Teach About Panama

Below find resources for teaching about Panama. We hope these resources help you prepare to teach during Teach Central America Week and all year long.

History and Context

A brief overview of Panama’s history up until the late 20th century.
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History of Panama

Books for pre-K to adults on Panama with a filter to sort by reading level and format.
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Panama Booklist

A timeline by BBC World News and a country profile by Brittannica.
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View Country Profile

Timeline & Country Profile

Explore Classroom Resources

Lessons, books, films, poetry, and other materials are available in our searchable library.

Resources
Central America: An Introductory Lesson
Lesson
Central America: An Introductory Lesson
Lesson

Students will emerge with a deeper understanding of the key concepts and themes that define modern Central American history, a more nuanced view of U.S. foreign policy in that history, and an appreciation of its impact on Latinx migration in recent years.

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Lesson
Why Did the United States Invade Panama in 1989?
Lesson
Why Did the United States Invade Panama in 1989?
Lesson

Students will use primary source documents and artwork to solve the mystery of why there are competing interpretations on the reasons for the U.S. invading Panama in 1989.

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Lesson
Panama and the Long Fight for Full Sovereignty
Lesson
Panama and the Long Fight for Full Sovereignty
Lesson

Teaching this unit on the long durée of resistance against the United States allows educators to center youth activism, cultural resistance, and the enduring quest for justice Panamanians still pursue for their national identity.

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Lesson
EXPLORE PANAMA RESOURCES