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Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: The Magical World of Russian Fairy Tales

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In this lesson plan, students will consider The Magical World of Russian Fairy Tales. Worksheets and other supporting materials can be found under the Resources tab. The stories entitled Vasillisa the Beautiful, Prince Ivan and the Grey...
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Website
Other

European Journalism Centre

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
The homepage for the European Journalism Centre, a study with analysis and interpretation of ethnic reporting from Russia, Latvia, and Ukraine. Provides up-to-date information about current events and news from Europe.
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PPT
New York Times

New York Times: Islam in Russia

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting look into the spread of Islam in Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union Islam has become more and more influential in Russian life. Audio and pictures tell the story of the spread of Islam in Russia.
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Website
Marxists Internet Archive

Encyclopedia of Marxism: Kolchak, Alexander

For Students 9th - 10th
This site briefly describes the leader of the White Army, Alexander Kolchak, and the reasons for its defeat.
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Website
Other

The Moscow Kremlin Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
The Moscow Kremlin Museum features famous Russian exhibitions, museum collections, library and history. Website also contains virtual exhibitions (i.e., the crowns of Russian tsars), virtual tours and maps of the Kremlin.
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Handout
Human Rights Watch

Who's Afraid of Vladimir Putin?

For Students 9th - 10th
Article discussing President Putin's actions in Chechnya and the rest of the world's reaction to it. Very critical of the conflict in Chechnya. (26 September 2003)
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Website
Other

St. Petersburg Guide: Famous Russian People

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on eleven famous Russians who are writers, poets, composers, and artists. Includes picture.
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Primary
New York Times

New York Times: Times Machine: End of the Soviet Union

For Students 9th - 10th
Images of the New York Times from December 26, 1991 depicting the fall of the Soviet Union and Mikhail Gorbachev.
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Handout
BBC

Bbc: News: Country Profile: Russia

For Students 9th - 10th
A good overview of Russia with facts, information about the leaders, and news agencies. Each news agency is linked to its site so that you can find out about the press, television, and radio in Russia.
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Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Dimitri Shostakovich

For Students 3rd - 8th
Dimitri Shostakovich's (1906-1975 CE) first job was playing piano at a movie house when he was still quite young. He lost the job because he would laugh so hard at the funny parts of the movie that he would quit playing. Read more about...
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Website
Other

Alexander Palace Time Machine

For Students 9th - 10th
Great resource for history teachers! Website has a lot of information about the Romanov Tsar Alexander's palace, along with an archive of historical diaries and letters. Good resource for studying Russian history. Many pages are...
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Website
Other

Alexander Palace Time Machine

For Students 9th - 10th
Look back on the time of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of pre-revolutionary Russia. Take a virtual tour through the palace, with its elaborate halls and reception rooms, family living quarters, and libraries. Of particular interest is the...
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Russia Un United?

For Teachers 7th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Russian protests of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Sami

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Sami people in Scandinavia and parts of Russia. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes,...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Russians

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Russians. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, etc. (Note:...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Chechens

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Chechens in Chechnya. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, etc....
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Chukchi

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Chukchi who live in the Siberian region of Russia. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion,...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Mordvins

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Mordvins of Russia. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, etc....
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Nentsy

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Nentsy people of north-central Russia. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Tatars

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Tatars of Russia. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, etc....
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Website
Other

Alexander Romanov

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Alexander III, the second to the last Romanov ruler of the Russian empire.
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Handout
Central Intelligence Agency

Cia: World Factbook: Russia

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from the CIA World Factbook provides a detailed fact sheet of Russia. The content covers the country's geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. It includes...
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Article
Other

Jewish News: Gorbachev, Shamir Mark Decade of Soviet Aliyah

For Students 9th - 10th
This article provides insight into religious persecution in the former Soviet Union and Gorbachev's efforts to curb intolerance.
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Article
Other

On This Day: Ethnic Problems in the Soviet Union

For Students 9th - 10th
A good article on how the ethnic problems in the Soviet Union developed, and the individual republics' demand for independence.