TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Feb 16, 2025
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
MultiSim Live Circuit Simulator - National Instruments
Grades
6 to 12
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Multisim is an interactive online platform designed for circuit simulation and electronic design. It provides teachers a practical tool for teaching electrical engineering and electronics...more
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Multisim is an interactive online platform designed for circuit simulation and electronic design. It provides teachers a practical tool for teaching electrical engineering and electronics concepts through hands-on simulations. The website allows students to design, simulate, and test circuits in a virtual environment, making it ideal for classroom use in STEM education. Multisim offers several free features, including a free software trial, educational resources like tutorials and guides, pre-built circuit simulation examples, and access to recorded webinars and instructional videos. Additionally, the platform includes pre-built templates, components, and analysis tools to help students understand circuit behavior, enabling teachers to create engaging lab activities, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving tasks. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): circuits (21), electricity (62), engineering (127), simulations (14), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Organize a challenge where students must design a circuit that meets specific criteria, such as creating a basic amplifier or a light-activated switch. Have students research a real-world electronic device and identify its key circuits. Assign students to explore different electronic components available in Multisim, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes. After designing and simulating a circuit in Multisim, students can collect data on its performance and represent their findings on graphs and charts on a resource such as Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Engineering - Crash Course
Grades
7 to 12
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Crash Course Engineering is a free digital tool that contains forty-four engineering videos. This series explains what engineering is, the different fields of engineering, and how engineers...more
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Crash Course Engineering is a free digital tool that contains forty-four engineering videos. This series explains what engineering is, the different fields of engineering, and how engineers see problems in the world and try to fix them. The topics covered in the videos include biodevices, aerospace engineering, environmental engineering, and heat transfer. The videos range in length from ten to twelve minutes. This site uses YouTube and has commercials before some of the videos.
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tag(s): aeronautics (10), energy (131), engineering (127), environment (246)
In the Classroom
After watching an engineering episode, students can create a flipped classroom using Moocnote, reviewed here to teach each other about their assigned videos. Add comments, links, and questions to online videos with MoocNote. If possible, students can conduct experiments or test their own engineering ideas. Finally, students can interview an engineer(s) virtually or in person.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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If You Build It: Engineering in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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If You Build It: Engineering in the Classroom is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here. This article...more
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If You Build It: Engineering in the Classroom is part of TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here. This article includes background knowledge that discusses the evolution of engineering from the development of simple machines through modern times. In addition, this section also provides a short introduction to the components of the engineering process. Activities provided include a list of picture books related to engineering and suggestions for student activities. Additional extension activities include ideas for incorporating coding and design into STEM lessons. Content on this site includes correlations to ISTE and AASL standards.
tag(s): book lists (166), coding (85), problem solving (228), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this article as a resource for incorporating literature into STEM lessons. Find many more resources at the TeachersFirst STEM-STEAM-STREAM Special Topics Page found here. Engage younger students in learning about the engineering design process by including the BrainPop activity reviewed here as part of a computer learning center. Extend learning for upper elementary and older students by asking them to complete activities found at Teaching NGSS Engineering Design Through Media, reviewed here. This collection includes lessons that include age-appropriate topics, such as how to keep lemonade cool for younger students and designing a smart power grid for high school students.
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STEM - STEAM - STREAM Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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If you are still getting familiar with STEM (STEAM or STREAM), learn all about them through the resources in this collection. What we once referred to as STEM (educational curriculum...more
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If you are still getting familiar with STEM (STEAM or STREAM), learn all about them through the resources in this collection. What we once referred to as STEM (educational curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering, and math) has evolved into STEAM and now STREAM. STEAM includes the original four areas and has integrated art into the mix. STREAM takes it further and adds a layer of reading and writing. You will find helpful information about STEM, STEAM, and STREAM in this collection. In addition, we have curated web resources for all grade levels to help as you plan your activities (lesson plans, interactives, and more).
tag(s): engineering (127), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
We have included resources for all grades. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions with each reviewed resource, give you ideas about using these tools in your classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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34 Highly Influential African-American Scientists - Interesting Engineering and Christopher McFadden
Grades
6 to 12
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This list shares information about 34 African-American scientists and their contributions to many different fields of science. Scroll through to learn about a pioneering ophthalmologist,...more
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This list shares information about 34 African-American scientists and their contributions to many different fields of science. Scroll through to learn about a pioneering ophthalmologist, a woman physicist who advanced the field of telecommunications, and a physician who developed a tool for use with gastric biopsies, among others. Each entry includes short biographical information along with a summary of their accomplishments.
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tag(s): african american (110), black history (130), careers (141), scientists (63), STEM (288), women (146)
In the Classroom
Include the information and scientists named in this article as a starting point for many different classroom uses. During Black History Month, feature one of the scientists included on the list each day. Share this list with students to use as a starting point for researching influential Black leaders or learning about career options. Engage students in understanding these African-American scientists' accomplishments using FigJam, reviewed here. Create a slide for each scientist, then ask students to add a sticky note with information learned about their career as they research their work and accomplishments. Ask students to create simple blogs using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. Telegra.ph is a no-fuss blog creation tool that makes it easy to create and share visually appealing blogs that include images, links, and text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MIT Full STEAM Ahead - MIT
Grades
3 to 12
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic...more
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic grade-level learning "packages" that include video, activities, and challenges in various topics. Content includes inventions, outer space, and music and sounds, among other topics. Many subjects also include activities that don't require Internet access. Additional links provide a curated list of learning games that promote 21st Century skills. All content is created for teaching in online or in-person situations.
tag(s): design (78), diseases (67), earth (184), engineering (127), game based learning (187), inventors and inventions (80), makerspace (40), sounds (43), space (216), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
As students participate in the activities and lessons shared on this site, utilize the many features of Google Documents or Microsoft Word to gather information, and collaborate with peers. Use spreadsheet tools to record findings and create graphs to evaluate the results of experiments. Engage students in the learning process by adding questions and comments to the videos in the learning packages using edpuzzle, reviewed here. Ask students to use Sway, reviewed here, to share the products of their learning activities. Add text, images, videos, and more to create multimedia presentations. Use the learning packages to find activities and resources to incorporate into your current learning units. Be sure to check out the interactives (games) that focus on problem-solving and collaboration skills.
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PictureStem Project - Tamara Moore, Kristina Tank, and Elizabeth Gajdzik
Grades
K to 3
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The PictureStem Project offers STEM teaching units for grades K-2 incorporating the engineering process and correlated to science standards. These three units - one each for grades...more
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The PictureStem Project offers STEM teaching units for grades K-2 incorporating the engineering process and correlated to science standards. These three units - one each for grades K, 1, and 2 include modular features that contain content within different lessons throughout the school day. Each lesson within a unit provides science concepts based upon literary connections using picture books. Select any unit to view and download the entire unit including printables.
tag(s): animal homes (57), animals (295), design (78), engineering (127), geometric shapes (135), main idea (8), measurement (123), numbers (119), patterns (62), phonics (51), preK (269), reading comprehension (149), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Enjoy these free, high-quality STEM units to use in your elementary classroom. As you teach lessons found on this site, enhance learning using a portfolio-creation tool like Seesaw, reviewed here, to share student work and reflections. Upload images of student projects then use Seesaw to add video reflections, students' written responses, and more. Share Seesaw portfolios with parents during parent/teacher conferences to demonstrate student learning. If you are unable to use the complete units in your classroom, be sure to look through the many lessons to "mine" for shorter activities that work in your teaching situation.
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Those Amazing Engineers - Those Amazing Professions Inc
Grades
6 to 12
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Those Amazing Engineers provides an introduction to engineering and careers in engineering through vibrant images, text, and video. Scroll through the home page (or click the menu in...more
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Those Amazing Engineers provides an introduction to engineering and careers in engineering through vibrant images, text, and video. Scroll through the home page (or click the menu in the upper right corner) to explore the many different types of engineers and follow links to learn more about each specific field. Additional links share information on workplaces, getting started in the field of engineering, and exploring options to find the type of engineering that appeals to individual interests. If your school blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): careers (141), engineering (127), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students as part of career exploration lessons. Instead of creating a list of sites to share with students, replace the list by saving bookmarks with Symbaloo, reviewed here, to make information easy to find and access. After researching the different engineering fields ask students to extend their learning and create a web page sharing a day in the life of their chosen field. Carrd, reviewed here, is a free webpage creation tool that provides many tools for professional-looking pages. Find many other resources to encourage creativity and engineering at TeachersFirst Makerspace Resources, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Babble Dabble Do - Ana Dziengel
Grades
K to 6
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Connect the arts and sciences through hands-on exploration with creative projects shared on Babble Dabble Do. Begin by selecting one of the four categories - art, science, engineering,...more
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Connect the arts and sciences through hands-on exploration with creative projects shared on Babble Dabble Do. Begin by selecting one of the four categories - art, science, engineering, or design for kids. Each topic includes many ideas for projects for preschoolers and up. Project ideas all include step-by-step directions with pictures, many also include videos. The videos are housed on YouTube; if your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): crafts (62), design (78), engineering (127), makerspace (40), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Be sure to add this to your toolbox of ideas for teaching STEAM topics and for ideas to use in classroom makerspaces. In addition to adding this site to your favorite bookmarks, consider creating a board on Pinterest, reviewed here, of sites with ideas for STEAM projects. Share the board with your peers and collaborate on adding STEAM sites as a group. Extend learning throughout and after project activities as you include student work as part of a portfolio on Seesaw, reviewed here. Seesaw offers tools for all ages of students to create digital portfolios including written or audio reflections on work. Instead of just sharing images of student creations on your Facebook page or school web page, help students enhance their learning by creating digital books using WriteReader, reviewed here, to share online for family and friends. WriteReader is a site specially created for use with younger students to share their writing and images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SciGirls Connect! - Twin Cities Public Television
Grades
3 to 12
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SciGirls Connect! provides resources to connect and encourage girls to engage in STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology) activities including videos, interactives, and hands-on...more
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SciGirls Connect! provides resources to connect and encourage girls to engage in STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology) activities including videos, interactives, and hands-on activities. Browse the site to find resources divided into topics including technology, role-model profiles, and various science themes. Additional information provides resources for teachers including participation and lesson guides. SciGirls Connect! places a heavy emphasis on providing resources in Spanish, these include Latina role-models and Spanish versions of most content.
tag(s): animal homes (57), animals (295), careers (141), earth (184), engineering (127), environment (246), graphic design (49), heart (27), nutrition (137), space (216), spanish (108), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Bookmark SciGirls Connect! as a resource for finding interesting classroom activities for both girls and boys. Consider creating an after-school club for girls to explore different STEM careers and activities; if possible, bring in female STEM leaders from your community to help host the club or provide ongoing activities and support. Encourage the use of technology by incorporating and embedding digital tools throughout your STEM lessons. For example, instead of asking students to take notes using pencil and paper, use Google Docs or Microsoft Word. As students continue through their learning activities, use editing tools in these office products to add comments, images, and additional information. Be sure to demonstrate how to view editing changes to your students so that they can look back and reflect on their work throughout the process. Encourage your students to reflect upon their work both during individual activities and throughout the year with the use of a digital portfolio tool like Seesaw, reviewed here. Use Seesaw to create individual accounts for students to take pictures, add video, and add written commentary as part of their reflection and assessment of activities. Really enhance student learning and technology use by letting them become the teacher. Extend learning and technology use by asking students to create podcasts using Anchor, reviewed here, to teach others about concepts in science and technology, or share information about STEM careers. In addition to podcasts, you can also extend technology use and learning by asking students to use a video explainer tool like Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here to demonstrate and share the procedures of experiments.
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The Curious Engineer YouTube Channel - Omkar Bhagat
Grades
6 to 12
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The Curious Engineer YouTube Channel provides monthly animated video explanations of the world around us. Categories include Latest, Popular, and Oldest. Browse through to find titles...more
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The Curious Engineer YouTube Channel provides monthly animated video explanations of the world around us. Categories include Latest, Popular, and Oldest. Browse through to find titles including How Touchscreen Works and Why our Sun will never become a Black Hole . Most videos run less than 5 minutes in length, providing short, yet interesting explanations of many topics. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): birds (46), computers (109), magnetism (37), maps (215), oceans (147), space (216), STEM (288), time (91)
In the Classroom
Share videos with students either on an interactive whiteboard, with a projector, or as a link on your class website. Many of the videos discuss computer programming concepts, making them particularly useful for Computer Science lessons. For more advanced classes, provide time for students to choose a video to view and research the underlying concept. Enhance learning by having students make a multimedia presentation sharing their findings using Class Tools', reviewed here Quickslide if you are starting the process of integrating technology into your classroom. Slides is an easy tool to manage if you are familiar with PowerPoint or Keynote. If you and your students are more advanced with technology, you may want to use a tool such as Canva, reviewed here, for students to create a custom poster, presentation, or flyer for relaying what they discovered.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Novel Engineering - The Novel Engineering Project/Tufts Center
Grades
K to 12
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Novel Engineering offers an integrated approach to teaching engineering with literacy. Learn about it through the short video on the home page. To find ideas, select the "BOOKS" link...more
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Novel Engineering offers an integrated approach to teaching engineering with literacy. Learn about it through the short video on the home page. To find ideas, select the "BOOKS" link at the top of the page. Choose from several well-known books to find the engineering problem(s) in the book and possible solutions from students.
tag(s): engineering (127), problem solving (228), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Don't let the simple look of this site fool you; this is an excellent resource for incorporating STEM topics into your reading activities. Use ideas from this site with the literature suggested, then come up with your own ideas for any other selection of literature. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration. Have students or groups collect ideas and findings using Padlet, reviewed here. The Padlet application creates free online bulletin boards.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Learn Engineering - The Physics Behind Engineering - Lesics
Grades
8 to 12
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The goal of Learn Engineering is to present "tough engineering concepts" in a logical and simple way. Click Blogs from the top menu to choose from one of the main ...more
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The goal of Learn Engineering is to present "tough engineering concepts" in a logical and simple way. Click Blogs from the top menu to choose from one of the main fields of engineering on the top menu- automobile, mechanical, electrictronics, aerospace, and others to begin. Subcategories within each section answer questions using labeled images and detailed image explanations, and have videos. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): careers (141), engineering (127), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Share information on the site during career lessons and activities. Share this site with parents as a resource for learning more about careers in engineering. During a unit in careers, divide students into small groups (their interest) to cover all engineering fields, and challenge them to create a multimedia presentation using Presentious, reviewed here, and present their findings about that field to their classmates. Presentious is a mix of the best parts of slide and video recordings, in one new format and is easy to use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Instructables - Project Based Engineering for Kids - Autodesk, Inc.
Grades
K to 8
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Discover a collection of problem-based learning engineering lessons for building models in the areas of physics and structural and mechanical engineering. For each topic, a video with...more
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Discover a collection of problem-based learning engineering lessons for building models in the areas of physics and structural and mechanical engineering. For each topic, a video with step by step construction directions accompanies a necessary list of materials. Create your project, and let the explorations begin. Explore ideas given for basic explanations or ideas to test for some of the buildable models. Create a collection, share, or add some ideas for activities. Topic ideas include slingshot rockets, rubber band helicopters, extending grabber, simple pneumatic machine, cork shooter, catapults, slingshot cars, truss bridges, simple sail car, marble roller coaster, gliding car, tower tornado, and crash test cars, among others. Share this awesome find on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, or email. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): engineering (127), makerspace (40), Problem Based Learning (12)
In the Classroom
Bring out the "inner engineer" in each of your students! During physical science units, visit this collection to get directions for students to build simple models to supplement content. You might want to visit the accompanying site How to Teach Project Based Engineering to Kids before getting started. Students can work in small groups to create a project. Different groups can demonstrate different laws of physics. Add this to your class website as a do-at-home project to encourage exploration at home. During language arts when focusing on using concise, clear, language, listen to the directions and use as a model. Enhance learning by having students write the scripts for creating other models using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Using these online documents affords many benefits, including the ability to add comments, highlight information, and add links to online information. Extend learning by having students create a multimedia presentation featuring the directions and construction of the student model using Google Drawings, reviewed here. With Google Drawings, students can annotate, narrate, and add related links to an image. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here. In gifted and talented classes or pull out programs, consider for a beginning of a deeper understanding of the concepts. Move forward with virtual field trips to see the "real" machines at work. Find ideas for after school clubs, camps, and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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