Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Find help with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry concepts at this site provided by WyzAnt tutoring. Choose from the categories of Biology, Physics, or Chemistry to begin. Choose from the list of specific topics available: Cell Cycle, Mendel's Laws, Acids, Bonds, Stoichiometry, Magnetism, Vectors, and many others. Scroll to the bottom menu to find lessons, listed under Learning Resources, that include a short explanation of each topic along with images and a short review quiz or practice problems at the end. There are advertisements for tutors on this site.
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tag(s): acids and bases (8), atoms (43), cells (82), chemicals (39), elements (33), energy (133), evolution (89), genetics (80), gravity (43), heat (14), magnetism (36), mass (19), matter (45), measurement (122), photosynthesis (21), temperature (34), vectors (16)

Enter the engaging virtual world of Whyville filled with math, science, art, and literature activities. Create an avatar and join in constructive educational activities that promote socially responsible behavior. There are many activities to explore, and you can chat with other users. The Zero Gravity Chamber features angles and the principle of Newton's 3rd Law. In the Rocket Design Lab simulate rockets to test parameters such as nozzle size and pay load. The Engine Lab has 3 games that teach about electric charges and ion engines. Citizens must be aware of infectious illnesses and plagues that infect the citizens of Whyville. Join in the hot air balloon race to analyze vector fields to navigate hot air balloons. Go on an art treasure hunt around the world. At the dance studio design and choreograph your own dances. Visit the beach, the climate center, take a swim, or meet your friends at the playground or waterfall. Simulations change every time you enter Whyville. Earn clams, a salary, manage a bank account, get a pet, and read the daily news. Log-in (with email) is required to fully participate in this site. However, most of the site is accessible without registration. Don't miss this award winning website!

tag(s): aircraft (16), animals (294), dance (31), diseases (66), logic (161), money (113), motion (47), puzzles (149), recycling (45), social skills (22), vectors (16)

This amazing online project documents the history of information and media. The project covers a huge scope of time, starting with entries from 2,500,000 BC up to the present time. Use the Google Maps based interface (Map View) to explore the records geographically. Select from a large number of themes including archaeology, writing, or paleontology. You can also explore this tool by historical era or regions. Search the tool using the tabs Outline View, Expanded View, or Map View. Explore the Narrative and Analysis tab for valuable information.

tag(s): 1600s (20), 1700s (36), 1800s (75), 1900s (72), animals (294), art history (102), caves (7), genealogy (8), genetics (80), geologic time (12), geology (62), maps (220), sculpture (18)

This website is for girls to learn about STEM careers and the various research and educational opportunities that exist for them. Famous women in STEM careers and other prominent women are a focus of this site. Learn about great STEM careers and how STEM impacts much of our world. Watch and learn from others, view video clips, take challenges, learn about careers, and more. Some of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): engineering (129), STEM (297), women (151)

Join John and Hank Green on the you Tube channel, Crash Course. Crash Course consists of highly engaging video presentations that explain the basics on many topics: about 10-15 minutes in length, humorous, and engaging! The general topic areas include World History, Literature, and US History. At the time of this review, biology topics include: the carbon cycle, water cycle, molecules, nutrition, animal and plant cells, photosynthesis, heredity, DNA, mitosis, meiosis, natural selection, evolution, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, simple animals, complex animals, animal behavior, various systems of the body, bacteria, protists, and even more. In literature, five videos cover subjects from Romeo and Juliet to The Great Gatsby. There are over forty world history topics: Agricultural revolution, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, The Persians and Greeks, Buddha and Ashoka, Chinese History, Alexander the Great, The Roman Empire, Christianity from Judaism to Constantine, Fall of the Roman Empire, Islam the Quran, and the Five Pillars, Venice and Ottoman Empire, Russia, Columbus, The Spanish Empire, The French Revolution, Haitian Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Capitalism, Socialism, Imperialism, and many more. If your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable. Tip: to watch or share a video without the ads and clutter, use a tool such as ViewPure, reviewed here, to watch the video ad-free!
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tag(s): animals (294), bacteria (22), bill of rights (33), body systems (40), chinese (45), constitution (96), declaration of independence (16), evolution (89), genetics (80), greeks (46), literature (221), meiosis (8), mitosis (9), nutrition (140), religions (95), rome (37), romeo and juliet (3), russia (36), shakespeare (99), water cycle (22)

Enter the world of canine love. Find information on dogs, training, choosing a name, breed information, and more about raising a puppy/dog. Much of the information includes short video clips. You will also find poetry, book lists, and lesson plans to accompany books about dogs. Some of the books included: Because of Winn Dixie, Call of the Wild, Old Yellar, The Incredible Journey, Where the Red Fern Grows, Shiloh, Love that Dog, Sounder, and White Fang . Some of the videos require the QuickTime plug-in.
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tag(s): animals (294)

The U.S. Department of State designed this interactive game to help ESL/ELL learners to learn American English. However, many non-ESL/ELL students could greatly benefit (and enjoy) this highly interactive experience and look at U.S. culture. Download Unity Player to begin. Registration is free, but does require an email address. Begin your mission with Trace, a teen back in time from the year 2045. Help Trace return to his regular time by completing several challenges. Trace must follow directions (called objectives) on each screen. He travels to 8 separate locations around the U.S. Learn about entrepreneurship, community activism, empowering women, science and innovation, environmental conservation, and conflict resolution. Travel to Kansas, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Complete 28 practice activities. You will also find 4 multi-player practice challenges, 7 graphic novels for extension activities, and an American English dictionary integration activity. The game is so involved, that you will not even realize that you are also learning English.

tag(s): communities (35), conflict resolution (9), conservation (102), cross cultural understanding (173), women (151)

The Literacy Design Collaborative supports the development of literacy through a series of templates for use with text when writing. There are also templates for other subjects. Most templates address secondary levels; however, other offerings contain some elementary templates. Template tasks allow you to fill in the blank with learning skills addressed. When completed, you create and produce a high-quality assignment. Three collections are available by choosing the tasks link: the template task collection II, Common Core template tasks, and K-2 template tasks. Use links provided to view instructions and download templates in PDF format. Choose the modules link to view and download complete modules for instruction for English, Science, and Social Studies. Also available at the Literacy Design Collaborative is a series of videos demonstrating changing teacher practice and literacy. Most of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): american revolution (82), animals (294), biodiversity (36), canada (24), careers (156), china (81), civil rights (209), cold war (30), ecosystems (83), energy (133), evolution (89), gettysburg (15), gettysburg address (12), india (32), industrial revolution (22), lincoln (66), literacy (122), marine biology (31), photosynthesis (21), poetry (193), pollution (52), professional development (385), shakespeare (99)

View population demographics from 1950 to the present including predictions upwards to 2100. Click on a country, region, or the entire world. Search by country by clicking on the first letter of its name. The population pyramid is broken into male vs. female and by age groupings of every 5 years from birth to 100+. Hovering over each bar (age grouping) pops up the percentage of the population in that age group and gender. A URL is provided so you can link directly to the specific graphic that you wish to share.

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), population (51)

This Tumblr blog from the host/writer of the PBS series of the same name has great science information, pictures, and videos sure to wow and inspire! Entries feature all areas of science with fun and interesting information for smart people of all ages. Some examples of topics include blue whales, proteins, asteroids, auroras, and other "interestingness."

tag(s): animals (294), behavior (45), earth (184), evolution (89), landforms (39), moon (73), polar (10), space (222)

Looking for a way to add challenges to your middle school math curriculum or gifted classes? Try Figure This, a site of math challenges developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Figure This offers a number of challenges in English and Spanish to be used in a classroom or offered to families for math challenges at home. A PowerPoint is included to help increase parent involvement. Learn why most manholes are round, how fast your heart beats, and numerous other interesting topics. At the time of this review, there were 80 "Challenges" to explore. All of high interest and intriguing topics! Although mainly math activity, many border on science topics as well. Each activity offers hints and answers explained in many ways. Finding the answer is rather tricky! Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the link to Answer. Don't miss the Teachers Corner. It includes all beginning materials; PowerPoints, forms, and ideas you need to begin!

tag(s): critical thinking (127), geometric shapes (134), logic (161), percent (59), probability (99), problem solving (233), statistics (121)

This map tool displays worldwide outbreaks, cases, and deaths caused by viruses and bacteria. You can even see Anthrax threats/hoaxes. Click on the map to view the various diseases. If you prefer, scroll through the various diseases below the map using the chart to identify specific outbreaks.

tag(s): bacteria (22), diseases (66)

Snapshot Serengeti helps researchers count and locate animals living in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. More than 200 remote camera traps placed in the park capture images. The movements of animals trigger capture of images. View a short tutorial to learn to categorize and identify animals. Identify the type of skin, the pattern of the fur or skin of an animal, and the style of horns (if any) that an animal has. Based on those classifications, Snapshot Serengeti will suggest a few animals that match what you're seeing.

tag(s): animal homes (57), animals (294), classification (22), habitats (92)

Learn about all different species of fish in the United States and around the world. This site packs an aquatic animal punch! Explore the Fishopedia to learn facts about different types of fish such as where they live, what type of food they eat, and how to catch them. There are even sections about fishing safely and conserving fish and their native habitats.
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tag(s): animals (294), conservation (102), environment (252), fish (18)

Learn about the recycling process. View Virtual Tour videos about recycling processes including recycling of specific materials. Use the Search bar for lesson plans about recycling. Also, search for Infographics for data and information about use of resources and recycling. Don't miss the family activities for kids (they can be used in the classroom, too) in the middle of the page! The videos reside on YouTube. If your school blocls YouTube, they may not be viewable.

tag(s): earth day (60), energy (133), recycling (45), resources (83)

Find videos related to social education, health, citizenship, religions, the environment, crime, and countless eclectic topics at this UK-based site. Though some are controversial, this is a great set of resources for the introduction of difficult subjects to a class. Choose from subjects on the left margin, including Body and Health, Crime, Culture, and more. Many of the videos deal with worldwide issues from a non-U.S. point of view, offering a different perspective. Several videos have lesson plans. Be sure to preview videos before you share. Some do deal with rather controversial topics. If necessary, check with your administration about the appropriate use of these videos before sharing withe the class OR sharing the link on your class website.

tag(s): architecture (75), digital citizenship (85), diseases (66), environment (252), media literacy (109), mental health (48), persuasive writing (58), poetry (193), religions (95), sexuality (15), social skills (22), sustainability (50), writing prompts (61)

Find citizen science projects that are available for students. View the video What is Citizen Science? Choose projects for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and for college students. Each project has a video, thorough directions, and links for additional resources. Science teachers register and can sign up for email newsletters describing the projects. Example projects include: Budburst, Project Squirrel, Globe At Night, Crowd the Tap, and Land Loss Lookout. Topics range from weather to birds to medicine to sound. Rather than focusing on teaching content, the activities focus on using scientific communities to connect and immerse students in the science.
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tag(s): animals (294), archeology (28), birds (46), citizen science (27), ecology (103), environment (252), geology (62), insects (68), medicine (57), oceans (149), Project Based Learning (23), science fairs (20), scientific method (48), sound (72), space (222), transportation (30), weather (160)

View and zoom into areas of the Tree of Life Explorer interactive viewer. Click on an area of the tree to zoom in to identify how species are related to one another and the evolutionary relationships that exist between species. Find where paths diverged in the past to create new branches of the tree of life. More trees are planned for the future to explore other classes of animals. At the time of this review topics included: the tree of bird life, the tree of mammal life, the tree of amphibian life, insects and many more. There is also a tutorial.

tag(s): amphibians (17), biodiversity (36), birds (46), evolution (89), insects (68), mammals (22)

MIT + K12 is an excellent site where MIT students create videos and teach science concepts to K-12 students. Though the daily operations (outreach program) is gone, the videos are still freely available. MIT + K12 was created to be used as an avenue for current engineering, science, and math students. The goal is to change the perception of these roles for young students and encourage development in STEM skills. Choose videos sorted by topic or grade level. If you sort by grade levels, be aware there aren't as many choices for the younger grades. Do a keyword search for specific terms. Each video includes the assignment (question addressed in the video), the MIT's student's proposal for the video, and the short video explanation. Don't see what you need? Create an educator account and pose an assignment for a MIT student to address in a video lesson. The videos are mainly shared on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): bacteria (22), colors (63), energy (133), engineering (129), glaciers (17), nuclear energy (20), planets (113), plants (146), reproduction (7), scientific method (48), STEM (297), transportation (30)