TeachersFirst: Understanding and Working with Gifted Students

Understanding and Working with Gifted Students:

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National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children Grade 4 to 12 - - 3500

This page is primarily for parents of gifted children, but it includes lists of traits of the gifted and links to resources which classroom teachers might find helpful. A hot topic is the crossover between traits of the gifted and of ADHD children.

In the Classroom:
There is also a gifted child penpal service which could help a lone soul in your classroom.

The Exceptional Child Grade K to 12 - TeachersAndFamilies- 7661

This article provides information regarding gifted students. Specific topics include how to spot a gifted student, making the "gifted" label more comfortable for your child, nurturing your gifted child at home, why "advanced work" is not the whole answer, helping your child get more out of school assignments and projects and resources.

In the Classroom:
This article may be a useful reference for some of your parents. Share the link on your teacher web page or in a newsletter or note sent home.

National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented Grade 4 to 12 - - 3497

This center is directed by Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli of the University of Connecticut. This site contains a wealth of current and reliable information on the topic of gifted education and includes lists of abstracts from recent NRC/GT publications, recommended videos, book resources, articles from NRC/GT newsletters, and related educational links. An invaluable source for parents and teachers of gifted children.

Is Your Child Gifted? Grade 1 to 12 - Memphis Public Schools- 3484

Is your child gifted? This easy to understand chart compares attributes of bright children to those who are truly gifted.

Characteristics of Gifted Children Grade 1 to 12 - Memphis Public Schools- 3522

A concise list of some of the most common characteristics of gifted children.

Supporting Gifted Education Through Advocacy Grade 4 to 12 - ERIC- 3501

This ERIC Digest offers a comprehensive, practical strategy for building an advocacy effort to support gifted education. Includes reading and resource notes.

National Association for Gifted Children Grade 4 to 12 - - 3498

A national resource organization for teachers and parents of gifted children.

Differentiating Curriculum for Gifted Students Grade 4 to 12 - ERIC- 3492

This ERIC Digest suggests strategies to provide curriculum differentiation for gifted and talented students. Includes reading and resource suggestions.

Cogito Grade 7 to 12 - Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth- 8023

This powerful site will challenge your brightest students and get everyone thinking. Designed to spark interest of young scientists and thinkers in real world issues, this site is run by Johns Hopkins' famous program for gifted youth. Find feature articles on current research, Nobel laureates, and hot topics such as global warming. Explore the links for MANY outstanding sites not specifically for "education" as much as for real-world investigation and learning.

In the Classroom:
Teachers with high level, AP, or gifted students will want to explore this site during the summer months for inspiration and resources to use throughout the year. If your gifted program requires individual projects, send your students here to find ideas and to get energized! Even "regular" teachers, especially in the sciences, will want to share some of the current research topics and interviews that fit their curriculum. If you are looking for ways students and environmental clubs can get involved, check out the "Get Involved" section in the Sites and Tools menu.

One simple way to use the Interviews in a regular science classroom would be to have students research and act out an interview with a "mock" scientist, explaining what he/she does in order to expose students to the many fields included in the sciences.

Gifted but Learning Disabled Grade 4 to 12 - ERIC- 3494

This ERIC Digest discusses the special issues that arise when students are both gifted and learning disabled - a condition that is surprisingly common. It suggests both ways to identify these hard-to-spot situations and strategies to help these students develop appropriate achievement. Requires Acrobat Reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

College Planning for Gifted and Talented Youth Grade 6 to 12 - ERIC- 3490

This ERIC Digest provides a long-term college planning strategy for gifted students. Beginning in middle school, the digest suggests a series of concrete steps which can lead to an informed college decision. Requires Acrobat Reader.

Bloom's Taxonomy Grade 1 to 12 - - 3488

Let Bloom's Taxonomy become your guide in working with gifted students. This web site explains clearly and simply each level of Bloom's Taxonomy - a model of critical thinking that progresses from the most basic level to the most complex. Examples of appropriate questions are given as well as illustrations for use in the classroom. Gifted students should be asked to utilize the upper three levels - analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Johns Hopkins University CTY Program Grade 6 to 12 - - 3496

Created by the Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth at the Johns Hopkins University, this site contains comprehensive information for teachers of gifted students in upper elementary grades through middle school. Highlights include information on a new CD-ROM being developed by Johns Hopkins for gifted math students, summer employment opportunities for elementary and middle school teachers interested in becoming involved in CTY summer programs, the CTY talent search, student application information, ability and achievement testing, recommended publications and resources, and available services for interested schools and teachers.

Summers and Saturdays Grade 1 to 12 - Hoagies- 3536

Links to summer and Saturday programs for gifted and talented students throughout the United States and abroad are provided along with brief explanations of each. All grade levels are represented in this compilation.

Giftedness and Preschoolers Grade 1 to 12 - - 3534

Practical advice on identifying and nurturing your gifted pre-school student at home. Includes descriptions of creative activities you can do with your child outside of school to encourage critical thinking skills and creativity.

More Brain Teasers Grade 1 to 12 - Hoagies- 3533

A creative collection of puzzles and brainteasers to challenge gifted students. This large collection is maintained by Hoagies and sometimes has a few dead links, but the collection is still worth visiting for the MANY good sites they share.

Asking the Right Questions Grade 1 to 12 - - 3530

Knowing what questions to ask can make all of the difference in advocating for your gifted child. Written by the mother of a hearing impaired student, this article provides practical advice for any parent seeking to improve the educational climate for their child.

Giftedness Glossary Grade 1 to 12 - Pirvately Published- 3524

Here's an easy to use glossary that defines many of the terms that you may encounter throughout the gifted testing and identification process.

Talent Search Resources Grade 4 to 12 - - 3502

This site tracks regional and national talent searches for gifted students in elementary through secondary grades. The site also provides links to summer enrichment programs for students who qualify by means of standardized testing.

New Horizons for Learning Grade 4 to 12 - - 3499

This California-based organization maintains an extensive collection of information on learning strategies and ways of working with gifted or specially talented students from any socioeconomic setting. There are articles, bibliographies, and links to examples of innovative strategies.

Chinese Phrases Grade 5 to 12 - Haiwang Yuan with Remy Guo- 6910

Learn the basics of Chinese. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Chinese-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools.

Gifted Academic Programs and Activities Grade 1 to 12 - Hoagies- 3535

An annotated list of special academic programs, activities, and competitions that challenge students beyond the regular school curriculum.

Testing and Test Interpretation Grade 1 to 12 - National Association for Gifted Children- 3527

A discussion of what to expect from IQ testing, types of testing, interpretation of scores, and how to proceed after testing is completed.

Logic and Reasoning Games Grade K to 12 - Math Playground- 7785

Use this website to "clear out the cobwebs" in your students' minds. The site offers several interactive logic activities. Many require no reading. A few examples include Tetris, Rubik's Cube, Sliders, Towers and more. All activities require JAVA and FLASH.

In the Classroom:
Use one of these on an interactive whiteboard as a brain warm-up at the beginning of class or as student enter the room. If you have a difficult group in a study hall, this site could keep them busy in a positive way. Substitutes will also love it! Include this link in your class's newsletter, classroom computer, or teacher web page for extra challenges and enrichment. Teachers of gifted can challenge their students to write "how to" directions for how to solve these puzzles, once they have figured them out!

Television Production Grade 9 to 12 - Ron Whittaker, Ph.D.- 7667

A Free, Interactive Course in Studio and Field Production-- This is a free course aimed at students interested in going into television production. It is exhaustive in its entirety and covers all aspects of the production from scripts to news reporting, editing, legal and ethical issues, etc. While it is geared to college students, upper level high school students would do well with some of this as well, especially those motivated by this subject matter. It also offers the entire course in Spanish and Portuguese.

Clicking on the "Readings and Information" menu will give you a "classroom related" menu that includes lesson plans and ideas. Scrolling down the main page, you can check on interactive test, crosswords, quizzes, video projects, and notes for both students and teachers.

In the Classroom:
Wow, what a source for those teaching video or scriptwriting! This would be a valuable reference site for students interested in independent projects using video or for gifted enrichment projects, as well. If nothing else, assign lessons on composition and other "basics" to any student choosing to use video as a medium for a major project.

Saxon - Math Stumpers Grade 6 to 12 - Saxon- 7607

This website was created to correspond with the Saxon mathematics books (grades 6-12). This site provides math stumpers and numerous activities. The topics include algebra, physics, calculus and more.

In the Classroom:
These math activities are easy to use and ready to go. Use these for daily morning challenges or additional enrichment for your advanced or gifted students. Solutions are provided.

Music Outline Grade 1 to 6 - Mr. Natural's Electric Classroom- 7380

Mr. Natural (yes, that is his real name) offers a Keyboard Intervalometer, or numbered scale, to download and place on the keys of a piano. Use this numbered version and the corresponding numbered music (think Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) to learn to play the piano the "Natural" way. He also provides scales for other instruments. This would be great fun for young children but could also be very interesting as well as entertaining for older students!

In the Classroom:
Try using the Intervalometer on a computer connected to an interactive whiteboard to SHOW students what intervals are and help them develop their "ear." If you do not have room for this system within your curriculum, you may want to include it on your teacher web page for your young prodigies to try at home. Teachers of gifted may also want to offer it as a personal exploration for students interested in music.

G/T Cybersource Grade 1 to 12 - Davidson Institute- 3984

The Davidson Institute offers a broad range of resources for parents, teachers, and professionals working with “profoundly gifted” students – typically those with both an IQ above 150 and one or more specific talents. The site offers enrichment ideas, advanced placement strategies, and encouragement for students themselves. Though it is applicable to a very narrow range of students, this is a very rich resource.

Robots.net Grade 9 to 12 - - 3982

While we’re not experts, Robots.net appears to be a robots site for those who already know what they’re doing. Written for those with some engineering expertise, the site offers a collection of articles posted by members, an index of projects (but without much explanation) and a members’ area. Those looking for advanced ideas or solutions to robotics problems may well find leads here.

In the Classroom:
If you teacher tech ed, gifted, or physics students at an advanced level, this might be just the site they will love to reseacrh and create independent projects.

The Council for Exceptional Children - CEC Grade 1 to 12 - Council for Exceptional Children- 2025

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

Instructables Grade 4 to 12 - - 6945

A delightfully creative, collaborative site where people share (and comment on) directions for "how to" make just about anything. Language Arts, Art, or Gifted classes can "explore" the various topics to see how step-by-step directions are written, then have students write their own sequence of instructions. Even add a digital picture. Topics are "filtered" by topic (on the left side of the "explore" page) and also searchable by keyword. Art teachers will appreciate illustrated explanations of techniques from artists all over the world. This is a collaborative site, so you can read comments made by others on the different sets of instructions. Always preview such a site for appropriate content. Some include Acrobat files of patterns.

In the Classroom:
Note: for safety reasons, it is best for the teacher to set up the free account and upload the directions, if you are posting student work. no one under 13 is allowed to post on the site. To prevent endless surfing through many how-to's, you can send students directly to specific directions by copy/pasting the address for that exact item into your class handout or onto your teacher web page.

Japanese Language Vocabulary: Greetings Grade 5 to 12 - - 6909

Learn the basics of Japanese. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Japanese-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools. Requires Quicktime to play the pronunciations.

Basic Polish Vocabulary Necessary for Survival Grade K to 12 - - 6907

Learn the basics of Polish. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Polish-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools.

Russian language tutorial & online phrasebook: Basic Russian Phrases Grade 5 to 12 - Way to Russia- 6906

Learn the basics of Russian. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Russian-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools.

Transparent Language: Hear Portuguese Survival Phrases Grade K to 12 - Transparent Language- 6905

Learn the basics of Portuguese. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Portuguese-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools.

Basic Spanish Words With Pronunciation Grade 5 to 12 - Eugenio Alvarez- 6904

Learn the basics of Spanish. This could be very helpful for teachers working with Spanish-speaking ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using this site and other tools. Requires Quicktime to play pronunciations.

Linguistic Funland: Languages Other Than English Grade K to 12 - Kristina L. Pfaff-Harris - 6902

Learn the basics of many languages, including may less-common ones. This could be very helpful for working with ESL/ELL students or for your English-speaking students who are curious about other languages. Gifted students might enjoy comparing languages using these tools.

Modern Languages Grade 8 to 12 - Learning Space Open University- 9659

This site offers free courses with a great deal of depth on topics featuring modern European languages and English. It is a not a site for beginning language learners or low-level ESL and ELL students. Courses explore language topics, mostly with textual readings. Some of the featured units follow language textbooks. In addition to language topics, there are several offerings in business English. Students can choose what to study in a variety of ways: by topic, time of course, and course number or code.

You can put this in your RSS reader. Some of the activities require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Introduce your AP language and world culture students to the materials on this site. Gifted students or those seeking independent language study could also use these courses.Older ESL and ELL students interested in business careers may also find it useful.

Funny School Stories Grade K to 12 - Funny School Stories- 9551

We all have them. They happen daily. Now is your chance to share funny classroom stories with the world. This simple, sleek site allows you to post your story and read stories from colleagues around the globe. Plan to laugh. Grab a cup of coffee and release the anxiety of the day by reading about how funny life really is on school campuses. Share a comical story by using the easy sharing tools.

In the Classroom:
With older students (or gifted elementary), share some of the appropriate stories and challenge students to write fictional stories of “comics in the classroom.”

Have a bad day, week, month, or year? Is your class a bit more than you can (or would like) to handle? If so, visit this site for some humorous relief. They say, laughter is the best medicine. As you plan a faculty meeting, back to school teachers’ meeting, or professional presentation, find a good “opener” from this site.

Remember The Milk Grade K to 12 - Remember the Milk.com- 9540

Your busy life needs a manager. Now you have one: RememberTheMilk.com (also known as RTM). Don’t worry about missing a date; any or all of these applications or programs will remind you: email, SMS, and instant messenger (AIM, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, Skype and Yahoo) are all supported. Set up a free account in minutes. Secondary students will embrace this tool to remind them of tests or assignments or sporting events. List making has made it to a whole new level.

In the Classroom:
This is a Beta site, so beware of possible glitches. Read the Blog at this site to learn many cool ways to interact with your personal computer using RTM. Learning support teachers and teachers of disorganized gifted students may want to “model” using such an online tool to help middle and high school students learn better personal organization. Make a demo account for a “mythical” student and organize him/her together so students can see how it works. You will have to check school policies and access to some of the messaging tools, however, since some may be prohibited in your school.

RedKid Scrabble Grade 3 to 8 - RedKid.Net- 9328

How about an interactive Scrabble game for some language arts fun? This website provides a cooperative Scrabble game. Students can log-in and play Scrabble together, against other students from around the world, or start a new game independently. The website log-in requires a registration with an email account. For safety purposes, you may want to create your own Gmail account with sub-accounts for students (by sub account code name or number) within your classes. Here is a blog post that tells how. This site is ideal for language arts lessons (especially spelling and vocabulary practice), ESL and ELL students, gifted enrichment, or a Scrabble club or tournament.

In the Classroom:
Why not create two user accounts, divide your class into two groups, and have a Scrabble tournament using spelling words, vocabulary words from science or social studies class, or whatever is applicable to your class. Use an interactive whiteboard or projection screen so the entire class can see (and join in on) the fun. If individual computers are available, pair students with a partner and have them create their own accounts and play against their partner. Use this site with your ESL and ELL students to practice English. Be sure to highlight this link on your class website so students (and their families) can enjoy the challenge at home.

Apture Grade 9 to 12 - Apture. Inc.- 9301

Teacher's First Edge Review: This free site is for very adventurous technology users. With Apture, you can create a rich multimedia experience to your site, wiki, or blog, with instant access to video, audio, text, and more. Easily incorporate these multimedia objects into a page of your site, providing instantaneous information from Wikipedia, Washington Post, You Tube, Flickr, and many more. Adding these multimedia links creates icons next to your text. Hovering on the icon brings up the related multimedia items for any reader. Since learning and finding information is not linear, the discovery of your information’s deeper meaning occurs with richer context in a shorter time frame. This relevant content remains dynamic within your site. Apture's own example of a page using Apture can be found here. See another: a wiki page with class notes and Apture annotations created by a teacher..

At the time of this review, Apture is in “limited beta” but appears to be automatically accepting all new applications.

In the Classroom:
Skills needed: Join the site and wait for verification email to log in. Enter your site/wiki/blog’s URL. You are actually allowed to enter many of these, but try ONE first! The site’s detector tool will then “sense” common blogging software, such as WordPress, and prompt you on what to do next. You must be familiar with embed codes and how to place them into your blog or website. Apture’s video tutorial will help (it also pops up along the Apture dashboard when you first go to your “Aptured” site/wiki/blog). Other the simple directions shown in pop-ups for using Apture in various blog and wiki tools. Instantly add the embed code to the most popular blog and wiki platforms with one click. The code generated is easily copy/pasted into your existing website/wiki/blog. Once the embed code is there, visiting your site/wiki/blog automatically brings up an Apture “dashboard” (small toolbar in the corner) for you to log in and add things to your site/wiki/blog. Highlighting text or another item automatically brings up the site (if a site name or URL) you wish to add. Other material can be located by clicking "add related media." Entering a search term instantly finds related Wikipedia or Washington Post articles, You Tube videos, Flickr photos, and more. Subsequent visitors to your site will see the icons next to any item you have “enriched” with Apture-linked media content.

Safety/security concerns: Membership requires an email address log-in. If students will use Apture with their own classroom blogs/wikis, check your school district's Acceptable Use policy regarding student email and establishing site memberships. A single class account created by an extra email account and password (NOT the one you use for your own teacher-created sites) is an option, assuming students will not vandalize each other’s work.

Apture recognizes your any site/wiki/blog name you have entered into its system each time you go there. Therefore, enter only sites you intend for multimedia use. Do not check “remember me” when you log into Apture or others will be able to add mischievous links to your site from that computer! Apture may not be fully accessible inside your school filtering because of the bandwidth it requires or the sites it pulls up. Check in advance to be sure all portions you plan to use in class will be available at school.

Practical Tips: Demonstrate first on a projector or interactive whiteboard with a teacher account so students see how easy the tool is for those familiar with embedding. This will allow you to discuss reliability of links and appropriateness of content to the audience for their educational projects. Enter additional search terms to add new media through the Apture pop-up dashboard. If you are Apture-enriching content on your site/blog/wiki for students to use independently, think of all the possible questions that your students may have about the content and vocabulary. For example, we know certain words are stumbling blocks for students, yet students are hesitant to find the meanings on their own. Link a Wikipedia or other definition for instant access to the meaning. Since Wikipedia is user-generated content, consider requiring students to link to two or three different definitions/articles so they can see first hand the variability of web information. You will need to be sure that students actually READ what they link and do not simply subscribe to “more links are better” to impress you. Consider asking for justification or critique of the links they include.

Possible uses: On your own blog or class information site, link videos explaining a curriculum topic or definitions so students understand the full context of the sentence. Use Apture to teach about evaluating the reliability of web sources by creating multiple links from the same term on a teacher-created page for students to compare and evaluate. Students can use Apture on a blog or wiki can to link content from the web to the information they are discussing. Special ed teachers may want to work with content area teachers to create enriched versions of key content on a class blog so students can experience a multimedia review. ESL teachers may want to create class blogs or wikis collaboratively with students to add visual stimuli and prompts. Consider having your more able students create some of these pages independently as a gifted project for learning support students to use later. Or allow gifted students to go beyond the usual “connections” to higher level, deeper understanding.

A Tribute to Mothers.... Mother's Day Grade 1 to 8 - TheMothersDay.org.uk- 9291

This website offers a tribute to mothers. Learn about the history of Mother's Day, how to say mother in various languages, jokes, quotes, poetry, gift ideas, recipes, information about Mother Teresa, craft ideas, and more.

In the Classroom:
Use this website to provide some education about Mother's Day. Have your students learn how to pronounce "Mother" in other languages. Have your ESL and ELL students share how to say mother in their native languages. Teach about Mother Teresa, learn about the history of the holiday, read the poems, and explore this website together.

The Gift of Gatsby Grade 8 to 12 - Anissa Hambouz & Javaid khan- 9159

This site requires students to read a New York Times article about Gatsby (accessed through the site) and respond with a quiz and writing assignment. The entire activity is geared for comprehension of Gatsby in the urban classroom, but makes interesting discussion and learning in any classroom that teaches The Great Gatsby. Standards are included with the lesson plan.

In the Classroom:
The article and the accompanying interactive quiz are online, so it is essential for students to do this in a computer lab or an Internet-ready classroom. The plan includes classroom discussion of the quiz after students take it, homework as follow-up, evaluation, vocabulary, extension and interdisciplinary activities, as well as links to related sites on great books and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

3rd Grade Home Page Grade 2 to 4 - Kidport- 9080

This site, created for third grade students, offers links to activities in math, science, social studies, language arts, creative arts, and a reference library. Some of the subject areas only offer one or two activities, while others offer several topics. The topics vary greatly and include famous U.S. monuments, place value, energy, light, contractions, antonyms, synonyms, multiplications, drawing, matter, structure of the U.S. government, famous Americans, compound words, and countless others.

Although some of the activities are not highly interactive, they are well done and could be very useful in the classroom. Some of the pages do have advertisements, but they are not distractive. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
If you teach third grade (or are looking for some enrichment for gifted younger students), visit this interactive and eclectic website. Nearly all of these activities are ideal for an interactive whiteboard or projector. Use the activities to create learning centers or for research. List this site in your class newsletter and on your class website for students to use for additional practice at home.

Multiplication - Johnnie's Math Page Grade 3 to 6 - - 8978

This fabulous collection of interactive multiplication activities was organized by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). Some of the specific topics include flash cards, multiples of 10, multiplication tiles, factorization, and numerous others. Most of the activities require FLASH, some require JAVA. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Why not include a link to this website in your next class newsletter (and on your class website). This is a wonderful resource to use for additional practice, re-teaching skills, enrichment activities, or even advanced activities for your gifted students. All activities are ideal for an interactive whiteboard (or projector).

Mango Languages (beta) Grade 3 to 12 - Mango- 8748

This well planned site makes language learning easy. See a complete demo from a link on the "Features" page. Select the language you wish to study after free registration. Gifted students seeking independent study of a language will enjoy the extensive offerings.Lessons begin with a conversational preview. Each portion of the conversation appears on a separate screen, with multiple practices and translation. Hear native speakers pronounce the conversation sand explore many other rich features. If you mouse over the words, you can see the phonetic pronunciation. follow the color coding to see exactly which section of the language corresponds to the English. Although the site is in BETA as of this review, more language offerings appear frequently. Unfortunately the site does not offer English as a second language except to Spanish and Polish speakers. Presumably more English is coming.

This site requires FLASH. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Use this as a supplement to beginning language lessons or a marvelous enrichment when studying other cultures and countries. Share the link on your teacher web page for students to use as extra practice or study for tests. If yous school does not provide or permit student email accounts, a teacher can set up a class account using his/her "extra" email address and allow students to use that one account.

Sound Junction Grade 3 to 12 - Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (UK)- 8582

Want to know how music is really put together? Do you love exploring and creating different sounds? You don't need to be a music teacher (or teacher of gifted and talented) to appreciate this site, but if you are one, you will want to mark this as a Favorite immediately. As the site says itself, "You can take music apart and find out how it works, create music yourself, find out how other people make music and how they perform it, you can find out about musical instruments, and look at the backgrounds to different musical styles."

Interact with musical instruments or create your own music and share your composition with others on the web. Lively, crisp sounds echo from this site so use your best musical "ear." Teachers can find many ways to collaborate with others around the world by clicking "Find music teaching resources," an area that even includes Sound Junction activities created by other teachers. Free membership allows you to save music you create and save your "journey" through the site's tools so you can retrace your steps another day. If high school music students are allowed to use personal accounts, they can create music individually or in small groups. Even working together as a class is a remarkable experience from beginner to professional level.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to hook up speakers or headphones to share in class. Music teachers who have access to an interactive whiteboard can enjoy composing music together with the whole class, then posting to the web for the school community to enjoy. Elementary students will develop a better "ear" just from the Music Explorer which will "feature" different voices from within a piece of music. Both Explorer and Composer require a "Sequence Xtra" plug-in (offered for free download). Our editors had to try a couple of times to get the download to work properly, but the persistence was well worth it. Teachers of gifted will want to share this resource with their talented musicians. There is so much in this site it could take months to discover it all. Note: Do NOT try this site on anything but a fast Internet connection.

How Products are Made Grade 5 to 12 - Advameg, Incorporated- 8557

Got a curious student? Need a motivator to connect to science lessons? Trying to find real world applications of scientific principles? This site supplies volumes (literally seven volumes) of products and how they are made. Just click on the volume number and each list is alphabetized for your students' perusal. Don't just read the short excerpt about the product. Click on the product name to read full details on product purchasing, its history, and much more. Below the "Volumes" section is another section of inventors and their biographies.

In the Classroom:
When it is 'science report' time, direct your students to this site, loaded with hundreds of possibilities. Better yet, as you teach science principles, first share how something works that uses the same principle (on a projector or whiteboard). Then challenge students to find other REAL applications of the principle and create a class wiki glossary of concepts with example links. Model this the first few times, then assign them to work in groups. Since this site permits reader contributions at the end of entries, you may opt to find a product that needs more research and allow your students to add content information to the site (with your approval, of course). Every science teacher, gifted teacher, or tech ed teacher will want to share this site on your teacher web page.

Paper Toys Grade 3 to 10 - PaperToys.com- 8489

This crafty website provides students (and teachers) with directions to create paper toys. The patterns are printables on the web page. The website provides instructions for approximately 100 unique models. The types of models vary from monuments (such as the Chrysler Building or the Eiffel Tower) to holiday creations. There are printable instructions provided for each model. This website is a refreshing activity for art classes, social studies classes or any class seeking a creative method to use to re-create famous monuments and other objects or buildings.

In the Classroom:
The paper folding activities would work well with cooperative learning groups. For example, during a unit on architecture or structures, have each group recreate a different monument or architectural design. Then teach about the various concepts of architecture by using the groups' models. Ask gifted/talented students to analyze how the paper fold-ups work then design a model of your school. Some of the options are purely entertainment oriented. You may want to print the paper patterns yourself instead of sending students to the site.

Lovely Christmas Grade 1 to 8 - - 8393

This holiday website has a magnitude of information about Christmas. There are close to 100 articles of interest provided. Topics include Christmas around the world, crafts, cooking, entertainment, games, gifts, history and more! My personal favorite aspect of this website was the information provided about the Christmas traditions in America, Australia, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Scotland, Spain and other countries.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to check out this informative website when planning holiday lessons and festivities. Have a worldwide holiday celebration with traditional activities from different cultures and religions or include some of these explanationa as readings during a holiday musical program at your school.

Music Centre Grade 1 to 12 - Birmingham Grid For Learning- 8344

Music teachers and those who work with gifted and talented will LOVE this one. The sections include "Listening Room," "Sound Library," "Downloads," "Links," "Virtual Keyboard," "Ask an Expert," and "Mixing Studio." Students can listen to music, submit music mixes, play the virtual keyboard and even ask questions of a music expert. Be prepared for British spelling differences. The Discussion Area seems to be for people affiliated with the Birmingham, England area. This site requires Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
First, plug in speakers or headphones and turn up the sound! Share the virtual keyboard to teach basic music concepts on an interactive whiteboard without any REAL instruments. Assign students to create music mixes on laptops or lab computers using the downloadable software they offer (requires the ability to install software). For a less-technological challenge, use the Sound Library for students to hear specific types of instruments. For your 15 minutes of fame, record your school group playing copyright-free, original compositions for upload and sharing in the Listening Room.

Educational Games and Activities Zone Grade K to 8 - Woodlands Junior School- 8300

This website provides some awesome, higher-level thinking activities. There are challenges provided in various subject areas including logic, math, science, literacy, memory and more. The specific activities are extremely attention grabbing and diverse. Some of the activities include Word Blender, Tessellations, and Sokoban. Most of these activities require Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
This website literally provides activities on nearly all elementary subjects. The logic and mind stretcher activities are appropriate for elementary gifted students and middle school students. Get your entire class involved and use an Interactive Whiteboard!

Foreign Languages Grade 1 to 6 - South Carolina ETV and ITV- 8238

This Website is designed to meet the needs of schools that would like to offer foreign languages but have no language. It serves as an introductory-level course in French, German, or Spanish. Each 10-15 minute lesson presents many words, with emphasis on the spoken word rather than the written word. Teachers of gifted may have students who want to learn a language as independent study using this site. This site requires Adobe Acrobat Reader and Windows Media Player. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom:
Share the videos as a whole-class lesson on a projector. You will need speakers for the audio portions of this site. Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access as a reference. As you study different continents or cultures, include a little of the language to expose your students to the "sounds" of other places. If you have ESL students in your class, share a video for the native English speakers to better understand the experience of learning a new language.

Math Goodies Grade 5 to 9 - Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies- 8059

This site was created for middle school math, but could be used with gifted elementary students or older students needing some extra skill reinforcement. Many parts of this site are free for students, parents and teachers. Some of the resources are available by purchasing a CD. Specific math topics include logic, percent, perimeter, circumference, pre-algebra, statistics, graphs and more! This website includes interactive pages, printable worksheets, interactive puzzles and other math challenges.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to include this site on your teacher web page for students to access both in and outside of class for further practice.

Audio Books You Just Can't Buy Grade 9 to 12 - literalsystems.org- 8034

This limited selection of well-produced audio books in the public domain is unique in its selection of titles. New classic titles are constantly being added. Professionals read the books. Texts available as of spring, 2007 include: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; A Tale of Two Cities; Elephant's Child, The;Empty House, The;Excerpt from Don Quijote; Gift of the Magi, The; Goblin Market; Gunga Din; Happy Prince, The; Heart of Darkness; Highwayman, The; Monkey's Paw, The; On the Brighton Road; Red Room, The; Upper Berth, The.

In the Classroom:
Use these recordings for a new medium in literature study or for learning support/visually impaired students whose decoding skills hinder their appreciation of the literature. Those with MP3 players can download the files for portable listening.

Father's Day Activities Grade K to 3 - DLTK- 7923

DLTK has created this website that includes numerous crafts, poems, online puzzles, printable gifts, recipes and more.

The Giving Tree Lesson Grade 2 to 8 - TeachersFirst- 7894

A Christmas gift from one of our own staff, this lesson based on Shel Silverstein's book The Giving Tree is sure to get you students thinking about the Christmas spirit. We're also offering a place for you to share your students' responses on TeachersFirst's own giving tree.

In the Classroom:
This lesson can be adapted for use in language arts class with students of varying ability levels in grades 2 - 8. This lesson is also well-suited to a multi-age activity with "big buddies" and "little buddies" from upper and lower grades working together. School counselors and emotional support teachers may find this activity helpful for small groups working on social skills, as well.

Christmas Activities Grade K to 5 - - 7850

Here's a nicely done collection of activities, coloring items, and other Christmas treats for elementary students. Lots of printable sheets to color, letting students make gift tags, cards, and the like.

Oddball Grade K to 8 - - 7794

Oddball is a mind stretching mathematics challenge (in Java). For complete instructions, be sure to visit the "Note to Teachers" page. Be sure to explain the directions to your students prior to game time (detailed directions are provided on the site).

In the Classroom:
Use an interactive whiteboard to introduce and challenge your class to this mind-bending activity. Once you have explained the directions for the game and feel your students understand the challenge, head to the computer lab for individual fun! Be sure to include the link on your teacher web page for them to access both in and outside of class during "free" times. Teachers of gifted students should challenge their students to design a "winning" strategy for the game!

Space Poem Chain Grade 6 to 12 - Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency- 7777

Cross over from science to literature by participating in the Space Poem Chain. This "chain" originates in Japan, where weekly submissions have been selected during the six months from October 2006 to March 2007. Click on "concept" to read the background and details. The completed Space Poem Chain will be recorded on DVD and in late December 2007 sent up to the International Space Station in the Japanese Experimental Module Kibo. The project hopes to continue after this initial phase. The poem follows a traditional Japanese poetry form, but entries mat be submitted both in English and Japanese. See the full work, with beautiful space image backgrounds by clicking on "Space Poem Chain Gallery >Enter." The poem display requires FLASH and is sometimes slow to load.

In the Classroom:
Share this site as a unique participatory poetry experience, even after the initial project publication. Perhaps your students would like to launch a poetry chain within your school or on a class wiki open to students around the world. Teachers in science, English, and even gifted program classes have a unique opportunity to awaken interest. Make creative writing an open experience-- one that may even appeal to the "rocket scientists" in your class.

When you first visit the site, you may be prompted to download a Japanese language plug-in. You will be able to READ the site without it, but the legibility improves dramatically if you are permitted to download plug-ins on your computer.

Lateral Puzzles Grade 3 to 12 - WebRing- 7772

Build higher level thinking skills, especially flexibility in how students visualize and interpret a brief story. This challenging and interactive website has Lateral puzzles, both "active" and "solved." Registration is required if you guess an answer to one of the "active" puzzles. Registration is not necessary for reading the puzzles and clues. This site gives a lateral puzzle, and then the readers can ask questions to the original poster. Some of the "solved" puzzles could be used with younger students. However, the site is geared towards middle school and high school aged students.

Not sure what a Lateral Puzzle is? Read the FAQ section!

In the Classroom:
Challenge your class with a "lateral puzzle of the day". This site would be perfect for your gifted students or to get everyone thinking at the start of class. Be sure to include the link on your web page! For an extra challenge when students have mastered the puzzles, ask them to analyze how they work and write some of their own.

Picturing America Grade 5 to 12 - National EH/American Library Association- 7716

A new experimental program attached to the "We the People" program, Picturing America invites educators and school librarians to apply online for free 2'by 3' posters of artworks from America. Those selected for the gift (500 schools in all) will also receive reading lists and other information about the art. The deadline for applications is March 19, 2007!

In the Classroom:
Get free laminated copies of major artworksto use throughout your school. Grab an art tecaher or librarian to help you complete the application. If you don't try, you'll never win!

Learn Hebrew Grade 3 to 12 - Jacob Richman- 7702

This site pronounces Hebrew words written in Hebrew, as well as translations from a variety of other languages including English, French, Dutch,and more. The word pronounced is always in Hebrew.

In the Classroom:
You may have students learning Hebrew at their temple or synagogue, but this site will allow your students to explore the look and sound of another language. Gifted students may want to try learning basics in multiple languages. If you study the Middle East or world cultures, provide this link on your teacher web page for enrichment.

Books for Parents Grade K to 12 - TeachersAndFamilies- 7654

This website offers a variety of books for parents (about parenting topics). Some topics include gifted students, helping your child manage stress, money management for kids, homework tips, sleeping guides and more.

In the Classroom:
This article may be a useful reference for some of your parents. Share the link on your teacher web page, at conferences, or in a newsletter or note sent home.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Grade K to 12 - - 7574

My Hero Grade K to 12 - My Hero Project- 7433

Looking for an online project-based interactive website that encourages literacy and cross-cultural communication? Looking for an alternative culminating project or process writing project for your secondary classes? Trying to help your high school juniors and seniors create an interesting college "essay" or portfolio piece? Join other adults and children from around the world by adding your essay, artwork or video about a hero on this non-profit, ad-free web site. You and your students can use this site with basic word processing knowledge -- or take it further if you are more technically capable.Site registration is required. Site is available in Spanish. Flash, Acrobat Reader and Quicktime are required. Get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Be sure to visit the Teacher’s Resource section for helpful hints and links. Use any word processing program to type essays, then copy and paste into the My Hero class page. Provide a link to the class page on your teacher web page so students, parents, and relatives can read the essays. As always follow your district policies regarding posting student work on the Internet. It is HIGHLY advisable to get written parent permission for such a project!

Very young students could work together as a class to write their entry. Older students and those with more technology available will definitely want to try the videos! If you know iMovie or Windows Moviemaker, this is a terrific project. It is well-suited for gifted students, as well.

The Giver (webquest) Grade 6 to 10 - Amy Cordy, Jennifer Fouty, Marybeth Malone, and Ekaterina Rohal- 7310

A fairly fast moving webquest, this activity nonetheless provides opportunities to delve into the world of utopias. It also bases the evaluation of the final student project on four subject areas: social studies, language arts, art history and science. An Internet link goes to a cyberguide for the novel.

In the Classroom:
If you do not have enough time for en entire webquest, you may still want to do some of the activities or use the links with your class. A webquest is also an excellent independent activity for your more able students or for a gifted class, allowing you time to work in smaller groups with your struggling students. Bring in laptops for the webquest students to work in the room with you, if you have them available.

Collapse: Why Do Civilizations Fail? Grade 6 to 12 - Annenberg Media- 7278

This site looks at the collapse of several ancient civilizations and suggests why these civilizations did not last. The text is easy to read and is highlighted by learning activities and games that illustrate the issues under discussion. Featured civilizations include the Maya, Mesopotamia, the Anasazi of North America and the West African societies of Mali and Songhai. The strength of this site is its suggestion that there are commonalities that help us understand the collapse of a society. There are web links to further resources, and a summary featuring Percy Shelley's poem "Ozymandias", a nice literary connection. There are "hands on" activities scattered throughout, many including cross-curricular links to science or literature.

In the Classroom:
This site gives good concrete information, but its real power is in the greater consideration of the rise and fall of civilizations through history. This is a VERY thought-provoking collection of resources. Teachers interested in tying this discussion to current events might discuss the future of civilization in Iraq given the criteria for maintaining a society given in this site. Teachers of gifted could also use this site as the basis for a great social studies unit. If you own the old favorite computer game Civilization, you could put together some scenarios using that, as well.

PDF Pad Grade K to 12 - - 7191

This handy tool creates printables (Acrobat Reader format) to your specifications right from the web site. You can make calendars (customize, many options), musical staff paper, graph paper, and even an endless supply of sudoku puzzles! It is easy to figure out (simple pulldowns to make your choices). The Spanish language version is in development. Remember, this site uses Acrobat Reader, so you MUST have this plug-in. Get it (free) from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

In the Classroom:
Share this link with parents and students on your teacher web page. Students can make personal calendars to plan long-term projects or give as holiday gifts. You sudoku addicts willl love you for it!

Francais Interactif (Interactive French) Grade 6 to 12 - Dept of French and Italian, UNiversity of Texas at Austin- 6864

Learn first year French, learn about French culture, and practice to supplement your current classroom lessons using this highly interactive site created by faculty and students from UT Austin while on-site in Lyon, France. Preview all vocabulary and grammar topics from the Bienvenue section and at the opening page of each chapter. Start with the audio alphabet and go through thirteen chapters, including topics such as love and money! There are videos throughout the program, made by the Texas students (certain to be a hit with your high schoolers!)as well as web-based activities with questions to answer. Your students can even download or RSS feed all the videos as podcasts via iTunes. This is a real treasury of great lessons, ready to go! Gifted students or those who would like to teach themselves French independently could do well with this site, also. You MUST have Quicktime to play the audio and video.

In the Classroom:
Play the videos on a projector in class as you start each topic or put the link for each chapter on your teacher web page for reinforcement and review. Be sure to allow time for the videos to download. Make sure you have speakers or headphones, as well. You need the Quicktime plug-in. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

Analytical Problems And Puzzles Grade 3 to 12 - folj.com- 6853

This very simple site, created by an anonymous puzzle-lover, is a treasury for logic problems and lateral thinking puzzles to use in your classroom or beyond. Click on the puzzle type you want. Use them as brain warm-ups in a math or science class before venturing into problem-solving or inquiry process or simply to engage the brains before starting any activity. There are different levels of logic and different types of lateral thinking puzzles, each with a hint before revealing the complete answer. These puzzles would also be useful for gifted enrichment.

In the Classroom:
If you don't have time to spend on these in class as often as you would like, print out a single lateral thinking or logic problem each week for your bulletin board and let the students argue about it all week. Or include this link on your teacher website for the students to access outside of class. This site is a life-saver for your study hall the day before a vacation!

Sets and the Venn Diagram Grade 6 to 8 - The Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.- 6811

This web site provides a step-by-step lesson plan on teaching sets and Venn diagrams in an interactive format. Standards, supplies needed, prompting questions, worksheets, guided and independent activities are all included at this web site. The interactive link allows students to work on their new skills independently on the Internet. The web site is very simple, concise and easy to follow.

In the Classroom:
This site could be used as a whole class activity on a projector. The lesson plan provides numerous independent, small group and whole class activities sure to be useful in all classrooms. You may even want to include the link on your teacher web page for students to continue to reinforce skills at home. This lesson could also be used with elementary gifted students.

LearniT: Technology Videos Grade 4 to 12 - Nortel- 6719

For teachers or students who have not had the opportunity to learn technology skills from a real person, these video tutorials can be very helpful. They can also fill in gaps in basic computer knowledge. Topics range from Internet safety and Netiquette to more advanced video production, digital imaging, and web page creation. For your students doing independent projects, for basics before you launch into a full-class technology production, or even for teaching yourself as a teacher, these tutorials are approachable and fairly up-to-date. Make sure you choose the right level(s) for your students, since they may have better skills than you think. You can differentiate easily with the multiple skill levels available. This one takes a longer time to open, so be patient.

In the Classroom:
Include this link on your teacher web page or in Favorites in your computer lab or on a classroom machine for students to use as a reference. This can be a great help for students who move in and do not have the same background knowledge as the rest of the class or as a challenge to your techno-whiz or gifted student. These also can make excellent ready-to-go projected tutorials a substitute could show in preparation for an upcoming project.

Adapting a Musical Grade 9 to 12 - Kennedy Center ArtsEdge and Jayne Karsten, teacher - 6704

Help your students explore the implications of developing a musical from a literary text or an historical event by trying out this set of lessons.The plan includes suggestions for immersing students into the creative process of building a musical. Any literary source or sources already integrated into the curriculum could be used in this "test case" probe. Sources that do not seem to hold any promise for transformation are just as valuable as those that do. An ideal format would be to incorporate a text or texts that hold promise and one or more that seem non-transferable. Following are a few suggested titles that could be considered. Some seem rich in possibilities; others do not and may seem impossible choices. Creative students, however, may find possibilities in all of them. The plan includes a list of possible literary works from which to choose or get ideas and specific instructions on how the students could be divided to work together on specific tasks. It includes assessment.

In the Classroom:
This plan actually incorporates activities for five 45-minute lessons. This activity would make a challenging interdisciplinary activity as a culmination of a unit in a history class or in a gifted program.

MAKE Blog: Technology in your own time Grade 4 to 12 - MAKE Magazine Readers and Bloggers- 6690

Follow the blog entries by hands-on experimenters to find both complicated and simple "inventions" you and your students can build. Entries include photographs that bring them to life. Many may be more sophisticated than you can do in the classroom, but the blog entries explaining how the builder accomplished the task are terrific examples of scientific method and specific scientific concepts or solutions: sound, electricity, light, robotics, etc. The MAKE blog is also an endless source of ideas for classroom projects or science fair investigations.

In the Classroom:
Choose an entry each month or at the start of a unit/lesson as a real world application of scientific principles you have been or will be studying. What an anticipatory set or activator! Show it on screen in your classroom or link to it from your teacher web page. You could also use this site as an enrichment challenge for your gifted students as you study a concept. Have them search the blog to find a real world application of the principles you are studying.

Reading for the Fun of It: (Secondary): The Math-Literature Connection Grade 6 to 12 - ENC- 5205

This collection of entertaining books approaches math from many new perspectives, and provides readers with some engaging and thought-provoking scenarios. Secondary students can find out what happens to three-dimensional people in a four-dimensional world, or take a journey through the Amazon rain forest with a mathematically gifted parrot. Some clever cross-curricular possibilities can be found on this site. Just bring along your imagination.

Safe Biking Skills Grade 1 to 5 - - 4339

Give the best gift you can with that new bike - Rules for the Road. This site will help parents safe guard children against reckless behavior and ensure they understand how to behave safely riding a bike.

Mysteries and Forensic Science Grade 4 to 8 - Privately published- 4042

Also titled “Whodunnit,” this unit combines some introductory forensic science with a thematic analysis of mysteries in literature. Originally designed for gifted elementary students, the unit could be adapted up or down in the curriculum with some minor tweaking. Students and teachers alike can have fun with this one.

Real Design Grade 6 to 12 - Channel 4- 3802

This British site explains how industrial designers envision and execute projects ranging from large architectural efforts to product design and more. The content will challenge younger students, and high schoolers interested in technology will find the guided interactive explanations really useful.

In the Classroom:
Try this one if you're teaching technology education or have a gifted student searching for a project.

Invention at Play Grade 6 to 12 - Smithsonian Institution- 3799

Don’t miss this engaging exploration from the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for Invention. Learn why play is important for both adults and children, and discover the essential relationship between play, creativity, and invention. The site is loaded with interactive examples and games, and those with broadband connections will enjoy well produced video interviews and explanations.

In the Classroom:
Try this one if you work with gifted students or are planning a unit on invention or inventors.

Math Explorer Grade 6 to 8 - Exploratorium- 3778

The Exploratorium’s Math Explorer offers a set of games and tricks involving mathematical concepts, but specifically formatted for classroom use. (You learn how to set up and run each activity, and also how long each should take in the classroom.) Designed specifically for middle schoolers, these activities might also be used for elementary gifted students.

Questions About IQ Testing Grade 1 to 12 - Harcourt Publishing- 3528

A collection of frequently asked questions parents have about the IQ testing process.

Critical and Creative Thinking for the Gifted Grade 1 to 12 - - 3485

LD OnLine...The Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities Grade 1 to 12 - - 2012

An information-loaded site for parents, teachers, and children dealing with learning disabilities. It has a special section just for teachers with constantly updated material, as well as an online ordering service where you can read about and order books and videos. The "LD in Depth" section is especially helpful: you can find the latest news and articles by the experts on an array of topics, including Early Identification, Reading, Social Skills, Transition, Gifted/LD, and more. Click on "for Teachers" in this section to find teaching strategies, or visit the bulletin boards to exchange ideas with other teachers. Kidzone affords children with Learning Disabilities a place to "publish" their work. This is a "must see" site!

The Impact of Culture on U.S. Law Grade 8 to 12 - Yale University- 1626

By enacting mock-trials and other role-play on the direct conflict with the U.S. legal system and immigrants from the Hmong of Southeast Asia, Samoans, Japanese, Cuban, African and Vietnamese because of cultural and/or religious practices, students face the "growing pains that result from our great diversity" in this unit originally designed for gifted students.

E-Ready Special Education Resources Grade 1 to 12 - TeachersFirst- 1144

TeachersFirst offers a major collection of resources and information for teachers and parents of special education students.

In the Classroom:
This section includes teaching strategies, lesson ideas, and detailed information on meeting the needs of special education students within the rubrics of the IDEA legislation.

AIMS Puzzle Corner Grade 4 to 12 - AIMS Education Foundation- 999

Puzzles are highly motivational tools that capture the imaginations of students. To infiltrate the classroom with a vibrant brand of problem solving, this site offers a tantalizing educational bait-and-hook in the form of a new puzzle each month. Clearly illustrates puzzles and solutions. These ae not online interactives. The puzzles are explained in words or images on the web page. Some have downloadable pdf printables, as well.

In the Classroom:
Definitely include this one on your teacher web page for your bright but bored kids to challenge themselves both in and outside of class. Teachers of gifted will enjoy the varied levels available.

Use a puzzle as a "warm-up" at the start of math class every Monday to get the neurons connecting!

Questacon Grade 4 to 12 - Questacon- 119

This collection - part of an extensive site from Australia's Questacon museum - includes lots of optical illusions and deceptively simple puzzles designed to challenge perceptual abilities, logic, and higher-order thinking skills. It's a great place to send that student who's always ready for the next challenge.

In the Classroom:
Include this site on your teacher web page for students to access outside of class when they are looking for an extra mind-bending challenge. Also consider sharing this site with your teaching colleagues who work with gifted students.

Odyssey of the Mind Grade 1 to 12 - - 112

This is the website for the annual Odyssey of the Mind competition, an interscholastic competion in which teams compete in an attempt to solve one of five categories of problems.

In the Classroom:
Entry into the competition requires each team to purchase a membership. However, this is a great resource and opportunity for teachers who work regularly with gifted students needing an additional challenge. Consider purchasing such a membership for your students, or pass the site along to a fellow teacher who works regularly with such students.

MENSA Workout Grade 6 to 12