TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Aug 16, 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
VideoLink - Safe YouTube Videos - Wessam El Mahdy
Grades
K to 12tag(s): adhd (28), classroom management (123), internet safety (112), Special Needs (56), video (262)
In the Classroom
Share "distraction-free" videos on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Removing distractions and having confidence in removing any offensive content makes for a better learning experience. Use this tool to limit distractions for your ADD/ADHD, Autistic, unfocused Gifted, and other special needs students. Less distraction = better learning experience for all.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Patch - Tim Armstrong
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): news (228), newspapers (92)
In the Classroom
Patch is ideal for use when learning about your community. Create a link on classroom computers for students to read and explore. Become a contributor to Patch by sharing stories of events and information from your school and classroom. Have students contribute top stories locally with those from around the nation (or world). Put in the name of any city in the US for students to read about local information. If you have penpals or collaborate with another classroom via Twitter, learn more about their community through Patch.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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energy4me - energy4me
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): careers (141), energy (131), engineering (126), fossil fuels (10), oil (22), STEM (284)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans (and interactives, of course). Use this site as the starting point for individual or group projects. Share videos from the site as part of your career unit. Be sure to provide a link to interactives on classroom computers and your class web page for students to explore on their own.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OldNYC - Mapping Historical Photographs of New York City - New York Public Library's Milstein Collection
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): 1900s (73), 20th century (62), images (261), new york (24), photography (118)
In the Classroom
If you teach about local history, inspire students by sharing this site first, then have them create a wiki about your town! Not comfortable with wikis? Check out TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through. Get your interactive whiteboard or projector ready for this photographic journey. Share photos from different time periods as you study different eras from the 19th and 20th centuries.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Teacher Toolkit - The Region 13 Educator Certification Program (ECP)
Grades
K to 12tag(s): back to school (62), classroom management (123), reading strategies (103), Teacher Utilities (159)
In the Classroom
Keep lessons engaging and interactive with these Tools. For instance use the Quiz, Quiz, Trade activity to get students up and to interact with questions for review before a test. To structure a meaningful discussion try the 5-3-1 activity. Use the Gallery Walk to review and get students discussing the unit or topic just finished. With the Gallery Walk, student groups could create posters (maybe a picture summary of something just read in class) and walk around observing and taking notes from others' posters. Or, to enhance learning, have students use Genially, reviewed here, to create digital posters that can include maps, surveys, video, audio and more. Then, have students complete a digital Gallery Walk, reviewing posters on each others computers. There are dozens more strategies for you to try at The Teacher Toolkit.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Game of Chromes - Meredith Martin
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): computers (110), flash cards (42), search engines (49), spreadsheets (22)
In the Classroom
Print this set of flash cards for use when introducing or reviewing Google tools. Modify and change the cards to fit any unit. For example, create a complete set just for Google Documents or Google Search. Have students edit the flash cards for review on creating slide shows or spreadsheets. Use this set of flash cards as an opening when presenting information on Google to other teachers and staff.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PrepFactory - Darin Singh
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): test prep (69)
In the Classroom
Share PrepFactory with students and parents as they prepare for SAT and ACT tests. Share this as an alternative to paid programs. Create a class account and practice together. Problem sets and videos are timed and only include a few questions at a time making it perfect for use on your interactive whiteboard or projector for short study sessions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Three Acts of a Mathematical Story - Dan Meyer
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): equations (119), geometric shapes (135), money (114), percent (58), perimeter (20), variables (14), volume (34)
In the Classroom
Work together with a colleague to learn more about the Three Acts Mathematical tasks strategy. Use tasks in your classroom for enrichment for gifted students, as extra credit, or as weekly homework. Have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools, reviewed here, to share steps for the problem solving process.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Simple Sticky Notes - Simnet Limited
Grades
1 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brainstorming (18), graphic organizers (49), note taking (36)
In the Classroom
Stay organized and never lose that sticky note again! Make notes for conferences, lab materials, books needed, or even parent conferences. Use on your interactive whiteboard to create a fun brainstorming session. Use as a way to motivate unorganized students. Post a link on your class web page as a tool for students and even parents! Post on student computers and fill with inspirational messages, vocabulary or spelling words, or even for reflection questions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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