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VideoTutor - VideoTutor

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2 to 12
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This AI-powered platform creates engaging, animated explainer videos from your simple prompt or image. VideoTutor primarily covers STEM and language topics and is especially helpful...more
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This AI-powered platform creates engaging, animated explainer videos from your simple prompt or image. VideoTutor primarily covers STEM and language topics and is especially helpful for students preparing for standardized tests, such as the ACT and SATs; however, the site also offers explainer videos on addition facts for students as young as second grade. Begin by creating an account and "check in" to receive two credits each day. Earn additional credits by referring others to earn free credits. Create a video by adding a prompt to explain a topic or uploading an image to explain. VideoTutor creates your video, ready to watch, download, or share. Use the chat feature that is next to the video to ask questions and receive additional support. Sign in to VideoTutor with your email or Google. Members can generate videos in English or Chinese.

tag(s): STEM (333), test prep (67), tutorials (48)

In the Classroom

Share this resource with students as a helpful tool for studying for standardized tests or as a support aid for your current curriculum. Share helpful videos on your class website or create a collection of videos using Wakelet, reviewed here to have readily available for student use. Extend student learning by asking them to create tutorials to share with their classmates using Powtoon, reviewed here.

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Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers - The Science of Birds

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6 to 12
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The Science of Birds: Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers is a fifty-seven-minute podcast with Ivan Phillipsen. In this episode, the Caprimulgidae family of birds is explored....more
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The Science of Birds: Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers is a fifty-seven-minute podcast with Ivan Phillipsen. In this episode, the Caprimulgidae family of birds is explored. During the episode, you will learn about their odd names, eerie calls, physical and behavioral traits, evolutionary history, and conservation status. Birds that are spotlighted include the Lyre-tailed Nightjar, the Common Poorwill, and the Nechisar Nightjar.

tag(s): birds (45), conservation (105), podcasts (139)

In the Classroom

After listening to the podcast, students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to visit where the birds live. Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast the different birds. Have students use Netboard reviewed here to post an interesting fact that they learned or something that they want to learn more about.

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Backyard Ecology - Backyard Ecology

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5 to 12
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Backyard Ecology offers a collection of podcasts that explore ecosystems and the natural world. Featured episodes include "Ironweed's Beauty and Ecological Value in Your Garden: Mt....more
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Backyard Ecology offers a collection of podcasts that explore ecosystems and the natural world. Featured episodes include "Ironweed's Beauty and Ecological Value in Your Garden: Mt. Cuba's Vernonia Trial," "Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds," "How Can Your State's Native Plant Society Help You?", "The Christmas Bird Count: An Over 120-Year Tradition," and "A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Cedar Glades," among many others. Episodes typically range from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. Available resources vary by episode and may include transcripts, summaries, links, and show notes.

tag(s): birds (45), ecology (116), ecosystems (96), podcasts (139)

In the Classroom

After listening to an episode, students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to visit the locations. Students can create a public service announcement using Powtoon reviewed here after listening to the podcast titled "Getting the Community Involved in Creating Pollinator Habitat." After listening to the podcast titled "Encouraging Curiosity and Engaging Young People with Heather Montgomery," students can read or listen to her books.

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Wild with Nature - Shane Sater

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4 to 12
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Wild with Nature features engaging English-language stories that celebrate birds, plants, and the natural world. Examples include "Immersed in the Spring Forest," "Watching a Pileated...more
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Wild with Nature features engaging English-language stories that celebrate birds, plants, and the natural world. Examples include "Immersed in the Spring Forest," "Watching a Pileated Woodpecker Nest," "The Song of the Tall Dogbane: Fibers at the Riverbank," "Of Bitterns and Bank Swallows: Lake Helena, Parts 1 and 2," and "Crossing the Wall: From Montana to Oaxaca." Each story is accompanied by an audio recording and a full transcript, both of which are available in Spanish.

tag(s): animals (261), birds (45), ecology (116), habitats (99), plants (137)

In the Classroom

After listening to each story, students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to visit the settings. Students can use WordClouds reviewed here to create a word cloud of the descriptive words while listening to the audio of a story. Have students use Seesaw reviewed here to journal what they are learning.

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The Human Body - National Institutes of Health

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K to 12
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a comprehensive suite of free, standards-aligned STEM teaching resources designed to captivate students from elementary through high school....more
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a comprehensive suite of free, standards-aligned STEM teaching resources designed to captivate students from elementary through high school. This collection encompasses a variety of multimedia materials, including videos, interactive lessons, and activities that explore anatomy, body systems, growth and development, and health education. Whether you're introducing young learners to basic body parts or guiding older students through complex physiological processes, these resources provide engaging content to support your curriculum. The collection also features materials that highlight the body's self-regulation mechanisms and the stages of human development, offering a holistic view of human biology. Many of the resources are also available in Spanish, making the content more accessible for multilingual classrooms.

tag(s): body systems (45), human body (95), STEM (333)

In the Classroom

After reading about or watching a segment on health science careers from the NIH site, have students create mini-posters using DesignCap Poster Creator reviewed herehighlighting a biomedical profession, what it involves, and how it helps people. Begin with a simple body outline, then ask students to guess and draw which organs or systems are inside. Follow up with NIH videos or diagrams to compare and discuss their accuracy. Students can create an illustrated mini-book that explains how various systems (e.g., circulatory, skeletal, nervous) work together to perform everyday actions like eating, running, or thinking.

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The Human Body and Life Cycle - PBS LearningMedia

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K to 12
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Looking to bring the wonders of the human body into your classroom? PBS LearningMedia's The Human Body collection offers a comprehensive suite of free, standards-aligned resources designed...more
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Looking to bring the wonders of the human body into your classroom? PBS LearningMedia's The Human Body collection offers a comprehensive suite of free, standards-aligned resources designed to captivate students from elementary through high school. This collection encompasses a variety of multimedia materials, including videos, interactive lessons, and activities that explore anatomy, body systems, growth and development, and health education. Whether you're introducing young learners to basic body parts or guiding older students through complex physiological processes, these resources provide engaging content to support your curriculum. The collection also features materials that highlight the body's self-regulation mechanisms and the stages of human development, offering a holistic view of human biology. Many of the resources are also available in Spanish, making the content more accessible for multilingual classrooms.

tag(s): body systems (45), human body (95)

In the Classroom

Provide students with cards showing different organs and another set with body systems (e.g., digestive, circulatory). Have them match each organ to the correct system and explain its function. Set up learning stations with short clips, diagrams, and mini-experiments or models focused on specific systems (e.g., pulse checking for the circulatory system, balloon lungs for the respiratory system). After watching a video from the collection (like one on the circulatory system), students reflect in science journals or record videos on Padlet reviewed here explaining what they learned and posing a follow-up question.

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8 Science Articles on Evolution - Science Journal for Kids and Teens

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6 to 12
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Science Journal for Kids and Teens: 8 Science Articles on Evolution offers a curated collection of engaging, student-friendly research articles that highlight real-world examples of...more
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Science Journal for Kids and Teens: 8 Science Articles on Evolution offers a curated collection of engaging, student-friendly research articles that highlight real-world examples of evolution in action. Topics include: the impact of radiation on tree frogs in Chernobyl, shrinking voles, dragonflies adapting to climate change, fossil clues about the evolution of the nervous system, the origin of flying reptiles, how monkeys survive in high altitudes, non-breeding clownfish, and sleeping patterns in sharks. Each article features an abstract, key terms, scientific figures, methods, and recommended grade levels. Select articles also include YouTube video links for extended learning.

tag(s): evolution (88), fossils (44), habitats (99)

In the Classroom

Students can use NotebookLM, reviewed here to take notes on the documents that go with the articles. Students will work in small groups to explore one article from the collection, then create a visual summary using Genially reviewed here highlighting the evolutionary question, evidence, and methods used. They will present their findings in a classroom gallery walk to compare examples of evolution in action. Finally, students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to visit the different parts of Ethiopia where Geladas live.

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Introduction to Evolution: How Did We Get Here? - PBS Learning Media

Grades
6 to 8
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PBS's Introduction to Evolution: How Did We Get Here? is a free lesson that explores Darwin's theory of evolution and its connection to human development throughout Earth's history....more
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PBS's Introduction to Evolution: How Did We Get Here? is a free lesson that explores Darwin's theory of evolution and its connection to human development throughout Earth's history. Centered around a video from The Human Spark, the lesson includes an Overview, Objectives, Suggested Time, Media Resources, Related Websites, an Introductory Activity, a Learning Activity, and a Culminating Activity. Designed for students in grades 6-8, the lesson can be shared via Google Classroom, a direct link, or used as a foundation for extended learning.

tag(s): darwin (14), evolution (88)

In the Classroom

Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast Darwin's theory of evolution to other theories of evolution. Students can use Sutori reviewed here to create a timeline of life on Earth. Additionally, students can use Lino reviewed here to create sticky notes with questions that they still have after the lesson.

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Oh Moose! - Alaska Department of Fish and Game

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4 to 12
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Bring the Wild into Your Classroom with "Oh Moose!" The Oh Moose! Curriculum developed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers educators a dynamic, interactive approach to...more
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Bring the Wild into Your Classroom with "Oh Moose!" The Oh Moose! Curriculum developed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers educators a dynamic, interactive approach to teaching ecological principles through the lens of moose biology and habitat. Designed for students in grades 4-12, this resource features a range of hands-on activities, including role-playing games and simulations, that illustrate concepts such as habitat requirements, limiting factors, and population dynamics. By engaging students in experiential learning, Oh Moose! fosters a deeper understanding of ecosystem interdependence and wildlife management, making complex ecological concepts accessible and memorable.

tag(s): animal homes (50), ecology (116), ecosystems (96), habitats (99), population (52)

In the Classroom

Use the simulation game from the curriculum to let students act as moose seeking food, shelter, and space. This interactive role-play helps students understand the habitat needs and the effects of limiting factors, like predators and seasonal changes. Have students work in small groups to illustrate and label each stage of a moose's life cycle. Use facts from the curriculum to enrich each part with key biological or behavioral information. Using the data provided in the curriculum, guide students in plotting the trends of the moose population over time. Discuss what environmental or human-related factors might explain fluctuations. They can plot the trends using one of the tools at ClassTools, reviewed here.
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Ecology-Definition-Examples-Explanation - MooMooMath and Science

Grades
6 to 8
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Curious how to introduce ecology in a way that sticks? MooMooMath and Science's video, "Ecology - Definition, Examples, Explanation," offers a clear and engaging overview of what ecology...more
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Curious how to introduce ecology in a way that sticks? MooMooMath and Science's video, "Ecology - Definition, Examples, Explanation," offers a clear and engaging overview of what ecology is, perfect for middle school classrooms. It defines ecology as the study of how organisms interact with their environment, breaking it down into biotic and abiotic factors with easy-to-follow examples. The video makes abstract science concepts accessible and visually engaging for students. If your school district restricts access to YouTube, students may not be able to view this video on school networks.

tag(s): ecology (116), ecosystems (96)

In the Classroom

Have students explore the classroom, schoolyard, or images to find examples of biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. Students can choose an ecosystem and draw a food web using MindMup reviewed here labeling producers, consumers, decomposers, and the flow of energy. Assign students to write analogies comparing an ecosystem to something familiar (ex., a school, a car engine).

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5 WOW Factor Ecological Relationships Activities - Bright in the Middle

Grades
6 to 8
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Looking to ignite curiosity in your middle school science classroom? Explore this resource, which offers creative, hands-on lessons that bring concepts like mutualism, parasitism, and...more
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Looking to ignite curiosity in your middle school science classroom? Explore this resource, which offers creative, hands-on lessons that bring concepts like mutualism, parasitism, and predation to life. Starting with an eye-catching example of Demodex mites -- tiny creatures that live on human skin -- students are drawn into the real-world concept of symbiosis. Activities include analyzing organism images, completing Venn diagrams and KWL charts, and creating ecosystem research projects. These standards-aligned activities are designed to deepen understanding and spark lasting interest in ecology. Be sure to view the free resources, as this site also has some for a fee.

tag(s): ecology (116), ecosystems (96)

In the Classroom

Start the unit with a hook by introducing Demodex mites--microscopic organisms that live on human skin. Show a short video or image, then ask students to hypothesize the type of relationship (mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism) that exists. Have students examine curated images of organisms in pairs or small groups and sort them into categories (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, predation, competition). They should justify their choices with evidence. Have students invent an organism and design its ecological relationships. Then have them draw the creature, describe its niche, and explain at least two relationships (ex., its predator, its symbiotic partner). They can create a 3D model of their creature using Delightex reviewed here.
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Wildlife Ecology Basics - Michigan State University Extension

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4 to 12
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Step into the wild with the Michigan Forests Forever Wildlife Ecology website, where students can explore the fascinating relationships between forests and the animals that depend on...more
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Step into the wild with the Michigan Forests Forever Wildlife Ecology website, where students can explore the fascinating relationships between forests and the animals that depend on them. This educational resource helps teachers bring forest ecosystems to life by covering essential topics like habitat needs, population cycles, and forest succession. With detailed examples from Michigan's diverse wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, the site encourages students to think critically about conservation and environmental change.

tag(s): animals (261), conservation (105), ecosystems (96), endangered species (27), environment (246), forests (30), habitats (99), population (52)

In the Classroom

After learning about basic habitat needs (food, water, shelter, space), give students cards with different Michigan animals and habitat types. Have them match each animal to its correct habitat based on clues from the website. Using the site's information on forest animals, students can create a forest food web poster or digital web using Canva Edu reviewed here showing the connections between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Using the site's information on forest succession, have students create a timeline using Sutori reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here or model showing how a forest changes over time, and how those changes affect wildlife.

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Simulations - Physics - PhET's Simulations

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5 to 12
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PhET's Simulations offer a wide range of interactive physics activities covering topics such as motion, sound and waves, work and energy, heat and thermodynamics, quantum phenomena,...more
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PhET's Simulations offer a wide range of interactive physics activities covering topics such as motion, sound and waves, work and energy, heat and thermodynamics, quantum phenomena, light and radiation, electricity, magnetism, and circuits. Each simulation can be downloaded, embedded, shared to Google Classroom, or posted on social media platforms like Facebook and X. Simulation pages include information on the topic, sample learning goals, inclusive features, system requirements, and related simulations. Additional resources include teaching materials, classroom activities, presets, translations, and credits. Examples of available simulations include Models of the Hydrogen Atom, Sound Waves, Normal Modes, and Circuit Construction Kit: DC, among many others. Users can filter simulations by grade level, device compatibility, release date, inclusive features, and language.

tag(s): atoms (43), circuits (18), density (20), electricity (60), energy (137), forces (45), friction (11), light (55), magnetism (36), mass (21), matter (49), motion (53), planets (123), probability (109), simulations (43), solar system (122), sound (74), sounds (40)

In the Classroom

Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research more information about the topic after they have played the simulation. Students can use Dotstorming reviewed here to vote on their favorite. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes as they are engaging in the simulation.

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Science - PBS LearningMedia

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6 to 12
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PBS Learning Science contains thousands of free resources on natural phenomena and scientific topics, including: Earth and Space, Life Science, Physical Science, Practice and Nature...more
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PBS Learning Science contains thousands of free resources on natural phenomena and scientific topics, including: Earth and Space, Life Science, Physical Science, Practice and Nature of Science, and Instrumentation, Measurements, and Units. The site offers videos, lesson plans, and interactive tools that can be searched by grade level, topic, newest, relevance, and popularity. Each resource provides supporting material for teachers and students. Resources can be shared in Google Classroom or through a link. State standards are included.

tag(s): cells (82), chemicals (37), ecosystems (96), habitats (99), life cycles (22), matter (49), measurement (118), space (236)

In the Classroom

Assign each student a specific cell organelle to research. Students then participate in a "speed dating" activity where they pair up and share information about their assigned organelle, focusing on its structure and function. Encourage students to plan and conduct simple experiments related to life science topics, such as photosynthesis or respiration. Using the scientific method, students can formulate hypotheses, collect data, and draw conclusions. Have students use the digital tools to explore the process of meiosis. Students can engage with interactive simulations that illustrate each phase of meiosis, allowing them to visualize chromosome behavior and understand genetic variation.

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Earth's Systems - PBS LearningMedia

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K to 12
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The Earth's Systems section on PBS LearningMedia, curated by WQED, offers over 350 free, standards-aligned resources designed to support K-12 science instruction. Educators can access...more
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The Earth's Systems section on PBS LearningMedia, curated by WQED, offers over 350 free, standards-aligned resources designed to support K-12 science instruction. Educators can access diverse materials--including videos, interactive simulations, lesson plans, and data visualizations--that explore the dynamic interactions among Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. These resources are organized by recency, ensuring that teachers have access to the most up-to-date content and are suitable for various grade levels and learning environments. Integrating multimedia content with inquiry-based activities, this collection fosters a deeper understanding of Earth system science and its relevance to real-world phenomena.

tag(s): atmosphere (22), climate (95), earth (188), plate tectonics (28), rock cycle (25), visualizations (12), volcanoes (59), weather (166)

In the Classroom

Have students explore the interactive "Earth's Four Spheres" to learn about the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Watch the video and have students write cause-and-effect chains showing how volcanic eruptions impact each Earth system. They can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to create a digital version. Students can get cards with different events or images (e.g., hurricane, soil erosion, animal migration) and sort them into categories: geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, or a combination.

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DNA, Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Intro to Heredity - Amoeba Sisters

Grades
6 to 12
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The video "DNA, Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Intro to Heredity" by the Amoeba Sisters offers a concise and engaging introduction to fundamental genetics concepts. Using animated...more
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The video "DNA, Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Intro to Heredity" by the Amoeba Sisters offers a concise and engaging introduction to fundamental genetics concepts. Using animated characters and clear explanations, it covers the relationships between DNA, chromosomes, genes, and traits, illustrating how genetic information is organized and expressed in living organisms. This resource is beneficial for middle and high school students, as it makes complex topics accessible and enjoyable. Educators can incorporate this video into their lessons to enhance students' understanding of heredity and the molecular basis of traits. The video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): dna (52), genetics (82)

In the Classroom

Before or after the video, provide students with vocabulary cards (e.g., DNA, chromosome, gene, trait, nucleus) and definition cards. Have them match terms to definitions in small groups, sparking discussion and pre-assessing understanding. Ask students to create a visual flowchart illustrating how DNA influences a trait, using examples such as eye color or hair texture. They should include steps like gene expression and protein formation. The flow chart can be made with a digital tool such as Canva Infographic Creator < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here or MindMup, reviewed here. Using coins or spinners to represent alleles from two "parents," students can simulate the inheritance of traits (like dimples, tongue rolling, etc.) for an imaginary offspring. Then, they can draw their "baby" and describe the inherited traits that it will possess.

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Educational Resources: Engineering - U.S. National Science Foundation

Grades
K to 12
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The U.S. National Science Foundation: Engineering page provides a wide range of educational resources, including lesson plans, printable activities, videos, and images focused on the...more
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The U.S. National Science Foundation: Engineering page provides a wide range of educational resources, including lesson plans, printable activities, videos, and images focused on the world of engineering. Featured lessons come from platforms like TeachEngineering, Engineering Go For It, and TryEngineering, offering hands-on and inquiry-based content. Video highlights include topics such as "What is Engineering?", "What is Mechanical Engineering?", "What is a Robot?", and explorations of microplastics and various engineering careers, with direct access to the NSF News YouTube channel. The site also showcases fascinating images of organs, marine life, and skeletal structures to support visual learning. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): engineering (134), robotics (30)

In the Classroom

Select a hands-on lesson from TeachEngineering (part of NSF's collection of 1,500+ vetted K-12 activities) that fits your unit, like building bridges, towers, or circuits. Have students go through the full engineering process: brainstorm, prototype, test, and iterate. Introduce the Morphing Matter for Girls activities to explore smart materials. Assign students to design and prototype an artifact (e.g., a reusable ecological gadget or wearable tech), learning how materials can change properties & respond to environments. Use a PhET simulation (e.g., electric circuits or structures) to let students experiment virtually. Pose a challenge: "Design a stable bridge using at least three materials." After testing different builds, have students record data and write short analyses, combining engineering design with scientific reasoning.

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Easy to Understand: Intro to Genetics - Miss Angler

Grades
6 to 8
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This introduction to genetics video explains the difference between genes and alleles within the context of heredity and genetics. It reviews DNA and chromosomes, showing that genes...more
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This introduction to genetics video explains the difference between genes and alleles within the context of heredity and genetics. It reviews DNA and chromosomes, showing that genes are specific sections of DNA that control traits such as eye color or height. Alleles are introduced as variations of a gene -- for example, blue or brown eye color. Miss Angler uses visuals and analogies to demonstrate how one allele is inherited from each parent and how this affects a person's appearance. It also explains dominant and recessive alleles using capital and lowercase letters. This resource helps review key vocabulary and support lessons on DNA, meiosis, and Punnett squares. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): dna (52), genetics (82)

In the Classroom

Have students complete a quick survey of simple traits (e.g., attached earlobes, tongue rolling, dimples) and tally class data. Use it as an intro to discuss dominant vs. recessive traits. Give students cards labeled with alleles (ex., B and b for eye color) and have them pair up to "create" offspring. Each student picks one card from each "parent" and determines the resulting trait. Students can make a mini flipbook or digital book using Book Creator, reviewed here.

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It's In Your Genes - Donna Lasher

Grades
K to 8
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The "It's in Your Genes" page on Big Ideas for Little Scholars offers hands-on activities and resources to teach younger students about inherited traits and DNA. Highlights include...more
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The "It's in Your Genes" page on Big Ideas for Little Scholars offers hands-on activities and resources to teach younger students about inherited traits and DNA. Highlights include a Mendelian genetics simulation to explore dominant and recessive traits, constructing DNA models using pipe cleaners and pasta, and extracting DNA from strawberries. The site also recommends supplementary materials, such as KidsDiscover magazines, for further reading. These engaging activities are designed to make complex genetic concepts accessible and enjoyable for learners.

tag(s): dna (52), genetics (82), gifted (63), STEM (333)

In the Classroom

Have students use colored beads or paper slips to simulate dominant and recessive allele combinations. Students build a 3D DNA model using pipe cleaners, beads, or pasta to represent base pairs. Students extract visible DNA from strawberries using household materials (salt, dish soap, alcohol). Create bingo cards using Bingo Creator, reviewed here with inherited traits (ex., widow's peak, attached earlobes), and students mark traits they or classmates have.

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Cell Structure Collection - PBS LearningMedia

Grades
3 to 12
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Looking to bring the fascinating world of cells to life in your classroom? This collection offers a wealth of free, high-quality resources tailored for educators. This comprehensive...more
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Looking to bring the fascinating world of cells to life in your classroom? This collection offers a wealth of free, high-quality resources tailored for educators. This comprehensive suite includes interactive lessons, engaging videos, and detailed diagrams that explore the components and functions of cells. Designed to align with educational standards, these materials support diverse learning styles and can be seamlessly integrated into your curriculum. Whether you're introducing students to the basics of cell biology or delving into more complex processes, this collection provides the tools you need to inspire and educate.

tag(s): cells (82)

In the Classroom

Students can use Canva Edu reviewed here to create and label a cell. Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast a plant and animal cell. Finally, students can create 3D models of cells.

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