Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Teaching NGSS Engineering Design Through Media offers a large collection of media-based resources to bring engineering (and Next Gen Science) to students at all grade levels. Think of design as problem solving by applying science and math. Begin browsing by choosing from grade level options for descriptions of activities including grade level and type of resource offered. Each activity includes additional resource links, correlations to Next Gen Science Standards, and support materials. Discover the most popular resources by viewing the number of times other users designated them as favorites. Learn about wind powered vehicles, mechanical arms, designing a skyscraper, and much more. Everything on the site is free; however, after viewing three resources you will be prompted to create your free account. Account creation offers the ability to save and favorite resources.

tag(s): architecture (75), energy (133), engineering (129), problem solving (233), robotics (24), STEM (297), structures (18)

Sheppard Software offers hundreds of online learning games for learners in a large variety of subjects. Topics include brain games, seasons, nutrition, and world geography. Search for specific topics or browse categories. Looking for a specific grade level range? Scroll down below the main icons to view recommended sections for different age ranges from preschool to adult. In addition to games, some categories include videos, timelines, and coloring activities. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. Some activities require flash which isn't supported on all browsers.
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tag(s): addition (129), alphabet (53), alphabetical order (8), animal homes (57), animals (295), capitalization (9), capitals (16), cells (82), colors (64), continents (33), counting (60), countries (73), decimals (85), dinosaurs (43), division (98), elements (34), endangered species (27), equations (119), estimation (33), fractions (160), geometric shapes (135), grammar (137), integers (21), landforms (39), life cycles (21), measurement (122), money (113), multiplication (122), number lines (33), number sense (69), numbers (120), oceans (149), order of operations (29), parts of speech (39), patterns (61), periodic table (46), place value (34), puzzles (149), states (124), subtraction (110), time (91), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (94)

Struggling with Algebra? Find some free help at ChiliMath in the form of lessons, worksheets, and activities. Use the math solver to check work, type in any math problem from beginner algebra to calculus to check any answer. Use the tutorial provided for step-by-step help. Choose from several activities sorted by categories such as strategy games or logic games. The Algebra lessons section contains close to 100 lessons describing Algebra concepts in simple terms along with images, charts, graphs, and examples. Explore lessons either by course (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, etc.) or use the index to search for particular items alphabetically. Take quizzes at the end of many lessons or download practice worksheets through links provided. Also at this site is a link for Basic Math. Clicking on that will give you activities like number writing and counting. On that page, if you look to the left there are grade levels for IXL Math and more free activities. he last link you might like to try is for the Math Games, and there is quite a variety.
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tag(s): division (98), equations (119), exponents (35), factoring (25), fractions (160), functions (52), geometric shapes (135), inequalities (25), integers (21), mean (19), median (16), mode (13), multiples (15), multiplication (122), number lines (33), prime numbers (26), problem solving (233), quadratics (27)

Find engaging, challenging units to begin your Common Core journey. Intel Education Units are complete and include assessment tools. Search by grade level or subject. Find the basics for planning units. Also find sequencing maps, sequencing activities, classification charts, and prioritizing listings. Instructional Strategies include activating prior knowledge, graphic organizers, cooperative learning, and questioning strategies.

tag(s): literacy (122)

Dive into Documentary Storm to discover 100% free documentary films. The goal of the website is to share knowledge spread ideas, and have fun. Search the different channels to find exactly what you are seeking. Topics included are art, biography, conspiracy, culture, drugs, environment, health, indie films, lifestyle, mockumentaries, money, nature, politics, psychology, religion, science, society, sports, technology, war, and many more. Search in the top 100 documentaries, or click use"surprise me." Connect with Facebook, RSS, X (formerly Twitter), or email.

tag(s): video (266)

Have fun learning math at Kids Math Games Online! Choose from categories including money, problem-solving, and logic. In addition to many interactive games, find interesting number facts, math tutorial videos, math pictures, and printable quizzes. Click on any topic to begin then choose from offerings. Activities include simple instructions for play and offer immediate feedback on content. This website is pretty heavy on the advertisements, but worth the "annoyance." Note: The videos embedded on this site are NOT created by kidsmathgames and are hosted on YouTube. They come from various sources. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): addition (129), angles (52), coordinates (15), counting (60), division (98), geometric shapes (135), images (263), logic (161), money (113), multiplication (122), preK (271), problem solving (233), subtraction (110), time (91)

Don't remember how to play certain games or need to find some new ideas? This is the site for you! How Do You Play contains instructions for many classroom-friendly games and activities. Choose from categories of active games, board games, classroom games, icebreakers, sports, and many more. Find instructions and information for great icebreaker questions/games, how to build the tallest tower, playing spoons, how to play a photo scavenger hunt, egg drop with teambuilding, life timelines, and much more. Each game or activity includes a list of materials needed, number of players, time required, and directions for play. Some directions for strategy games also include strategy options. Although many of the games seem juvenile, the team building and icebreaker options are even good for adults.

tag(s): back to school (55), firstday (22), sports (82)

At CommonCore Sheets, find downloadable worksheets correlated to the Common Core curriculum and customizable activities. Choose from worksheets in every subject, including foreign languages. Registration isn't required to select and use worksheets; however, creating an account provides access to the Teacher Panel. Use the Teacher Panel to save sheets, create classes and assignments, monitor grades, and add distance learning assignments.
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tag(s): charts and graphs (171), decimals (85), fractions (160), measurement (122), money (113), negative numbers (13), operations (72), order of operations (29), parts of speech (39), primary sources (117), probability (99), sentences (22), time (91), timelines (56), variables (14)

Quandary is an online simulation in ethical decision-making while building a new colony on the planet Braxos. Face decisions without right or wrong answers but that have implications on you and others in the colony. This activity was created for students ages 8-14. Login is optional to save scores or track and assess student performance or you can play as a guest. The game includes four different episodes with each containing different scenarios for decision-making. View information on the game, extension questions and more within the teachers and parents portions of the site. Find lesson plans, standards mapping (matched to Common Core ELA standards), and printable materials within the teachers section for classroom use. Don't miss the introduction video, under Families, explaining the site!

tag(s): creativity (86), critical thinking (127), ethics (21), game based learning (205), social and emotional learning (102)

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

tag(s): aircraft (16), animals (295), dance (31), diseases (67), logic (161), money (113), motion (47), puzzles (149), recycling (46), social skills (22), vectors (16)

Enjoy language arts interactives suited for elementary students through adult learners at Vocabulary Web Games. Elementary activities offer review of grammar and punctuation concepts. Activities include Magical Capitals, Comma Chameleon, Adjective Adventure, and more. More advanced (secondary+) activities include practice SAT and GRE prep vocabulary, medical vocabulary, and computer vocabulary using a flash card format. Play word games such as word scramble and hangman by using the other interactive games on this site.
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tag(s): capitalization (9), grammar (137), parts of speech (39), puzzles (149), test prep (69), verbs (26), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (94)

Find a great source for all your energy information at Energy Kids! Discover energy sources, forms of energy (renewable and non-renewable), electricity, hydrogen, and recent statistics on energy use. There are games and activities to help reinforce the concepts presented. Detailed lesson plans, science fair experiments, field trip information, and more help you provide a more comprehensive unit. Don't miss the history of energy timeline with all the famous people. There is even a link "For Teachers" where you can find lesson plans from K to secondary.

tag(s): conservation (102), energy (133), natural resources (37)

Math Champs offers 30 free math activities for ages 5 though 11 shared via PDF. Choose an age group from three different levels to begin. Topics begin with simple addition and subtraction, but also include more challenging multiplication and division. Activities provide short instructions to begin play. Turn sound off or on using the button near the top of each game. Choose from most popular games and view high scores. Scores are recorded only after signing up for the site newsletter, but membership is not necessary to play games. This site was created for the UK so American English speakers may find some slightly different spellings.

tag(s): addition (129), decimals (85), division (98), logic (161), multiples (15), multiplication (122), numbers (120), preK (271), subtraction (110)

Join Jackie, Matt, and Inez in the PBS world of Cyberchase, using the magical powers of math and science to take adventures. The "Motherboard" heads the team against the evils of the universe, Hacker. Visit "Games" to find interactives. There are printables found at the "Activities" link. And finally, watch different episodes (see Video) of Cyberchase to practice various math skills. After the show, find links to the math presented in the show. Examples of content topics include: fractions, geometry, math, weather, money, problem solving, using data, using numbers, science and engineering, pre-algebra, measurement, math and sports, and geometry.

tag(s): data (151), engineering (129), fractions (160), money (113), problem solving (233), sports (82), weather (160)

Practice your multiplication skills using this comprehensive site including games, tips, tricks, free worksheets, quizzes, flash cards, and bingo cards. There are also addition and subtraction activities. Discover a multiplication table that has a picture with a story for every multiplication fact. Listen to a story about every fact. Beginning (or struggling) learners will benefit from the plethora of multiplication activities that will interest, intrigue, and motivate the varied style of learners in your classroom.
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tag(s): multiplication (122), operations (72)

Discover a huge collection of interactive illustrations to help explain complex concepts in science, technology, art, math, and a range of other topics. Use these activities to create interactive visualizations. There are thousands of Mathematica Demonstrations. A demonstration is a Mathematica notebook that takes advantage of Mathematica's manipulate command. Use the manipulate command to create sliders or buttons or check boxes to change the values of parameters in the displays in the demonstration. The result is you control the animation. View demonstrations on topics ranging from odd and even numbers to odd and even functions, fractions to fractals, and from linear functions to linear algebra and linear programming. In addition to mathematical topics, there are demonstrations illustrating the time in different cities around the world, global demographic information, the solar system, and art and music concepts. You need to download the Wolfram CDF player to use and interact with the demonstrations.
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tag(s): addition (129), animals (295), architecture (75), computers (109), division (98), fractions (160), geometric shapes (135), gravity (43), logic (161), maps (220), money (113), multiples (15), multiplication (122), plants (146), psychology (65), statistics (121), subtraction (110), weather (160)

Join the Cat in the Hat, Sally, and friends on an adventure that teaches, reinforces, and enriches learning for young students. Easily navigate through Games, Printing, and Videos. Each area features different concepts: colors, shapes, numbers, letters, matching, easy art projects, videos, songs, and spatial reasoning. Be sure to check out the activities on the top menu; they change with each page you click. There are also seasonal/timely activities on the main page. A wide variety of games keep you coming back to find yet another adventure with the Cat in the Hat. The site features user friendly directions for any age.

tag(s): alphabet (53), colors (64), dr seuss (12), geometric shapes (135), measurement (122), numbers (120), preK (271)

Explore and discover math in the world around you using ideas from this creative blog. Think about math through the eyes of the author as she points out the discovery of math in everyday places and events such as the movement of children and murals created from circular doodles.

tag(s): addition (129), division (98), geometric shapes (135), logic (161), multiplication (122), number sense (69), numbers (120), origami (15), patterns (61), problem solving (233), substitutes (25)

Math10 contains math resources for primary and secondary math students and teachers. Choose from categories such as Problem Solver, Adding and Subtracting Up to 100, Math Tests, Math History, and more. The topics of math problems vary from primary grade topics up through post-secondary. Search the topics on the left toolbar. The Math History portion is an in-depth look at math throughout the ages including classical Greek geometry through the origins of calculus. Games are divided into categories beginning with addition games through coordinates and equations. Be sure to check out the problem of the week for a new activity weekly.
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tag(s): division (98), equations (119), exponents (35), fractions (160), logic (161), mixed numbers (8), multiplication (122), operations (72), polynomials (20), probability (99), problem solving (233), pythagorean theorem (19), sequences (12), square roots (15)

Enjoy these engaging and "quick to solve" story problems every day of the year. Topics include content familiar to kids such as Dog Years, The 10 Second Rule, and House of Cards. Following each short story is a question for three different age groups - wee ones (preschool), little kids (k-2), and big kids (3rd grade and up). Sign up to receive problems daily by email or check the website daily for new problems.

tag(s): preK (271), problem solving (233)