Ken Burns in the Classroom, from PBS, presents both clips and full lengths of Ken Burns' documentary films, along with documents, images, and lesson plans. Search by era or film, and find resources by keyword or theme. Share these resources with students in 5-7 minute video clips and via Google Classroom, or, of course, they can choose to watch the full length documentaries.

The films and film clips are for the general public, and the lesson plans, while aimed at middle and high school classes, can be adapted for our adult learners.

Full-length versions and clips from around 40 Ken Burns films are available on the PBS website, including the following:

  • The Civil War
  • College Behind Bars
  • The Dust Bowl
  • Jazz
  • The National Parks
  • The Central Park Five
  • The War

This website also connects to another site curated by Ken Burns: UNUM, "a digital destination designed to provide historical context to today’s issues and spark conversation... it highlights themes throughout American history to surface new, unexpected connections."

Topic Area
Civics and Citizenship
Distance and Blended Learning
English Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Media Type
Webinar
Website
Resource Type
Resource
PD Team
SABES English Language Arts Curriculum & Instruction PD Team