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Teaching With Habits of the Mind - The Institute for the Arts Integration and STEAM
Grades
K to 12
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Created by The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, this webpage introduces teachers to the Habits of Mind, a set of purposeful thinking behaviors that help students become more...more
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Created by The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, this webpage introduces teachers to the Habits of Mind, a set of purposeful thinking behaviors that help students become more resilient and thoughtful learners. This page explains how these habits apply across grade levels and content areas and encourages teachers to weave them into everyday routines so students can practice them regularly. It also provides practical tools, such as mini-lessons, discussion prompts, and printable habit cards, to facilitate easy classroom integration.
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tag(s): professional development (295), social and emotional learning (145), teaching strategies (67), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Have students create a habit of mind character sketch with Google Drawings, reviewed here. They can choose a character from a book and identify which habits the character uses or lacks. They can write a short explanation and illustrate the character demonstrating the habit in a key scene. Assign students to design a toolkit for a habit of mind. In small groups using Canva for Education, reviewed here, they create posters, bookmark reminders, or short scripts for morning announcements that teach their classmates how to use a specific habit. These tools are shared with the grade level or displayed in the classroom as ongoing reminders. Choose one habit of mind, such as persisting, and give students a quick challenge, such as building a tower from index cards and tape. Pause halfway through and ask students to reflect on how they are using the habit in real time, this helps them experience the habit through action.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations - University of Vermont Extension Institute
Grades
4 to 12
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The page titled "University of Vermont Extension Institute (UVEI) Wiki: Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations" explains how this Habit of Mind supports students in using what they...more
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The page titled "University of Vermont Extension Institute (UVEI) Wiki: Applying Prior Knowledge to New Situations" explains how this Habit of Mind supports students in using what they already know to approach new and unfamiliar problems. It describes how learners sometimes treat each task as entirely separate, and emphasizes the importance of prompting them to recall previous experiences and make valuable connections. The website places this habit within a broader set of thinking skills and instructional practices, showing teachers how encouraging students to transfer learning can strengthen understanding and problem-solving.
tag(s): professional development (295), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Have students list anything they already know about a new topic or skill. Give students a challenging problem, then ask them to create a simpler version based on what they already know and solve both. Have students write or draw analogies showing how a new concept is like something they have learned before.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times - Brendan Conway-Smith
Grades
4 to 12
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The talk "Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times" by Brendan Conway-Smith explains the idea of metacognition, which means thinking about your own thinking, and shows why...more
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The talk "Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times" by Brendan Conway-Smith explains the idea of metacognition, which means thinking about your own thinking, and shows why it is an important skill in today's busy, technology-filled world. Conway-Smith describes how constant distractions and information overload make it hard for our brains to stay focused, and he explains how greater awareness of our thoughts, attention, and emotions can help us learn better and stay in control. This talk is helpful for teachers because it highlights how guiding students to notice their thinking can build independence, stronger focus, and deeper learning.
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tag(s): brain (56), professional development (295), social and emotional learning (145), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Give students a simple puzzle (a word scramble, a math riddle, or a pattern). Before solving, ask them to write or say, "How do I plan to solve this?" Afterward, they reflect on what worked and what didn't. Set up a short activity, such as a reading passage or drawing task, and pause halfway to let students check in with themselves. They can answer quick prompts like "Is my mind wandering?" and "What can I do to refocus?" Students will begin to see how awareness affects performance. Have students create a set of colorful cards that teach strategies such as "Take a brain break," "Ask yourself questions," "Notice your emotions," and "Check your work." They can decorate, explain, and practice each strategy, then use their cards during class for future learning tasks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The 10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students - Third Space Learning
Grades
K to 12
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The article "10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students" defines metacognition, outlines metacognitive strategies, covers the planning phase, and...more
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The article "10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students" defines metacognition, outlines metacognitive strategies, covers the planning phase, and addresses FAQs. Examples of some strategies are: Break Down the Problem, Goal Setting, Questioning, Improving Self-Regulation, Test Yourself, and more.
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tag(s): thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Students can create goals using Google Drawing, reviewed here and track their progress. Students can use Word Clouds, reviewed here to ask questions while reading a story. Students can use the Timelines Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to break down problems step by step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind - Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick
Grades
5 to 12
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The Habits of Mind: A Curriculum for Community High School of Vermont Students is a structured program designed to help learners develop essential thinking and problem-solving skills....more
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The Habits of Mind: A Curriculum for Community High School of Vermont Students is a structured program designed to help learners develop essential thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes lessons and activities focused on persistence, flexible thinking, managing impulsivity, and reflective learning. Each module provides clear objectives, guided discussions, and reflection prompts that encourage students to apply these habits in academic and real-life situations. Although designed for older students, users can adapt the content for upper-elementary and middle-school classrooms to build a strong foundation for social-emotional growth and metacognitive awareness.
tag(s): critical thinking (166), problem solving (266), thinking routines (29), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Introduce one habit, such as Thinking Flexibly, and give students a quick scenario in which they choose among different ways to solve a problem. Have them vote and explain their choices. Give students cards with prompts like "A time I persisted today..." or "A moment I listened with understanding..." to build awareness of habits in real time. Set up stations tied to different habits, such as puzzles for persisting partner tasks for listening with understanding or creative challenges for thinking flexibly. Have students rotate and practice each habit as part of your ongoing classroom routines.
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Metacognitive Strategies - CUNY Academic Commons
Grades
6 to 12
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The Metacognition Strategies toolkit from the CUNY Academic Commons provides a comprehensive guide for educators looking to help students take control of their own learning. This free...more
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The Metacognition Strategies toolkit from the CUNY Academic Commons provides a comprehensive guide for educators looking to help students take control of their own learning. This free resource offers a practical bank of strategies, ranging from goal-setting and self-reflection to peer instruction and scaffolded learning. Each category includes clear explanations of how these techniques work to enhance a student's ability to monitor and regulate their cognitive processes. While the site is hosted by a college faculty center, the strategies--such as "think-alouds," "predict-observe-explain," and "concept mapping"--are easily adaptable for learners from upper elementary through higher education. The site functions as a straightforward pedagogical menu, allowing you to quickly browse subject-specific applications for math, science, language arts, and social studies without a subscription or account.
tag(s): thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
When debating during a Social Studies lesson, students can use Tricider, reviewed here. Students can use Snorkl, reviewed here to get feedback on an activity. Students can use the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to create maps for science while making predictions and observations during an experiment.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Help Students Learn to Take Exams with Exam Wrappers - Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning
Grades
K to 12
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Help Students Learn to Take Exams with Exam Wrappers is a fantastic article that explains what exam wrappers are and why they're a game-changer in the classroom. An exam wrapper...more
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Help Students Learn to Take Exams with Exam Wrappers is a fantastic article that explains what exam wrappers are and why they're a game-changer in the classroom. An exam wrapper is a simple reflection tool you give students right after they receive a graded exam. Instead of just glancing at their score and moving on, students take time to think about what worked, what didn't, and how they can improve next time. However, exam wrappers aren't just for after the test! You can also use them before an exam to help students prepare more strategically. They'll learn to tackle questions at different levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and develop a concrete plan for doing even better on their next assessment. It's a win-win: students become more self-aware learners, and you get to see real growth in their test-taking skills!
tag(s): thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Students can create their own exam wrapper using Canva for Education, reviewed here. Students can use Lino, reviewed here to reflect after using an exam wrapper. Students can use the Infographics Presentation Templates, reviewed here to create a top five list as to why and how to use exam wrappers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How Metacognition Can Optimize Learning - Cult of Pedagogy
Grades
K to 12
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How Metacognition Can Optimize Learning is a YouTube podcast featuring cognitive scientist Megan Sumeracki. The podcast focuses on metacognition, the act of thinking about thinking,...more
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How Metacognition Can Optimize Learning is a YouTube podcast featuring cognitive scientist Megan Sumeracki. The podcast focuses on metacognition, the act of thinking about thinking, and how it helps our brains hold onto information. In addition, it explains Metacognitive Monitoring (Awareness) and Metacognitive Control (Action). An example provided in the video is rereading and retrieval practice.
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tag(s): thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Students can use mindmaps, reviewed here to create study resources. Students can use Google Drawing, reviewed here to create outlines and/or graphic organizers. Finally, students can use StoryMap JS, reviewed here to create story maps.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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20 Metacognitive Questions That Will Get Students Thinking - New Teacher Coach
Grades
K to 12
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New Teacher Coach provides a valuable collection of metacognitive questions designed to boost student reflection and self-awareness across all grade levels. This free resource categorizes...more
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New Teacher Coach provides a valuable collection of metacognitive questions designed to boost student reflection and self-awareness across all grade levels. This free resource categorizes questions into three distinct phases: planning, monitoring, and evaluating. During the planning stage, prompts help students set goals and identify the necessary resources before starting a task. The monitoring questions encourage students to check their progress and adjust their strategies mid-activity, while the evaluation prompts guide them in assessing their final performance and learning process. Because these questions focus on the "how" of learning rather than just the "what," they offer a practical framework for developing independent learners who understand their own cognitive processes.
tag(s): critical thinking (166), problem solving (266), thinking skills (86)
In the Classroom
Students can use Stormboard, reviewed here to post their goal. Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to help with deadlines for assignments and projects. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here as a reflection tool.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking - Learning A to Z
Grades
K to 12
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Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking focuses on the classroom setting. This resource defines metacognition, what it is not, how to create metacognition...more
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Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking focuses on the classroom setting. This resource defines metacognition, what it is not, how to create metacognition in the classroom, teaching strategies, and how to overcome challenges. The teaching of reading strategies highlighted for metacognition are Planning and Goal Setting, Making Connections, Monitoring Comprehension, Revising, Clarifying, and Repairing Understanding, Questioning, Summarizing, and Visualizing. The reading strategies are shared in a table that highlights before, during, and after reading.
tag(s): questioning (36), reading comprehension (144), summarizing (25), teaching strategies (67), thinking skills (86), visualizations (15)
In the Classroom
Students can use Canva for Education, reviewed here to create their goals. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here to make connections to a text. Students can post questions in Stickies.io, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Instagram in Class: Five Activities - Education World
Grades
5 to 12
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If you're looking to bring visual storytelling and creativity into your classroom, this Education World article is full of inspiring ideas. Titled "Using Instagram in the Classroom:...more
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If you're looking to bring visual storytelling and creativity into your classroom, this Education World article is full of inspiring ideas. Titled "Using Instagram in the Classroom: Five Activities," it presents engaging ways to harness Instagram (or similar tools) for student learning. Activities include recreating famous artworks, staging historical reenactments, designing visual book reports, documenting science experiments step by step, and participating in photo scavenger hunts to find real-life examples of academic concepts. These ideas help students make personal and creative connections to the curriculum through images and collaboration.
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tag(s): digital storytelling (158), digital writing (2), social media (60)
In the Classroom
Create a themed list (e.g., shapes in geometry, symbols in literature, examples of good citizenship), and have students find or draw images that represent each item. After reading a story, assign students to select or create photos to describe the setting, characters, conflict, and resolution. Post these on the class's Instagram account. In small groups, have students pose as historical figures in key moments from history (e.g., signing the Declaration of Independence). They can caption their photo with a first-person quote or journal entry.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Oh Moose! - Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Grades
4 to 12
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Bring the Wild into Your Classroom with "Oh Moose!" The Oh Moose! Curriculum developed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers educators a dynamic, interactive approach to...more
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Bring the Wild into Your Classroom with "Oh Moose!" The Oh Moose! Curriculum developed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers educators a dynamic, interactive approach to teaching ecological principles through the lens of moose biology and habitat. Designed for students in grades 4-12, this resource features a range of hands-on activities, including role-playing games and simulations, that illustrate concepts such as habitat requirements, limiting factors, and population dynamics. By engaging students in experiential learning, Oh Moose! fosters a deeper understanding of ecosystem interdependence and wildlife management, making complex ecological concepts accessible and memorable.
tag(s): animal homes (52), ecology (116), ecosystems (99), habitats (100), population (54)
In the Classroom
Use the simulation game from the curriculum to let students act as moose seeking food, shelter, and space. This interactive role-play helps students understand the habitat needs and the effects of limiting factors, like predators and seasonal changes. Have students work in small groups to illustrate and label each stage of a moose's life cycle. Use facts from the curriculum to enrich each part with key biological or behavioral information. Using the data provided in the curriculum, guide students in plotting the trends of the moose population over time. Discuss what environmental or human-related factors might explain fluctuations. They can plot the trends using one of the tools at ClassTools, reviewed here.
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Manual for School Environmental Clubs - One Planet Network
Grades
4 to 12
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Empower Your Students to Become Eco-Leaders! The Manual for School Environmental Clubs, available through the One Planet Network, is a comprehensive guide to help educators establish...more
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Empower Your Students to Become Eco-Leaders! The Manual for School Environmental Clubs, available through the One Planet Network, is a comprehensive guide to help educators establish and sustain impactful environmental clubs in schools. It offers a wealth of practical resources, including step-by-step instructions for launching clubs, engaging activity ideas, and strategies for fostering student leadership in environmental initiatives. By integrating this manual into your teaching toolkit, you can inspire students to take active roles in promoting sustainability, enhancing their environmental awareness, and driving positive change within their communities.
tag(s): ecology (116)
In the Classroom
Invite students to write personal sustainability pledges on leaves or shapes to display on a classroom "Eco Tree" or bulletin board. Revisit throughout the year to reflect on progress and renew commitments. Form a rotating student committee to be responsible for daily eco-tasks such as recycling, watering plants, or checking that electronics are turned off at the end of the day. Guide students in planning and promoting a week-long environmental awareness campaign using posters, announcements, and classroom challenges such as "no-waste lunch" or "walk-to-school day." Have students conduct a simple environmental audit of your classroom, checking for energy use, waste habits, and resource consumption.
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Evolution Lesson Sets - National Center for Science Education
Grades
9 to 12
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National Center for Science Education: Evolution Lesson Sets contains five free lessons on common evolution misconceptions. Lessons include: The Origin of a Species, Good is...more
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National Center for Science Education: Evolution Lesson Sets contains five free lessons on common evolution misconceptions. Lessons include: The Origin of a Species, Good is Good Enough? It's Time to Lose the Ladder, No More Monkeying Around, and The Road to Extinction. Each lesson includes the following components: Grade Level, Duration, Key Vocabulary/Concepts, Materials, Introduction, Teacher and Student Learning Goals, Background, Discussion Points, Prerequisite Student Knowledge, Core Misconceptions, Teacher Instructions, Storyline Activities, Extension Activities, and Online Resources. Lessons align with the Next Generation Science Standards. To access the lessons, you must create a free account.
tag(s): evolution (88)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to create a T-chart with misconceptions and facts about evolution. Students can use the website Phylot, included in the lessons, to construct their phylogenetic trees. Before beginning the lessons on evolution, have students use WordClouds, reviewed here to create a word cloud on their knowledge of evolution.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PBS: Lucy, Extinction, and Us | Lucy 50: A Year for Human Origins - PBS Learning Media
Grades
6 to 12
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PBS: Lucy, Extinction, and Us | Lucy 50: A Year for Human Origins is a short video that shares insights into who we are and where we might be headed. ...more
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PBS: Lucy, Extinction, and Us | Lucy 50: A Year for Human Origins is a short video that shares insights into who we are and where we might be headed. Paleoanthropologist Dr. Donald Johanson reflects on Lucy's legacy and the implications for humanity today. He shares how our habits and actions as a species could move humans toward an uncertain and daunting future. The video includes supporting materials for teachers and students, as well as state standards.
tag(s): extinction (4), fossils (44)
In the Classroom
After watching the video, students can use lino, reviewed here to post questions on sticky notes. Students can compare and contrast using Figma, reviewed here what was learned when Lucy was first discovered, to what has been learned now. Students can use Kiddle, reviewed here to research more about Lucy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PBS's Physical Science Collection - PBS's Physical Science Collection
Grades
K to 12
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Explore videos, interactive activities, teaching materials, and more on the topics of the Periodic Table, Thunder and Lightning, the Electromagnetic Spectrum, Newton's Laws of Motion,...more
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Explore videos, interactive activities, teaching materials, and more on the topics of the Periodic Table, Thunder and Lightning, the Electromagnetic Spectrum, Newton's Laws of Motion, Describing Motion, Torque, and many more. Filters allow for grade level, resource type, and sorting. Examples of videos include: Why Are Planets and Moons Spherical?, NOVA, Bizarre Spinning Toys, Physics Girl, Defy Gravity! Balancing Balls on Air and Centripetal Force. Some Interactives are Keiki's Impulse Game, Skydiving, and Tennis Ball Cannon. Webpages on Newton's Laws of Motion, Gravity, and Circular Motion are available. Everything includes support materials for the teachers' section and correlations to state standards.
tag(s): magnetism (36), newton (24), periodic table (49)
In the Classroom
After learning about Newton's Laws of Motion, students can create a book with examples using Book Creator, reviewed here. Students can use Seesaw, reviewed here to write new information that they learned after watching the videos. Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post questions that they have after watching videos.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Character Lab - Character Lab
Grades
K to 12
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Character Lab is a research-based nonprofit dedicated to helping educators and families build students' character strengths, such as self-control, gratitude, curiosity, kindness, growth...more
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Character Lab is a research-based nonprofit dedicated to helping educators and families build students' character strengths, such as self-control, gratitude, curiosity, kindness, growth mindset, and creativity. On this site, you'll find a set of free "Playbooks" (ready-to-use guides for classroom practice) and "Tips" (short, evidence-based articles) designed for easy integration into real classrooms.
tag(s): social and emotional learning (145)
In the Classroom
Choose any topic you're teaching and have students generate three "wonder questions." Invite them to share one with a partner, then select a few to guide class discussion. Give students small index cards and have them write or draw one thing they are grateful for that day. They should say something specific, not general (for example, "My friend helped me understand fractions" instead of "my friends"). Collect the cards and create a class gratitude wall. Set up three short challenge stations (puzzles, STEM building tasks, brainteasers). Have students rotate through each one and practice using perseverance strategies, such as breaking a task into smaller steps or trying a new approach. Afterward, they can reflect on which strategy helped them the most and how they can apply it in academic tasks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hour of Code - Code.org
Grades
K to 12
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Hour of Code provides teachers, students, and parents with resources and activities to support computer science education and their new initiative, Hour of AI. Visit the "Learn" portion...more
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Hour of Code provides teachers, students, and parents with resources and activities to support computer science education and their new initiative, Hour of AI. Visit the "Learn" portion of the site to find videos, tutorials, and programming activities for all ages and ability levels. The "Teach" area features downloadable curricula for all grade levels, including instruction on coding and AI. Visit the link for parents to take advantage of activities that teach the fundamentals of coding through Hour of Code activities and self-paced computer science courses. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (257), coding (96), critical thinking (166), logic (161), problem solving (266), STEM (343)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to use during annual Hour of AI or Code activities and throughout the year as part of computer science instruction. Integrate coding activities into cross-curricular lessons, for example, by incorporating coding exercises that enable students to explore geometry and patterns within their math lessons. Integrate with science lessons to explore the scientific method or use coding activities to create interactive stories that bring student writing projects to life. Extend student learning by including activities and lessons from Hour of AI, reviewed here as part of your computer science curriculum. Share student projects on your class website or on a site such as Milanote, reviewed here to curate and share information.
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Explore Hour of AI Activities - CSforALL
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K to 12
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The Hour of AI website, created in partnership by CSforALL and Code.org, offers free, hands-on activities that introduce students to artificial intelligence in a meaningful and accessible...more
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The Hour of AI website, created in partnership by CSforALL and Code.org, offers free, hands-on activities that introduce students to artificial intelligence in a meaningful and accessible way. It provides ready-to-use tutorials, teacher guides, event registration tools, and multilingual resources to help K-12 educators lead engaging hour-long AI learning experiences without needing prior expertise. Teachers can choose from unplugged or tech-enabled activities that connect to any subject area, helping students explore AI concepts, creativity, and the responsible use of technology. Topics/activities include AI Quests, Minecraft Hour of AI: The First Night, AI HackStack: Poetry in Motion, Vibe Coding: Build Your First Game Using AI, Dance Party: AI Edition, and countless others! The site also includes downloadable posters, email templates, and resource toolkits that make it easy to plan, launch, and promote an event at school, giving teachers a friendly and practical entry point for building AI literacy and empowering students to become thoughtful creators of technology. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (257), coding (96)
In the Classroom
Have students explore how computers recognize objects by sorting pictures into groups, then compare their choices to an AI model's results. Discuss how AI "learns" from examples and what happens when data is biased or incomplete. Challenge students to imagine an AI system that could solve a real-world problem in their community, such as recycling or accessibility. They can create posters or short videos using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here to pitch their ideas, emphasizing creativity and ethical use. Show one of the Hour of AI introduction videos, then have students brainstorm where AI appears in their daily lives, such as music recommendations, navigation apps, or digital assistants, and present their findings with examples.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Wildlife Ecology Basics - Michigan State University Extension
Grades
4 to 12
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Step into the wild with the Michigan Forests Forever Wildlife Ecology website, where students can explore the fascinating relationships between forests and the animals that depend on...more
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Step into the wild with the Michigan Forests Forever Wildlife Ecology website, where students can explore the fascinating relationships between forests and the animals that depend on them. This educational resource helps teachers bring forest ecosystems to life by covering essential topics like habitat needs, population cycles, and forest succession. With detailed examples from Michigan's diverse wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, the site encourages students to think critically about conservation and environmental change.
tag(s): animals (268), conservation (106), ecosystems (99), endangered species (28), environment (248), forests (31), habitats (100), population (54)
In the Classroom
After learning about basic habitat needs (food, water, shelter, space), give students cards with different Michigan animals and habitat types. Have them match each animal to its correct habitat based on clues from the website. Using the site's information on forest animals, students can create a forest food web poster or digital web using Canva Edu reviewed here showing the connections between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Using the site's information on forest succession, have students create a timeline using Sutori reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here or model showing how a forest changes over time, and how those changes affect wildlife.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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