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New York Times Science Lesson Plans - New York Times
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cross cultural understanding (172), main idea (8), news (228)
In the Classroom
Scan the lessons. Choose topics appropriate to your content, and then incorporate into your classroom at will. Break lessons apart into both classroom and online discussions for students. A little disclaimer: some of these cutting edge science topics can be controversial so make sure to adequately prepare your students before embarking on these learning adventures.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Watch Know Learn - Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Grades
K to 12tag(s): computers (108), crafts (62), decimals (85), environment (246), ethics (21), fractions (159), holidays (185), Juneteenth (22), scientific method (48), video (264), vocabulary development (94), writing (323)
In the Classroom
Search for videos relevant to your upcoming units or share the link with older students to search on their own. Use clips as engaging openings to units or as a review at the end. Have students identify the main points in the video and relate it back to class information. Students can use the examples on the site to create their own videos about a topic they have studied that could be beneficial to others.If you do join the site to submit videos (for more adventurous technology users), we recommend uploading, commenting, and participating in the project (the creation and growth of WatchKnow) as a whole-class collaborative activity. If your students create videos, critique them locally before submitting them to the site as the "bests" from your class.
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ScribbleMaps - Scribble Maps
Grades
2 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): directions (11), geology (61), landforms (37), landmarks (22), map skills (59), maps (215), space (216)
In the Classroom
Students and teachers will want to keep a written record or map URLS and passwords for future reference. Model this for students so they do not lose hours of work! Teachers can prepare partially-made maps or maps for students to make corrections and changes by giving the students the URL, then having them SAVE the map with a NEW ID. To SAVE the map with a new name and URL, click "Save map" in the menu, then enter your OWN map ID. Students could use a code including their initials, such as SJ12-3-09 for a map made by Sally Jones on Dec 3, 2009. Teachers should PASSWORD protect their originals so changes can only be saved under a new name. Similarly, if a student saves the map with a map password, they don't have to worry about other students vandalizing their work. But they DO need to remember the password! Wise teachers will keep a class list of maps and passwords for forgetful students! In primary grades, make maps of your local community together on your interactive whiteboard as you teach basic map skills. Create your own "key" with symbols you choose for playgrounds, etc. Have students help map locations of favorite playgrounds, grandparents' houses, stores, etc. as they gain basic understanding of map skills. Make sure you allow students to operate the tools! Save the map and share it as a link from your class web site (or embed it there). Keep names generic so it is "safe." Other ideas to challenge gifted student beyond the curriculum or elevate challenge for small groups include: natural resource maps, immigration maps, maps of civil war battles day by day, maps of key sites in the life of a famous person, artist, or author, maps of the settings in a novel, landform maps of a continent or state, "My life" maps of places important to an elementary student's family, annotated watershed maps of pollution sources, maps of the water cycle, maps of constellations in the night sky created by students to demonstrate understanding, maps of a dream community to be built in a vacant area (desert), including the water sources, etc. that will be needed, maps of a redesigned city/town on top of its current map. Teachers can provide map challenges or templates to be completed or corrected, including maps where students must label distances and cardinal directions between points (using map scale and skills). Or provide a teacher-created map with labels in the wrong places for students to correct the landforms, resources, etc. What will YOU do with Scribble Maps?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Toys from trash - Arvind Gupta
Grades
K to 10In the Classroom
Share this site on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use the simple directions and pictures for students to make their own manipulatives. After creating and observing, students can share their observations and the math and science processes can be uncovered. Use these to uncover misconceptions and dispel myths that undermine understanding of processes. Group students to choose one manipulative and present the concept to the class. Challenge cooperative learning groups to create their own "Toy From Trash." Have the groups create videos to share their "toys" and instructions. Share the video clips using a site such as Teachers.TV reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Geometry Games - Jeff Weeks
Grades
K to 12Be sure to check with your technology department about the ability to download these applications to school computers. Many districts have restrictions on the ability to download. Click on each game icon to read a description of the games included and some uses. Games are Mac and Windows compatible. Read their FAQ link with each set of games for the most asked questions about the shareware. Once downloaded, to "stop" a program, click Esc. If you are not allowed to install software on your own, share these powerful games with your math or art supervisors so they can advocate for you with the tech folks.
tag(s): geometric shapes (135), symmetry (27), tessellations (3)
In the Classroom
Use many of the images as an introductory inquiry activity to get students thinking about shapes and space. In art class, use the tiling activity and others on a projector before having student create their own on paper. Share the activities on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Provide images to groups to explore and identify the underlying math concepts present in the artwork. Provide an opportunity for some groups to create their own work with a geometric shape that they are investigating. Follow up with student projects of the geometric shape or photographs of geometric shapes in nature and man-made structures.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Equinox, Eclipse, & Space Vocabulary - Myvocabulary.com
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): solar system (108), space (216), vocabulary (238)
In the Classroom
Use this site to enhance your astronomy lessons. The word bank could easily be used as vocabulary words for students to research on their own. Share the word puzzles on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students attempt to create their own word puzzles about an astronomy topic that your class is studying. Use an online puzzle creation tool such as Just Crosswords reviewed here or Puzzlemaker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Science Fair Projects World - Solar System 3D Simulator - Science Fair Projects World
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): planets (111), solar system (108)
In the Classroom
Users will need the skills of downloading and finding and managing applications. The software is easy to use and has a wonderful interface for finding great information about the planets. The only safety concern is whether your school's policy allows you to install this free software. If not, try approaching an administrator or department head to show them the descriptions and request installation at least on you teacher computer for sharing on projector and/or whiteboard.Use this free model to understand the physics of the universe or learn astronomy. Use as a science fair project, to ask questions or find answers, and to create material for presentation online or in class. Share the model on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
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The Hubble Heritage Project - The Space Telescope Science Institute
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): solar system (108), space (216)
In the Classroom
Provide students Hubble pictures of various objects. Have students brainstorm similarities and difference among objects prior to telling them the names of the objects. Have students present their thoughts to the class, provide the names and allow time for students to do additional research. Place the information in a blog or wiki or even create an interactive book using a tool such as Bookemon. Use an interactive whiteboard or projector to present the aspects of various objects in space.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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StarDate Online - McDonald Observatory
Grades
K to 12tag(s): moon (72), planets (111), solar system (108), space (216)
In the Classroom
Use the activities in the Classroom resource section to provide background material for understanding Astronomy. Many activities may already be known to the teacher, but these are thoroughly explained. Students could even teach the concepts to their classmates and use these activities as a demonstration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mars Today - Spaceref Interactive
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): mars (26), planets (111), solar system (108)
In the Classroom
Students can use this site to challenge previous information or myths with new findings. Have students create a timeline showing the launch, travel, landing, and findings from the Mars rover mission.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Nine Planets - William A. Arnett
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): moon (72), planets (111), solar system (108)
In the Classroom
Want to find updated information about the objects in the solar system? Have your students use this site. Divide your students into groups and have them report on a particular object in the solar system. Have them present a report on one of the 8 planets, as though teaching their peers. Have students create a multimedia presentation using PowerPoint Online. This version of PowerPoint allows you to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. To find Creative Commons images for student projects (with credit, of course), try Pikwizard. Consider making a class wiki about the solar system and including drawings or photos your students might create from their observations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth & Space Science Resources - Kids Astronomy - kidsknowitnetwork
Grades
2 to 10tag(s): earth (184), planets (111), solar system (108), space (216)
In the Classroom
This site contains in-depth portions on planets and space exploration. Refer students to this when natural events like eclipses and comets are occurring. Use this site as the starting point for individual or group projects or as a major resource for your astronomy unit. Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to create an anticipatory set for a new lesson. Once this site is introduced, set up a science learning station for students to explore assigned areas of the site on individual computers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Case Files - The Franklin Institute
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): aviation (40), energy (131), inventors and inventions (80), scientists (63), transportation (31)
In the Classroom
Why not use this website as a resource for "case file" research projects. Assign each student (or groups of students) a different person to investigate. Weaker readers may need a partner with strong reading skills. Then have the students present a multimedia presentation about their "case file." Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, Vevox, Animatron, Renderforest, and Microsoft PowerPoint Online. Or have a day when students actually portray their scientist and interact with others "in character."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Animated Virtual Planetarium - Paul Stoddard
Grades
5 to 12In the Classroom
Use your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to show students how the night sky changes as the hours pass. Since the print is small, have students use the whteboard pens to cirle things or point out special features of the "sky." There is a Notes for Teachers link that provides descriptions of each activity and some ideas to incorporate the activities into your class.Use this website when teaching ESL/ELL students about space and the solar system since this website is highly visual and contains few words.
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Secret Worlds: The Universe Within - Florida State University
Grades
2 to 10tag(s): photography (121), space (216)
In the Classroom
Use the powers of 10 images to show relationships and scale in nature. Begin your lesson by using a tutorial. Students can work cooperatively to change parameters in the tutorial and to determine basic concepts uncovered through play with the tutorial. Students can discuss what they learned in a class discussion, lab report, or other format. Use a corresponding activity for classwork. Consult the coordinating "Teacher Resources" for guidelines and other activities using multi-sensory learning such as artistic and language interpretations. Use the Molecular Expressions website when students achieve mastery of the basic activities. The Molecular Expressions website can also be used for High School students. View the web resources for websites that offer interest to your students. Students can also research history of the concept being studied, focusing on the researchers and concepts involved.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Universal Leonardo - University of the Arts, London
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): renaissance (38)
In the Classroom
Because Leonardo's work crosses so many curricular boundaries, teachers from many different disciplines might find this site useful as part of a lesson on a projector or interactive whiteboard, particularly when painting "the big picture" for students (no pun intended!). Art teachers, of course, can access Leonardo's work, but science teachers can use the interactive games to illustrate principles of physics or early understanding of the human body. History or literature teachers might use the site to personify the term "Renaissance Man" for students studying the time period. Whatever your discipline, be sure to make the link available from your teacher web page for curious students to explore outside of class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NASA for Educators: STEM Engagement - NASA
Grades
K to 12tag(s): moon (72), nasa (30), planets (111), robotics (23), space (216), STEM (288), sun (71)
In the Classroom
This site is a must-see for all science and STEM teachers. Be sure to bookmark the site to use for lesson plans and student interactives. Easily create and share links for students using a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo, reviewed here for younger students or Papaly, reviewed here for older students. Both sites make it easy to share a group of links in one easy-to-find page. Extend classroom technology use when working with online articles, by using Fiskkit, reviewed here, as a collaborative discussion tool. After creating a Fiskkit account, use the site's tools to share a link to any online article and highlight information to use as part of your discussion. Students then can add their own thoughts to the article, making it a shared collaboration and reflection piece. As a final project, transform classroom technology use by asking students to create explainer videos using , reviewed here to demonstrate learning of concepts. Reading teachers seeking non-fiction articles for comprehension practice will find excellent options from the news listings on the home page.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Celebrating NASA's 50th Anniversary - NASA
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): gravity (42), moon (72), nasa (30), solar system (108), space (216), STEM (288)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students as you learn about and research space exploration, rocket science, or famous explorers. Because the date of NASA's 50th anniversary took place in 2008, include this information and images to give students a perspective of space exploration in the early 21st century. Download images and add to IdeaBoardz, reviewed here for students to share their scientific developments since 2008. For example, share images taken with the Hubble Telescope found on this site with those taken by the James Webb Telescope in later years. Find many images of both telescopes at Amazing Space, reviewed here. Enhance students' understanding by sharing NASA videos on YouTube, IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, and adding questions and comments to the videos using EdPuzzle, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Panoramas.dk
Grades
K to 12tag(s): images (260), landforms (37), virtual field trips (119)
In the Classroom
Use a projector--or better yet, an interactive whiteboard--to take students atop the Eiffel Tower, to the high Sierras, or aboard a Mars explorer. Allow student to navigate on the whiteboard. Nte that Shift and Ctrl keys alow you to zoom, as well. Be sure to click at the top of the 3D view to Read More about the image. These tours will make landforms real, culture come alive, and science a visual art form. As you introduce terms and place, use images! You could even use a tour as a writing prompt for poetry or descriptive writing. Include the link on your teacher web page for students to "tour the world" outside of class or feature one location a week to broaden class horizons on a classroom desktop.Comments
What a GREAT idea! Thank you. I found one with mountain biking and vistas. I'll put it up early in the period and come back to it in the end and have them write their exit cards about it. Then I will revisit it in a week or two when we start talking about metaphorical language.Shirley, CA, Grades: 6 - 12
I plan to use this as a way to start the school year with my sixth grade G/T kids. I will display a panorama on an interactive whiteboard-- one of mountains with peaks and valleys. I will ask, "Why would I show you this and say that this is our classroom this year?" The students will write down an idea on a slip of paper, guessing why I might use this as an introduction to my class. They will most likely introduce all of the classroom conduct and learning environment issues that I want to touch upon that first day: peaks and valleys during the year, some rugged terrain, studying mountains and geography, some amazing views (everyone's opinions), and more. It will also get them thinking in analogies and allow me to see how quickly some of them do this and how literal others are.Thinking, PA, Grades: 5 - 10
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Science Presentations - Jefferson County Schools
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): air (102), animals (295), matter (46), periodic table (46), plants (147), solar system (108), water (101)
In the Classroom
Try these ready-to-go PowerPoint presentations on an interactive whiteboard or projector in your classroom. Some may also be well-suited for individual students to run on a single classroom computer for remediation or review. There are games, resources and a lot of information.The site includes a disclaimer asking to be notified if users find any unauthorized, copyrighted material. TeachersFirst recommends that you NOT download copies but instead use them online, just in case.
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