Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Google Indoor Maps platform is a valuable resource for educators and students exploring spatial awareness, geography, and technology integration. It offers detailed indoor maps for airports, museums, shopping malls, and universities, providing floor plans and navigation tools. Teachers can use it to help students understand mapping technology, analyze layouts of complex buildings, or plan field trips. This tool also emphasizes the real-world applications of geography and technology, fostering digital literacy and practical problem-solving skills.

tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (146), digital literacy (16), map skills (64), maps (224), problem solving (234), virtual field trips (131)

Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides help teachers incorporate authentic historical artifacts, government records, and literary works into their lessons, enhancing students' critical thinking and research skills. With ready-to-use teaching resources, topic guides, and bibliographies, this site supports interdisciplinary learning and provides rich content for inquiry-based projects in history, literature, civics, and more.

tag(s): african american (119), architecture (84), black history (135), branches of government (64), civil rights (219), civil war (141), conservation (101), energy (133), engineering (137), environment (251), foreign policy (13), hispanic (46), industrialization (12), jews (52), latin (23), literature (221), middle east (50), native americans (116), nutrition (140), photography (131), politics (118), population (52), religions (114), Research (88), sports (85), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (202), women (154), womenchangemaker (39), womens suffrage (52)

The PhET Interactive Simulations website, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, offers free, research-based interactive simulations for teaching science and mathematics. These engaging simulations allow students to explore concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and math through hands-on virtual experiments. These PhET simulations are designed for elementary through college-level learners, and support inquiry-based learning and can be used for whole-class demonstrations, small-group activities, or independent exploration. The simulations are HTML5-based, making them accessible on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices without additional software. This resource is an excellent tool for reinforcing key STEM concepts in an interactive and visually engaging way.

tag(s): acids and bases (8), area (53), atoms (43), charts and graphs (169), electricity (60), fractions (159), friction (9), functions (52), gravity (43), light (56), magnetism (35), matter (45), molecules (43), ph (2), probability (99), quadratics (27), simple machines (20), simulations (23), sound (71), space (220), STEM (310)

The Google Machine Learning Crash Course is a free, comprehensive resource designed to introduce educators and learners to machine learning (ML) fundamentals. It offers engaging video lessons, practical exercises, and real-world case studies to help users understand core ML concepts, such as supervised learning, neural networks, and fairness in AI. With interactive coding examples in TensorFlow, the course provides hands-on experience, making complex topics more accessible. It is Ideal for teachers looking to integrate emerging technologies into their curriculum or to enhance their own understanding, this resource requires no prior ML experience and is an excellent starting point for exploring artificial intelligence in the classroom. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), careers (182), machines (17)

HungerMap Live uses publicly available data to examine food security worldwide. Upon accessing the map, viewers immediately see a circle highlighting the current number of countries with very high levels of hunger. Further exploration shows the number of conflict and climate alerts. The dropdown boxes on the map allow you to navigate to specific countries and PDF reports. You can click any circle on the map to visit that area and access in-depth data, including food security and nutrition statistics.

tag(s): climate (85), climate change (100), cross cultural understanding (178), environment (251), maps (224), nutrition (140), STEM (310), sustainability (51)

The "Build Your Future with Google" scholarship website offers a range of scholarship opportunities to help students pursue careers in technology and STEM-related fields. Teachers can use this resource to inspire students by sharing real-world pathways to careers in tech. Educators can integrate the website into lessons about career exploration, encouraging students to research scholarships that align with their interests. It can also serve as a starting point for discussions about the skills needed in technology-driven careers and the importance of planning for higher education. Additionally, teachers can guide students in crafting strong scholarship applications, emphasizing writing skills and personal storytelling. The reference videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): careers (182), engineering (137), interviews (17), scientists (71), STEM (310)

"Creatability by Google Experiments" is a collection of accessible web-based tools designed to explore creative ways of making art, music, and storytelling through technology. These experiments use artificial intelligence and innovative interfaces to make creative expression more inclusive, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Tools include music-making with gestures, visual art generation through voice input, and interactive storytelling. Teachers can use these tools to inspire students in STEAM activities, foster creativity, and highlight the role of technology in breaking barriers. The website offers an engaging platform for students to experiment with new artistic and technological expression forms.

tag(s): Accessibility (11), artificial intelligence (187), creativity (87), disabilities (32), STEM (310)

Xstockvideo has free footage with web resolutions of 960x540 that you can download. Footage includes buildings/landmarks, nature/landscapes, transportation, abstract/textures, education/science, people, animals/pets, holidays/celebrations, and technology. At times, there is a watermark on the footage.

tag(s): creating media (18), video (267)

MIT App Inventor is a free website to learn how to build fully functional apps for Android phones, iPhones, and Android/iOS tablets. Resources under the "For Educators" tab include teaching, tutorials, Hour of Code, AI with App Inventors, Data Science and Sensors, and books. The MIT App Inventor site has various activities for middle and high school students. The site tutorials allow teachers and students to navigate through difficulties and challenges with ease. In the "teach" section you will find the "Computational Thinking Curriculum" box, teachers can fill out a Google Form to gain access to the "MIT App Inventor Coolthink Computational Thinking (CTCT) Curriculum" Google Drive curriculum.

tag(s): coding (87), computers (109), inventors and inventions (81)

Looking for a quick, engaging brain break? TED's "The Purring Test" offers just that and more. Perfect for adding a playful twist to your classroom, TED's first game, The Purring Test, began with a curious question: "What would it be like to play Pictionary with an AI?" Intended to help understand different types of minds when challenged with quirky associations and unexpected twists, the outcome is usually hilarious and fun. This interactive game invites players to compete against friends and family with new puzzles daily, making it a playful addition to your classroom or a fun way to spark curiosity about AI and communication.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), gifted (66), puzzles (149)

Read and learn about several STEM activities centered on the science of flight. Find ideas for students of various ages, covering topics such as aerodynamics, the physics of lift, and propulsion. Activities range from hands-on projects, like building paper planes and model gliders, to technology-based experiences using drones and flight simulators. The article also includes fun experiments like balloon rockets and wind tunnels, making it an excellent resource for fostering curiosity and understanding of aviation and flight concepts.
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tag(s): aviation (41), flight (34), STEM (310)

The Royal website's Buckingham Palace virtual tours offer students a unique glimpse inside one of the UK's most iconic residences. Through 360-degree images and detailed descriptions, students can explore the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, and other stately rooms, learning about the palace's architecture, artwork, and history. This website is valuable for English or history classes, providing context on British monarchy, culture, and art. For geography lessons, it introduces students to significant British landmarks, enhancing their understanding of the UK's cultural heritage. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): architecture (84), art history (108), england (49)

The Prague Castle website's virtual tour offers an immersive experience through one of Europe's largest and oldest castle complexes. Teachers can use this resource to take students on a virtual journey through historical landmarks, Gothic architecture, and culturally significant sites like St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace. This tour supports lessons on European history, art, and architecture by showcasing the grandeur and historical evolution of the castle. It's an excellent resource for allowing students to explore Czech history and architectural styles from anywhere. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): architecture (84), europe (84), virtual field trips (131)

The Gillette Castle Friends website's photo and video gallery offers an engaging glimpse into the unique architecture and history of Gillette Castle, built by the actor William Gillette. Teachers can use this resource to visually introduce students to historic architecture, highlighting features like medieval-style design, quirky details, and scenic surroundings. It serves as an engaging tool for discussions on historical preservation, architectural styles, or regional history. The photos and videos allow students to explore the castle's intricate craftsmanship and design, making history more tangible and accessible. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): architecture (84), connecticut (4), medieval (33), virtual field trips (131)

Tour the White House in 360 Degrees is a free virtual tour that allows you access to the White House's public rooms on the Ground and State Floors. During the tour, you can examine the rooms and the objects inside. Finally, you get information about the rooms and objects by clicking on the circles and using a ruler to take measurements.

tag(s): virtual field trips (131), white house (16)

Pedagog.ai supports educators using AI by providing free resources such as a prompt library, lesson plans, and AI tools for teaching and learning. After creating an account, use Pedagog.ai's dashboard as a starting point to find and access information. The prompt library includes suggested prompts for all curricular subjects, professional development, student prompts, and teaching strategies. The lesson plans include categories of AI Literacy and Integrating AI to share topics such as Generating Hybrid Animals with AI or AI and Historical Perspective. Visit the Using AI section to gather ideas on using AI to gamify your classroom and how to use AI with student projects.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (187), computers (109), creative writing (126), critical thinking (137), digital literacy (16), editing (93), images (263), media literacy (113), persuasive writing (58), politics (118), population (52), readers theater (12), shakespeare (99), vocabulary (242), vocabulary development (95)

The Virtual Field Trip on Manufacturing the Future of Aviation is a free video series that shows three Boeing manufacturing facilities (Renton, WA, Portland, OR, and Salt Lake City, Utah) up close. The videos show how mechatronics, robotics, and ergonomics are shaping the future of aviation manufacturing. Additionally, various skilled STEM professionals share how they use cutting-edge tech to solve real-world challenges.

tag(s): aviation (41), flight (34), STEM (310), virtual field trips (131)

Multisim is an interactive online platform designed for circuit simulation and electronic design. It provides teachers a practical tool for teaching electrical engineering and electronics concepts through hands-on simulations. The website allows students to design, simulate, and test circuits in a virtual environment, making it ideal for classroom use in STEM education. Multisim offers several free features, including a free software trial, educational resources like tutorials and guides, pre-built circuit simulation examples, and access to recorded webinars and instructional videos. Additionally, the platform includes pre-built templates, components, and analysis tools to help students understand circuit behavior, enabling teachers to create engaging lab activities, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving tasks. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): circuits (19), electricity (60), engineering (137), simulations (23), STEM (310)

The website Bucket List Travels offers a curated list of the world's greatest historic buildings, providing detailed information on each site's cultural and historical significance. Teachers can use this resource to introduce students to global history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Suggested classroom activities include virtual tours, student presentations on favorite historic buildings, or research projects comparing architectural styles across different civilizations.
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tag(s): architecture (84)

Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial is typically out of reach for most classrooms; however, a virtual visit is accessible to all. This site includes links to exhibitions, videos, a panorama tour, a 3D explorer, and more. Visit the lesson plans section to find lessons for grades K-12 that include several content areas, including math, science, and visual arts. Use the provided links to download individual lessons in a zip file. Lessons include correlations to national teaching standards.

tag(s): jefferson (19), landmarks (21), lincoln (67), photography (131), roosevelt (15), virtual field trips (131), washington (28)