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Online Resources Recommended by AP Teachers
We surveyed AP U.S. History teachers about what online resources they recommend, and the list below comes directly from their responses. The list also includes teacher descriptions of the resources. This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of any of these resources by the College Board.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: AP U.S. History Study Guide
- Instructional videos for students; online text
- Provides short videos and timelines that are good for introducing or reviewing material. The easy to access primary sources are ideal for distance learning discussions.
- Self-directed student practice
- Provides an abundance of stimulus-based multiple-choice questions, SAQs, LEQs and DBQs. Period assessments and three full practice exams are also provided.
- Online text
- This is an easy to access free peer-reviewed online college level textbook for U.S. History. It includes a helpful primary source reader as well.
- Instructional videos for students
- Engaging and concise videos available on YouTube that provide an overview of the major topics in AP U.S. History.
- Instructional videos for students; self-directed student practice
- Provides videos, PowerPoints, and assessments that address the content and skills of the AP U.S. History course. There is a fee for accessing some of the content, but most is free.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- This website provides a variety of resources for teachers and students, including videos, lesson plans, primary sources, and more.
- Self-directed student practice), instructional videos for students
- Provides video and text-based instruction with assessments modeled on the AP exam. The instruction is “high interest” and “condensed.” Khan offers regular checks for understanding that can be monitored by the teacher.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Offers interactive lessons, instructional videos, primary sources, audio clips and more. With a free registration, teachers can access a quiz maker, puzzle builder, and a tool to link these materials to Google Classroom.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Provides “great lessons, bell ringers, and links for U.S. history teachers.” There are also resources for including current events in the classroom.
- Podcast episodes for students
- These engaging, story-driven episodes explore major topics in U.S. History.
- Instructional videos for students
- Provides access to video documentaries, interactive resources, and lesson ideas on important topics in U.S. History. The content is organized by period and is easy to access.
- Online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- This website provides both free and paid materials that include lesson plans, practice tests, study guides and workshops for teachers and students.
National Constitutional Center Interactive Constitution
- Online text; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Provides a “clear, non-partisan unpacking of interpretive questions around the constitution.” Teachers can assign articles, podcasts, and videos. There are also developed lesson plans available.
Stanford History Education Group (SHEG)
- Online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers; self-directed student practice
- This is a “great resource to delve deeper into content and pivotal events in U.S. History.” Provides strong resources for teaching historical thinking, particularly sourcing, analysis, and point of view.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Provides an extensive collection of instructional videos paired with assessments. A test prep program for the AP exam is also available.
- Online text; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Includes a variety of resources for teachers and students including a large collection of primary sources with contextualization of the documents and focus questions. This is a “one-stop-shop for primary sources.”
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