770 current-events results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Mind Over Media - Media Education Lab
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn to recognize the power of communication and understand today's "new" forms of propaganda through critical analysis and discussion using tools found on Mind Over Media. Browse...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Learn to recognize the power of communication and understand today's "new" forms of propaganda through critical analysis and discussion using tools found on Mind Over Media. Browse through the site to learn the four techniques used to influence others along with specific examples. Be sure to check out the section for teachers that includes a complete six-lesson curriculum aligned to Common Core and other National Standards. Share a link to this site for parents to use as a resource for discussing ways people try to influence teens at home. The videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): advertising (26), critical thinking (117), OER (43), propaganda (8)
In the Classroom
Discover the many ready-to-go free lesson ideas to include with classroom discussions of propaganda and persuasive advertising techniques. Share the Learn section with students as part of a flipped lesson, then have students provide examples of propaganda they find on TV or the Internet. Ask students to find advertising demonstrating two opposing points of view, then, with younger or less technically experienced students, use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here to compare and contrast information found. With older or more technically experienced students, use a tool such as Whimsical Mind Maps, reviewed here to create charts or a mind map to make the comparison.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
EarthCam Live Webcam Network - EarthCam, Inc
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Discover what is happening all around the world, live, as it takes place. EarthCam's network includes live webcams featuring weather, traffic, animals, and more. Discover webcams by...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Discover what is happening all around the world, live, as it takes place. EarthCam's network includes live webcams featuring weather, traffic, animals, and more. Discover webcams by topic or explore popular offerings. Scroll further down the home page to choose webcams on a clickable map by location. Because webcams may feature streaming from inside homes or contain other personal information, do not have young children access them without supervision. Previewing all videos before sharing with the class would be wise.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (145), globe (12), maps (207), webcams (15)
In the Classroom
This site would be an excellent addition to any science, social studies, or world cultures class. Teachers click on a webcam in different parts of the world to see things like weather and basic geography. Share the videos on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector. In early elementary, use webcams to introduce the world visually with a projector or on an interactive whiteboard. Select specific webcams and create shortcuts on classroom computer desktops for students to "see what's happening" on a certain continent as you study the seven continents. Use this resource to visit different areas that have been effected by natural disasters. Use animal webcams for students to observe animal behavior and keep a "lab journal" of what they see. Instead of the traditional paper and pencil "lab journal," have students keep a virtual journal about what they are learning. Use an easy virtual journaling tool such as Penzu, reviewed here. With Penzu you can add images or your own artwork as illustrations. Challenge students to further research the animal(s) they observed and to create an interactive map showing where the animals can be found with a tool like MapHub, reviewed here. With MapHub students can include display markers featuring text, photos, and videos!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Teaching Children Philosophy - Book Modules - TeachingChildrenPhilosophy.org and Squire Family Foundation
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Teaching Children Philosophy offers a large list of favorite children's books to use when discussing philosophical ideas with students. Choose from the alphabetical book list or select...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Teaching Children Philosophy offers a large list of favorite children's books to use when discussing philosophical ideas with students. Choose from the alphabetical book list or select from topics including ethics, the mind, and more. Each book's suggestions include a summary of the plot, discussion guidelines, and philosophical discussion questions.
tag(s): brain (56), character education (77), cross cultural understanding (167), cultures (145), ethics (21), logic (163), psychology (67), religions (85)
In the Classroom
Although created using children's books, this site is perfect for introducing philosophical discussions to students of any age. Choose two books that represent different sides of an issue to share with your class. Create a mind map including different ideas represented within topics using a tool such as Mindmeister, reviewed here. Then have students create an annotated image demonstrating their viewpoint including text boxes and related links 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. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
ToonyTool - ToonyTool
Grades
2 to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
ToonyTool has a simple canvas to quickly create a single-frame comic, a cartoon strip, or an animation. With ToonyTool, you can add a dash of humor to get the message ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
ToonyTool has a simple canvas to quickly create a single-frame comic, a cartoon strip, or an animation. With ToonyTool, you can add a dash of humor to get the message across. Start your canvas and choose a single comic, a comic strip, or a video from the tab in the upper left corner. Choose one of their background pictures, or upload one of your own. Create a title or type part of your message in the Meme text bar. Choose a character or two, add a prop, and select speech bubbles to type a message. Everything is easy to move around by just dragging and dropping. At the bottom of the page, find tools to share and edit your comic. Share via print, download, email, or online. There is no registration required.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (53), communication (138), creative writing (122), digital storytelling (152), summarizing (22)
In the Classroom
There is a multitude of ways to use comics/cartoons in the classroom. For instance, create one-page discussion starters to help students keep up with current political issues. Use comics to show sequencing of events, for example, explain the sequence of a story, a science concept, or current event! When studying about characterization, create a dialog to show (not tell) about a character. Use comic strips for literature responses. Another idea - why not use the comics for conflict resolution or other guidance issues (such as bullying). Sometimes it is easier for students to write it down (or draw the pictures) than use the actual words. Emotional support and autistic support teachers can work with students to create strips about appropriate interpersonal responses and feelings. World language and ENL/ESL teachers can assign students to create dialogue strips as an alternative to traditional written assessments; summarize through a comic. Challenge students who move through other assignments more quickly to create a cartoon for review of a topic studied in class. Make a class book of the comics created throughout the year using Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator includes features for students to easily create digital books using their own text, videos, and images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
When Tragedy Hits - NewseumEd
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
When Tragedy Hits, is a simulation based on the Virginia Tech massacre and its aftermath. It is intended for the class as a whole and to help students understand reactions, ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
When Tragedy Hits, is a simulation based on the Virginia Tech massacre and its aftermath. It is intended for the class as a whole and to help students understand reactions, interactions, and the ethics involved - from the role of the media, law enforcement, technology and citizen journalists, and others. The lesson should take about 90 minutes. Find a Teacher Overview, Setting the Scene, Scenarios, and Role cards, all in PDF format for you to download and preview. You must be a registered NewseumEd member to access this resource; however, membership is free.
tag(s): journalism (72), media literacy (106), news (227)
In the Classroom
Read all materials before presenting this simulation to the class. You may decide participation may be too difficult for some students - those with a personal connection to this or similar tragedies. Make a copy of Setting the Scene and Scenarios for each student. Project the PDFs with the projector and ask students to volunteer for a read-aloud - read-around with all listening to one person and then another. Use the accompanying discussion questions. Consider giving all students a chance to voice their opinions (even the shyest and quiet ones) by using a tool like Backchannel Chat, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
World Press Freedom Map - NewseumEd
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Discover what a free press really is and how many of the world's nations enjoy a free press using the NewseumEd activity World Press Freedom Map. You don't have to ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Discover what a free press really is and how many of the world's nations enjoy a free press using the NewseumEd activity World Press Freedom Map. You don't have to make a trip to Washington D.C. to learn from this activity, instead, use the accompanying link for the Freedom House interactive map. Download the worksheet/chart in PDF or as a Word document for distribution. You must be a registered NewseumEd member to access this resource; however, membership is free.
tag(s): freedom of speech (13), journalism (72), media literacy (106), news (227), newspapers (91)
In the Classroom
Begin by showing students the Freedom House interactive map and read the information in the right column about what a genuinely free press is. Compare that info to a partly free press (explained just under it). Then have students work in small groups or with a partner to fill out the worksheet/chart. Complete a class discussion of the chart, and then have the small groups or pairs choose one of the countries with partial freedom of the press and research what other freedoms the U.S. enjoys that are restricted or repressed for the citizens of that country. Add these to the chart. Challenge students to convert their paper worksheet/chart to an online digital infographic to present their findings using Visme, reviewed here, or to set up their own graphic organizer to show the comparisons using an online tool such as TUZZit, reviewed here. TUZZit allows you to create diagrams, mindmaps, and other visual graphic organizers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Who, Me? Biased? - New York Times
Grades
5 to 12
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Explore bias through this series of videos from the New York Times. Using titles such as Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Racism, and Why We're Awkward, this series explores types ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Explore bias through this series of videos from the New York Times. Using titles such as Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Racism, and Why We're Awkward, this series explores types of bias, how to address and change prejudices, and ways to address racism. Most videos run around two minutes in length, making them perfect for a short introduction to the topics addressed.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bias (27), black history (130), bullying (50), character education (77), civil rights (200), difficult conversations (61), diversity (37), racism (79), tolerance (8)
In the Classroom
Share videos with students either with a projector, an interactive whiteboard, or use the link or embed codes on your class website to view at home. Have students view from home and enhance learning using Acclaim, reviewed here where you can stop the video and ask questions about the parts where students may need clarification right on the video! Have cooperative learning groups extend their learning by creating podcasts sharing their insight into biases and racism along with suggestions on ways to address each problem. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here. Share this site with your school's counselor for use with ongoing lessons in tolerance and diversity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Vanishing: The Extinction Crisis is Far Worse than you Think - CNN
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This CNN interactive takes an in-depth look at vanishing species around the globe along with the reasons for their disappearance. Scroll through to discover how humans are causing species...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This CNN interactive takes an in-depth look at vanishing species around the globe along with the reasons for their disappearance. Scroll through to discover how humans are causing species to go extinct at a rate 100 times faster than normal. Watch videos as scientists describe physical changes occuring on the earth's surface, view interactives demonstrating animal habitat changes, and more.
tag(s): animals (288), conservation (92), earth (186), earth day (60), endangered species (27), habitats (87)
In the Classroom
This site is perfect for use on interactive whiteboards as an introduction to any unit on animals, habitats, or earth conservation. Explore together, then allow students to explore in depth on their own. Have students either individually or as groups choose a topic found on this site to research further. If you are new to integrating technology you may want to have students create a presentation using Visme, reviewed here. Looking for something different? Have students use Microsoft Sway, reviewed here, to create an interactive presentation including charts, videos, and images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
World of 7 Billion - Population Connection
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
World of 7 Billion provides a broad variety of resources and information for teaching about world population. Discover the ever changing world and United State's current population...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
World of 7 Billion provides a broad variety of resources and information for teaching about world population. Discover the ever changing world and United State's current population count near the top of each page. Explore the Teachers Resources for activities to use with middle and high school students. Encourage students to participate in the annual video challenge contest sponsored by the site highlighting different global challenges with prizes up to $1,000.
tag(s): conservation (92), environment (246), population (48)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to take part in World of 7 Billion's annual video contest. Benefit from the free lessons for middle and high school students as well as the ideas for school-wide events. Provide time for students to browse through the site and to generate questions about it. Brainstorm not only questions but what students learned from it. Allow groups time to research the economic and social issues that have caused such a change in population and how people live. Challenge students to create a presentation with their findings using Prezi, reviewed here. Have students use a mapping tool such as Zeemaps, reviewed here, to create a map of population changes around the world (with audio stories and pictures included)!
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Pic4Carto - Adrien Pavie
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Find open source pictures from around the world with Pic4Carto. Zoom in on the map until you view grids positioned over each area, then choose a cell to display available ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Find open source pictures from around the world with Pic4Carto. Zoom in on the map until you view grids positioned over each area, then choose a cell to display available images. Play all images as a slide show or scroll through pictures one at a time. Images are imported from sites such as Flickr and Wikimedia Commons and include attribution information. Upon finishing a set of slides, users are prompted to browse nearby areas or return to the map.
tag(s): images (260), map skills (56), maps (207)
In the Classroom
Use any part of this map for your school projects. Share the maps on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students create stories about visiting in these places to share with others. Challenge students to create a digital presentation on a map location rather than write an essay or present a paper poster. If you're just beginning the process of integrating technology in your classroom, use Prezi, reviewed here, which is much like PowerPoint or Keynote but allows for "zoomable" content. If you are more experienced in the integration of technology, try Lucidpress, reviewed here, where students could produce a variety of products. If you teach geography, Pic4Carto is a must; it is also helpful for showing students WHERE a story or news event takes place. If you have a new road in your area, share the difference between this map and older ones found online.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Jewish Kids: Passover - Chabad.org
Grades
K to 5
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Jewish Kids Passover page offers videos, crafts, songs, stories, and games to learn about theoverPassover holiday. Click Videos then Passover to find the videos which include Out...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Jewish Kids Passover page offers videos, crafts, songs, stories, and games to learn about theoverPassover holiday. Click Videos then Passover to find the videos which include Out of Egypt, the Passover Mini-Series parts 1, 2, 3, how the Jews left Egypt and several others. There are printables featuring coloring pages, mazes, and a mystery. The Guide starts out with a challenge for children called The Big Clean, explains Chametz vs. Matzah, The Lighting of Candles, and much more. There is no registration necessary to enjoy these activities.
In the Classroom
Keep this site in mind as an easy place to learn about the Jewish holiday of Passover, Jewish symbols relating to Passover, and a little information about Judaism. Classes studying world cultures, the Hebrew language, and/or international holidays can learn from this site and also use it as a model to create similar games and projects for other cultures and languages. Select music for students to listen to while completing coloring pages and puzzles.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Born Free USA - Belton Mouras and Ken Guerrero
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Born Free USA is an animal advocacy group offering many resources for helping animals. Browse through the Campaigns & Programs to learn about key issues of their work including Animals...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Born Free USA is an animal advocacy group offering many resources for helping animals. Browse through the Campaigns & Programs to learn about key issues of their work including Animals in Entertainment, Fur as Fashion, and more. Find out how to become an animal advocate with Born Free USA's tools and resources including downloadable advocacy materials. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): animals (288), service projects (17)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and more to include with your animal unit. After introducing the site with a projector or on an interactive whiteboard, allow older students to explore on their own then choose a topic of interest for further research. Have students make a multimedia presentation or create a digital story about their animal topic using Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here. Younger students could create a digital story around their animal topic using My Storybook, reviewed here. Consider bringing in a local animal advocate to speak to your class about issues in your area. Post a link to this website for students to share with parents at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Virtual Debate - South Orange Middle School and others
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Virtual Debate offers online examples and resources for conducting virtual debates. The debates are for middle school level students, and schools sign up to debate new topics each school...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Virtual Debate offers online examples and resources for conducting virtual debates. The debates are for middle school level students, and schools sign up to debate new topics each school year. Choose a year beginning with 2013 to view topics and archived recordings from Google Hangout debate sessions. This site also includes extensive debate preparation resources such as expert interviews and online folders containing rubrics, lesson plans, and judging sheets. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): debate (40), persuasive writing (57), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many resources on the Virtual Debate site and enroll your class in a debate. Be sure to preview previous debates with your students and use already-created materials as you prepare. Even if you don't want to participate through this site, the many available materials offer a rich opportunity for including debate in your classroom. Consider creating your own debate (virtual or not) with another classroom in your school or district. Topics could include any curricular or current events topic such as use of social media, elections, or environmental issues. One bonus of using debates in the classroom is the many opportunities to engage students in non-fiction writing to meet Common Core Standards.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Lowdown - KQED News
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Lowdown connects the newsroom to the classroom through timely multimedia articles featuring the latest news. Convert any post to PDF for easy printing and sharing. Search using...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Lowdown connects the newsroom to the classroom through timely multimedia articles featuring the latest news. Convert any post to PDF for easy printing and sharing. Search using a keyword or choose links to find lesson plans, interactives, and videos. Many features include alignment to Common Core Standards. If your district blocks YouTube, videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): commoncore (75), journalism (72), multimedia (46), news (227), newspapers (91)
In the Classroom
Achieve two goals with this very people-friendly site: provide quality non-fiction reading materials and the latest in current events. Use this site to differentiate reading materials by student interest. Encourage students to explore the site on their own. Be sure to include a link on classroom computers and your class website for students to access at any time. Flip your class and assign the reading to do at home. Then, have students create a simple infographic sharing findings from The Lowdown with their classmates using Infogram, reviewed here. Have cooperative learning groups create weekly podcasts with news from around the world. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Constitute - Comparative Constitutions Project - Univ of Texas at Austin
Grades
8 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Constitute is a database of all available online constitutions from around the world with several comparisons and research tools built-in. Quickly find passages by tags such as "right...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Constitute is a database of all available online constitutions from around the world with several comparisons and research tools built-in. Quickly find passages by tags such as "right to privacy" or "equality regardless of gender." Filter searches by period or geographic region. Compare constitutions side by side, then select comparisons to display highlighted similarities. "Pin" your results to export to Google Docs or as a PDF.
tag(s): civil rights (200), constitution (89), cross cultural understanding (167), cultures (145)
In the Classroom
Share Constitute on an interactive whiteboard or projector as part of any lessons studying nations around the world. Compare constitutions when discussing current events and cultural differences. Use an online tool such as the Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here, to demonstrate differences and similarities. Flip learning by sharing a comparison you create, then have students study comparisons before class discussions of materials.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Seven Digital Deadly Sins - Guardian Weekend Magazine
Grades
9 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
What are the seven digital deadly sins? This site explores digital sins through videos and personal stories. Learn how envy has led to social media users feeling inadequate with their...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
What are the seven digital deadly sins? This site explores digital sins through videos and personal stories. Learn how envy has led to social media users feeling inadequate with their own life circumstances, or how digital access stops some users from personal interactions. Click on any image to open the topic and view each personal story. Be very careful if using this in a classroom as there are discussions of items not appropriate for all viewers.
tag(s): digital citizenship (89), professional development (409), social media (54)
In the Classroom
Be very careful if using this in a classroom as there are discussions of items not appropriate for general consumption, and may be more appropriate as inspiration for discussing the main "sins" in your classroom. At a minimum, be sure to view and screen portions of the site for appropriateness before sharing with students. Have students create an online graph using ChartGizmo, reviewed here, to analyze their digital usage. Share ideas and reflections comparing the positives of digital media versus the negative impacts. Exchange information from the site with your colleagues and school counselors as part of any professional development or discussions about the use of social media and digital tools. Share with parents who have concerns about their student's digital usage.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
iCivics, Win the White House - iCivics
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Make the presidential election process personal. Run for U.S. president by playing this free interactive online game which is best played on a computer using most current browsers....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Make the presidential election process personal. Run for U.S. president by playing this free interactive online game which is best played on a computer using most current browsers. In this lively, colorful simulation, students will experience being part of a campaign, including creating a candidate avatar, selecting either Democratic or Republican issues, participating in debates and developing a media campaign. Choose your level to start: elementary, middle, or high school and complete the easy-to-follow tasks which do involve some reading, especially the debates section. The "Campaign Manager" will lead you through the process ending with your final probability of winning. Loading the game may take a few moments. Sound begins immediately, but may be toggled off. Online assistance is available by clicking the Help button (a ?) in the top right corner at each step of the game. Also, the Back button in the top left corner allows easy do-overs of sections. Students may play without registering, but will access more content, compete with others and earn badges after logging in. You can have separate accounts for students and teachers, but must have email addresses. An automatic username is generated when registering. The easy to use Extension Pack for Teachers provides more activities and assessments. Registered teachers can message students and create classes to give students a virtual class code to join without needing an email. If students register, they can check their My iCivics accounts to see points and message members of their groups which can be controlled by the teacher.
tag(s): elections (82), presidents (133)
In the Classroom
Start out using this site with your projector or interactive whiteboard with the whole class. Walk through the beginning of the game and demonstrate the built-in help which is useful for students who might need additional guidance. Have individuals play or create small group teams of campaign staff to guide the candidates. Students or groups may play multiple times. After registering, the site will save games and students can send messages. Use the Achievements badges and points for student assessments. Have students research the debate topics and compare the different aspects of the game to real-life examples in the news. An easy to use Extension Pack for Teachers provides more activities and assessments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Diversity Toolkit - USC School of Social Work
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Diversity Toolkit is a training guide for facilitating discussions on diversity and the role of identity in social relationships. Training focuses on two key areas - the concept of...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Diversity Toolkit is a training guide for facilitating discussions on diversity and the role of identity in social relationships. Training focuses on two key areas - the concept of culture and identity. Different activities offer participants the opportunity to learn about and practice ideas within each concept.
tag(s): cross cultural understanding (167), cultures (145), difficult conversations (61), diversity (37), identity (29)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the activities shared within the guide to use as part of community building in your classroom or to teach diversity and encourage self identity. Have students create a word cloud of the important terms they learn from this site using a tool such as WordItOut, reviewed here. Before and after activities have students or groups collect ideas and thoughts about diversity using Dotstorming, reviewed here. The Dotstorming application creates free online bulletin boards. Embed Dotstorming on your class website for students to access at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
STEM in 30 - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Grades
5 to 10
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Stem in 30 is an interactive classroom offering 30-minute webcasts for middle school students. Interact with scientists by asking questions, participate in polls, and receive resources...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Stem in 30 is an interactive classroom offering 30-minute webcasts for middle school students. Interact with scientists by asking questions, participate in polls, and receive resources for follow-up activities. Don't worry if you can't attend, view the archives of all past presentations to enjoy at your convenience. Previous topics include Moon Rocks!, Time and Navigation, and WW1: How History Shaped Technology. Most archived recordings include correlation to Next Generation Science Standards. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): aviation (38), earth (186), earth day (60), ecology (102), ecosystems (76), flight (31), mars (27), molecules (44), space (216), STEM (279), world war 1 (78)
In the Classroom
For your blended or flipped classroom, share webinars on your class website for students to view at home. Replace pen and paper writing journals by writeing a blog entry that shares their learning and understanding. Use a tool like Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration. If you are teaching younger students and looking for an easy way to integrate technology and check for understanding, challenge your students to create a blog using edublog, reviewed here. Check the site's homepage for upcoming webinars, then participate with your class. Check X (formerly Twitter) to see if your class can follow any of the presenting scientists. If you are lucky enough to live in the Washington, DC area, contact the museum to attend a live taping. After viewing a webinar, have students enhance their learning by creating a multimedia presentation using Visme, reviewed here. Visme allows you to narrate slides. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. STEM in 30 is also a great resource for gifted students to get involved with their own challenges and pursuits.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Weather Underground - Hurricane and Tropical Cyclones
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Stay current with information about the latest hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Find articles about the potential threat of current hurricanes, Hurricane Preparedness, and Cyclone...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Stay current with information about the latest hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Find articles about the potential threat of current hurricanes, Hurricane Preparedness, and Cyclone Energy. From the drop-down at the top, click News and Blogs to find Videos, Weather Infographics and Photos, and more. Also find a Hurricane Archive with tracking maps and aerial photos for past hurricanes. From the top menu find many other weather issues, information about wild fires, and much more.
tag(s): disasters (37), hurricanes (33), weather (161)
In the Classroom
Introduce the class to the most current hurricanes forming with a projector or interactive whiteboard. Challenge students to find similar hurricanes from the past and ask them to make a prediction about the current one. Have them prove their predictions using a tool like the interactive Venn Diagram Three Circle,reviewed here, or the Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form