum of Fine Arts: Check out this lecture for information on the origins and need for the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.
45. Castiglione: The Art of Being a Renaissance Man: In this lecture you can get some pointers on what it takes to be a true Renaissance man and how Castiglione embodied and encouraged these characteristics.
46. Time for Tea: Women as Patrons of the Decorative Arts 1690-1850: Here you can learn how the introduction of tea to the Western world sparked an interest in the decorative arts, primarily supported by women.
47. Hudson River School of American Landscape Painting: This lecture will teach you about the history and techniques involved with this school of landscape painting.
48. Sensational Scandals on the Eve of the French Revolution: In this lecture you’ll hear about how theater, opera, and painting exhibitions played up the scandals of the months leading up to revolution.

U.S. Presidents

These lectures will let you take a closer look at individual American presidents.

49. Revisiting President John F. Kennedy and the 1960s: Take a look back at the 1960s to learn more about the culture and politics of the time and the president who defined the era.
50. Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founding Fathers Different: Learn what characteristics allowed the founding fathers to rebel and start a new nation with new rules.
51. Rewriting the Founding: Theodore Roosevelt as Historian: Take a different look at Teddy Roosevelt in this compelling lecture.
52. New Perspectives on Lincoln and His World: Here you’ll be able to learn more about this iconic president and his times.
53. Presidency of Gerald Ford: Don’t know a thing about the presidency of Ford? Not to worry, this lecture will fill you in on the details.
54. Jimmy Carter: Prophet from the Plains: While not a popular president in his time, Carter has gone on to make great strides in international relations. This lecture will help you learn more about his presidency and his persona.
55. Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power: In this lecture you’ll hear about the battle between these two leaders to outdo each other and the friendship the two shared as well.
56. Presidents at War: Take a look at this lecture to hear about the lasting legacies of wartime presidents.
57. Presidency of LBJ: Hear from LBJ’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer in this lecture.
58. The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President: In this lecture you’ll get a unique look into the White House, with excerpts from interviews done while Clinton was in office.

Ancient and Medieval History

Head back to the beginnings of civilization with these lectures.

59. The City of Sardis: Approaches in Graphic Recording: In this lecture you’ll learn how new technologies are making it easier to take a new look at this ancient Roman city.
60. Introduction to Ancient Greek History: Explore this series of lectures to learn more about this influential classical society.
61. Roman Architecture: After listening to these lectures you’ll be able to pick out Roman-influenced architectural elements in your own city and understand the principles behind the construction of the monuments the Romans made.
62. Eighth Wonder: The Library of Alexandria: This lecture explores the mythical Library and the wonders it was said to hold.
63. Building Pharaoh’s Ship: This video series will let you see how the Ancient Egyptians went about building vessels for their Pharaohs.
64. Alexander the Great: In this lecture you’ll see how this somewhat unusual man rose to power.
65. The Dark Ages: Learn more about this period of European history when art and culture were said to stagnate.
66. Ancient Olympics: Gods and Athletes: You’ll gain a new appreciation for the Olympics of today by learning about its historical origins in this lecture.
67. What Mummies Tell Us: Take a look inside a mummy to learn about Egyptian burial practices, royalty and culture during that time.
68. The Bible’s Buried Secrets: This NOVA special will explore some of the debated historical issues in the Bible.
69. Medieval Judaism and Christianity: Daniel J. Lasker explains the nature of these two world religions during this somewhat uncouth period in history.

Conflict History

Explore the history of world conflicts through these lectures.

70. Women and War in the Twentieth Century: This collection of lectures from Harvard explores the roles women have played during wartime.
71. Conversation with WWII PT Boat Veterans: In this discussion you’ll hear from veterans who served on PT boats in the Solomon Islands at the same time as JFK.
72. Tuskegee Airmen of WWII: Learn what a big role the work of these brave airmen played in ending racial segregation in the military.
73. Someone Must Survive to Tell the World: Tosia Schneider explains the horrors she endured during the Nazi occupation of Poland and the promise she made to her mother.
74. Baptized in Blood: Moral Reflections on the American Civil War: This lecture takes a look back at some of the complex moral issues that surrounded the Civil War.
75. Ken Burns on the Civil War: This collection of lectures will help give you a well-rounded and informative picture of the history of the Civil War.
76. Baker Street Spies in Wartime Washington: Take a look into the seedy and often deceitful world of the British spies working in Washington before, during and after WWII.
77. D-Day to Berlin: Using never before seen home footage, this lecture will take you through the war from the vantage point of a soldier who was there.
78. Vietnam War and the Presidency: Big names like Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig participate in this discussion of the Vietnam War.
79. Birth of the Modern Arms Race: This book recalls the history of the Cold War from the Oppenheimer trial to the era of McCarthyism.

Cultural History

In these lectures you will be able to learn more about cultural movements and more.

80. Nonviolence: From Gandhi to Martin Luther King: This series of lectures will give you a thorough understanding of non-violence resistance movements.
81. New Testament History and Literature: Check out this lecture to learn more about the history behind the New Testament.
82. Cultural History of the Great Depression: With discussions of entertainment and contemporary culture, this lecture will show you what life was like during the Great Depression.
83. Jews and Sufis: A Sacred Bridge: Here you can learn more about the relationship between these two Middle Eastern religious traditions.
84. Native Americans: Living in Two Worlds: Learn more about the difficulties in reconciling two ways of viewing the world that many Native American groups have.
85. Homosexuality and Civilization: This lecture will explore the acceptance or non-acceptance of homosexuality throughout history.
86. Buttoned Up and Down: European Fashion in 1905: If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Victorian fashion, this lecture is a great free way to do so.
87. Piecing Together Our History: In this lecture you can learn more about Asian-Pacific culture in the United States.
88. Alan Turing’s Contribution to World History: Give this lecture a try to gain more knowledge about the scientific contributions of this often misunderstood man.
89. History 2D: Science, Magic and Religion: Here you can learn more about the role of these cultural factors in pushing history forward.

Miscellaneous

These lectures touch on a wide range of historical subject matter.

90. Brown v. Board: Looking Back, Looking Forward: Take a look at the impact of this historical court case in this series of lectures from Harvard.
91. History of Information: This lecture from Berkeley will help you explore the history of the recording, transmittal and storage of information.
92. History of Psychology: From Freud to the modern day, this lecture will show you the history of studying how the mind works.
93. History and Future of Nuclear Weapons: Nuclear weapons have played a big role in modern history and you can learn more about this and where the technology is headed in the coming years from this lecture.
94. History of Jazz: Get a cultural education with this great lecture series on the history of Jazz.
95. A Romp Through the History of Philosophy: From ancient Rome to Existentialism, this lecture will help you learn the big names in philosophy.
96. Crack in the Edge of the World: The 1906 CA Earthquake: Through this lecture you can revisit this deadly natural disaster.
97. Maps and History: Constructing Images of the Past: Learn from this lecture how maps can help you explore not only locations but cultural ideas and ways of seeing the world.
98. First Theorists of History: This lecture will explain the work and ideas of some of the world’s first historians.
99. Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History: Check out this lecture for a funny look at some of the women who made names for themselves by defying cultural and social expectations.
100. Chinese in America: A Narrative History: This lecture will help you understand the contributions of the Chinese to American history, and the ongoing lives of those who grew up here.

100 Fantastic Book Sites for Kids & Teens

The Internet is filled with plenty of awesome places for children and teens who are interested in books, and even a few places for those who need a little help in the motivation department. Whether you are studying to become a teacher, already work with children, are a parent, or a teen yourself, you will find the following sites are full of ways to embrace books and a love of reading, no matter what age the reader. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to enhance a child’s education while encouraging a love of reading with these fantastic book sites.

Reading Motivation for Children and Teens

If you know a child or teenager who needs a little encouragement or is struggling to learn to read, then check out these great sites.

1. Book Adventure. Perfect for kids in grades K-8, this site lets readers create a list of books from 7,000 listed, then take quizzes and earn points for their progress.
2. Bookwink. Bookwink posts three-minute videos each month about specific books in an attempt to spark interest in students in grades 3-8 to read. You can search their book list by subject, grade level, author, or title.
3. Click. Designed specifically for Click Magazine subscribers, in addition to plenty of activities to promote reading and curiosity, this site also contains several lists of recommended books by age level that are worth checking out.
4. Leading to Reading. Sponsored by RIF, this site is geared to preschoolers and the grown-ups who care for them.
5. Read.gov. The Library of Congress hosts this site that has something for both younger and older readers, no matter what their interests. They even have a fun story project with contributions from a variety of popular authors.
6. ReadKiddoRead.com. James Patterson started this site to encourage the love of reading in children. Find book recommendations, reading guides, fun quizzes, and more.
7. Reading Rockets. This site is from the US Department of Education and is designed to help emergent and struggling readers.

Picture Books and Younger Reader Sites

These sites are designed specifically for younger readers.

8. Fun with Spot. Parents, teachers, and young children who love Eric Hill’s Spot books will enjoy the activities at this site.
9. Little Critter. This site is based on Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books and includes plenty to keep younger readers busy.
10. Maisy’s Fun Club. Read, play games, and color with the cast of characters from the popular Maisy books.
11. Peter Rabbit. Children can enjoy the games, learn about the characters, and find activities while parents and teachers will find information about Peter Rabbit and his creator, Beatrix Potter.
12. Book Pop. Children can follow along as stories are read by Stephen Cosgrove. Readers can control page turning, reading, and more to enhance their experience.
13. Bedtime-Story. These classic stories include options to hear about the story or to have the story read aloud.
14. Children’s Books Online. Scroll down and click on the "To the library" under the Rosetta cart to find a listing of antique books. Some can be read only and some come with audio.
15. Clifford Interactive Storybooks. If you love this big red dog, then check out the storybooks here.

Elementary Reader Sites

As your readers become a little more confident in their abilities, they will appreciate these sites that celebrate great books and authors.

16. Speakaboos. This awesome site brings fables, popular books, fairy tales, and more to life with celebrity readings, spot-on graphics, and upbeat music. Readers can follow along as they hear each story read.
17. Official Berenstain Bears’ Website. Readers of the Berenstain Bears books will have plenty of fun on this site that includes plenty of activities to keep young readers busy.
18. Kids@Random. Learn about new releases from Random House or click on one of the many mini-sites devoted to books and series such as Dr. Seuss, Junie B. Jones, Little Golden Books, and Magic Tree House.
19. Curious George. This site offers downloadable goodies to have a "Curiosity Day" plus a ton of other fun activities to do online.
20. Seussville. Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? Check out this fun site that celebrates Dr. Seuss’ books.
21. Storyline Online. Members of the Screen Actors Guild introduce and read popular books while readers can follow along on the pages of the book.
22. MrsP.com. Classic children’s literature is read aloud by actress Kathy Kinney, who is supported by an interactive Web site.
23. Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. Find information about favorites such as Olivia and The Spiderwick Chronicles at this site.

Teen Reader Sites

These sites range from places to find book groups and reviews to sites aimed at specific teens such as those who like to write or teenaged guys.

24. Guys Read. This amazing site is all about promoting literacy to boys and young men. Find a whole host of books that will appeal to boys, find positive male role models, and much more.
25. Teens@Random. Like its counterpart for younger readers, this site offers glimpses at new releases as well as information about authors and books and even newsletters they can get.
26. Borders Ink. If you have a Facebook account, then check out this site from Borders Books that is all about teen literature and graphic novels.
27. readergirlz. Aimed specifically at older, female readers, girls will find book recommendations, thought-provoking questions about stories, book discussions, and more.
28. Simon & Schuster Teens. Find out about new releases, read about your favorite authors, and even read excerpts on this site.
29. Book Divas. This site is an online book club for young adult and college readers. Scroll down through the forum listing to find other fun stuff like contests and quizzes.
30. Young Adult Fiction. Participate in online discussions about young adult fiction here.
31. Teen Ink. Teens interested in writing and reading can submit works, read articles, enter contests, and more.
32. Teenreads.com. Find out about series books, new releases, enter contests, read the blog, and more on this site.

Popular Book Series

These sites are devoted to specific book series. Discover a favorite in this list.

33. Animorphs. Read about the books and the characters in them, play games, and more at this site.
34. The Baby-sitter’s Club. Find out how this series got started, get real babysitting tips, and read about each of the books here.
35. Little House Big Adventure. Fans of the Little House on the Prairie series will love this site that has tons of information and activities.
36. Harry Potter. Write seven-word reviews, vote in polls, and get other bonuses like watching JK Rowling read and getting a peek at a new HP poster.
37. The Online Adventures of Captain Underpants. There is plenty for both kids and adults alike on this site devoted to one of the favorite characters in school.
38. The Rodent’s Gazette. Kids who enjoy reading about the adventures of Geronimo Stilton will love checking out this site.
39. Bone. Participate in the message board discussing this graphic novel or browse around to read about the author, play games, and more.
40. Trollz Reading Circle. Build your own Trollz Web page, talk about the books, and find plenty of other extras here.
41. Junie B. Jones. Test your Junie B. knowledge with a quiz, download coloring pages and activity sheets, and much more.
42. Lemony Snicket. Ignore the warning not to enter…unless you really don’t like this series.
43. The Magic School Bus. Kids who like these books will find science kits, monthly experiments, and more fun with Ms. Frizzle and her class.
44. Roald Dahl. Learn about Dahl’s books, get activities, and learn about the author himself at this site.
45. Hans Christian Andersen. Learn about this famous Danish author and read his fairy tales and stories.

Online Social Book Sites

These sites offer a great place to organize and discuss books you’ve read or would like to read. Most of these sites have a minimum age of 13 and some require parental consent if you are under 18.

46. Goodreads. Join a virtual book club, organize your books by shelves, and more when you join this network.
47. Shelfari. Create a virtual bookshelf of the books you’ve read or want to read and connect with other readers over books.
48. aNobii. Organize your books, make online book purchases, and even blog about your book with aNobii.
49. Library Thing. Read reviews, catalog your books, and more when you sign up here.
50. BookRabbit. You can upload photos of your real bookshelves, join in discussions with other members, and use with Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.
51. ConnectViaBooks. This global community allows you to connect with members around the world and talk about books.
52. weRead. This site features author-members, offers fun quizzes, and you can use it with your Facebook account.
53. Noting:books. With a little twist on the book networking idea, this site lets you keep notes about the books you are reading, including the day your started and any thoughts you have as you read.
54. ReadWhale. Tweet your thoughts about books when you join this site. You can also connect with other members, organize your books, and more.
55. BookJetty. BookJetty lets you track books and find out if books are available in local libraries, in addition to the usual social networking.

Online Libraries

These sites provide an opportunity for kids to read online, free of charge.

56. International Children’s Digital Library. Children around the world can access this awesome library. Register for free to have access to cool features such as bookmarking your page in a particular book and creating your own bookshelf.
57. Project Gutenberg. This site offers over 30,000 free downloadable ebooks, many of which are also available as audiobooks.
58. Read Print. Get over 8,000 free books online with authors such as Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and Beatrix Potter.
59. Classic Reader. Browse through categories such as "Young Readers" or "Non-Fiction" or search by author or title to find a free online book here.
60. Page by Page Books. Scroll through this alphabetical listing to find books like Anne of Green Gables and Cinderella.
61. StoryPlace. This digital library has books organized by preschool and elementary, and is also available in Spanish.

Book Reviews

Find book reviews specifically for children’s and young adult’s literature in this listing.

62. Inkless Tales Reviews You Can Use. Find book reviews categorized by reading level, picture books, poetry, and gift books.
63. Building Rainbows. This site allows students to write and post book reviews. Take some time to see what others have written, too.
64. Just One More Book. This is the site of the popular podcast by the same name. Currently, posts are slow as Andrea and Mark are focusing on getting Andrea through cancer treatment, but the books here are well worth making a visit to the site while they are on hiatus.
65. Kidsreads.com. Read about series books, new releases, and more or sign up for newsletters, participate in polls, test your knowledge, and more.
66. The Children’s Book Review. Get book reviews for early readers through teen readers here.
67. Children’s Book Reviews. Education Oasis provides tons of book reviews on fiction, non-fiction, and even picture books.

Audio Books

Encourage listening skills or provide support to children with learning disabilities with these free audio books.

68. The Story Home. Get original and classic children’s stories here where new stories are offered every two weeks.
69. Storynory. Download free classic children’s literature, fairy tales, and original stories at this site.
70. Light Up Your Brain Free Audio Stories for Kids. Not only can you hear these stories, but you can also follow along with the text provided for these stories that include classics mixed with original stories.
71. Wired for Books Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Listen to this dramatic reading of this classic as performed by the Wired for Books players.
72. LibriVox. Find plenty of free audio books including some of the classics such as Tom Sawyer and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
73. Free Classic Audio Books. Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn are just two of the classics you can listen to from this site.

Blogs about Children’s Literature

These blogs all focus on children’s literature and offer reviews, suggestions, and information on literacy.

74. Kid’s Lit. The Menasha Public Library tells about new books, most of which are for younger readers.
75. 5 Great Books. Each post provides five great books for beginning readers based on a theme.
76. Booklights. Find information on picture books as well as other literacy-based information on this site by PBS Parents.
77. Mo Willems Doodles. Mo Willems fans can stay on top of his work and even take a sneak peak at some of his newest projects.
78. jama rattigan’s alphabet soup. What better combination than food and books–all for the younger set on this blog.
79. Picture Book of the Day. Find out about great picture books and also get lessons on how to teach writing based on these books.
80. Mermaids on Parade. The illustrations take center stage here.
81. Painting Bunnies. If you want to learn more about writing and illustrating children’s books, learn from this professional.
82. Three Silly Chicks. Discover silly and fun books just right for kids with the recommendations here.
83. Saints and Spinners. Storytelling is the basis of this children’s book blog.
84. The PlanetEsme Plan: The Best New Children’s Books from Esme’s Shelf. Find out which picture books and books for reading aloud Esme will choose when you read this blog.
85. MotherReader. They say Mom always knows best. Find out what this mom recommends when it comes to children’s books.

Blogs about Young Adult Literature

From fantasy to adventure to poetry, these blogs are all about literature for teens and tweens.

86. Finding Wonderland. See what these bloggers have to say about young adult literature here.
87. The Longstockings. A collaborative blog, this one provides discussions on children’s and teen literature from several perspectives.
88. The Story Siren. With a clear star rating system for separate elements of each book, this blog makes it easy to know what books you might like to read.
89. Deaf Characters in Adolescent Literature. If you are interested in discovering deaf characters in young adult literature, then this is the right blog for you.
90. Bookworm 4 Life. Written by a librarian, this blog features teen literature.
91. Guys Lit Wire. This is a great blog for teenaged boys to find book recommendations and reviews.
92. Tempting Persephone…. Find fantasy and alternate reality young adult literature here.
93. GreenBeanTeenQueen. This librarian blogger offers reviews on teen and tween literature.
94. Wands and Worlds. Learn about books focusing on fantasy and science fiction for young adults.
95. In Search of Giants. Get reviews on tween, teen, and young adult literature here.
96. bookshelves of doom. Young adult literature with a mix of fantasy is featured on this blog.
97. The Book Cellar. See what this 16 year-old blogger has to say about the books she’s reading.
98. Pop Culture Junkie. Read reviews on young adult literature at the Pop Culture Junkie’s blog.
99. Bildungsroman. If you are looking for poetry as well as young adult literature, then check out this blog.
100. Oz and Ends. Find out about fantasy literature and comics for teens and young adults.