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OK2Ask: Digital Storytelling 201: Creating, Sharing, and Showcasing Student Narratives - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey,...more
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Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.
Take your digital storytelling projects to the next level! Building on foundational storytelling concepts from Digital Storytelling 101: Crafting Compelling Stories from Concept to Storyboard, this workshop guides you through the production phase of digital storytelling--from gathering media assets to publishing polished final products. You'll learn practical strategies for teaching responsible media use, guiding students through the production process, and implementing effective peer feedback protocols. Discover how to overcome common classroom management challenges while facilitating student-centered digital projects and explore assessment strategies that honor both creativity and content mastery. Join us to explore how digital storytelling can turn your students into confident creators and critical communicators in the digital world. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement strategies for teaching copyright, fair use, and ethical media practices in digital projects. 2. Utilize versatile creation tools that accommodate various student needs and technical contexts. 3. Design structured peer feedback and assessment frameworks that balance content and creativity. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Take your digital storytelling projects to the next level! Building on foundational storytelling concepts from Digital Storytelling 101: Crafting Compelling Stories from Concept to Storyboard, this workshop guides you through the production phase of digital storytelling--from gathering media assets to publishing polished final products. You'll learn practical strategies for teaching responsible media use, guiding students through the production process, and implementing effective peer feedback protocols. Discover how to overcome common classroom management challenges while facilitating student-centered digital projects and explore assessment strategies that honor both creativity and content mastery. Join us to explore how digital storytelling can turn your students into confident creators and critical communicators in the digital world. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement strategies for teaching copyright, fair use, and ethical media practices in digital projects. 2. Utilize versatile creation tools that accommodate various student needs and technical contexts. 3. Design structured peer feedback and assessment frameworks that balance content and creativity. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital storytelling (181), OK2Askarchive (51), professional development (297)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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The Plate Show - WNET
Grades
K to 2
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"The Plate Show" is a comedy podcast for children and their families, exploring cultures worldwide and their significant foods. Hosted by Spoonie, a talking spoon, and her sidekick,...more
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"The Plate Show" is a comedy podcast for children and their families, exploring cultures worldwide and their significant foods. Hosted by Spoonie, a talking spoon, and her sidekick, Tongs, the show offers engaging episodes that delve into various culinary traditions, making it a valuable resource for educators who aim to introduce students to global cultures and cuisines.
tag(s): cooking (32), cultures (294), podcasts (181), preK (327)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to share a story about a favorite dish from their own family or heritage. They can draw it, write a short description, or even interview a family member about its history. Have each student contribute a recipe from their culture or a favorite meal at home. Compile these into a classroom cookbook with personal stories or fun facts about each dish. Create this book collaboratively using Google Slides reviewed here or Book Creator reviewed here. Explore the science behind cooking by choosing an episode-related food to investigate (ex., how yeast makes bread rise or why popcorn pops). Conduct a simple experiment and discuss the results. Just like Spoonie and Tongs, students can design their own talking kitchen utensil character. They can write a short paragraph in which they share a fun fact or story about a favorite dish.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Work It Out Wombats! Podcasts - PBS Kids
Grades
K to 2
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"The Work It Out Wombats!" podcast series, available on PBS KIDS, features engaging audio adventures with characters Malik, Zadie, and Zeke. Each episode invites young listeners to...more
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"The Work It Out Wombats!" podcast series, available on PBS KIDS, features engaging audio adventures with characters Malik, Zadie, and Zeke. Each episode invites young listeners to participate in interactive playdates, such as surprise parties, sleepovers, and detective missions, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. These podcasts offer an excellent resource for educators seeking to incorporate interactive storytelling into their curriculum, promoting active listening and imaginative thinking among students.
tag(s): creativity (93), interactive stories (23), podcasts (181), preK (327), problem solving (287)
In the Classroom
Pause the podcast at key moments and ask students to predict what the characters should do next. This encourages critical thinking and active listening. Have students write a short adventure for Malik, Zadie, and Zeke, imagining a new problem for them to solve. Students can read their stories aloud using Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here or Imagine Forest, reviewed here or turn them into a mini audio recording. Assign students different roles from an episode and have them reenact the story or create their own continuation to help develop storytelling and collaboration skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Radiolab for Kids Presents: Terrestrials Podcast - WNYC Studios
Grades
4 to 8
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Radiolab for Kids is a captivating podcast that brings science, curiosity, and storytelling together in a way that engages young learners. Featuring kid-friendly episodes from the popular...more
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Radiolab for Kids is a captivating podcast that brings science, curiosity, and storytelling together in a way that engages young learners. Featuring kid-friendly episodes from the popular Radiolab series, the podcast explores fascinating topics in science, history, and philosophy through engaging narratives and real-world connections. Teachers can use Radiolab for Kids to encourage inquiry-based discussions, introduce complex ideas in an accessible way, and inspire critical thinking. With its mix of storytelling and scientific exploration, the podcast is ideal for upper elementary and middle school students, making it a valuable resource for cross-curricular learning.
tag(s): listening (119), podcasts (181), stories and storytelling (80)
In the Classroom
While listening, have students create a visual concept map using MindMup, reviewed here or paper to connect key ideas from the episode. Doing this helps with comprehension and identifying relationships between concepts. Have students choose a topic from the episode to research further and create a presentation, infographic, or short report using Visme, reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here to share with the class. Have students work in groups to research an interesting question, write a script, and record a mini-podcast episode using narration, interviews, and sound effects. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here can be used to record the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tumble Science Podcast for Kids - Tumble Media
Grades
3 to 8
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"Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids" is an engaging, kid-friendly podcast that explores fascinating science topics through storytelling and expert interviews. Designed to spark curiosity,...more
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"Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids" is an engaging, kid-friendly podcast that explores fascinating science topics through storytelling and expert interviews. Designed to spark curiosity, each episode presents scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way, making it a great resource for classroom learning. Teachers can use the podcast to support science lessons, introduce new topics, and encourage inquiry-based discussions. With episodes covering a wide range of subjects - from space exploration to biology - Tumble is ideal for upper elementary and middle school students, whether as a listening activity, discussion starter, or inspiration for hands-on experiments.
tag(s): animals (284), dinosaurs (48), listening (119), natural disasters (21), plants (144), podcasts (181), space (252), stars (80), vision (40)
In the Classroom
Before listening, show students the episode title and have them predict what they think the episode will be about. Afterward, discuss how their predictions compared to what they learned. Choose an episode related to a scientific concept that students can test. For example, if an episode focuses on forces, conduct a simple physics experiment in class and have students record their observations. Students can work in small groups to research a science topic, script an episode, and record their classroom science podcast using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here inspired by "Tumble". They can include fun facts, expert interviews, and sound effects!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Morphy - Smithsonian Science Education Center
Grades
3 to 5
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Morphy, a life science game from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, is designed for students in grades 3-5 and teaches how animals use external structures to survive and behave...more
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Morphy, a life science game from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, is designed for students in grades 3-5 and teaches how animals use external structures to survive and behave in their environments. Accessible on desktop and laptop via a web browser, Morphy is also available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it easy to bring interactive science learning to any classroom or home setting.
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a story about another planet. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post their questions or comments that they had while playing the game. Finally, students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast creatures featured in the game.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habitats - Smithsonian Science Education Center
Grades
3 to 6
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Explore the diverse world of ecosystems with the Smithsonian Science Education Center's interactive Habitats game. This engaging, browser-based activity invites learners to match...more
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Explore the diverse world of ecosystems with the Smithsonian Science Education Center's interactive Habitats game. This engaging, browser-based activity invites learners to match animals, such as the red-eyed tree frog, to their correct environments, including deserts, coral reefs, jungles, and marshes. By integrating vivid visuals and interactive gameplay, the resource reinforces life science concepts aligned with NGSS standards, making it an excellent tool for introducing or reviewing habitat-related topics in the classroom.
tag(s): animals (284), deserts (20), ecosystems (112), habitats (107), jungles (5)
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a book about all the different habitats of the animals. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post their questions that they have about the habitats or the animals. Finally, students can Google My Maps reviewed here to view the different habitats and locations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Let's Learn STEM - Let's Learn
Grades
K to 4
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Let's Learn STEM is a free, kid-friendly website offering engaging videos on computer programming, engineering, design, and problem-solving. Some lessons even feature Super Grover 2.0...more
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Let's Learn STEM is a free, kid-friendly website offering engaging videos on computer programming, engineering, design, and problem-solving. Some lessons even feature Super Grover 2.0 as he helps tackle real-world challenges through critical thinking. With most videos running between 8 to 15 minutes, this resource is perfect for introducing young learners to STEM concepts in a playful and accessible way.
tag(s): critical thinking (191), engineering (141), problem solving (287), STEM (381)
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to photograph themselves completing a project featured on the site. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to ask questions, make wonderings, or connections. Finally, students can use Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here to share their creation after watching a video.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Let's Learn Art - Let's Learn
Grades
K to 4
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Let's Learn Art features interactive videos that invite students to explore their creativity through activities such as Let's Make Music, Let's Pretend, Let's Dance, and Let's...more
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Let's Learn Art features interactive videos that invite students to explore their creativity through activities such as Let's Make Music, Let's Pretend, Let's Dance, and Let's Create segments. Designed to engage young learners in imaginative play and artistic expression, the videos can be sorted by fun themes like Feelings, Colors, Animals, Transportation, My Five Senses, and more. With video lengths ranging from 1.5 to 13 minutes, this resource is perfect for integrating art, movement, and music into the early childhood classroom.
tag(s): creativity (93), recycling (48)
In the Classroom
Students can create videos singing the songs using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here. After watching the informational videos (such as Recycling Ben), students can teach others about recycling. Finally, students can use WordClouds, reviewed here after watching the video titled "Singing about Where We Live" to share all the different places that they live and the languages that they know.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Let's Learn Science - Let's Learn
Grades
K to 4
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Young learners can explore the wonders of the world around them through engaging videos on Let's Learn Science, which cover topics such as animals, experiments, the five senses, force...more
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Young learners can explore the wonders of the world around them through engaging videos on Let's Learn Science, which cover topics such as animals, experiments, the five senses, force and motion, plants, water, weather, and other key science concepts. This free collection also includes STEM-focused content, allowing educators to sort videos by themes such as Light, Transformation, Feelings, Transportation, Animals, and more. With video lengths ranging from 2 to 15 minutes, it's an ideal resource for sparking curiosity and supporting science learning in early childhood classrooms.
tag(s): animals (284), experiments (67), forces (47), motion (56), STEM (381), water (105), weather (172)
In the Classroom
Students can use Seesaw's reviewed here community library to complete activities. Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create books on animals (or other science topics). Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post interesting information and facts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Halloween Escape - Genially
Grades
3 to 12
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Use this template from Genially, reviewed here to create an engaging Halloween escape room activity for students of any age. Try the escape room out...more
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Use this template from Genially, reviewed here to create an engaging Halloween escape room activity for students of any age. Try the escape room out by playing with activities found in the preview to collect five pieces of candy, then click "Use this template" to create a copy on your account and personalize the content. This template includes animations and audio features that add a spooky feel to the escape room. When ready to share, choose from options to share as a presentation on your whiteboard or provide students with a link to play from their devices.
tag(s): digital escapes (29), fall (12), halloween (45), holidays (291), mysteries (28)
In the Classroom
Customize and share this escape room activity with your students as you recognize and celebrate Halloween. Use it as a station during fall or Halloween parties. Change the questions to match your students' age level and content, and your curriculum. For example, include Halloween math word problems or vocabulary with spooky definitions. Find additional tools to include in your escape room by visiting TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Escape Room Resources, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Snowflake Generator - Transum Mathematics
Grades
3 to 12
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The Transum Snowflake Generator is an interactive math tool that allows students to explore fractals, symmetry, and patterns by creating digital snowflakes. This activity is ideal for...more
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The Transum Snowflake Generator is an interactive math tool that allows students to explore fractals, symmetry, and patterns by creating digital snowflakes. This activity is ideal for reinforcing geometric transformations, including reflection, rotation, and dilation. Students can adjust settings to observe how small changes impact the overall pattern, making it an excellent resource for discussions on similarity, problem-solving, and fractal geometry. In addition to creating freestyle snowflakes, you can participate in several challenges to develop snowflakes by following the provided directions. Teachers can use it for hands-on lessons in math, computer science, and art, engaging students in both creative design and mathematical reasoning.
tag(s): geometric shapes (152), patterns (78), problem solving (287), snow (24), symmetry (31)
In the Classroom
Have students design a snowflake and identify its lines of symmetry (folding lines where the design matches). Then, challenge them to create snowflakes with specific numbers of symmetrical sections (e.g., 4, 6, or 8). Introduce fractals by showing natural examples (such as snowflakes, trees, and ferns) and have students generate snowflakes at various stages of the design process. Compare their snowflakes and discuss how repeating patterns create complex designs. Have students design digital snowflakes and print them for a classroom display. Compare snowflake designs to traditional paper-cut snowflakes and discuss the difference between digital and handmade art.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Aww Snap! A Snapdragon Study - Smithsonian Science Education Center
Grades
3 to 5
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Smithsonian Science Education Center's Aww Snap! A Snapdragon Study is a life science game where players become field researchers by learning to observe and collect data, interpret...more
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Smithsonian Science Education Center's Aww Snap! A Snapdragon Study is a life science game where players become field researchers by learning to observe and collect data, interpret findings, and try to uncover their own answers to the mystery of the white snapdragons. Aww Snap! is available as a website for desktop and laptop computers, as well as on the Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.
tag(s): data (212), game based learning (323), scientific method (49)
In the Classroom
Students can use Book Creator, reviewed here to input their data from their observations. Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post their questions and thoughts. Finally, students can Google My Maps, reviewed here to view areas that have snapdragons flowers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mirror Room Escape - CrazyGames
Grades
4 to 12
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Mirror Room Escape on CrazyGames is a free, browser-based escape room game that challenges players to solve puzzles and find hidden clues to escape a mysterious mirrored room. Teachers...more
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Mirror Room Escape on CrazyGames is a free, browser-based escape room game that challenges players to solve puzzles and find hidden clues to escape a mysterious mirrored room. Teachers can use this game can in the classroom to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills. Students must analyze their surroundings, decipher patterns, and experiment with different strategies to progress. Teachers can integrate it into lessons as a fun brain break, a collaborative group challenge, or a way to enhance deductive reasoning in subjects like ELA (mystery stories), math (logic puzzles), or STEM (pattern recognition and sequencing).
tag(s): critical thinking (191), digital escapes (29), game based learning (323), logic (176), problem solving (287), puzzles (176), STEM (381)
In the Classroom
Have students work in small groups to solve the game together, discussing strategies and sharing discoveries. Afterward, they can reflect on their problem-solving process and teamwork skills. After playing the game, students can write escape room-inspired short stories that incorporate suspense, clues, and logical problem-solving elements to engage their readers. Students can analyze the types of puzzles in the game and then create logic-based challenges using math concepts (ex., number patterns, geometry puzzles) for classmates to solve. Using Google Forms, reviewed here or Genially, reviewed here, students can design their own digital escape rooms with interactive puzzles based on a subject they are studying, such as historical events, science facts, or literary themes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nature Guys Podcast - Bob Staggenborg
Grades
4 to 8
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The Nature Guys podcast is created by Bob Staggenborg, a former educator and nature enthusiast. He co-hosts episodes with various naturalists and experts, sharing engaging discussions...more
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The Nature Guys podcast is created by Bob Staggenborg, a former educator and nature enthusiast. He co-hosts episodes with various naturalists and experts, sharing engaging discussions about wildlife, conservation, and outdoor exploration. The podcast aims to inspire curiosity about the natural world and encourage people to spend more time outside.
tag(s): animals (284), conservation (98), listening (119), podcasts (181)
In the Classroom
Students can work in small groups to research and record their own short nature-themed podcast episode using Buzzsprout, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, inspired by Nature Guys. They can script, narrate, and even add sound effects to bring their topic to life. While listening to an episode, students can take notes on interesting facts, key ideas, and new vocabulary. Afterward, they can share one thing they learned and one question they still have. After hearing about an animal or ecosystem from the podcast, students can choose a related topic to research and create a mini-presentation, poster, or digital slideshow with Canva Edu, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tami's Tower: Let's Think About Engineering - Smithsonian Science Education Center
Grades
K to 2
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Tami's Tower: Let's Think About Engineering is an educational engineering design game for students in grades kindergarten through second that teaches how to design a solution...more
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Tami's Tower: Let's Think About Engineering is an educational engineering design game for students in grades kindergarten through second that teaches how to design a solution to a problem using basic engineering design principles. Shapes are used to create a tower that Tami can use to reach the fruit. A lesson guide booklet can be found after the Educational features. Tami's Tower is available as a website for desktop and laptop computers, as well as on the Amazon App & Games Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. The game is also available in Spanish.
tag(s): engineering (141), game based learning (323), geometric shapes (152), problem solving (287)
In the Classroom
Students can share observations that they had while playing the game using Padlet, reviewed here. Students can find a similar game on Scratch, reviewed here. Finally, students use Google My Maps, reviewed here to visit famous structures to compare and contrast their shapes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Storm Smart - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Storm Smart is an interactive simulation designed for kindergarten Earth and Space Science students. Aligned with the "How Can We Be Ready...more
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Storm Smart is an interactive simulation designed for kindergarten Earth and Space Science students. Aligned with the "How Can We Be Ready for Weather?" module, this resource educates students about various storm hazards--including blizzards, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes--and offers strategies for preparedness. Accessible via web browsers on desktops and laptops, Storm Smart is also available for tablets and smartphones. This engaging tool enhances students' understanding of weather phenomena and safety measures.
tag(s): hurricanes (36), simulations (46), tornadoes (17), weather (172)
In the Classroom
Before using Storm Smart, have students work in small groups to sort picture cards into two categories: "Safe During a Storm" (ex., staying indoors, having an emergency kit) and "Not Safe During a Storm" (ex., standing under a tree during lightning). Discuss their choices and introduce the simulation. After learning about different storms in Storm Smart, students can create a safety poster for one type of severe weather, such as a tornado or a hurricane. They should include at least three safety tips and illustrations to help their classmates prepare. Students can work together to design a storm preparedness plan for their school or neighborhood. Next, have students discuss where to seek shelter, what supplies are needed, and how families can stay informed during severe weather.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Penguin Protection - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Penguin Protection is an interactive simulation designed for primary life science students. In this engaging resource, students assume the...more
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Penguin Protection is an interactive simulation designed for primary life science students. In this engaging resource, students assume the role of an adult rockhopper penguin, navigating challenges to raise their young successfully. Aligned with the "How Do Living Things Stay Safe and Grow?" module, the simulation offers insights into penguin behavior and survival strategies. Accessible via web browsers on desktops and laptops, it is also available for tablets and smartphones through the Amazon Apps & Games Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. This tool provides a hands-on learning experience, enhancing students' understanding of animal life cycles and parental care behaviors.
tag(s): animals (284), simulations (46)
In the Classroom
Before using the simulation, students could participate in a role-playing game where they act as penguin parents protecting their "egg" (a small ball or beanbag) from environmental dangers (ex., wind, cold, predators). This introduces them to the challenges penguins face in the context of Penguin Protection. After exploring the simulation, students can create a diorama of a rockhopper penguin habitat using a shoebox or a digital tool such as Tinkercad, reviewed here. Students can identify and label important features, such as nesting areas, food sources, and predators. Students imagine they are rockhopper penguins and write a short story about their journey raising a chick. They describe challenges like finding food, staying warm, and avoiding predators.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sunlight on the National Mall - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Sunlight on the National Mall is an interactive simulation designed for primary Earth and Space Science students. This resource allows students...more
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Sunlight on the National Mall is an interactive simulation designed for primary Earth and Space Science students. This resource allows students to observe the Sun's arc over the Smithsonian Castle throughout different times of the day and across all four seasons--Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. By exploring 360-degree views of the National Mall, students can investigate how the Sun's position in the sky changes over time. A complementary Sun Data Sheet is provided to help students record their observations during Winter and Spring. The simulation is accessible via web browsers on desktops and laptops, and is also available for tablets and smartphones through the Amazon Apps & Games Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
tag(s): seasons (59), simulations (46), sun (87)
In the Classroom
On a sunny day, take students outside to stand in one spot and trace their shadows with chalk at different times. They compare their real-life observations to how shadows change in Sunlight on the National Mall. If outdoor observations aren't possible, they can use a lamp and a pencil on paper to create a mini sundial. Students can use a flashlight and a small object (like a toy or cup) to model how the Sun's changing position affects shadows. Have students predict and test how a shadow changes when the light source moves, connecting their discoveries to the simulation's observations of sunlight and shadows at different times of the day. Students can explore how sunlight varies in different locations, comparing the Sun's path on the National Mall to other locations (ex., the Arctic Circle vs. the equator). Students can research and present why some places experience nearly 24 hours of daylight or darkness during certain times of the year. They can use Google Slides, reviewed here to make a presentation. The teacher can create a template to make it easier for young learners.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Game Center - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 8
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Game Center offers free, curriculum-aligned STEM games and simulations suitable for kindergarten through middle school students. Each game...more
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The Smithsonian Science Education Center's Game Center offers free, curriculum-aligned STEM games and simulations suitable for kindergarten through middle school students. Each game is designed with clear learning objectives and vetted by curriculum experts to ensure educational value. Notable games include "Shutterbugs: Wiggle and Stomp" for kindergarteners to explore animal movements, "Tami's Tower: Let's Think About Engineering" for grades K-2 focusing on basic engineering principles, and "Showbiz Safari" for grades 1-3, which teaches about the diversity of plants and animals in different habitats. These interactive resources are accessible online or available for download, providing engaging learning experiences that align with educational standards.
tag(s): engineering (141), habitats (107), nutrition (137), plants (144), simulations (46), STEM (381)
In the Classroom
After playing a game (ex., Tami's Tower or Showbiz Safari), have students create a strategy guide or review for future players. They summarize the game's goal, identify the most effective strategies, and explain how the game relates to real-world STEM concepts. Turn game-based learning into a classroom competition! Students can track their progress and discuss different problem-solving approaches. Create a leaderboard not just for high scores but also for most creative solutions, best teamwork, or most improved player. Challenge students to design their own educational STEM game based on the concepts they have learned. They can sketch a game board, write rules, or create a simple digital prototype. Have students research real-world applications of the game's concepts. For example, after playing Tami's Tower (engineering), students can explore famous bridges or buildings and discuss how engineers solve design challenges. They can present their findings through posters, slide presentations using Google Slides, reviewed here, or models. Students can make a 3D model online using Tinkercad, reviewed here or CoSpaces. reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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