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Reading in the Content Areas - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
TeachersFirst offers a collection of web resources well suited to teach reading in the content areas, especially in science and social studies classes, but in almost ANY subject area....more
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TeachersFirst offers a collection of web resources well suited to teach reading in the content areas, especially in science and social studies classes, but in almost ANY subject area. See ideas and strategies for teaching reading across the curriculum and find texts to use on the computer, in print, on an interactive whiteboard, or with a projector. Sometimes using web-based texts can be more engaging, and often these are more up-to-date in content.
tag(s): context clues (5), main idea (8), reading comprehension (146), summarizing (25)
In the Classroom
Mark this collection as a MUST have for teaching reading to students struggling to apply more than decoding skills. Pay special attention to some of the "In the classroom" tips for unexpected ways to use these sites to teach reading along with other subjects.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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How Stuff Works - Howstuffworks, Inc.
Grades
4 to 10
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Find answers to the most curious questions that students ask on this great site. Search the site for your topic of interest, such as how cars work, what makes a ...more
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Find answers to the most curious questions that students ask on this great site. Search the site for your topic of interest, such as how cars work, what makes a refrigerator cold, or how construction has changed and the materials that are used. Articles provide diagrams, text, videos, images, and a range of other resources to show a curious student what makes something tick. The site's explanations are a great resource for "kitchen science" projects, getting budding inventors started, or providing added explanations of how things work the way they do. Click the top menu topics for the various subjects such as Adventure, Animals, and Autos through Money, Science, and Tech. Can't find your answer? Ask in the search, and it may become the question of the week. Sign up for the monthly newsletter. Search the other areas of the site such as "Games," "Quizzes," and "Pics and Puzzles." Find great podcasts and blogs. Scroll to the bottom to find fun facts, trivia, and even a poll of the day! Ignore the advertising; the site content is worth it.
tag(s): independent reading (83), questioning (37), trivia (16)
In the Classroom
Use this site as an "activator" to introduce a new science unit or lesson on a projector. It could also be a great way to introduce informational speeches/videos and how to write them. The videos on earth and life science topics provide a great launchpad for further class discussions. Participate in the poll of the day. Use the trivia and facts section for interesting ways to get kids thinking in class. Use this site for students to "show and tell" something they have learned. Use the information presented here to understand better how science is applied in our everyday lives. This activity would work well for individual or pairs of students in a lab or on laptops. Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups. Ask students to visit the site and give them a choice for how to share the information they learned by creating a multimedia presentation using Canva Edu, a video using Adobe Express Video Maker, a podcast using RedCircle, or a blog post using Edu blogs. Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Be sure to include this site on your class web page for students to access both in and outside of class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Online-Calculator - Online-calculator.com
Grades
K to 12
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This free, fast loading, online calculator can be viewed full screen and operated by your mouse or keyboard. Various types are available from the most basic one to the scientific ...more
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This free, fast loading, online calculator can be viewed full screen and operated by your mouse or keyboard. Various types are available from the most basic one to the scientific or BMI calculator. There is also a stopwatch tool available. If you speak a language other than English, simply click to change to the language of your choice - it's that easy.
Be aware: this site does include advertisements.
This site includes advertising.
Be aware: this site does include advertisements.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): latin (23)
In the Classroom
There are many uses for this practical online tool, beyond the obvious ones for math class. Bookmark this site on your own computer for projection on an interactive whiteboard and make the link available on your class web page for students to access from individual computers. You can shrink the calculator window in the corner of your interactive whiteboard to use as needed. Use this tool in social studies class for quickly calculating years or months from important timelines or when figuring out geographical distances. In English or L.A. classes, quickly figure out the life span of authors or how long ago a story took place. In health or science classes, use the BMI calculator or get other accurate measurements. The stopwatch tool can be useful for any in-class, timed assignment.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MindMeister - MeisterLabs GmbH
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
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MindMeister is a free mind mapping program. It is easy to use online, on your mobile, or offline. Only the BASIC plan is free, allowing you up to 3 free ...more
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MindMeister is a free mind mapping program. It is easy to use online, on your mobile, or offline. Only the BASIC plan is free, allowing you up to 3 free collaborative mind maps. This is a device-agnostic tool, available on the web but also available for free as both an Android and iOS app. Use it from any device or move between several devices and still access your work. App and web versions vary slightly. There are many highly interactive features: printing, sharing (emailing), and collaborating with others in "real time."
tag(s): brainstorming (19), DAT device agnostic tool (129), graphic organizers (57), mind map (33)
In the Classroom
Use this tool easily in your Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) classroom, as all students will be able to access it for free, regardless of their device. Realize that you can only make three maps for free, but you can always delete old ones to make room. Play with the tools and toolbars to create a mind map; use toolbars to collaborate, publish, or print diagrams. Creating the organizers is of easy to medium difficulty depending upon how elaborate you desire your organizer to be (don't miss the notes feature!). A handy revision "history" helps you see what changes were made when. See the blog for helpful video tutorials and tips. Note: To use the "real-time" collaboration feature, collaborators need individual email accounts to gain access. Note that maps that are "published" can be seen by the public (read-only, so they cannot be altered). If a map is shared via a URL, only those who were "invited" to view the map will be able to see it. However, this does require each viewer to sign up (free) on MindMeister to view this map. You can specify members who may collaborate and make alterations to a map that is not "published." You can also invite other members to view (but not change) unpublished maps. The class can create organizers together, such as in a brainstorming session on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Or, you can assign students in cooperative groups to create a mind map as a study guide for unit content, to collect information for a group research project, or to show examples of an important concept. Use this site for literature activities, research projects, social studies, or science topics. Use this site to create family trees. Have students collaborate (online) to create group mind maps or review charts before tests on a given subject. Have students organize any concepts they study; color-code concepts to show what they understand, wonder, and question; map out a story, plotline, or plan for the future; map out a step-by-step process (life cycle).Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
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Jigsaw Classroom - Elliot Aronson
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
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Click on 10 Easy Steps to find out how to implement this tried and true technique for cooperative learning in a classroom studying any subject. Basically, teachers divide classrooms...more
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Click on 10 Easy Steps to find out how to implement this tried and true technique for cooperative learning in a classroom studying any subject. Basically, teachers divide classrooms into groups of 5 or 6 students and appoint one as the leader to direct and report on the group's activities. Teachers divide the day's learning into as many groups as there are in their classrooms. Students read their parts. Groups may exchange expert learners to report on what is going on in other groups. Back in the original groups, each group reports on its part and students have some type of evaluative activity, like a quiz or other summary activity.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): student-centered (9)
In the Classroom
Have the students prepare a quick online presentation of their findings, results, summaries etc. Have each student or each group prepare one or two quiz questions to share with the entire class. Be sure help your weaker readers and ESL students by sharing the vocabulary words prior to reading, either on a handout or by projecting on an interactive whiteboard (or projector) and highlighting them in the text as you come to them. Balance your group selection by ensuring each group has strong and weaker students, girls and boys, students from different ethnic groups or nationalities, etc. Use this activity also as a way to review before tests. Have students present their findings in a multimedia presentation. Why not have students create an online book using a tool such as Bookemon.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth 911 - earth911.com
Grades
K to 12
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Find recycling centers in your area and learn about many green and ecological topics with this well organized site. Use this site for background information as well as providing a ...more
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Find recycling centers in your area and learn about many green and ecological topics with this well organized site. Use this site for background information as well as providing a means and ideas to create action. Find great articles about green initiatives and current news stories.
tag(s): conservation (109), environment (253), recycling (45)
In the Classroom
Allow students the opportunity to choose articles of interest to read, learn more about the topics, and present to the class, write a blog post, or create a public service announcement (PSA) to communicate their learning. Have your students create an interactive online poster using Visme. Find a multitude of learning opportunities on this site.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What you need to know about energy - The National Academies
Grades
4 to 12
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Use this site to find relevant and dependable information about energy and conservation that is objective and based on science. Choose from topics such as "How we use energy," "Our...more
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Use this site to find relevant and dependable information about energy and conservation that is objective and based on science. Choose from topics such as "How we use energy," "Our Energy Sources," "The Cost of Energy," and "Energy Efficiency." Find definitions of related terms such as "Cap and Trade" along the side of this site. Answer the "What do you know about energy" quiz questions. Easily view the full source library that provides the details for the site. Find the following interactives along the bottom of this site: "Understanding Efficiency" or "Our Energy System." Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find a short video on "America's Energy Future."
tag(s): conservation (109), energy (139), environment (253)
In the Classroom
Find a wealth of information on this site. Identify misconceptions about energy use and energy availability by assigning students to read blogs, news reports, and editorials or through use of a teacher made quiz identifying attitudes and understandings about energy. Divide students into groups to peruse the site and verify the information given with the sources listed on the site as well as other sources. Be sure to discuss credibility of sites and how to determine this with the students as well. Assign blog posts, conventional or multimedia posters, and other assignments to share the information learned. Create a concept map that showcases attitudes and reasons why they are so prevalent. Be sure to add facts to this as well. Create a campaign at school or in your community so that others can benefit from understanding the science behind energy use and availability. Have your students create an interactive online poster using Visme, reviewed here. Follow with an energy audit of the school or student homes to analyze ways to save energy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Edupic Graphical Resource - William Vann
Grades
K to 12
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This large variety of drawings and photographs is a great resource for K-12 students and teachers. Either choose from drawings or photographs related to science, social studies, math,...more
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This large variety of drawings and photographs is a great resource for K-12 students and teachers. Either choose from drawings or photographs related to science, social studies, math, and language arts. These images will support classroom instruction, presentations, multimedia projects, websites, or reports. Useful tags will help you search for images. Educational use of Edpic images is free of charge.
tag(s): animals (274), digital storytelling (166)
In the Classroom
Create classroom lessons that are interactive and visual. The images on Edupic are useful for creating interactive whiteboard lessons such as sequencing the life cycle of a frog, labeling the phases of cell mitosis, or adding the dots on a the back of a ladybug. Visual representations will help ELL or ESL teachers explain concepts and key vocabulary. Use imagery to enhance multimedia posters on ThingLink, reviewed here, create digital stories, or bring a slide presentation to life.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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60-second Science - Scientific American
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
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Find great 60-second science podcasts about a variety of topics on this site. Subscribe to an RSS or iTunes feed to receive the latest podcasts instantly. Listen to the podcasts ...more
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Find great 60-second science podcasts about a variety of topics on this site. Subscribe to an RSS or iTunes feed to receive the latest podcasts instantly. Listen to the podcasts directly on the site by clicking the play button. Download a single podcast by clicking the "Download" button. Be sure to scroll down the page and look for the section on Podcasts near the lower right. Click the links to view other 60 second podcasts such as "60-second Earth." There are too many topics to mention here. Check it out!
tag(s): listening (117)
In the Classroom
Use the 60 second podcasts as an opener in science or any other class. Share the podcasts on your interactive whiteboard or projector with speakers turned up or share them at a listening center using mp3 players. Use to introduce concepts or ideas, how understanding the concepts in the chapter help to understand a bigger problem, or to identify scientific processes. Allow students to choose individual podcasts to listen, research, understand, and present to the class. Consider creating this type of format in your classroom. Students create podcasts of various materials, lab activities, or items of interest which can be shared on a wiki, blog, or other site. Have students create podcasts using a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). Create a student review system of podcasts (easy when using a blog.) Assess students on their ability to explain through the podcast as well as answer questions about the underlying science afterwards.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Poll Everywhere - Poll Everywhere
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
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Create polls that can be answered online or through the use of text messaging. Voters submit answers by sending SMS messages to a short number. Poll everywhere tallies the responses...more
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Create polls that can be answered online or through the use of text messaging. Voters submit answers by sending SMS messages to a short number. Poll everywhere tallies the responses which can then be accessed and viewed. Use the free plan for unlimited question and unlimited voters. Make it visual by creating a word cloud of the responses. Use the apps for PowerPoint or Keynote slides of the poll results and create charts that can be embedded into a web page. There are several other apps such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and ohers. Simple and easy to use!
tag(s): noregistration (75), polls and surveys (43), quiz (62), quizzes (91)
In the Classroom
Users must be able to determine the question and possible responses to generate the poll online. Practice creating your first poll even before creating a login. Enter the suggested question and possible responses to see how the codes are generated and displayed. Respondents text the code word to a specific number displayed on the screen. Be sure to check out the easy to use controls along the side of the screen.Ask a question. Voters choose from the responses and use the SMS code with their mobile phone to send their vote. Cast a vote also using X (formerly Twitter) or on the Internet. Click the gear icon next to the poll to change the size and color of various aspects of the poll. Use the panel along the side to view either a static or live chart, summary table, or response history. Be sure to click on the tab "Ways People Can Respond" to check not only SMS but other methods as well: Web Voting, X (formerly Twitter), and Smartphone. X (formerly Twitter) uses @poll followed by a keyword to tabulate responses. Use the "Download as Slide" tab to choose the type of slide you would like to create. "Share and Publish" using Posterous, X (formerly Twitter), or Blog/web page.
This tool does not show the individual votes of students. Though this tool can be used by students, it may be best used by a teacher.
Use this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard to discuss and informally assess prior knowledge as you start your study by asking questions about the material. Discuss in groups why those in class would choose a particular answer to uncover misconceptions. Use for Daily quiz questions to gain knowledge of student understanding and a means of formative assessment.
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D.A.R.E - Drug Abuse Resistance Education
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
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The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program has a colorful new "cool" website that cleverly teaches students how to resist peer pressure, abstain from drugs, violence, and...more
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The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program has a colorful new "cool" website that cleverly teaches students how to resist peer pressure, abstain from drugs, violence, and gangs. Fun features such as Lucky Kat TV provide cartoons and videos about Internet safety, confronting bullies, and the correct use of prescription drugs. There are opportunities to share photos, poems, and videos and engage in interactive activities. Follow the adult link for more in-depth information meant for parents and caregivers.
tag(s): bullying (40), red ribbon week (10)
In the Classroom
Classes that are participating in the D.A.R.E program may want to bookmark this site on the computers in the learning station and use it as a center. Turn a podium style lecture into a more active learning experience. Project activities such as "D.A.R.E. Squares" onto an interactive whiteboard or projector and enjoy learning about the dangers of using prescription drugs that belong to others. Many of the site features will work as great starting points for individual or group projects. Have your students create an interactive online poster using Visme, reviewed here. Even if your school does not have a D.A.R.E. program in place, this site will support content taught during red ribbon week or health class. Share this link on your class web page and/or in a parent newsletter for those who are dealing with these challenges.
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Girls Health - The Department of Health and Human Services
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
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The goal of Girls Health is to "promote healthy, positive behaviors in girls between the ages of 10 and 16." The site addresses issues all young teenage girls face. It ...more
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The goal of Girls Health is to "promote healthy, positive behaviors in girls between the ages of 10 and 16." The site addresses issues all young teenage girls face. It provides constructive advice on a number of health issues such as; body changes, nutrition, relationships, bullying, Internet safety, drugs, alcohol, and smoking. There are separate sections for educators and parents that include additional links and materials free to download.
tag(s): red ribbon week (10)
In the Classroom
Girls Health's "Body" page is a great resource to support a reproductive health class. Make sure your guidance counselor knows about this site. Project this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Demonstrate how to navigate the site and then ask students to research various content areas in small groups or independently. Students can find the definition to key terms in the text by following their direct link to the glossary. Use the Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking as a reliable source during Red Ribbon Week. Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit on drugs. Ask the class to take an on-line quiz to determine what students already know about drugs and what misconceptions they may have. This site is an excellent resource to have students' access during Red Ribbon week. They can create a multimedia presentation to define various drugs and reveal the harmful effects they have on the body. Consider having students create a drug prevention booklet with PocketMod (reviewed here) from the information they learn.
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National Family Partnership - National Family Partnership
Grades
K to 12
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Download a free planning guide and additional resource materials for Red Ribbon week. The National Family Partnership was the sponsor of the first Red Ribbon week back in 1988. They...more
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Download a free planning guide and additional resource materials for Red Ribbon week. The National Family Partnership was the sponsor of the first Red Ribbon week back in 1988. They work to educate youth about dangers of underage drinking and drug abuse. Articles on this site include tips on how to prevent substance abuse and inspire adults to participate in drug prevention activities.
tag(s): red ribbon week (10)
In the Classroom
Schools participating in Red Ribbon week may want to post a link to this site on the school website to explain the history and purpose of this campaign. This site focuses primarily on parent support. This is a helpful resource to stay up to date with drug abuse trends and advice to offer families dealing with these issues.
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Layers of Life - Gulf Life Interactive - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 9
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The "Layers of Life" interactive from the fantastic folks at National Geographic offers a detailed, informative infographic of the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystems, the organisms that thrive...more
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The "Layers of Life" interactive from the fantastic folks at National Geographic offers a detailed, informative infographic of the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystems, the organisms that thrive there, and the conditions that need to be maintained for the health of this environment. This interactive has two layers of information that can be clicked through easily. The download arrow, on the upper right of the infographic, significantly increases the size of the image to read about the different zones of the ecosystem with ease.
tag(s): biomes (96), diversity (55), environment (253), oil (21), oil spill (14), water (104)
In the Classroom
To teach about the zones of the ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico, have students form four groups and create a summary of the features and creatures of that zone. This will reduce the time necessary to share all of the information in class. Turn the activity into a jigsaw by having the student teams number themselves and form new groups of numbers so that all information is shared to all students. While students are sharing information, post questions about the oil spill impact on the ecosystem. Examples would be "Why would oil being introduced into this unique zone of the ecosystem cause a problem for organisms that live in this area?" or "How could the oil from the spill cause a chain reaction for biotic and abiotic components of the environment?" Encourage students to discuss within their groups the questions and then have discussion with the whole class where the groups share ideas. Enhance learning by having students create a class wiki using TWiki, reviewed here, to discuss oil spills and clean-up options, to discuss the questions and answers. Learn more about wikis at the TeachersFirst's Wiki Walk-Through.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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LEGO Education Science - LEGO Education
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Lego Education Activities are designed to be rich, fun-filled, creative learning experiences. They offer educators a means to use LEGO sets as essential tools that engage students while...more
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Lego Education Activities are designed to be rich, fun-filled, creative learning experiences. They offer educators a means to use LEGO sets as essential tools that engage students while challenging their creativity and enhancing their knowledge and comprehension. As a thinking teacher, you only need to look on the Teachersfirst Editor's Blog here to realize what a hot topic teaching creativity is and how it fits into the classroom. From role-playing and meeting the needs of early childhood development to theme-based sets for older students, LEGO Activities offer a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching. There are also specific sets designed to cover specific subject areas, including technology curriculum. As you browse the activities, you will find obvious connections to curriculum in simple machines and other science topics, as well. Stay current and find a lot more stimulating ideas by checking out the LEGO Education and LEGO Smart Blogs available from theLego Education Activities page.
tag(s): creativity (85), critical thinking (179), logic (166), problem solving (275)
In the Classroom
Expose your students to different levels of the learning spiral by challenging them to use problem-solving skills for increasingly difficult obstacles. Students can work in small groups to foster cooperation and teamwork as they sort, graph, follow and give directions, and discuss ideas. Of course you will need some LEGOs, so you might try raiding your own children's toy boxes, include a request in your classroom newsletter for donations, look around for LEGO kits collecting dust on classroom shelves, or put it on your school's PTA wish list. Be sure to have cooperative learning groups video their activities to share with the rest of the class using a site such as SchoolTube (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Smilebox - Smilebox, Inc.
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This resource allows you to create slide shows, greeting cards, scrapbooks, invitations, collages, and more. There is a free basic program, and paid upgrades are available if desired....more
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This resource allows you to create slide shows, greeting cards, scrapbooks, invitations, collages, and more. There is a free basic program, and paid upgrades are available if desired. For educational purposes, the upgrades are not needed. Photos, videos, and music can all be added to your creations. A Smilebox template must be used to make your creations. Products made with this program can be shared on web pages, blogs, and social networking sites, or emailed for free. Several themes in each category are free. You no longer have to download this program.
tag(s): blogs (77), images (267), movies (52), photography (136), slides (37)
In the Classroom
Upload images from your computer. You can save web images or use screenshots, as well, to be used in your creations. Watch copyright! Check out Awesome Screenshot, reviewed here, for details for a screen shot taker. From there, it is easy to simply click and follow the on-screen instructions. The program is simple to navigate and very user-friendly for those who are accustomed to web tools.With the variety of formats, Smilebox has a wide variety of applications in any type of classroom! For basic technology integration, extend learning with this tool. Use in history class to have students create collages of different time periods, such as the American Civil War. Create topics such as Lincoln's Election, the Gettysburg Address, the Battle of Antietam, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Gettysburg, and Lee's Surrender. Have pairs or groups of three select topics at random, then create a collage or "scrapbook" of the event. Try having students choose a role from which to create their assignment, such as a Rebel soldier, a Union Soldier, a volunteer nurse, or a mother or father of children fighting on different sides of the war. Have students collect copyright-free images online for their use, or create their own by reenacting scenes and taking photos for their productions. Unleash student creativity by showing them this tool as a resource in creating presentations and projects for your class and others. What a fabulous tool to use on the first day of school (as a welcome), at the beginning of a new unit, or at a back-to-school night with parents! Elementary classes could create whole-class scrapbooks of curriculum projects, such as their science garden or Colonial Days celebration.
Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
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Lesson: Life After Trash - Teach Engineering
Grades
6 to 9
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Great for a foundations of science class or middle level environmental science class, use this activity to have students "get their hands dirty" solving real life problems with real...more
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Great for a foundations of science class or middle level environmental science class, use this activity to have students "get their hands dirty" solving real life problems with real life activities. Life After Trash is an excellent lesson for having students think beyond the obvious uses of everyday products. Concepts such as landfills, the three R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle), and basic environmental awareness are partnered with the skills of working in groups, critical thinking, and problem solving to create an interesting and fun classroom activity. There is little cost (if any) to doing the lab.
tag(s): critical thinking (179), engineering (141), problem solving (275)
In the Classroom
A week or so before conducting this simulation activity, ask students to bring in recyclables and clean trash from home. This will cut down on the amount of trash you need to collect, and it will add variety to the supplies. Set up the activity by talking about trash, where it comes from and where it goes. Discuss better alternatives for trash "disposal" such as recycling and reusing. Have students think of obvious reuses for materials and then explain that there are other alternatives to obvious uses. Introduce the activity and basic rules and safety to the students. Arrange them in groups of three or four and then allow them to "shop" the classroom "landfill" to create new things out of old trash. Follow up with discussion of group products, uses, and real life applications of this idea such as recycled art.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Rubric Gallery - RCampus
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
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This site contains links to many different sources for rubrics. You can search by grade level, subject, or type making it easier to find an appropriate rubric. ...more
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This site contains links to many different sources for rubrics. You can search by grade level, subject, or type making it easier to find an appropriate rubric.
tag(s): assessment (145), rubrics (39)
In the Classroom
Use this site to search for rubrics for any type of assignment or classroom use. Material isn't limited to academic use, it also includes attendance, homework, and other types of rubrics.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Learn 4 Good - Bridge Building Simulation - Learn 4 Good Networks
Grades
6 to 10
1 Favorites
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This interactive, bridge building simulation is a hands-on way to learn about not only physics but also cost effective design. There are clear, on screen instructions that students...more
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This interactive, bridge building simulation is a hands-on way to learn about not only physics but also cost effective design. There are clear, on screen instructions that students can easily read and follow. Even better, if they do not read the instructions, they may learn even more by trial and error. It all depends on the instructor's level of comfort and time constraints for purposeful play. There are 8 levels of bridge building and the goal of the simulation is to build a sound bridge that little creatures can safely pass over a large chasm. The little creatures remind one of a little purple cartooned lemmings. The only frustration is that once you click a spot on the screen you are stuck with that decision. If you make the decision and you do not look at it, you have to start all over again to fix it. This takes a plain bridge building lab to the next level by adding technology and allowing for multiple attempts without wasting materials. Another neat feature of this simulation is that you can embed it on your own website.Be aware: there are some advertisements at this site.
tag(s): forces (46), gravity (52), structures (15)
In the Classroom
Use this simulation to reinforce physics concepts. Try it as a virtual lab in science class. Or have students design the blue print in class. Then have them print the screen and use the blue print to build an actual model bridge in class. Embed the simulation on your own website. This takes away the distraction of advertisements. It also directs students to one site rather than following a trail of links (avoiding temptations to click on other "arcade" games).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Green Revolution - National Science Foundation
Grades
4 to 12
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Join the Green Revolution! Choose videos that showcase the inventiveness, creativity, and passion of researchers and inventors who will be part of powering our future. At the time of...more
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Join the Green Revolution! Choose videos that showcase the inventiveness, creativity, and passion of researchers and inventors who will be part of powering our future. At the time of this review topics included: wind, solar, green roofs, microbes, city car, smart grid, and biomass. You are also able to embed videos into a wiki, site, or blog. Click "Print Educator Info" to download a PDF for use with classes. In the future, transcripts will also be available.
tag(s): conservation (109), environment (253)
In the Classroom
Use these videos as a great introduction to green energy and replacements to fossil fuels. Share the videos on your interactive whiteboard or projector. After showing a video, have students research the use of the various green energies around the country and the world. Research energy use and especially the difference between residential and commercial demand. Have cooperative learning groups view one of the videos and complete some basic research on the topic. Have the groups create a multimedia presentation to share their findings. Challenge students to narrate a picture using a tool such as ThingLink. Be sure your students check out the City Car. Research the various types of green designs on cars to find the advantages and disadvantages of each. Great discussions, projects, and research are all possible through use of these videos.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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