Dive into the past with unique videos that highlight key historical events, figures, and moments. From ancient civilizations to modern history, these resources are perfect for stimulating interest and discussions in your classroom.
Betcha Didn’t Know that dandelions — those stubborn little plants you’ve been pulling out of your yard every spring — are actually one of nature’s most remarkable gifts! From roots that can burrow fifteen feet underground to leaves packed with more iron than spinach, Joy Randle reveals why this so-called “weed” has been celebrated as a healing herb for centuries across Egypt, Rome, and China. Get ready to look at your lawn in a whole new way!
She started as a food editor at a St. Louis newspaper—a job she found downright insulting. But when World War II broke out, Virginia Irwin had bigger plans. She wasn’t interested in recipes or dinner parties. She wanted the front lines. And in April 1945, when American correspondents were banned from entering Berlin, she found a way in anyway. How did a food writer from Missouri become one of the first Americans to witness the fall of Berlin?
From crawling beetles to priceless diamonds, jewelry has a history far stranger than most people realize. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Joy Randle explores how ancient cultures wore live insects for protection and fashion, why silver was once more valuable than gold, and how gemstones earned their names and status over time. Along the way, you’ll discover surprising facts about rubies, sapphires, engagement rings, and the real meaning behind the word “jewel.” It’s a sparkling journey through history—with a few bugs thrown in for good measure.
The “Hallelujah Chorus” has become one of the most joyful sounds of the Christmas season—but it wasn’t written for Christmas at all! In this festive piece, Andy Andrews shares the surprising origins of Handel’s Messiah, the critics who doubted it, and how a song meant for Lent became a celebration of hope heard around the world. Blending history, insight, and holiday wonder, Andy reminds us that what we create in one season may bless countless others in ways we never expect.
As Thanksgiving approaches, this is the perfect moment to pause and revisit the origins of this uniquely American celebration. Before the excitement of cooking, traveling, and gathering begins, there’s tremendous value in grounding ourselves in the history behind the holiday.
Discover the profound impact of the Battle of Gettysburg in this captivating video, delivered by Armon J. Newton. Witness the historic moment when President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address, not as the main speaker, but in a speech lasting less than two minutes that still echoes through history. Lincoln’s timeless words on liberty, equality, and the essence of the American spirit are as relevant today as they were in 1863. Don’t miss this powerful reflection on one of the most significant events in American history…In Other Words.
Ever wonder why your pencil is yellow? This Betcha Didn’t Know uncovers the surprisingly colorful history behind that familiar classroom classic! Learn how a 19th-century marketing idea, inspired by Chinese royalty and launched at the 1889 World’s Fair, turned yellow into the world’s signature pencil color. From school buses to taxi cabs, Joy Randle connects the dots between psychology, science, and design—and even explains why “pencil lead” isn’t lead at all. Grab your No. 2 and get ready to take notes—you’ll never see a pencil the same way again!
Join us in celebrating the anniversary of one of television’s most beloved shows — I Love Lucy, which first aired on October 15, 1951.
Think you know where America’s cities are? Think again. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Andy Andrews uncovers the surprising geography quirks that will flip your mental map upside down. From Kansas City straddling two states, to Detroit sitting north of Canada, to Vegas’ famous Strip not even being in Las Vegas, the borders aren’t always where you expect. Get ready for mind-twisting facts that prove U.S. geography is anything but straightforward.