# data[].attributes.body
Welcome to Research Central for your Cultures Around the World project! You'll find all you need to get your research kickstarted here in this pathfinder. Explore books from our school library on various countries and their cultures; watch engaging videos transporting you to your international destination while you learn more about it; learn about what the word culture means and what it looks like to different people around the world... including you!

Remember to keep your project scenario in mind while researching: You are given the opportunity to participate in a contest where you can win a trip to visit another country and be immersed in their culture. All you have to do to be entered to win the contest is to research another country around the world, write up a short report on that country and present the report with an artifact that represents that country and its culture.

Use the helpful key below to navigate through the pathfinder, each type of resource is color-coded:

White: Introduction & Additional Resources

Green: Helpful Websites & Articles

Blue: Library Resources

Purple: Helpful Media (Photos, Videos, etc.)

Yellow: Search Aids

Red: Citation Information

# data[].attributes.body
What does culture mean? Click here to find out how our behaviors, foods, clothing, music and more make up our different cultures!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Culture is a pattern of behavior shared by a society, or group of people. Many different things make up a society's culture. These things include food, language, clothing,...

# data[].attributes.body
Check out fun and interative articles, videos, images, games and more about different countries around the world and their cultures! Enjoy clicking through photos and articles about your chosen country; tune into Destination World to watch short and engaging videos; get familair with important locations in your country by playing the Matching: Countries puzzle game & so much more!

# data[].attributes.headline
Atlases Available in the Library at Wilkins!  

# data[].attributes.subject
Atlases Available in the Library at Wilkins!  

# data[].attributes.body
Try out these awesome Atlases while researching!

National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers [912 Nat.]

National Geographic Kids World Atlas [912 Nat.]

Atlas of Far East and South East Asia by Felicia Law [915 Law]

Atlas of Africa by Karen Foster [916 Fos.]

Atlas of Australia by Karen Foster [919.94 Fos.]

Atlas of Europe by Karen Foster [914 Fos.]

Atlas of South America by Karen Foster [918 Fos.]

Atlas of Southwest and Central Asia by Felicia Law [915 Law]

Atlas of Poles and Oceans by Karen Foster [919.98 Fos.]

# data[].attributes.headline
Wilkins Library Books on Culture & Countries! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Wilkins Library Books on Culture & Countries! 

# data[].attributes.body
Explore the geography, culture, history and people of the different countries you're researching in these books from our school library!

Enchantment of the World series by various authors [914-932]

The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures series by Bobbie Kalman [915-917 Kal.]

Vamos A series by Mary Virginia Fox, Alta Schreier, and Leila Merrell Foster [468]

# data[].attributes.headline
Our School's Library Catalog & Local Public Library Catalogs 

# data[].attributes.subject
Our School's Library Catalog & Local Public Library Catalogs 

# data[].attributes.body
Use our school library's Digital Catalog to search for items relating to your country and their culture. If you can't find what you're looking for, try expanding your search to a local public library like the two included below located in Amherst, NH and Mont Vernon, NH, respectively.

Clark-Wilkins Elementary School Library Digital Catalog

Amherst Town Library Digital Catalog

Daland Memorial Library - Mont Vernon, NH Digital Catalog

# data[].attributes.headline
PBS LearningMedia World Cultures Collection

# data[].attributes.subject
PBS LearningMedia World Cultures Collection

# data[].attributes.body
Enjoy clicking through short videos and media galleries to learn about dances, foods, crafts, and other cultural traditions from countries like China, Ireland, Colombia, Africa and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
World Cultures Collection | PBS LearningMedia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the world with PBS LearningMedia! This collection focuses on food, folktales, and other aspects of cultural heritage. With your class, hear stories, play through situations, and learn how to make crafts from cultures near and far.

# data[].attributes.body
PebbleGo Next: Explore the geography and culture of countries around the world with fun and engaging articles on PebbleGo Next!

Google Earth: Explore countries around the world via an interactive globe and maps. Use Street View to take a virtual stroll through your country!

Homes by TinyBop App: Take interactive tours of homes around the world to learn how other people live, eat, sleep and play!

Touchable Earth: Learn about select world countries like Russia, China, Syria, and India from kids like you! Watch short videos where kids from these countries teach you about their families, clothing, school, and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here.

Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

Learn more about Google Earth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here. Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn about the language of the country you're researching with these fun titles from our school library!

Let's Learn Spanish Picture Dictionary [468.8 Let.]

Just Look N' Learn French Picture Dictionary [443.21 Jus.]

Just Look N' Learn German Picture Dictionary [433.21 Jus.]

1,000 German Words [433 One]

Just Look N' Learn Spanish Picture Dictionary [463.21 Jus.]

1,000 Spanish Words [463.21 One]

1,000 Italian Words [453.21 One]

Hieroglyphs from A to Z by Peter Der Manuelian [493.1 Der]

The First Thousand Words in Russian by Heather Amery [491.73 Ame.]

The First Thousand Words in Hebrew by Heather Amery [492.23 Ame.]

& more!

# data[].attributes.headline
Videos About Continents & Culture on YouTube! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Videos About Continents & Culture on YouTube! 

# data[].attributes.body
Cultures of the World | A fun overview of of the world cultures for kids by Learn Bright: Learn a bit about what culture means and how people in different parts of the world dress, eat and behave.

Kids Share Their Cultural Tradition | Show & Tell by HiHo Kids: Watch kids from different cultures show each other something from their culture!

Kids Share Their Languages | Show & Tell by HiHo Kids: Learn how to say a few words in different languages from kids like you!

Breakfasts | American Kids Try Food From Around the World - Ep 1 | Kids Try by Cut: Learn about what people eat for breakfast in different parts of the world!

What is Culture, According to Kids? - Milton Hershey School: Hear about what kids like you think culture is and what is means to them!

EUROPE - FUN FACTS FOR KIDS | Happy Learning by Happy Learning English: Learn some fun facts about the European continent!

FACTS ABOUT AFRICA YOU DIDN'T KNOW | Happy Learning Africa by Happy Learning English: Learn about the geography, animal life and more fun facts about the African continent!

All about China for Kids | Learn interesting facts about China and Chinese Culture by Learn Bright: Learn about the geography and culture of China!

Destination World series by Nat Geo Kids: Learn about the culture, geography and wildlife from all world continents! (Link is to a playlist of all 7 videos, watch all the way through or find your continent!)

# data[].attributes.body
Discover artists and artifacts from around the world read short entries on how they were created, or the history behind the artifact, then click through image galleries that are free to download for use in your reports and presentations. Make sure to cite your source!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Smithsonian

Learning Lab

Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories.

Collections by Grade

Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site.

Talk with Me!
Learn about your community and neighborhood. In this Toolkit, leaners explore different homes, shops, and people in your neighborhood and have fun with related activities.

Talk with Me Toolkits provide you with chances to talk with your children to improve thinking, vocabulary, and language development. Talking with your child is great-and research shows that the quality of words children hear matters more than how much you talk.

Talk with Me Toolkits give you ideas to begin conversations that are organized around a theme. The Toolkits feature videos, photographs, paintings, and artworks along with questions to talk about with your child. At the end of each toolkit there are more activities to do and books to read together. Go through this toolkit with your child and see how many topics there are to talk about!
This toolkit was adapted with a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Links to third-party websites and videos are included in this Toolkit for informational purposes only. They do not indicate the Smithsonian's endorsement, sponsorship of, or affiliation with the third party or content of the linked site, including any advertisements that might be posted.

Learn More

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

What inspires you? Get to know Alma Thomas, (b. Columbus, Georgia; lived and worked in Washington, DC, 1891-1978), an American artist and educator known for her signature painting style using bright colors and patterns inspired by nature. She became a full-time artist late in her life. Born in a time of horses and buggies, she lived through big advancements in technology, such as the space race and moon landing. Her art was inspired by the nature she saw outside her home studio, and awe for the exploration of our vast universe.
Get To Know Alma Thomas Use it in the classroom to teach:
is part of the Hirshhorn KIDS About the Artist series. About the Artist biographies are designed for kids under age 12. Modern and contemporary artists' lives reflect recent human history and events. Sharing these life stories and artworks can help kids see their own potential and better understand the world and their place in it. It is our goal to inspire future generations of artists, makers, and creative problem solvers-sharing artists stories is one way Hirshhorn KIDS realize this goal.
Art classroom: Color Theory, Pattern

Language Arts classroom: Biography

Social Studies classroom: 20th century

Learn More

National Museum of American History

In this playlist you will learn about how three of the first presidents shaped the executive branch of the United States government.

Start by clicking on the first tile in the upper left hand corner. Then move through the playlist by clicking on the ">" symbol at the bottom of the page. Look for the information and paperclip icons to provide more information about selected resources. There are 34 tiles in this collection.

Learn More

Educator Programs

Cultivating Learning is a professional development series where Smithsonian educators model teaching techniques for using digital museum resources to support student learning. This year's series celebrates America at 250. Programs are free and accessible to anyone.

Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 PM EST

Join Phoebe Sherman of the National Postal Museum to explore how postage stamps can be used in the classroom to encourage civic awareness and engagement. We'll examine how stamps can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of civics, American history, national identity, and commemoration by using thinking routines that focus on both subject matter and artistic design. You'll see how these approaches come to life with students and leave with classroom-ready resources and fresh ideas for incorporating postage stamps into your teaching practice.

Watch

Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 PM EST

Join Nyssa Buning of the National Museum of American History's Spark!Lab and Carol O'Donnell of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore strategies for cultivating an inventive mindset in your students. We'll discuss the history of STEAM innovation in America and try an open-ended invention challenge that uses object-based learning techniques to encourage creative problem solving and support curiosity and perseverance, skills essential to inventors throughout history. You'll leave with a set of facilitation tools to support students as they develop their own inventive identity and become future problem-solvers. You'll also receive access to a newly released e-book from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, STEAM Innovation: Celebrating Our Nation's 250 Years.

Register

Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 PM EST

As America turns 250 in 2026, young people are writing its next chapter. Join a group of educators who apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning to engage young people in civic dialogue tied to their communities.

Register

What will you find in the Smithsonian Learning Lab?

Resources

Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

Collections

Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

Resources

Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

Collections

Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

Browse individual resources by type

Browse model collections on different topics

Tips

Tips

Create collections of resources to engage learners, or freely adapt ones already made by Learning Lab users like you.

Use Learning Lab tools to customize and enhance your collections.

Browse ready-to-use model collections by educational use

Browse ready-to-use model collections by learning strategy or theme

Tips

Tips

Subscribe to our Bright Ideas newsletter

To learn more about the Smithsonian Learning Lab and to read about strategies, approaches, new features, and more, subscribe to the Bright Ideas newsletter. We'll be sending out a new issue every few weeks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Discover, Create, Share

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Smithsonian Learning Lab Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories. Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site. Talk with Me! Learn about your community and neighborhood.

# data[].attributes.body
Typically, when you are citing a source you will include information like the author's name, the title of work you are citing (youtube video, article, book, etc.), and the date in which that work was published. You can find information on how to cite your sources and why we do it below:

Helpful Videos:

Citing Sources: Why & How to Do It by OSLIS Elementary Videos on YouTube

Citation for Beginners by Imagine Easy Solutions on YouTube

# data[].attributes.body
Because of inventions like Alexa and Siri, it is common for students to think that typing a question into Google or another search engine or database will give them the answer they are looking for. However, this is largely untrue. Try using Key Words!

For Example: If you are wondering what the culture is like in France, you would type "French Culture" or "France Culture" into the search bar for best results! Check out more helpful tips below:

Helpful Videos:

Using Keywords by OSLIS Elementary Videos

Searching Effectively Boolean Operators by OSLIS Elementary Videos

Evaluating Websites (for Elementary Students) by

OSLIS Elementary

Helpful Search Engines:

Kiddle: Kid-friendly, visual version of Google. Locate articles and information with helpful pictures while you search.

Google: The search engine everyone knows about!

# data[].attributes.body
Museums:

Currier Museum of Art: enjoy exhibitions of art from around the globe. Learn more about different cultures by viewing art pieces and artifacts.

Worcester Art Museum: This museum "connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories."

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: explore more than 100 galleries full of art from around the world.

Your Social Studies Teacher(s): More often than not, our Social Studies teachers have a ton of knowledge about countries all around the world. Our class periods and school years are not long enough for them to go into great detail about each and every place they know about, but you could certainly ask them if they could share any information on your country that you haven't learned about in class yet!

Your Classmates: Look around the classroom, do all of your classmates celebrate the same holidays as you? Do all of your classmates look the same as you? If the answer to either of those questions is no, that's okay! It just means that you come from different cultural backgrounds. That is awesome because that means you can learn about a new culture just by asking a friend! If a classmate or their family come from the country you are researching, and they are comfortable with it, ask them if they will share some of their cultural traditions with you!

Your Family: Are you researching the country your family comes from? That's great! You can ask older members of your family to share different cultural traditions with you that you might not know about. For example, a traditional food dish you've never tried before, or pieces of traditional clothing.