TeachersFirst Responding with Wonderment and Awe (Habit of the Mind) Resources
Remember that feeling of pure fascination when you first saw a shooting star or finally understood how a complex puzzle fit together? That’s exactly what the Habit of the Mind - Responding with Wonderment and Awe is all about! This often-overlooked habit is one of the most powerful that educators can nurture. In our rush to cover content and meet standards, it's easy to forget that curiosity and joy are actually cognitive tools, not just nice bonuses. When students approach learning with a sense of wonder, they're more engaged, more persistent, and more likely to remember what they've discovered. The resources in this collection are designed to help you cultivate that sense of "wow" in your classroom—whether you're teaching math, literature, history, or science. Some examples included in this collection: high-definition science pictures of the day, live feed cams of animals and places, interactive math or art tools, collaboration whiteboards to use for “I wonder” questions, citizen science projects, “how things work” videos, interactive museum video tours and exhibits, brainteasers, optical illusions, and more. Use these resources to turn your classrooms into places where "I don't know" is just the exciting start of a brand-new adventure!
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5 Science Experiments Inspired by Harry Potter - Edutopia
Grades
3 to 8
tag(s): experiments (68), light (61), magnetism (40), matter (52)
In the Classroom
Introduce a fictional object, such as an invisibility cloak, a flying broom, or a magic potion. Ask students to brainstorm how the object might work, using real scientific concepts such as force, energy, light, or chemical reactions. Choose a "magic" effect such as color-changing liquids, floating objects, or disappearing ink. Have students perform a simple experiment, then explain the underlying science behind the effect. Give students a brief fantasy scenario in which a character must solve a problem using science. Have students work in groups to decide which scientific knowledge would be most helpful and present their solution to the class.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Magic Science Experiments - Science Fun
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): air (28), chemicals (37), experiments (68), forces (48), light (61), magnetism (40), motion (57)
In the Classroom
Choose one magic science experiment and have students perform it in small groups. After completing the activity, students can write or discuss why the trick worked using the science explanation provided on the site. Before experimenting, ask students to predict what will happen. After the experiment, students can compare their predictions to the results and explain what they learned. After trying a few experiments, challenge students to invent their own "magic trick" that uses a real science idea. Students can explain the science behind their trick and demonstrate it for the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Explore Live Nature Cams - EXPLORE.org
Grades
K to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): animals (279), ecosystems (108), habitats (105), webcams (20)
In the Classroom
Play a live cam feed for a few minutes and have students record what they see in their science journals. Students can write or draw the animals, describe their behavior, and note the habitat. Pause the video and ask students to predict what the animal might do next based on what they know about the species. Have students pretend they are one of the animals on the live cam and write a journal entry using Book Creator, reviewed here about their day. Students should include details about the animal's habitat, diet, and the challenges it might face.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Fractivities - Fractal Foundations
Grades
K to 12tag(s): collaboration (119), commoncore (62), patterns (79), problem solving (275)
In the Classroom
Have students work in groups to create a large fractal design, such as the Sierpinski Triangle, using paper shapes or index cards. Each group can build a small part, then the class combines the pieces into one large pattern. Have students design their own fractal artwork using drawing, coloring, or digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here. They can repeat shapes, zoom in on patterns, or create symmetrical designs inspired by the examples on the site. Use one of the Fractivities worksheets to explore how fractals relate to fractions, multiplication, or geometry. Students can calculate how many shapes are added at each step and predict what will happen next.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Examples of Maths Magic Found in Nature - Akribian
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): geometric shapes (153), patterns (79), pi (27), symmetry (31)
In the Classroom
Have students look at pictures from the website and identify mathematical patterns such as spirals, symmetry, or repeating shapes. Students can record what they see in a chart and explain the different math patterns they find. Students choose one example from the site, such as a shell, a flower, or a honeycomb, and draw it, labeling the mathematical features they notice. Take students outside to look for natural objects that show math patterns, such as leaves, rocks, clouds, or tree bark. Students can sketch or photograph what they find and describe the shapes, symmetry, or patterns they observe. After learning how nature uses math, students can design their own nature-inspired object, such as a strong bridge based on honeycomb shapes or a spiral design based on shells. Students explain how math helped their design work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Fantastic Examples of Fractals in Nature - Mathnasium
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): geometric shapes (153), patterns (79), problem solving (275)
In the Classroom
After reading the article, have students look for fractal patterns in pictures or outside on the playground. Students can sketch or photograph examples such as leaves, trees, clouds, or shells and explain how the pattern repeats. Teach students how to make a simple fractal design, such as a repeating triangular or square pattern or a branching tree, using paper folding or drawing. Students can color-code the repeating parts to clearly show the pattern. Students can create their own fractal-inspired artwork using markers, rulers, or digital drawing tools such as Draw.to, reviewed here. Encourage them to repeat the same shape in progressively smaller sizes to demonstrate the fractal effect.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Minds Kids - Habits of Minds Kids
Grades
4 to 6tag(s): empathy (68), senses (22), thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lessons from the website. Students can create a comic showing responsibility, understanding, or empathy using Free Comic Strip Maker by Adobe, reviewed here. Students can use ScreenPal, reviewed here to create short videos modeling the different Habits of Mind.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind Explorer - Habits of Mind Insitute
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (182), preK (323), problem solving (275), social and emotional learning (197), thinking routines (42), thinking skills (125)
In the Classroom
Include this resource as part of a project-based learning unit by having students choose one habit to focus on as they work through a complex challenge. For a social studies project exploring historical figures, students can analyze which habits, like Taking Responsible Risks or Striving for Accuracy, were most critical to their subject's success. After conducting research, students can organize their insights and provide examples of these habits in action by creating a collaborative digital board with Lino, reviewed here. To take the reflection deeper, ask students to map out their own growth in that specific habit by creating a visual journey or mind map using MindMup, reviewed here shifting focus from just learning facts to understanding the mental behaviors that drive achievement, helping students become more self-aware and intentional learners.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Welcome to Brains On! - Brains On! Universe
Grades
K to 12tag(s): podcasts (168)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to an episode and jot down questions, surprising facts, or favorite moments in a Padlet reviewed here to post questions and comments. Use the provided educator lesson plans to explore the episode's topic in greater depth. Assign a short project, such as building a paper-making model after the "How is paper made?" episode, or writing a narrative from the perspective of a brain cell after "How much can your brain hold?" Students can use Google My Map, reviewed here to visit the places that are featured in some of the episodes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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But Why - Vermont Public
Grades
K to 12tag(s): podcasts (168)
In the Classroom
View the learning guide to prepare for the lesson and find additional classroom use ideas. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post questions and comments. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to keep a list of questions to ask for future episodes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NASA's Visual Universe - Google
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (322), space (249), STEM (372)
In the Classroom
Have students browse the website to select their favorite images and create a collage that represents their vision of space exploration. This can be done digitally using PhotoCollage reviewed here or on paper. Assign students to create a timeline of significant NASA missions or advancements, using images and videos from the site to illustrate key events. Students can use Class Tools, reviewed here Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here to created the timeline on a device. Students can keep a journal while exploring the website, noting interesting images, themes, or facts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PhET Interactive Simulations - University of Colorado
Grades
K to 12tag(s): acids and bases (10), area (52), atoms (44), charts and graphs (181), electricity (63), fractions (178), functions (59), gravity (52), light (61), magnetism (40), matter (52), molecules (43), ph (2), probability (129), quadratics (27), simple machines (22), simulations (47), sound (74), space (249), STEM (372)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to explore a PhET simulation related to a current science topic, such as circuits, gravity, or states of matter. They can make predictions before interacting with the simulation and record their observations to compare with their initial ideas. Give students a scavenger hunt worksheet with specific challenges to complete in a simulation (ex., "Find a way to make a circuit light up" in the Circuit Construction Kit). Students design a virtual experiment using a PhET simulation. They choose a variable to change, make a hypothesis, run multiple trials, and record their results in a data table or graph before sharing their findings. After using a PhET simulation, students discuss or write about real-world applications of what they learned (how forces affect roller coasters, how molecules move in different states of matter) and present their findings using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Figjam - Figma
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (322), charts and graphs (181), collaboration (119), graphic organizers (58), iwb (29), mind map (33), timelines (60), Whiteboard (12)
In the Classroom
Use FigJam in many ways to engage learners and support classroom instruction, such as using sticky notes for a collaborative brainstorming activity. Use the drawing tools and ask students to label places, plant parts, and more. Use FigJam templates to create all-about-me activities, such as class check-ins and exit tickets, Frayer Model activities, and much more. Learn more about FigJam's many features and how to get started by viewing this tutorial from FigJam.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), environment (249)
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about many citizen science opportunities. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons to encourage students to get involved in citizen science activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Take a Virtual Field Trip - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): adaptations (19), africa (162), amazon (11), animals (279), archeology (26), architecture (83), aviation (51), california (18), central america (26), chemicals (37), climate change (112), colors (64), coral (11), dinosaurs (48), earth (192), earthquakes (51), ecosystems (108), endangered species (29), evolution (85), first ladies (4), flight (33), fossils (44), france (38), insects (63), inventors and inventions (89), italy (27), machines (17), magnetism (40), martin luther king (42), medieval (36), mexico (67), migration (45), molecules (43), moon (87), peru (6), presidents (151), railroads (17), rainforests (16), respiration (10), romans (52), shakespeare (98), south africa (31), van gogh (8), virtual field trips (142), volcanoes (59), women (189), world war 1 (86)
In the Classroom
Be sure to take advantage of the guide on this site for taking a virtual field trip. In addition, the guide offers suggestions and lesson plans for making the most of virtual field trips. Use any of the included field trips as an engaging introduction to a range of topics. For example, several field trips take viewers underwater and use these excursions to introduce a unit on ocean animals, climate change, or the oceans worldwide. Use Figjam, reviewed here for students to share notes, questions, and information learned throughout the activity. Instead of assigning a typical research project, ask students to create a virtual field trip using Google My Maps, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Brain Teasers and Puzzles - Brain Easer
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (182), geometric shapes (153), patterns (79), Problem Based Learning (13), problem solving (275)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this brain teaser site to use throughout the school year. Share a problem of the week with your students to complete as homework or during a work center. Provide teasers of different levels of difficulty to differentiate and challenge your students. Enhance student learning by asking them to explain their success in solving challenges and sharing their process to find the correct solution. Use Padlet, reviewed here, to share your weekly teasers, then have students create and share a video response. This is a link to Padlet's Help section for posting video or an image. Extend learning further by creating a class book using Imagine Forest, reviewed here. Use Imagine Forest to make and share a digital book of brain teasers. Use the interactive elements to add links to audio suggestions for tackling problems or link to video solutions on the final pages of your book.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google Arts and Culture - Google
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): art history (105), artists (101), museums (55), virtual field trips (142)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students and allow them time to explore on their own. Encourage students to find and share interesting art and activities with their peers. Use Padlet, reviewed here, as a collaborative tool for students to share items from this site. Ask them to include a link to a favorite portion, then add a comment on why they found it interesting. Include information from Arts & Culture when studying historical events to provide interest and perspective on that period. Have students use a map storytelling tool such as Google My Maps, reviewed here, to add information found on this site and others to tell the story of art around the world throughout history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Explore Live Cams - Charles Annenberg Weingarten
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (162), animals (279), birds (47), fish (16), habitats (105), oceans (142), webcams (20)
In the Classroom
Bring lessons about animals to a whole new level when watching them in their natural habitat. Learn about elephants in Africa, bears in Alaska, and many more animals just through observation. Help students learn observation and research skills using webcams. Begin by sharing this site with your students and encourage them to select a webcam for their research. Another option is to focus on webcams based on geographic location or species of animals. Ask students to record notes digitally using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Encourage students to include questions during their observations, then include links to additional information within their document. Take advantage of the snapshot feature or show students how to take a screenshot without having to register on the site. Enhance learning by asking students to annotate images using Image Annotator, reviewed here, to share observations, and include links to videos and additional information. If viewing webcams at the same time each day, use a screen recording tool like Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here, to record video observations for several days, then have students analyze and compare animal activity during that time. As a final project, and to extend learning, ask students to use Book Creator, reviewed here, to create a digital book about their observations that includes information from their notes, images, and video screen recordings. Of course, be sure to follow all guidelines for using digital content from online sources.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Microsoft Bing - FUN - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): logic (165), Microsoft (55), problem solving (275), puzzles (166), trivia (18)
In the Classroom
Include Bing Fun as a link on your classroom computers and share the link on your class webpage. Have students try their skill on Sudoku and other logic puzzles to increase problem solving skills. Use the current news questions as a starting point for discussions in social studies classes. Ask students to choose one of the questions as a starting point for digging deeper into the topic. Have students share weekly podcasts discussing current topics and background information. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, provides free podcasting tools.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks - Google Arts & Culture
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): alaska (22), florida (12), hawaii (9), landforms (35), national parks (29), states (128), utah (2), virtual field trips (142)
In the Classroom
Share this beautiful site and images on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector, then have students explore on their own. This site can be included with many different geography units to teach landforms found around the United States. Use as a starting point to learn more about our National Parks and the National Park Service. Enhance learning by having students create an annotated image of other interesting geographic locations using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here. Google Drawings allows you to annotate an image with links to videos, text, websites, and more. Challenge cooperative learning groups to create videos using FlexClip, reviewed here, of behind-the-scenes information from your hometown, then share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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