TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Feb 15, 2015
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Tracker - Douglas Brown
Grades
9 to 12
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So what can you do with a tool that is used for analysis of videos? How about tracking the motion of an object across frames, including data on position, velocity, ...more
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So what can you do with a tool that is used for analysis of videos? How about tracking the motion of an object across frames, including data on position, velocity, and acceleration? Download this tool for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Start by obtaining a high speed video using YouTube, a portion of a taped movie on a DVR, or from other video footage. Open the Tracker software and import the video. Find the portion of the video you want to use (frame numbers are given). Click video properties in the lower right. If the video segment is large, change the step size (number of frames looked at each time) to more than one. Set the end frame number. In order to view speed, you need to create a scale for the video. For example, choose an object in the video that you can measure. (Make sure you know how big the object actually is.) Click the tape measure tool, then drag the blue arrow around to define the size of the object. Use the tutorials on the download page to learn to manipulate and analyze the position time graph. Be sure to check out the Tracker Video Tutorials for directions for using Tracker.
In the Classroom
Use this tool to get your student's attention using a well known video. For example, analyze the speed of blasters in Star Wars or any other movie with awesome effects. Use this tool to track the position, velocity, and/or acceleration of sports, performance of magic tricks, etc. Use this tool for Physics experiments and analysis of the motion.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Slides - Whim, LLC
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Slides is a superb site to create and share powerful presentations. Edit and store your Slides presentations online. Presentations are viewable on desktops and mobile devices. Slides...more
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Slides is a superb site to create and share powerful presentations. Edit and store your Slides presentations online. Presentations are viewable on desktops and mobile devices. Slides uses HTML5 to accommodate iOS. Sharing Slides is a cinch with all the features offered to creators, and this site accommodates your presentation preferences. Send a Slides presentation through email, print as a PDF, present offline, or sync with your DropBox account, reviewed here. Collaborate with a teammate or keep your work secure and private. Custom CSS is available for your own themes or tweak Slides templates provided for your convenience. Slides offers other fantastic features such as math formulas to insert in your presentations as well as a revision history. The many style options make Slides a slick site to create presentations. Premium options are available for purchase. However, this review only highlights the free features of the site.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): slides (42)
In the Classroom
Use Slides to support presentations in the classroom. Challenge your writers to create short stories that include their artwork, and publish with Slides. Search for Creative Commons licensed images related to classroom content using Vecteezy, reviewed here, to create a slideshow. Slides is a great resource for your BYOD classroom. Create supporting presentations for lessons and take advantage of the math formula feature. Encourage students to create presentations to support book talks and share them on a library website. Slides is your collaboration destination for students to work together on assignments.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Timeline: US-Cuba Relations - Council on Foreign Relations
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
With the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba, it's helpful to understand the context of the often-troubled relationship between these two countries since the onset of...more
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With the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba, it's helpful to understand the context of the often-troubled relationship between these two countries since the onset of the Cold War. This interactive timeline provides images, historical information and links for further explanation for the time period from 1959 through the present. It's also possible to share the timeline or to embed it into a website or blog.
tag(s): 20th century (61), cold war (31), communism (3)
In the Classroom
No lesson on the Spanish American War, the Cold War, or US diplomatic relations within the Americas is complete without an examination of the tensions between the US and Cuba. The timeline is suitable for use on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Share or embed this tool into a classroom website or blog.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Make A Roman Mosaic - Jo Edkins
Grades
3 to 12
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Create your own Roman Mosaic with this interesting online tool. Choose a color and mosaic piece then click to add to your design. When complete, copy and paste the code ...more
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Create your own Roman Mosaic with this interesting online tool. Choose a color and mosaic piece then click to add to your design. When complete, copy and paste the code generated into a word processor file. Learn more about Roman designs by clicking links to information about the different patterns such as Greek Key, Maze, and Knot.
In the Classroom
Demonstrate how to use this tool on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Share this tool during art class to incorporate art into history lessons. Have students create their own designs and practice patterns. Create a Roman Mosaic to incorporate into classroom reports. Use this tool in math class when teaching about symmetry. In geometry class challenge students to create shapes using this tool.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Mighty - Mike Porath
Grades
6 to 12
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Read about power and strength in those with disabilities and disease through the short stories at The Mighty. Formed on the premise that our greatest challenges become our greatest...more
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Read about power and strength in those with disabilities and disease through the short stories at The Mighty. Formed on the premise that our greatest challenges become our greatest opportunities, each short story tells a tale of positive inspiration in facing a challenge. Browse the home page to find the latest articles or use the keyword search to find information on a specific topic. Be sure to browse the Archives, too!
tag(s): disabilities (30), diseases (67)
In the Classroom
Share The Mighty with parents and even older students as a resource for finding positive news about those with disabilities. Read these stories together on your projector or interactive whiteboard to teach about tolerance and acceptance of differences. Encourage parents and students to submit their own story of inspiration to the site. Search for articles dealing with challenges your students face to read and discuss together.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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After the Deadline - polishmywriting.com
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Revise your writing using After the Deadline's grammar checker. At this simple demonstration you copy and paste any text or document into the box. Click on "Check Writing" to receive...more
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Revise your writing using After the Deadline's grammar checker. At this simple demonstration you copy and paste any text or document into the box. Click on "Check Writing" to receive feedback. The site provides color-coded suggestions for revisions in spelling, grammar, or style. If you like After the Deadline, they offer an add-on for the Firefox web browser and an extension for the Google Chrome web browser. There are also plug-ins for self-hosted WordPress blogs and forums.
tag(s): editing (92), proofreading (21), writing (318)
In the Classroom
Use this visual revision program with your students who are ready to refine and improve their writing. After the Deadline is a wonderful program to use for revision after self-editing of grammar and mechanics is complete. Put the URL on your website for students and parents to use from home. Remind seniors to use it for their college essays. Use this tool to polish your professional writing, parent newsletters, blog posts, and papers for grad classes!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Group Maker Tool - Instant Classroom
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Create random groups quickly with the Group Maker Tool. Click "Create a Group Now" to begin and follow prompts to set up your groups. You will need to provide an ...more
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Create random groups quickly with the Group Maker Tool. Click "Create a Group Now" to begin and follow prompts to set up your groups. You will need to provide an email and create a password for your group. Add up to 100 names to your class list. Choose the number of groups to make. You can even choose to make pairs!
tag(s): Teacher Utilities (157)
In the Classroom
Although a bit awkward and slow to get started, this tool is helpful for creating random groups for many purposes. It is best to create your class list ahead of time then you can easily create groups anytime on the fly! Use this tool to create groups for cooperative learning, class plays, presentations, computer centers, field trips, and much more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bozeman Science YouTube Channel - Paul Andersen
Grades
9 to 12
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This YouTube channel covers a variety of science topics in an entertaining and engaging way. View playlists for various subjects such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and more....more
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This YouTube channel covers a variety of science topics in an entertaining and engaging way. View playlists for various subjects such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and more. View the most popular videos such as A Tour of the Cell and Photosynthesis. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): atoms (44), cells (82), dna (42), elements (34), energy (130), forces (37), mass (19), meiosis (7), mitosis (8), molecules (44), motion (49), photosynthesis (20)
In the Classroom
Flip your classroom and use a video as homework. Have students take notes about the material and write down questions they still have and topics that confuse them. That activity can uncover misconceptions. Show the video to the class, and then discuss the concept at length. For more advanced classes, provide time for students to choose a video to view and research the underlying concept. To share a single video from this site without all the YouTube clutter, use a tool such as Clipchamp, reviewed here, or Watchkin, reviewed here. Students can create a mini-lesson that can be shared with the class or on a blog, wiki, or your class website. Challenge cooperative learning groups to create videos and share the videos on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Deep Sea Dive - Harvey Water Softeners
Grades
1 to 10
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What will you find at the various depths of the ocean? Harvey Water Softeners takes you on a deep-sea dive to find out. Simply scroll down through this page to ...more
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What will you find at the various depths of the ocean? Harvey Water Softeners takes you on a deep-sea dive to find out. Simply scroll down through this page to view facts in bubbles beginning at the surface level down to 36,000 feet below the surface at the ocean's deepest point.
tag(s): animal homes (55), animals (283), habitats (86), oceans (149), plants (147), Research (84)
In the Classroom
Use the interactive Deep Sea Dive as an interesting way to introduce an oceans unit. After viewing, have students research different ocean animals and plants, then modify classroom technology use and enhance learning by having students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Visme, reviewed here. Replace paper and pencil by using an online tool such as the Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here, to explore ocean animal adaptations. Transform classroom technology use by having students use a mapping tool such as Zeemaps, reviewed here, to create a map of locations used with the Deep Sea Dive (with audio stories and pictures included)!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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LearnEnglish232.com YouTube Channel - learnenglish232.com
Grades
8 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn English 232 offers up to date video lessons on current English slang, phrasal verbs, and common phrases. Each video is under 5 minutes to provide quick information for English...more
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Learn English 232 offers up to date video lessons on current English slang, phrasal verbs, and common phrases. Each video is under 5 minutes to provide quick information for English Language Learners. WARNING: this site does include some mature content (slang). PREVIEW before sharing with the class.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): idioms (32), slang (15), vocabulary development (87)
In the Classroom
Share the video clips on your interactive whiteboard or projector. In pairs have students list idioms they did not understand. Create another list of new vocabulary words. Have students try Funnelbrain, reviewed here, to create flashcards of the new idioms and vocabulary to help them bring the words into their active vocabulary.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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