Web Resources - Print Resources - Media Resources |
| Ancient Greece |
| Recommended for ages 9-12, this website introduces students to Ancient Greece is a very user-friendly and fun fashion. Students can choose three different areas of Greece to study (Athens, Corinth, and Olympia), and each city has separate sections explaining the city's politics, judicial system, style of life, and more. There is also a time line, glossary, and many other areas to explore. The teachers' section contains lesson plans, printable worksheets, etc. A first rate website produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation. |
| Bosnia |
| Recommended for grades 4-6, this website contains several sections on the former Yugoslavian rebublic of Bosnia: Introduction, History, Geography and Environment, People and Society, and Factfile. The website is not extensive, but it is very well done and contains great photographs and graphics. Produced by Oxfam. |
| Peace Corps Central and Eastern Europe Lesson Plans |
| Lessons address stories, letters and folktales that focus on Peace corps volunteers experiences in both urban and rural areas of Central and Eastern Europe. Includes materials on Romania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Recommended for grades 6-8, as well as 9-12. Very well-done website. Produced by the Peace Corps. |
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| Fallout from Chornobyl |
| Recommended for grades 6-8. Students should recognize that changes to the environment in one place can often affect other, distant places. To introduce and reinforce this concept, students will read and analyze several articles describing consequences of the 1986 explosion and fire at a nuclear power plant in Chornobyl, Ukraine, a country which at that time was part of the Soviet Union. Students will then create a map showing which countries were affected by this disaster and how they were affected. Unfortunately, the articles needed for this lesson are not included on the website, but the titles are given and the teacher can then, presumably, find the articles in the library. Produced by the National Geographic Society. |
| Fast Food Around the World |
| Recommended for grades 6-8, this lesson plan helps American students how fast food varies from one culture to another. Students will use the Internet or the library to research the cultures of four other countries (Russia, Japan, India, and Mexico. They compile their research results into a plan for a fast–food restaurant in each of the countries, tailoring the restaurant to the cultural tastes of people in those countries. Produced by the National Geographic Society. |
| Kids in Afghanistan |
| Recommended for grades 4 and up. This is a very good site to learn about everyday life in Afghanistan from a child's perspective. There are several different articles here where Afghan children's perspectives on their lives, their work, school, and families are given, and there are very good photographs of the children to accompany the text. The website also has sections that give good background information on Afghanistan, including a description of the ethnic Pashtuns. Finally, there is a "Lesson Helpers" section which provides teachers with ideas on how this material should be presented. Produced by Scholastic News. |
| Life in Russia by Andrey Sebrant |
| This website is recommended for grade 4 and up for vivid descriptions of everyday life in Russia. The large website is made up of articles by Moscow resident Andrey Sebrant over the last eight years. Sebrant has written about a diverse range of subjects from the seasons of the year and how Russians enjoy them to celebration of holidays and how Russians spend their vacations. Each article is written in English and meant for foreigners so that they will gain greater insight into Russian culture and society. Though written by a middle-aged Russian man, Sebrant's writing is accessible even to elementary students. The text of the articles is accompanied by color lots of color photographs that can be enlarged by clicking on them. A very fine site. |
| NASA Explores Star City |
| Three versions, K-4, 5-8, 9-12. This NASA produced website is about the Russian cosmonaut training facility outside of Moscow called "Star City." In addition to general information about Star City, the site contains several lesson plans. The first help students create a book representing events of the Russian space program from A to Z, while the second helps students to identify the first man and the first woman to travel into space (both of whom were Russian, of course). Higher level lesson plans are about the importance of Russian cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space; another one compares the geography and economics of the United States and Russia. Produced by NASA. |
| Poland |
| Recommended for 3rd graders, this lesson plan could be adapted for 4th and 5th graders, too. The lesson plans on this website cover many different aspects of Polish history, culture, and geography and there are activities for fifteen different lessons. Examples include: pen pals from Poland, famous people from Poland, comparing fables, and physical map of Poland. Produced for social studies education in Michigan. |
| Rechenka's Eggs |
| Recommended for grades K-2. Based on the book "Rechenka's Eggs" by Patricia Polacco (Philomel Books, 1988. 30 pp.). This lesson plan focuses on decorating eggs, an activity that is familiar to many students. The activities connected with this Patricia Polacco book help students discover more about this art form. Specifically, students learn about the Ukrainian custom of egg painting; find out about other aspects of Russian or Ukrainian culture; recognize festivals and other communal activities as celebrations of culture. Lesson plan produced by Scholastic, Inc. | |||
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| Russia: Peace Corps Kids World, Explore the World |
| Recommended as a good introduction to Russia, the world's largest country. The site contains a good map and country facts, as well as information about everyday life in Russia--food, holidays, and what Russian children like to do, from reports by Peace Corps volunteers who served in Russia. |
| Russia--A Child's Eye View |
| This BBC news article is recommended for students grades 5 and 6 to show them the darker side of being a child in today's Russia. This article focuses on the many Russian children in the central Volga city of Samara who must work to support themselves and their families. Included are children who sell items in a city market, children who beg for money, others who work at a gas station, those who are involved in illegal drug trafficking, and finally a fourteen-year old girl who has become a prostitute. In addition to the text of the story which is accompanied by photographs, there is a film clip of the same story on video (about three minutes in length). |
| Russian Folk Dances |
| Grades 3-6. Recommended as a means to learn more about Russian folk dances. The website has a lesson plan which includes an entertaining story about a young girl in Russia as well as detailed directions for several different Russian folk dances. What doesn't seem to be here, however, is music to accompany the dances. Produced by Kathe Reber. |
| Russian Folktale Lesson Plan: "The One-Turnip Garden" |
| This online Russian folktale is recommended for K-3 classes to help them understand the importance of group cooperation. The title of the folktale is "The One-Turnip Garden" and it is only one of three international folktales at this website on the subject of group cooperation for K-3 students. The other folktales are from India and Norway. |
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| Russian Geography |
| Recommended for grade 5, this lesson plan gives students a detailed introduction to Russian geography. It also contains a similar lesson on Japanese geography. Students can follow the lesson plans individually, in groups, or the lesson-plan can be teacher directed. Nothing very fancy here, but a very well organized and detailed lesson plan. |
| Russian Street Children Given a Chance--Lesson Plan |
| This CNN site is recommended for grades 5 and up. The website contains two CNN reports on Russian street children and a charitable effort to improve their lives. The lesson plan asks students to try to understand what conditions created the situation where Russia has so many homeless children as well as to ask what obligation the international community has to try to deal with this problem. Both CNN articles (from 2001) are available both in text form with photographs as well as in streaming video with commentary. |
| Sasha and the Little Birch Tree: Russian Fairy Tale Lesson Plan |
| Recommended for grades 3-6 as a means to gain a better understanding of the Russian landscape and to learn about Russian "matryosha" or nesting dolls. A low-tech website that is somewhat simplistic, but well-done nevertheless. |
| Slovakia: Global Cafe |
| Recommended for fifth and sixth graders, this small but informative website is a good introduction to this central European country. It contains facts and figures about both the US and Slovakia as well as a brief introduction to Slovak history. Also included are personal accounts of life in Slovakia by Andrej, a sixteen year-old Slovak, as well as a account by an American Peace Corps volunteer living in Slovakia. Produced by the PBS program "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." |
| Submarines: A Heated Competition in a Cold War |
| Recommended for grades 6-8, this lesson asks students to discuss the concept of competition while considering the disaster that befell the Soviet UnionÂ’s first nuclear-powered submarine, K-19. They will explore their ideas about competition by adopting the perspective of K-19Â’s captain and creating a log of the submarineÂ’s first mission. Produced by the National Geographic Society. | |||
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| Submarines: The Classroom Fleet |
| This lesson plan is recommended for K-2 students. It introduces students to the submarine as a means of travel under the sea, and to the challenges humans face when traveling underwater. Students will learn that submarines, like other boats, can travel on the surface of the sea, but they can also submerge to travel underwater. They will look at pictures of submarines on National GeographicÂ’s K-19 and Other Subs in Peril Web site, and review the basic construction of submarines and the underwater environment in which they travel. Students will conclude by creating a mural in their classroom featuring a fleet of their own model submarines and examples of marine life that might be encountered on a journey under the sea. The connection to Russia is the fact that the US and Russia have the two largest submarine fleets in the world, and part of the lesson plan is to use the map to locate both the United States and Russia. Produced by the National Geographic Society. |
| Submarines: The Journey of K-19 |
| Recommended for grades 3-5, this lesson introduces students to the ill-fated maiden voyage of K-19, the Soviet UnionÂ’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Students locate the key points of K-19Â’s journey on a map and consider the actions of crewmembers who risked their lives so that others might survive. Students are encouraged to think about why the story of K-19 was kept secret until the end of the Cold War, and will conclude by writing a newspaper article about the submarineÂ’s accident at sea. Produced by the National Geographic Society. |
| The Aral Sea |
| Recommended for grades 3-12. The shrinking Aral Sea is the focus of this website which explains the recent history of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as well as satellite photographs to account for the tremendous water loss of this inland sea. Younger students are asked to thing about what would happen to their town or city if nearby bodies of water shrunk or disappeared, while older students are encouraged to think about how would would devise solutions to the problem of the shrinking Aral Sea. See "Lesson Plans Index" for K-12 lesson plans on other subjects. Produced by the National Geographic Society. |
| The Bet by Anton Chekhov--Lesson Plan |
| This lesson plan is recommended for grades 6-8. The Chekhov story deals with profound issues in society and encourages students to think about them too. Here is the overview of the story: "At a dinner party in the beginning of this story, an old banker and a young lawyer argue over whether or not "capital punishment and life imprisonment are equally immoral." To determine the truth in this matter they decide to make a bet, agreeing that the Lawyer will live without human contact for fifteen years, and in return, the Banker will pay him 2 million dollars. After providing the Lawyer with a cell, innumerable books, and other comforts for fifteen years, the Banker realizes he is about to lose the bet. Facing bankruptcy and humiliation, he decides to kill the Lawyer. The Banker is stunned when he learns that minutes before he would have received millions, the Lawyer renounced his prize and abandons civilization." From this story students are encouraged to think about the issues of gambling, capital punishment, imprisonment, greed, etc. A very thought provoking lesson plan. |
| The Silk Roads Big Map: Lesson Plan |
| Recommended for all grades 1-12. The focus here is on the geography of the fabled Silk Road which ran during the Middle Ages from China through Central Asia, to Antioch (in what is now Turkey) on the Mediterrean. Using a projected map outline, students generate an oversized rendition of the Silk Roads from Europe to East Asia. Students will then apply elements such as political and topographic features, the Silk Roads, products of the regions, and the routes of key travelers. Students may continually add information to the map, and the map may be used as a reference tool throughout the teaching unit. This lesson plan is part of a larger and very well done website on the Silk Road. |
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| The Uncertain Future of Kosovo: Exploring the Ongoing Peacemaking Process in Kosovo |
| Recommended for sixth graders as a good introduction to the ongoing peace process in Kosovo. In a one hour lesson, "students investigate the peace process in Kosovo through thorough discussion of the underlying issues of the Kosovo conflict and the evolving resolution. Students begin by reflecting on the range of responses Kosovar refugees might have by learning that the peace talks have been delayed. Then, after discussing the article and various effects that the peace talks will have in Kosovo and internationally, students write a brief essay analyzing the views of different 'sides' in the peacemaking process." The website contains extensive ideas and guidelines for teaching this subject and a NYT article as source material for students to read. Internet links on the subject are also provided. Produced by the New York Times Learning Network. |
| Trading in the Silk Road Cities--Lesson Plan |
| Designed for grades 6-12, this lesson plan has adaptations for K-5 as well. The purpose of this lesson is to acquaint students with the products that were traded on the Silk Road and to give them some insight into the difficulty in transporting these items across the SilK Road by studying the geography of the route. In addition to the online materials, there is an Adobe Acrobat File which contains a 44 page teacher guide applicable to the Six separate lesson plans on the Silk Road Website. Created by Joan Barnatt, Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School, Orleans, Massachusetts |
| Uzbekistan: Global Cafe |
| Recommended as a good introduction to the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan for fifth and sixth graders. Features a comparison of country statistics for both Uzbekistan and the United States as well as stories about everyday life of young people in Uzbekistan by two Uzbek girls and and American Peace Corps volunteer who lived in Uzbekistan. Produced by PBS' "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." |
| Web of Moscow--Lesson Plan |
| Recommended for grades 5 and 6. This website gives students a good understanding of how and why the ancient city of Moscow was built so that its streets are in a hub and spoke pattern. The major structures of Moscow are described and their historical background is given in an informative and entertaining fashion. With this lesson, students will learn both Russian history and geography, as well as the rudiments of urban planning. Produced by Christy Geldbach-Keeler of the University of Oregon. |
| Who Pays the Price When a Sea Disappears? |
| Recommended for grades 6-8, this lesson asks students to learn about the problems in the Aral Sea region of Central Asia and to discover how the sea's water loss is affecting specific groups of people, such as babies and fishers. They?ll work in groups to prepare statements that these people might make, and they?ll present their statements to the United Nations. Lesson uses materials available online. Produced by the National Geographic Society. | |||
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| Your World, My World |
| Ages 5-9. This website is produced by Oxfam and is a companion to the printed teacher guide by the same name. It allows teachers to bring four 'friends' into the classroom to help young primary pupils explore aspects of their own lives. The four friends are from very different parts of the world - Muluken from Ethiopia, Cidinha from Brazil, Sasha from Russia (Siberia), and Shakeel from India. The children have many connections and similarities with children in other countries throughout the world. Looking at their lives enables teachers to bring a global perspective to exploring issues such as 'myself', 'helping out', and 'caring and sharing'. The website is extensive with 10 different guided activities, background information on each of the four countries, a photo gallery with 24 pictures, each with extensive descriptions, and stories from each of the four children about their everyday lives. |
| Afghanistan in Pictures (Visual Geography Series) (1997) Author: Lerner Geographic Department, editor, Lerner Publications Company ($21.27) |
| For ages 9-12. This book provides a visual introduction to the wartorn Central Asian nation. 64pp. |
| Albania in Pictures (Visual Geography Series) (1995) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($27.93) |
| For ages 9-12. This little-known and primarily Muslim Balkan state of Albania is described through pictures. 64pp. | |||
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| Armenia (Then and Now) (1992) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Armenia, one of the newly independent nations in the Caucasus Mountain region. |
| Azerbaijan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, one of the newly independent nations in the Caucasus Mountain region. |
| Belarus (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Belarus. |
| Estonia (Then and Now) (1992) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. (1992). Published by the Lerner Publications Company. $23.93. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Estonia, one of the three Baltic states. |
| Georgia (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Georgia retains all of the strengths of its predecessors in a series devoted to former Soviet republics. The presentation of this newly independent nation is accurate, well organized, and beautifully illustrated. Many fine-quality, full-color photographs portray the diversity of ethnic groups in this country. Excellent maps and tables provide good coverage of historical, economic, and geographic features. A most interesting section is devoted to one of Georgia's native sons, namely Joseph Stalin. Current political issues surrounding ongoing civil conflicts are described. Since publication of this book, Georgia has joined the Commonwealth of Independent States. Other than that detail, however, the information is up-to-date. Students will find this attractive, fact-laden title highly readable. Reviewed by Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior HS, LaGrangeville, NY. |
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| How to Decorate Beautiful Ukrainian Easter Eggs Author: by Luba Perchyshyn |
| Recommended for grades K-6. "Pysanky" is the term for the Ukrainian way to decorate Easter Eggs. This pamphlet can turn any school's celebration of Easter into a chance to learn about a foreign culture while having fun. Available at the Ukrainian Gift Shop. Also available for free loan at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and East European Studies (http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees/outres). |
| Hungary in Pictures (Visual Geography Series) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($27.93) |
| For ages 9-12. An introduction to the Central European nation of Hungary through photographs. |
| Kazakstan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, one of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. |
| Koshka's Tales (1993) Author: by James Mayhew. Kingfisher Books |
| Recommended for grades K-5. Stories from Russia. 80pp, currently out of print. The author has retold five of the most famous Russian fairy tales in contemporary English. The tales are woven together by the cat Koshka, a wise old story-telling cat, who is narrating to a banished Tsaritsa and are accompanied by full-color, full-page illustrations, also done by Mayhew. Available for a free loan from the Indiana University Russian and East European Institute. (http://www.indiana.edu/~reeiweb/audiovisual/avoutrea.html#elementary). |
| Kyrgyzstan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Central Asian Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan. | |||
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| Latvia (Then and Now) (1992) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Latvia, one of the three Baltic states. |
| Lithuania (Then and Now) (1992) Author: Lerner Publishing ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Lithuania, one of the three Baltic states. |
| Moldova (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Moldova. |
| Our Global Village: Poland (1994) Author: By Don McKay. St. Louis. Milliken Publishing ($6.95) |
| Recommended for grades 4-6. Introduction to Polish history and culture including daily life, holidays, foods, stories, games, and basic language expressions. Available for a free loan from the Indiana University Russian and East European Institute (http://www.indiana.edu/~reeiweb/audiovisual/avoutrea.html#elementary). |
| Our Global Village: Russia (1993) Author: by Susan J. Williams. St. Louis, Milliken Publishing ($6.95) |
| Recommended for grades 4-6. Introduction to Russian history and culture including daily life, holidays, foods, stories, games and basic language expressions. Available for a free loan from the Indiana University Russian and East European Institute (http://www.indiana.edu/~reeiweb/audiovisual/avoutrea.html#elementary). |
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| Russia: Then and Now (1992) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| Recommended for grades K-6. An informative guide that explains Russia's history, its communist past, and what lies ahead in the future. This book contains brightly colored photographs and illustrations of the people of Russia and moments in their history. Lemer Publications, 1992. Available for free loan at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and East European Studies (http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees/outres). |
| Tajikistan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. A timely, readable, well-illustrated, accurate portrayal of life in the newly independent, former Soviet Central Asian republic. In four chapters, Tajikistan's history, geography, culture, economic conditions, environmental concerns, and future outlook are described. Every page contains at least one high-quality color photograph, which greatly enhances the text. The maps are also first-rate. Considerable material on the nation's problems-a fast-growing population, high infant mortality, language barriers, a volatile ethnic mixture, and a paucity of qualified leaders and professionals to fill the gaps left by departing, educated Russians-is provided. Some of the presentation suffers from oversimplification, e.g., the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims is mentioned, but not discussed. On the other hand, a section on the linguistic, political, and historical derivations of the Tajik language includes details that may confuse some readers. Overall, this series entry is very well done and should be added to libraries needing recent information on this troubled part of the world. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan, one of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. Reviewed by Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior HS, LaGrangeville, NY. |
| The Firebird (1994) Author: Illustrated by Demi, Henry Holt |
| The classic Russian tale about the magic firebird is retold through beautiful illustrations that make the story more mystical than the bird itself. Grades K-2. Available for free loan from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Russian and East European Studies (http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees/outres.html#story). |
| The Magic Goldfish (1995) Author: by Aleksander Pushkin, illustrated by Demi. Henry Holt & Co. |
| Written by Aleksander Pushkin, illustrated by Demi. This classic fairy tale is about an old man who receives three wishes from a magic goldfish and his wife's accompanying greed. The book is beautifully illustrated with full-page pictures and perfect for story time. It is also apparently out of print. Grades K-2. Available for free loan from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Russian and East European Studies (http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees/outres.html#story). |
| Turkmenistan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan, one of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. | |||
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| Ukraine: Then and Now (1993) Author: Lerner Publishing Company ($23.93) |
| Recommended for grades K-6. An informative guide that provides an overview of Ukraine's land, population, heritage, history, and resources. A section is dedicated to the disaster at Chernobyl. The future of Ukraine is also discussed. The pages are filled with pictures to enrich students understanding of this country. Lemer, 1993. Available for free loan at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and East European Studies (http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees/outres). |
| Uzbekistan (Then and Now) (1993) Author: Lerner Publications Company ($23.93) |
| For ages 9-12. Discusses the history, ethnic mixture, politics, economy, and future of the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan, the most populated of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. |
| Your World, My World Author: No author provided |
| Recommended for ages 5-9. Produced by Oxfam, this pack is based on the popular case studies from Wake Up, World!. By looking at the stories of four children from around the world, pupils are able to explore what makes up their own special identity, the importance of family and friends, and their role in caring for, and helping, others. The teachers' booklet contains detailed background information about the children featured (from Ethiopia, India, Brazil, and Russia), as well as carefully trialled activities to relate the issues raised by the case studies to pupils' own lives. 44 pages with photographs and a poster. Can be ordered online at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/teachers/ywmw/index.htm |
| A Week in the Life of a Russian Student (1994) |
| Recommended for grades 6-12. Here is the producer's description of this video: "Russia's move from socialism to capitalism, has changed not only the system of government but education as well. This program features two teenage brothers, Aleksey and Andrea. Russian schools have a well-rounded curriculum similar to the United States. Students are required to attend school from the age of six through the ninth grade, when they may apply to a technical school, or continue through eleventh grade and apply to a university. Students were once restricted to a set curriculum established by the government; now they are free to pursue their areas of interest and choose their own jobs. Aleksey and Andrea are seen at school, doing homework, and spending their free time watching television, skateboarding, hiking, and playing the piano and balalaika. The change from socialism brought rampant inflation and an unstable economy, but also provided opportunities, and many feel the hardships are worthwhile investments in their future. An engaging media adjunct to World History units on important turning points in world history; the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union, including changes in geopolitical, cultural and economic conditions; the influence of individualism, and the diffusion of aspects of western culture within Russian society." Video is 20 minutes long and sells for $70 from Aims Multimedia (http://www.aimsmultimedia.com/). |
| Children of Other Lands: Sasha Litvin of Russia |
| Recommended for grades 2-4. A video with teacher's guide of four days in the life of nine-year old Sasha Litvin, a Russian boy from St. Petersburg. Sasha is Shown at home, at school, and at play in his native city. Sasha attends a special school for the performing arts and is rehearsing to play the role of Petrushka. 15 minutes. Produced by United Learning (http://www.unitedlearning.com/cat3.cfm?cat3_id=21), priced at $49. |
| Destination: Kyrgyzstan (1996) |
| (Grades 3-12) The newly independent republic of Kyrgyzstan has historically been a crossroads of trade and culture, making this mountainous country home to tremendous ethnic and cultural diversity. Through the eyes of students, this video shows how the people of Kyrgyzstan are working to rebuild their economy and reclaim their heritage. Produced by the Peace Corps (22 min.) May be ordered at Government Printing Office bookstores (additional information available online, but price is not given). About a minute of the video may be screened online. | |||
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| Destination: Lithuania (1994) |
| (Grades 3-12) In 1991, this Baltic state became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence, sparking one of the most dramatic political upheavals in recent history. This video explores the impact of these extraordinary changes on the lives of students and their communities. Telly Award Finalist. Produced by the Peace Corps (20 min.). May be ordered at Government Printing Office bookstores (additional information available online, but price is not given). About a minute of the video may be screened online. | |||
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| Discovering Russian Folk Music |
| Recommended for grades 4-8. This video is part of the "Discovering Music Series" and it introduces students to Russian Folk Music and connects that music to Russian traditions and everyday life. 22 minutes. Available at Aims Multimedia for $50 (http://www.aimsmultimedia.com/). |
| Families of Russia |
| 30 minutes. Recommended for K-5 students, this film explores the everyday lives of two families in present-day Russia. Here is the producers' description: "Anya, age 7, lives in the industrial city Nizhny Novgorod, built hundreds of years ago on the Volga and Oka Rivers. We learn how important education is to Anya and her brother, and what her parents do. Dad works for the local water department and must fix a broken pump. Her mother shops for groceries at a modern-looking store and an open-air market. After school, Anya practices gymnastics, and we see her working out on the parallel bars. Her workout is demanding, and she falters sometimes, but she says she must keep trying in order to improve her skills. While their city apartment is tiny by American standards, there's room for a mini jungle gym in the living room. The next segment follows Nicolai, age 10, whose family owns a farm where everyone pitches in and nothing is purchased if it can be made at home. The village of Retkino is known for its woodworking, and we see local craftspeople making bowls on a lathe and painting them in intricate and colorful designs. Nicolai zips through the village on his little motorcycle, and joins his dad for a soothing "banya" (sauna) before bed." Cost is $29.95 and it is available from Families of the World (www.familiesoftheworld.com), which has several other titles in this series, including videos of everyday life in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Thailand, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Sweden. |
| Families of Russia |
| 30 minutes. Recommended for K-5 students, this film explores the everyday lives of two families in present-day Russia. Here is the producers' description: "Anya, age 7, lives in the industrial city Nizhny Novgorod, built hundreds of years ago on the Volga and Oka Rivers. We learn how important education is to Anya and her brother, and what her parents do. Dad works for the local water department and must fix a broken pump. Her mother shops for groceries at a modern-looking store and an open-air market. After school, Anya practices gymnastics, and we see her working out on the parallel bars. Her workout is demanding, and she falters sometimes, but she says she must keep trying in order to improve her skills. While their city apartment is tiny by American standards, there's room for a mini jungle gym in the living room. The next segment follows Nicolai, age 10, whose family owns a farm where everyone pitches in and nothing is purchased if it can be made at home. The village of Retkino is known for its woodworking, and we see local craftspeople making bowls on a lathe and painting them in intricate and colorful designs. Nicolai zips through the village on his little motorcycle, and joins his dad for a soothing "banya" (sauna) before bed." Cost is $29.95 and it is available from Families of the World (www.familiesoftheworld.com), which has several other titles in this series, including videos of everyday life in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Thailand, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Sweden. |
| Growing Up in Russia and Ukraine |
| Recommended for grades 5-8. This video depicts young people from Russian and Ukraine. It describes their past, their difficult present, and their uncertain future. Combines elements of history, religion, and culture of these two nations. 23 min. Price is $59, available from United Learning (http://www.unitedlearning.com/cat3.cfm?cat3_id=22). |
| Polish-Americans |
| (grades 4-10) Discussion of the lives of three generations of Polish-Americans represented by a single family, including how and why they immigrated to the US in the first place, the importance of their cultural identity, how it is maintained, and how it changes. From the "Multicultural Peoples of North America" series (30 min). Available for free loan from the Ohio State University Center for Slavic and East European Studies. | |||
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| Russia Today: Daily Life (1996) |
| Recommended for grades 5-8, this video is designed to acquaint students with life in post-Communist Russia by interviews with four teenagers from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev. Comes with teacher's guide. 16 minutes. Produced by United Learning (http://www.unitedlearning.com/cat3.cfm?cat3_id=22) and available for $59. |
| The Russian Way of Life (1993) |
| Recommended for grades 4-12. Here is the video described by its producer: "Russia, the largest country to emerge from the former Soviet Union, has roots in both European and Asian cultures, and a diverse blend of customs and traditions. This program offers an intimate portrait of Russian life -- visiting families who live in the city as well as farm families for a look at how Russians are educated, earn a living and enjoy time with their families. Russia's change from socialism to capitalism has affected every aspect of life -- from the business community to individual citizens, the educational system, and religion. Religion has always been important to Russians; now they are able to express their beliefs freely. The country's educational system is also being adapted to meet the change to capitalism. Russians are being introduced to many aspects of the western way of life -- from fast food, to music and fashion. The country's magnificent cathedrals and palaces are featured, along with historical sites: the Kremlin, Red Square and the Tomb of Lenin. An engaging media adjunct to World History units on important turning points in world history; the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union, including changes in geopolitical, cultural and economic conditions; the influence of individualism, and the diffusion of aspects of western culture within Russian society." 20 minutes. Available from Aims Multimedia for $70 (www.aimsmultimedia.com). |
Updated: 10 February 2007
| The Center for Slavic and East European Studies The Ohio State University 1712 Neil Ave. 303 Oxley Hall Columbus, OH 43210 Phone: (614) 292-8770 Fax: (614) 292-4273 Email: csees@osu.edu |