Britannica https://britannicaeducation.com/ Education Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:08:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Britannica-Education-Thistle-32x32.png Britannica https://britannicaeducation.com/ 32 32 So long 2024, hello new product updates! https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/so-long-2024/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:43:37 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=38899 We at Britannica Education had an incredible 2024, and 2025 is already shaping up to be the best yet. Our editorial and product teams have been so hard at work…

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]]> We at Britannica Education had an incredible 2024, and 2025 is already shaping up to be the best yet. Our editorial and product teams have been so hard at work improving our products for students.

Let’s recap the new products that were introduced this year—many are a result of the great feedback we’ve gotten from you, our users! 

Britannica School: Early Elementary

We successfully released a new level for Britannica School, geared specifically toward the youngest of learners. Tailored for PreK-2 students, this platform safely enchants and educates with comprehensive, classroom-friendly content for all subjects. Plus, new Early Elementary articles are still consistently being added, with all articles translated into native Spanish.

Britannica School: Early Elementary
Britannica School: Elementary
Britannica School: Middle

Britannica School:
Elementary and Middle School

We also introduced a redesign of the user experience for the mid-levels of Britannica School and Britannica Library. The enhanced visual design, new interactives, and in-article navigation tools and accessibility features truly upped the engagement possibilities. 

Teach Britannica

Our all-new resource hub built for educators by educators, launched with a splash! This open-access platform contains materials for all Britannica Education products, including toolkits, graphic organizers, lesson plans, and printables galore. We vow to continue adding content in the new year.

Britannica ImageQuest

This year, we added a total of 48,500+ new images and 25 new videos to our visual-learning, rights-cleared media platform! In addition to this content, we added email sharing capabilities, audio description support for videos, and more behind-the-scenes functionality for administrators.

Britannica ImageQuest Jr.

If that wasn’t enough, we unleashed this new, younger version of ImageQuest as well. This product creates a safe space for elementary children to explore hand-selected, age-appropriate media. Between the content, curation tools, LMS integrations, and more, ImageQuest Jr. has proven to fill an educational need.

Britannica Expedition: Learn!

Let’s keep the new releases rolling, shall we? This new instructional platform for Grades 3-8 contains supplementary science and social studies lessons, all standards-aligned and topically relevant! Throughout the year we revamped Expedition: Learn’s teacher materials with answer keys and remediation strategies, and we launched hands-on STEM activity options for NGSS-based lessons. 

All that mumbo jumbo is to say—we’ve been busy! And, we’re not done.

The Road Ahead for High School

The road ahead is bright for our high school users too! Within the next few months, we’ll be releasing a new design for this level of Britannica School and the Britannica Library Reference Center, aimed at enhancing the user experience while maintaining the same trusted, high-quality content Britannica is known for.

Here’s what’s coming:

Redesigned Homepage
A more engaging and visually appealing interface for easier navigation.

Revamped Article Layouts
Enhanced visuals, intuitive buttons, and new bulleted lists interspersed with fun facts will all contribute to improved digestibility. Plus, an OpenDyslexic font option will be available for accessibility.

Enhanced Navigator Tool
Based on customer feedback, the new navigator design will consolidate all tools and features into a single panel. This streamlined design will launch at the high school level and will soon after be updated across the elementary and middle school levels too.

Keep an eye on our webinars page and register for our mid-January walkthrough, where our Professional Learning team will explore these updates and their benefits in-depth.

Goodbye 2024, Hello Britannica!

And finally, 2025 brings news of Hello Britannica, our all-new platform for English language practice. Already populated with more than 40,000 questions and thousands of games, we know it will build confidence and cultural awareness for students around the world. 

There is plenty more to come! We are so grateful to you, our readers, users, and partners, for helping to shape Britannica Education’s resources to better serve students and educators. We’re excited about these changes and the value they’ll bring to classrooms and communities in 2025.

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]]> New Year Winter Trivia: A Student Challenge https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/winter-trivia/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:42:48 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=28232 Ready to break the ice with some winter wisdom? Educators, this winter trivia challenge is tailor-made for you and your students! As students get back into the semester groove, it’s…

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]]> Ready to break the ice with some winter wisdom? Educators, this winter trivia challenge is tailor-made for you and your students! As students get back into the semester groove, it’s essential to keep their attention in the classroom. Beyond being a fun activity, this trivia offers an engaging way to teach about winter’s wonders.

Did you know marshmallows were once used as a medicinal syrup? That’s right! Winter isn’t just cozy nights by the fireplace or snowball fights. It’s a season filled with fascinating facts, age-old traditions, and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Today, I invite your classroom to join me on a journey through a winter wonderland of trivia.

So, educators, grab your cocoa, encourage your students to put on their thinking caps (make sure they’re warm ones!), and let’s dive into some cool winter wisdom bound to surprise and educate them.

Winter’s Mysteries Unveiled:
A 20-Question Adventure

Defrost your students’ curiosity and test knowledge with these 20 questions spanning history, science, and culture. Ready for the challenge? Let’s begin!

Winter Quiz
1. What was the original purpose of marshmallows before they became a popular candy?
The correct answer is b) medicinal syrup and ointment. Originally, marshmallows were made from the root sap of the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis), combined with sugar and egg white. This concoction served as a medicinal syrup and ointment, known for its soothing properties to treat ailments like sore throats, coughs, and skin irritations. Over the years, the use of marshmallows transitioned from medicinal to culinary, evolving into the sweet treat we know today.

Description of the image© Whiskybottle/Dreamstime.com
Winter Quiz2
2. What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by snow either permanently or temporarily?
The correct answer is b) 23 percent. Snow, in its solid form, covers approximately 23 percent of Earth's surface, either permanently in places like the polar ice caps or temporarily during certain seasons in various regions. This snow coverage is vital in reflecting sunlight and influencing the planet's weather patterns and ecosystems.
Score: 0
Winter Quiz3
3. How many times does the winter solstice happen each year?
The correct answer is a) 2. The winter solstice occurs twice annually: once in the Northern Hemisphere around December 21 or 22, when the Sun's path is farthest south, and once in the Southern Hemisphere around June 20 or 21, when the Sun's path is farthest north. This event marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in each respective hemisphere. The winter solstice also signifies the beginning of the winter season.

Image Description
Score: 0
4. How do snowflakes form?
The correct answer is c) around dust at temperatures above −40 °C, influenced by temperature and water vapor. Snowflakes form from ice crystals that generally have a hexagonal pattern, and the surrounding temperature and the amount of water vapor available mainly influence their development
Winter Quiz5
5. What is the name of the northern lights, a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the polar regions?
The correct answer is c) Aurora Borealis. Also known as the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis illuminates Earth's upper atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere's high latitudes. This display results from solar wind particles interacting with atmospheric atoms, producing radiant curtains, arcs, and bands in colors like greenish-blue and red. The phenomenon stems from charged particles colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, emitting distinctive radiation.

Image Description© Anton Petrus—Moment/Getty Images
Winter Quiz6
6. Another word for "a person who travels to an area of warmth and sun, especially in winter" is a:
The correct answer a) sunseeker. We have been calling people who travel south for the winter sunseekers since the middle of the 20th century. Sunseekers are doing a form of migration.
7. Which of these is a form of small-sled racing in which the rider lies on their back and steers by subtle leg and shoulder movements?
The correct answer is d) lugeing. Lugeing, or luge tobogganing, is a distinct form of small-sled racing. Unlike other sled sports where steering typically involves handles or significant shifts in body weight, luge requires athletes to use subtle leg and shoulder movements to navigate the track. This sport demands precision, balance, and courage, especially considering that lugers can achieve speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, all while being mere inches from the icy surface.
8. Which winter holiday is celebrated sometime between January 21 and February 20?
The correct answer is d) Lunar New Year. Celebrated in many Asian countries, this holiday marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Its date varies but falls between January 21 and February 20. Predominantly known as the Spring Festival in China (see Chinese New Year), traditions include house cleaning, family reunions, special foods, and giving red envelopes. The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival. The holiday has ancient origins, with legends like the beast "Nian" warded off with red decorations and loud noises.

Image Description © Toa55—iStock/Getty Images Plus
9. What year was the first Winter Olympics held?
The correct answer is c) 1924. The International Winter Sports Week, the first Winter Olympics, occurred in Chamonix, France, from January 25 to February 5, 1924. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initially sponsored this event as an athletic meet and did not officially sanction it as an Olympic Games. However, due to its success and organization, the IOC acknowledged its importance. As a result, they established the Winter Games, and people now recognize Chamonix as the site of the first Winter Olympics.
Winter Quiz4
10. What happens on the winter solstice?
The correct answer is b) the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky. The winter solstice is when the Sun's path is shortest in the sky, leading to the longest night and shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around December 21 or 22, and in the Southern Hemisphere, around June 20 or 21. This event, marking the start of longer days, is celebrated in many cultures as a time of rebirth.
Score: 0
11. Which game is similar to ice hockey and is played almost exclusively in the Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, and Mongolia?
The correct answer is b) bandy. Bandy resembles ice hockey and is popular in Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, and Mongolia. Teams have 8 to 11 players on skates who use curved sticks to hit a ball on a large rink. The game started in 18th-century England, and many consider it the forerunner of modern ice hockey.

Image description Scissorhill
12. Which of the following best describes the phenomenon within the Arctic Circle during the winter solstice?
The correct answer is c) The sun does not rise for the entire day. On the day of the winter solstice in the Arctic Circle, the region experiences 24 hours of constant darkness, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This results from the Earth's axial tilt, which causes the polar regions to tilt away from the Sun during the winter months, leading to extended periods of darkness.
13. The largest continental glacier, or ice sheet, in the Northern Hemisphere covers most of which island?
The correct answer is c) Greenland. The major physical feature of Greenland, the world’s largest island, is its massive continental glacier, or ice sheet. The Greenland Ice Sheet is second only to Antarctica’s in size. It covers nearly 85 percent of Greenland’s total land area.
14. Who dominated dog sled racing in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning the Iditarod four times?
The correct answer is b) Susan Butcher. A trailblazer in sled-dog racing, Susan Butcher's dedication to the sport was evident from a young age, training dogs by the age of 16. Her prowess led her to win the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska four times during the 1980s and early 1990s, marking her as one of the sport's legends.

Image Description ©Troy/AdobeStock
15. What's the best thing to do when you see corn snow?
The correct answer is d) grab your skis. Corn snow refers to granular snow that is formed by alternate thawing and freezing. Skiers are happy to find it when they can’t get powder—the fine, dry, light snow that experienced skiers live for.
16. During the Harbin Ice Festival in China, people visit immense ice structures that are lit up with:
The correct answer is b) neon lights. During the Harbin Ice Festival in China, visitors can explore massive ice structures and sculptures beautifully illuminated with colorful neon lights, creating a stunning and magical winter wonderland.

Image Description © analysis121980/AdobeStock
17. Which animals are considered true hibernators, undergoing significantly reduced metabolic activity during winter?
The correct answer is b) hedgehogs and bats. True hibernators, such as hedgehogs, bats, and certain rodents, enter a state during winter where their body temperature drops close to 0° C (32° F), respiration slows down to a few breaths per minute, and the heartbeat becomes barely perceptible. This state allows them to conserve energy and survive the harsh winter conditions.

Image description© kichigin19/stock.adobe.com
18. Immigrants from which nationality introduced the tradition of Santa Claus to the Americas?
The correct answer is b) Dutch. Dutch immigrants brought the legend of Saint Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, to New Amsterdam (now New York City). They celebrated this tradition by giving gifts and sweets to children on Saint Nicholas’ feast day, December 6. The figure of Sinterklaas later transformed into the modern-day Santa Claus, who delivers gifts to children worldwide on Christmas Eve.
Winter Quiz7
19. What is the name of the sledding sport that requires riders to travel headfirst with their faces just inches above the icy course?
The correct answer is a) skeleton sledding. In the winter sport of skeleton sledding, athletes sled headfirst and prone, often on tracks shared with bobsled events. This exhilarating and risky sport sees competitors racing with their faces mere inches from the ice, reaching speeds of over 129 km (80 miles) per hour.

Image Description © VIAR PRO studio/AdobeStock
20. Where did speed skating originate?
The correct answer is d) the Netherlands. The Netherlands is the birthplace of speed skating, which may have started as early as the 13th century. The sport gained international organization by the late 19th century and made its debut in the Winter Olympics for men in 1924 and for women in the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. The Netherlands remains central to its rich history and evolution.
Count Text with Background Color

Final Score: 0

We sourced all winter trivia questions and answers from Britannica School and Britannica Library. Not a subscriber? Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive resources.

How did your classroom fare in our winter trivia challenge? We're eager to find out! Share your scores, intriguing winter facts, or snapshots of your students diving into the quiz on social media. Remember to tag us @britannica_edu and use the hashtag #WinterTriviaChallenge. If there's a winter topic sparking your curiosity or one you'd like us to delve into in upcoming posts, don't hesitate to reach out!

Stay warm, stay curious, and embark on more adventures through the winter wonderland.

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]]> Settle in for a Winter Break Reading Challenge https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/winter-break-reading-challenge/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:20:35 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=38190 As winter break approaches, we at Britannica Education are excited to introduce our Winter Reading Challenge for K-12 students! This challenge features a curated selection of books from library reading…

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]]> As winter break approaches, we at Britannica Education are excited to introduce our Winter Reading Challenge for K-12 students! This challenge features a curated selection of books from library reading lists across the United States, offering a diverse range of genres and topics to spark curiosity and enjoyment.

The best part? Readers can participate at their own pace, making it easy to fit reading into holiday festivities or cozy winter days. We encourage students to explore these captivating nonfiction stories, share their favorites, and discover the joy of reading while connecting with friends and family. Let’s make this winter a season of stories and imagination!

Find some of these books on our Britannica Collective platform and pair them with Britannica School research! Not a subscriber? Contact us!

Elementary 

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup

by Pamela Mayer (Author) and Deborah Melmon (Illustrator)

Sophie loves Bubbe’s Jewish chicken soup, made with kreplach. She also loves Nai Nai’s Chinese chicken soup, with wonton. But don’t tell Bubbe and Nai Nai that their soups are the same! Can Sophie bring her whole family together for a warm and tasty surprise?

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Culture” article for a deeper look into culture and its role in the world. 

What Do Critters Do in the Winter?

by Julie K. Lundgren

Intermediate readers examine how animals hibernate, use camouflage, and migrate to survive winter conditions.

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Animal Migration” article for a deeper dive into animal habits and behaviors. 

Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa

by Doreen Rappaport (Author) and Oliver Dominguez (Illustrator) 

Young Ellen Ochoa loved to learn. An accomplished engineer by age 30, with three patents to her name, she kept learning and trying new things. When NASA began accepting women and people of color to the astronaut program, Ellen found herself drawn to this exciting and demanding career.

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “NASA” article to learn more about the establishment and legacy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

Middle 

The Star that Always Stays

by Anna Rose Johnson

When her mother remarries, Norvia and her five siblings move from the quiet countryside into the busy city in this historical fiction set in early 1900s Michigan. They must learn how to navigate this new world and they must pretend they’re not Native, not Ojibwe.

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Ojibwe” article for a look into Ojibwe history and culture.

Snow Treasure

by Marie McSwigan

In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom’s tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country’s treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “World War II” article for an informative summary of the Second Great War. 

We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963

by Sheila P. Moses

The powerful story of an 11-year-old Black boy determined to stand up for his rights, who’s pulled into the action of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Civil Rights” article to learn about the history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement. 

High 

The Twenty-One

by Elizabeth Rusch

In this ongoing court case, Juliana v. United States of America, 21 young people are fighting the government in hopes to save our climate. 

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Climate Change” article for more information on pollution, global warming, and other threats to the environment. 

The 100 Most Influential Women of All Time

by Amy McKenna

Through the ages women have had to fight to be taken seriously, have their work accepted, and be considered the equal of men intellectually and creatively. This book tips its hat to women such as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Sojourner Truth, and Princess Diana, who have made their mark and forever changed the world with their contributions.

From Here: A Memoir

by Luma Mufleh

As hopeful as it is heartrending, refugee advocate Luma Mufleh shares her personal journey to find a place to belong and the many meanings of home for those who must leave theirs. 

  • Pair with Britannica School’s “Human Migration” article to better understand migration types, regional experiences, and obstacles.

As we look forward to the cozy days ahead, we invite students, families, and educators to dive into the joy of reading with our Winter Reading Challenge. Whether you’re curled up by a fireplace, gathering for family festivities, or enjoying a quiet moment indoors, this challenge offers a delightful way to spark curiosity and make reading a part of your winter tradition. With engaging nonfiction titles that cover a range of interests, there’s something here to capture the imagination of every reader.

Join us in celebrating the power of stories this season! Discover even more content on our Britannica Collective platform, where books come to life alongside in-depth resources from Britannica School. If you’re not yet part of our community, reach out to us and let’s make this winter one of discovery, knowledge, and endless adventure. Happy reading!

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]]> 7 Activities (That Work!) to Keep Students Engaged Before Thanksgiving https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/7-thanksgiving-activities/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:58:55 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=37646 As a former educator, I know how challenging the days leading up to Thanksgiving can be. Students are filled with excitement for the holiday, making it tough to keep them…

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]]> As a former educator, I know how challenging the days leading up to Thanksgiving can be. Students are filled with excitement for the holiday, making it tough to keep them focused. That’s why I’m excited to share some practical, minimal-prep activities from Teach Britannica that are perfect for this time of year. These resources are designed to help you engage your students while saving you valuable planning time.

From exploring seasonal changes to celebrating cultural festivals, here are some of my favorite activities to keep learning fun and meaningful in your classroom this November. Gobble up these activities and keep your students (those little turkeys!) curious and engaged before the holiday break.

1. Seasonal Compare and Contrast

Autumn vs. winter—how do these two seasons stack up? Using our 2-Circle Venn Diagram, students can explore differences in weather patterns, holidays, and seasonal activities. When I taught this, it sparked rich conversations about why leaves change color and how animals adapt to seasonal shifts. This activity can keep those discussions alive in your classroom.

Download the 2-Circle Venn Diagram

Teacher Tip: Connect this activity to cultural traditions during fall and winter for a deeper discussion.

2. Spooky Storytelling

No tricks, just TREATS! Get your students’ creativity flowing with our 5Ws and 1H graphic organizer. This tool is perfect for helping students build the foundation of a spooky Halloween story by answering Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

Download the 5Ws and 1H Organizer

Teacher Tip: Have students brainstorm eerie story elements to build characters, settings, and plot twists before writing their Halloween masterpiece.

3. Cultural Festivities Timeline

Lights, celebrations, and traditions! As Thanksgiving approaches, introduce students to other festivals and holidays. Using our Visual Timeline graphic organizer, students can explore holidays like Diwali, Hanukkah, and Boxing Day and dive into the history and significance of each through images and key events.

Download the Visual Timeline

Teacher Tip: Have students create and present their timelines to share fun facts about each festival with the class.

4. Animal Adaptations

How do animals survive the cold? Use our Cause and Effect Map to explore how seasonal changes impact animal behavior and survival strategies. This activity is perfect for building critical thinking and observation skills.

Download the Cause and Effect Map

Teacher Tip: Pair this activity with videos about animals to provide visual examples of adaptation in action.

5. Exploring Photosynthesis

How do plants turn sunlight into energy? Use our T-Chart graphic organizer to break down the process of photosynthesis. Students will learn how sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide work together to create the oxygen we breathe.

Download the T-Chart

Teacher Tip: Tie this activity into life science lessons on plant biology and ecosystems for a complete understanding of how nature works and what happens to outdoor plants during fall.

6. Thanksgiving Gratitude Reflections

Encourage gratitude with our Main Idea and Detail Web this Thanksgiving. Have students reflect on what they’re thankful for by identifying key ideas and supporting details.

Download the Main Idea and Detail Web

Teacher Tip: Have students share their gratitude reflections with the class in a brief presentation.

7. Winter Weather Wonders

What causes snowstorms and icy winds? Use our Cause and 3-Effects Web to help students explore the science behind winter weather. It’s a great way to link weather patterns with their effects on the environment.

Download the Cause and 3-Effects Web

Teacher Tip: Have students compare winter weather in two different regions, such as a tropical vs. a colder area, to show how geography influences weather patterns and effects.

Why Teach Britannica?

The beauty of Teach Britannica is that it’s created by educators who understand the classroom’s demands. With open access to high-quality, customizable digital and print-ready learning materials, you can meet your students’ needs without sacrificing time. These tools will help you navigate the bustling days before Thanksgiving with ease and engagement.

These activities spark inspiration and help you tackle the busy days ahead. Explore Teach Britannica today and see how easy it is to engage your students with resources crafted for busy educators like you.

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]]> Quick Quiz: Pumpkin Carving https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-pumpkin-carving/ Sun, 20 Oct 2024 20:13:01 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=37621 Pumpkin carving is a beloved tradition, but how much do you and your students know about where that tradition comes from?

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]]> It’s the time of year where children and adults alike dig out their scoopers, sharpen their tools, and find the best, most interesting pumpkins out there! This annual custom of getting your hands dirty and putting your imagination to work is unmatched. Whether you carve a traditionally spooky face or something more intricate in your hollowed-out gourd, who doesn’t love adding some flickering, candlelit flair to a front porch? 

Pumpkin carving is a beloved tradition, but how much do you and your students know about where that tradition comes from? 

Test your knowledge with our fun Halloween-themed quiz. And, explore Britannica School’s resources to learn more (if you dare!).

Read: Halloween
Watch: Halloween Fun Facts
Watch: The Origins of Halloween
Read: Pumpkins

Test your knowledge!

1. How big does the largest pumpkin variety, C. maxima, usually get?
Lightbulb The largest pumpkin variety, C. maxima, can reach 34 kg (75 pounds) or more.

Large Pumpkin
2. What vegetable was originally used in jack-o’-lanterns instead of a pumpkin?
Lightbulb The custom of creating jack-o’-lanterns originated in the British Isles using a large turnip or other vegetable rather than a pumpkin.
Score: 0
3. Which mythical Irish figure may jack-o’-lanterns have been originally intended to scare away?
Lightbulb In Ireland, people may have started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away the wandering soul of Stingy Jack, an alleged trickster figure.
4. How heavy have the most massive pumpkins ever weighed?
Lightbulb The most massive pumpkins ever have weighed upwards of 907 kg (2,000 pounds).
5. Where did the custom of carving jack-o’-lanterns come from?
Lightbulb The custom of creating jack-o’-lanterns originated in the British Isles.

Jack-o'-Lantern

Score: 0

Final Score: 0/5

Learn more about pumpkins and Halloween lore using Britannica School!

Not a subscriber? Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive resources.

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]]> 7 Ways Expedition: Learn! Helps Save Time on Lesson Planning https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/expedition-learn-saves-time/ Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:16:07 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=37096 Discover how our all-in-one tool transforms classroom preparation and student engagement.

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]]> Discover how our all-in-one tool transforms classroom preparation and student engagement.

Do you spend your planning time searching for standards-aligned and trustworthy resources and assembling them into lessons? According to the School Pulse Panel, public school teachers in the United States spend an average of 4 hours and 26 minutes per week on planning. This does not include lesson preparation, grading, and possibly reteaching content that students do not grasp. Time is important for teachers and having instructional tools that make lesson planning easier is always helpful. 

Expedition: Learn! has ready-made lesson plans so teachers can spend their time focusing on the academic needs of their students.

Let’s dive into some of the ways Expedition: Learn! can save valuable time while enhancing students’ learning experience!  

1. Finding standards-aligned materials

With a built in search by standards function you can use Expedition: Learn! to find standards-aligned lessons, teaching materials, and hands-on activities. The content, assessment, and activities are high-quality, trustworthy, and work together seamlessly! No more scouring the internet to put together a patchwork of materials.

Search by Standards on the Expedition: Learn! home page
Search by Standards Framework
View results and find lessons
View results and find lessons

2. Planning your lesson

Just click on the teaching materials, which include lesson vocabulary, common misconceptions, formative assessment questions, teaching activities, and extension activities all in one handy PDF.

Download Now

3. Getting hands-on

No need to find or develop hands-on activities. Our Hands-On pdfs include teacher and student pages, materials lists, background information, and teaching tips to make standards-aligned investigations, research, modeling, data analysis, and STEM activities a breeze to prepare for and carry out.

4. Addressing diverse learners

Individualizing lessons to meet the needs of all students can be time-consuming. Let Expedition: Learn! meet your differentiation needs. Scaffold instruction with Lexile leveling, read-aloud mode, and translation tools to support students with various proficiencies and learning styles.

5. Reinforcing skills

Grab information from the Teacher Toolkits to focus in on important skills. 

Interested? Download one of Expedition: Learn’s embedded toolkits, featuring scaffolded lessons and data-driven reports.

6. Assessing student learning

Developing rigorous, standards-aligned assessment questions can be very time consuming! Expedition: Learn! provides standards-aligned assessment questions at three DOK levels, using a variety of technology-enhanced item types including short answer, fill-in, matching, choice matrix, multiple choice, matching, and more! Also, spend less time grading assessments. Our assessments provide immediate feedback on foundational content knowledge but also measure science and content-area reading skills.

7. Tracking results

Use our dynamic assessment tracking with skill-based reporting to save time on data analysis. These results can foster collaboration that can help improve instructional strategies, identify trends, and improve the effectiveness of data-informed school improvement efforts.

Planning, preparing, differentiating, grading, and supporting student learning takes time! Having tools that ease the process are essential for teacher preparedness and student success. Expedition: Learn! provides reliable, thoughtful, ready-made lessons that add ease to your lesson planning process, with engaging content and real-time student data. Let Expedition: Learn! save the day (or at least your planning period)! 

Ready to Save Time On Lesson Planning?

Complete the form below to request a demo of Expedition: Learn!

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]]> Teach Britannica: Behind the Scenes with Britannica Curriculum Experts https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/teach-britannica-bts/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:49:06 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=36149 Introducing the Ultimate Teacher Resource Hub! Welcome to our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our latest innovative resource hub, Teach Britannica! Expertly crafted by our Britannica Education curriculum experts, this dynamic…

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]]> Introducing the Ultimate Teacher Resource Hub!

Welcome to our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our latest innovative resource hub, Teach Britannica! Expertly crafted by our Britannica Education curriculum experts, this dynamic platform is a free resource for current and potential Britannica customers that aims to revolutionize how educators utilize our digital resources in the classroom.

We had the opportunity to sit down with the team responsible for Teach Britannica to discuss its inception, development, and the benefits it offers to educators.

What is Teach Britannica?

Teach Britannica was developed specifically with teachers in mind as a powerful resource to support their daily work. This platform is thoughtfully curated with impactful teaching strategies and flexible resources that help teachers bring our trusted products and tools into the classroom.

The platform will feature:

  • Flexible Lesson Minis to help teachers implement Britannica products, supporting impactful teaching and personalized educational experiences
  • Cross-product graphic organizers and instructional strategies to support differentiated instruction by allowing teachers to address the various learning needs within their classrooms.
  • Integrated Academic Toolkits to foster essential research proficiencies, from source evaluation to data synthesis

When Teach Britannica launches in the coming weeks, teachers will have access to resources for Britannica School (Early Elementary, Elementary, and Middle School levels), Britannica Academic, ImageQuest, and ImageQuest Jr. Moving forward, we will continue to add robust resource collections for each of our solutions.

Q&A with Curriculum Learning Specialist Kristie Bangali and Senior Product Manager Julee Schuster

Kristie Bangali has over 20 years of experience in pedagogy and curriculum development. She specializes in aligning educational content with academic standards and adapting to diverse student needs. Her impact extends beyond direct teaching, influencing the broader educational landscape.

Senior Product Manager, Julee Schuster brings over 20 years of experience in education technology. She has a passion for creating innovative solutions that solve complex customer challenges. Julee has developed award-winning products used by millions of educators and students worldwide. 

Kristie and Julee played instrumental roles in ideating and developing Teach Britannica. With decades of combined experience at schools, in classrooms, and with Britannica Education, our experts understand first-hand how important it is to equip teachers with resources that save them time and make their jobs easier, so they can devote their efforts to growing their students. Learn more about curriculum specialists like Kristie and Julee, along with the entire Britannica team below.

Meet the Britannica Team
Q: What was the inspiration behind Teach Britannica?

Kristie: “When we started talking about the concept of Teach Britannica, we really wanted to do our best to help classroom teachers who are using Britannica School by providing them with helpful, easily accessible resources for the classroom. The whole design of Teach Britannica is created with the educator first, providing resources that are not only easily adaptable but meet the needs of all learners, from those struggling to those who need more of a challenge.”

Q: What kinds of teaching supports will be available?

Kristie: “Our platform is packed with collaborative teaching tools that work hand-in-hand with Britannica Education solutions. Teachers can mix and match these resources or use them in a specific order — whatever works best for their learning goals. We’ve also put together a treasure trove of teaching strategies that are backed by data and proven to work. These focus on things like building vocabulary, discussion and collaboration, inquiry, and more! We’ve woven these strategies into our Lesson Minis to model for teachers how those instructional strategies and graphic organizers can be used in a variety of ways.” 

Julee: “Teach Britannica will also offer a wide range of digital and non-digital resources to allow teachers the flexibility to personalize instruction according to their own styles and classroom needs. Our goal is to help give teachers their time back with ready-made resources for efficient lesson planning and implementation.”

Q: Can you tell us more about the Lesson Minis?

Kristie: “Our Lesson Minis connect with Britannica Education solutions and offer individual activities that teachers can pick and choose to use modularly. We’ve designed them with adaptable timing in mind. So, if I am a teacher looking for a mini that’s 20 minutes long, I can look through the topic I’m interested in and glean something from the embedded Lesson Minis and cross-product resources.”

Julee: “Not only can teachers adapt Lesson Minis for their needs, these customizations are also designed with students in mind. Lesson Minis feature an active learning approach that involves group collaboration, whole-class discussions, and real-world applications to ensure that students are engaged and learning actively.”

Q: What resources will be available when Teach Britannica launches?

Julee: “For the launch, the bulk of the content is going to be focused on providing robust content for Britannica School, including its comprehensive Lesson Minis. We are also going to add content for the high school level of Britannica School in the coming months. And, we will be adding new content continuously, making it a constantly evolving resource with new, extensive materials available all the time.”

Q: How have you ensured the resources are practical and accessible for teachers?

Kristie: “We’ve been in a lot of communication with teachers and partners, getting feedback on their direct needs and how they use our solutions. This has been crucial in shaping Teach Britannica to be as useful and effective as possible.”

Julee: “The website will be an open platform and all materials will be available to download for free. Teachers will be able to visit teachbritannica.com, navigate to resources for each solution, and find exactly what they need for their grade level and subject area.” 

Q: How will Teach Britannica continue to evolve?

Kristie: “Our hope is that Teach Britannica will be a self-driven professional learning site for teachers, where they can rely on evidence-based materials that are easily accessible and implementable.”

Julee: “Our plan is to continuously update the site with new materials based on analytics and feedback from teachers about their experience and what they would be interested in.”


Discover Teach Britannica

Teach Britannica is the new all-in-one, open-access resource hub created by educators for educators. With high-quality, customizable digital and print-ready resources, it’s designed to save you time, streamline lesson planning, and engage students across every grade level. Whether looking for comprehensive strategies or lesson minis, it delivers tools that empower educators and transform learning experiences.

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]]> Light the Learning Flame with New Olympics Trivia! https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/olympics-trivia/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:10:58 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=35797 Join the global celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games! As the excitement builds for some of the world’s biggest sporting events, we’ve…

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]]> Join the global celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games! As the excitement builds for some of the world’s biggest sporting events, we’ve created a fun quiz that will ignite your students’ curiosity and test their knowledge, featuring questions about popular events, notable athletes, fascinating history, and stand-out host cities. 

Let the games begin!

All questions are inspired by Britannica School articles. Visit the newly enhanced Britannica Education Olympics page for instant access to a wealth of trusted, enriching articles, multimedia, lessons, and supplemental resources to help you beat the trivia odds!

Winter Quiz3
1. Which city is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games?
The correct answer is c) Paris. Held exactly 100 years after the last Paris Games in 1924, the 2024 Paris Olympics have innovated greatly, including an attempt to be the first Games that align with the Paris Climate Agreement goals, with lower carbon emissions and eco-friendly buildings powered by renewable energy. Even more, each medal will also contain a small piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower.

Olympics 2024

©Delphotostock/AdobeStock

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Winter Quiz2
2. This award-winning gymnast not only revolutionized the sport, but she also raised important awareness about mental health issues at the Tokyo games after she withdrew from several events due to the “twisties”?
The correct answer is b) Simone Biles. After a break from gymnastics, Simone Biles returned in 2023 and reasserted herself as a dominant force in the sport, with 30 medals in four events as the 27-year-old returns for her third Olympic Games.
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Winter Quiz
3. When and where were the Stoke Mandeville Games, which became known as the first Paralympic Games, held?
The correct answer is a) 1960 in Rome, Italy. Different groups organized the Paralympics until 1989, when the International Paralympic Committee was founded. In 2001, the practice of “one bid, one city” was brought about in which every city that bids to host the Olympics also bids to hold the related Paralympics.

Paralympic atheletes

© Andre Ricardo Paes/Dreamstime.com

4. How many athletes are expected to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics?
The correct answer is b) 10,500. The Paris Games will officially begin on July 26, 2024, when athletes will compete for love of sport and country in 329 events over the course of two weeks.
Winter Quiz5
5. When and where were the first Special Olympics held?
The correct answer is c) 1968 in Chicago, USA. This event brought together about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada and inspired the Special Olympics International. By the 21st century, there were chapters in nearly 200 countries.

Image description

© Tokarsky/Dreamstime.com

Winter Quiz6
6. Who is known as the "Pocket Rocket" in track and field, at 5’3” tall and one of the best female sprinters in the world?
The correct answer is a) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. This Jamaican gold medalist overcame a great deal to become an international star and world championship medalist. Following a notable career, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce announced she would retire after the 2024 Games.
7. Which Olympic Games introduced the Olympic flame?
The correct answer is b) The 1928 Amsterdam Games. Today, the Olympic flame is recognized worldwide as a symbol of peace. The torch relay subsequently made its debut in the 1936 Berlin Games. Contrary to popular belief, there was no flame or torch relay predecessor in the ancient Games.
8. At which Olympic Games was surfing first included?
The correct answer is b) the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While many competitions have been around for years, new sports are still being added to modern-day Olympic games. In addition to surfing, the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) also recognized karate, sport climbing, and skateboarding.

Image description

© Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images; photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

9. Which dominant freestyle swimmer won 10 Olympic medals and has a record-setting 26 world championship medals going into the 24 Olympic Games?
The correct answer is d) Katie Ledecky. Katie Ledecky is an American swimmer who made her first splash in international swimming as a high school freshman. During her career, she surpassed Michael Phelps for most individual goals at the swimming world championships and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
Winter Quiz4
10. In which Olympic Games were electronic timing devices for track and field events introduced?
The correct answer is c) The 1912 Stockholm Games. Known as the “Swedish Masterpiece,” the 1912 Olympics were the best organized and most efficiently run Games to that date. Electronic timing devices and a public address system were used for the first time.

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We sourced all questions and answers from Britannica School: High level. Not a subscriber? Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive resources.

Are you a trivia Olympian? Tag us at @britannica_edu and use the hashtag #OlympicsTrivia to share your scores!

Looking to go for gold with more Olympics activities?

Britannica Education Olympics Hub

Header photo: ©Ivonne Wierink via Canva

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]]> What’s New: Britannica K-12 https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/britannica-k-12-updates/ Wed, 15 May 2024 17:40:09 +0000 https://britannicaeducation.com/?p=34938 Welcome to the latest updates from Britannica Education! We’ve been transforming the educational landscape for over a decade with our dynamic digital solutions suite, with much more to come. As…

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]]> Welcome to the latest updates from Britannica Education! We’ve been transforming the educational landscape for over a decade with our dynamic digital solutions suite, with much more to come. As the world of education continuously evolves, we leverage advanced technology, deep subject-area expertise, and refined editorial and media storytelling.

We’re thrilled to unveil new platform features designed to enhance educational experiences for classrooms around the globe, including immersive, redesigned homepages, visually captivating media additions, streamlined enhancements, and compelling lesson innovations. In addition to the latest updates, we’re also highlighting some of the most valuable platform features. See for yourself!

Britannica School

At Britannica Education, we recognize the power of knowledge, and our recent updates emphasize that. Our goal is to encourage learners to discover new topics and deepen their understanding of the world around them with updates that liven up lessons and improve the overall user experience for both teachers and students. 

  • New! Boost engagement with new and exciting content on our refreshed homepages for Elementary and Middle School levels.

  • New! Finding your favorite articles and media is easier than ever with a convenient new search bar design for Elementary and Middle School levels.

  • Create lessons based on curriculum-aligned topics and significant events and observances, frequently updated on the homepage by our in-house editorial team.

  • New! Experience improved visual entry points into popular features such as Animal Kingdom, World Atlas, and Biographies.

  • New! Shine a spotlight on fascinating new subjects with “Video of the Week” features.
  • Find age-appropriate, timely “In the News” articles, created at least once a week for both Elementary and Middle School levels.
Create lessons based on curriculum-aligned topics and significant events and observances, frequently updated on the homepage by our in-house editorial team.
Finding your favorite articles and media is easier than ever with a convenient new search bar design.
Experience improved visual entry points into popular features such as Animal Kingdom, World Atlas, and Biographies.
Shine a spotlight on fascinating new subjects with new “Video of the Week” features.
Find age-appropriate, timely “In the News” articles, created at least once a week for both Elementary and Middle School levels.
Elevate Your Learning Journey

Britannica ImageQuest

Bring the excitement of visual learning to the forefront with an attractive look and easy access to high-quality, rights-cleared imagery for stimulating curriculum materials, beautifying presentations, and enhancing student projects. 

  • New! Experience a more usable and mobile-friendly site with an enhanced, fully responsive design.
  • Explore popular images and videos with curated galleries featuring dozens of visually appealing and topical multimedia.
  • Showcase your favorite media collections and help students collaborate with simple album sharing.
  • Elevate lessons with more than 11,000 downloadable video clips about science, nature, geography, and more.
Experience a more usable and mobile-friendly site with an enhanced, fully responsive design.
Explore popular images and videos with curated galleries featuring dozens of visually appealing and topical multimedia.
Showcase your favorite media collections and help students collaborate with simple album sharing.
Elevate lessons with more than 11,000 downloadable video clips about science, nature, geography, and more.
Start Exploring

Britannica ImageQuest Jr.

This new product provides a safe space where children can explore a large variety of hand-selected, age-appropriate media for early elementary through fifth-grade learners. Since its launch, we have added thousands of new images and videos to continue to help educators bring topics to life for young learners.

  • Pique interest and ignite a love for learning with an extensive lineup of more than 50,000 curated images and videos. 
  • Invite students to freely explore engaging image and video galleries in a controlled space with a delightful, easy-to-use interface.
Pique interest and ignite a love for learning with an extensive lineup of more than 50,000 curated images and videos. 
Invite students to freely explore engaging image and video galleries in a controlled space with a delightful, easy-to-use interface.
Spark Creativity

Britannica Escolar y Moderna

Our commitment to providing up-to-date cross-curricular content includes expanding and streamlining our Spanish language platforms.

  • Updated! Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.
  • Easily search and find words with digital, Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).
Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.
Easily search and find words with digital Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).
Discover Escolar
Discover Moderna

Access and Integration

To help increase ease of access and provide more support, we’ve added new authentication and integration methods with many popular school and library technologies. We also became a member of 1EdTech Learning Tools and Content Alliance to ensure more standardized integration.

Integrate Your Resources

Our Editorial Endeavors

In addition to the many new updates at our Elementary and Middle School levels, our Editorial team also introduced an incredible 3,000 new articles to Britannica School: High level through our “March to 3000” initiative.

Meet the experts behind our trusted content, and learn more about our seven-step editorial process to deliver trusted information worldwide in this video.

As we continue to uncover the latest enhancements and possibilities, we’ll strive to ensure our solutions aren’t just helping you and your students adapt to the changing landscape; they’re helping you thrive. Join us in this exciting journey towards creating more engaging, informative, and inspiring learning environments, as together, we shape the future of education. Stay tuned for more advancements to come!

Header image: Prostock-studio via Canva

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