Engaging students with primary source materials has never been more exciting, thanks to the wealth of online resources and tools available today. These platforms empower students to create multimedia projects that go beyond classroom walls, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global communication.
In an era where young people are highly motivated to express themselves to authentic audiences, platforms like YouTube and other sharing sites have shown the value of creating for a wider community. Using materials with Creative Commons licenses is one way to respect intellectual property while encouraging creative output. But some platforms take it further, offering primary source materials and tools designed specifically to inspire and support student creations.
Here are five standout platforms that provide raw materials and the tools students need to express themselves while learning:
1. Remix America
Remix America offers an innovative way for students to connect the past with the present. Created by a voter registration organization to keep young people engaged, this platform provides “America Now” and “America Then” playlists filled with historical speeches and events.
Students can use these materials to draw parallels between historical moments and current issues, creating multimedia projects that highlight their perspectives. For example, some teachers have asked students to apply Shakespearean quotes to modern elections or create public service announcements (PSAs) on issues like censorship and civil rights. The “Favorite Remixes” section showcases inspiring student creations.
2. NASA’s DIY Podcast
NASA’s Do-It-Yourself Podcast is a treasure trove for STEM educators. This resource offers audio clips, videos, and photographs related to space exploration, allowing students to create podcasts or video projects.
With NASA’s ready-made materials, students can explore topics like the International Space Station, moon missions, or Mars exploration. The platform encourages scientific inquiry while helping students develop technical skills in audio and video production.
3. PrimaryAccess
PrimaryAccess provides a web-based environment where students and teachers can access historical images and primary source materials to create digital movies.
The tools on this site allow students to add motion effects to still images, giving their projects a dynamic movie-like quality. PrimaryAccess is particularly effective for history or social studies projects, enabling students to narrate historical events and visualize key moments. This platform gained recognition during the 2008 K-12 Online Conference for its ability to make history come alive in the classroom.
4. Take 2 Videos
Take 2 Videos takes multimedia creation a step further by integrating advocacy into its mission. Each year, the organization films in conflict regions, creating high-definition footage and supporting materials that it licenses for free to schools.
Participating schools complete advocacy events tied to their projects, blending media production with real-world impact. This platform is ideal for educators seeking to teach students about global issues while encouraging active citizenship.
5. Kitzu
Kitzu is a budding platform that offers “kits” of digital assets, including images, music, narratives, video, and text. Each kit is organized around a specific theme or curriculum topic, giving students the tools to create immersive, media-rich projects.
Kitzu is designed to grow with students: beginners can start with pre-made kits, while advanced learners can develop their own resources for projects. This progression fosters creativity and critical thinking while providing a foundation for authentic assessment.
Encouraging Creativity Through Primary Sources
These platforms showcase the power of primary source materials in education. By providing access to curated resources and tools, they empower students to explore history, science, and social issues while honing their creative and technical skills.
Have you discovered other collections of primary source materials that inspire students to create and express themselves? Share your findings, and let’s continue building a community of educators passionate about innovation in the classroom.