Danielle Smith-Llera

The Iroquois Confederacy served as model for the founding fathers who wrote the U.S. Constitution. The Iroquois today continue their proud tradition of representative democracy as they thrive in modern America.

The final match of the 2001 U.S. Open featuring tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams was groundbreaking. It was first time siblings had squared off in the final match for more than 100 years. And it was the first time both players were black. The photo of the smiling Williams sisters holding their trophies after the tennis match appeared in newspapers around the globe. It captured two athletes who fought, and would continue to fight, for a place...

What has been called the most famous photograph in the world, and a symbol of the 20th century, began as a spur of the moment snapshot by a Cuban photographer. Alberto Korda transformed a simple photo into a world famous portrait of a larger than life revolutionary. Korda's 1960 photo of Che Guevara's defiant face has traveled the world in many forms. It shows up wherever people struggle for freedom and human rights. And in the 21st century, the controversial...

Present-day Virginia was home to the early Powhatan tribes. But settlers were eager to explore the rich land and the rivers in the area. The Powhatan were forced to adapt to new ways of life. But they continue to thrive in modern America, remembering and honoring their past traditions.

The Chumash thrived along the Pacific coast in California for centuries. But eventually new settlers wanted their land and forced the Chumash into a new way of life. Today, the Chumash celebrate their traditions as they move toward the future in modern America.

Weighing as much as a small car, a rover named Curiosity rolls quietly around Mars. Scientific instruments pack its body and cluster at the end of a mechanical arm. An arrangement of lenses and instruments tops its mast, like a face. To the many NASA workers involved in Curiosity's mission on Mars, the rover is not simply a robot, but an astronaut bravely exploring an alien place. Curiosity's instruments collect data and its cameras take images of...

Hate crime in the United States is on the rise. The FBI has reported that hate crimes rose by 17 percent in 2017, increasing for the third straight year, and the trend continued into 2018 and 2019. The crimes are most commonly motivated by hatred related to race, ethnicity, or country of origin. Many crimes are also motivated by bias against sexual orientation or gender identity. Students will learn why hate crime is on the rise and how they can help...

Some of the most important American products and ideas have been developed by people born outside the United States. They have influenced every part of U.S. culture, from what people wear and drive to how they stay healthy, how they communicate with each other, and what they do for fun. Meet 25 immigrants who have led the way with life-saving inventions, by opening up sports to women and people of color, and so much more.

Immigration is a hot topic in the United States. What kind of immigration should be allowed? How should immigrants who have come into the United States illegally be treated? What about the DREAMers? Refugees seeking asylum? Will building a border wall keep out illegal immigrants and stop the flow of drugs into the U.S.? Might improving technology offer a better answer? Students will learn about the issues surrounding immigration and border security...

Millions of tons of plastic slip into oceans every year. Some floats and travels slowly with the currents, endangering the health of marine animals. The rest is hardly visible but is far more dangerous. Tiny bits of plastic sprinkle the ocean's surface or mix into the sandy seafloor and beaches. It ends up inside birds, fish, and other animals, harming them-and ultimately humans. Experts struggle with fear and hope as they work to stop the flood of...