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Reading Treks: Mr. Ferris and His Wheel - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 5tag(s): 1800s (82), inventors and inventions (88)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many lesson ideas in the Teacher Guide to bring this story to life and provide activities that correlate with the book's theme of adventure and exploration. Help students understand the timeline of Ferris' invention using MyLens, reviewed here or build a timeline as you read the book using ReadWriteThink's Timeline builder tool, reviewed here. Use the Teacher Guide and the book when students are studying inventors and inventions. Have your students join Little Inventors Club, reviewed here. Students can use Stickies.io, reviewed here to store their ideas and images of their invention.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Free Halloween Resources - Teachers Pay Teachers
Grades
K to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crafts (93), halloween (46), puzzles (156), writing (305)
In the Classroom
Use themed reading passages, word sorts, or grammar worksheets from the site as rotating literacy centers that help students practice skills with a festive theme. Incorporate free Halloween math puzzles, color-by-number sheets, or problem-solving games to review key concepts in a fun, hands-on way. Choose a Halloween writing prompt or story starter activity, then have students share their spooky tales through dramatic readings or short digital story slides using Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Halloween Activities for Your Classroom - Nearpod
Grades
K to 6tag(s): fall festival (14), game based learning (263), halloween (46)
In the Classroom
Assign the interactive Nearpod slide deck on Halloween's origins and traditions, followed by a Think-Pair-Share discussion comparing holiday customs around the world. Use Nearpod's Collaborate Board for students to brainstorm eerie settings, character traits, and plot twists before writing their own short Halloween stories. Launch a Nearpod "Time to Climb" quiz with Halloween trivia or themed academic questions to energize students at the start of class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Halloween Activities and Lesson Plans - AFT's Share My Lesson
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Have students predict, measure, and record data on a pumpkin's weight, circumference, and number of seeds. Use the "Oozing Pumpkin" activity for an exciting, hands-on lesson on chemical reactions. Use creative writing prompts from this collection to inspire students to craft short Halloween-themed stories that incorporate literary devices such as simile and personification. Provide recycled materials for students to design and build their own "monster" creations, and then have them write descriptive paragraphs or backstories for their inventions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Jovita Idar - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (216), journalism (72), women (184), womenchangemaker (79)
In the Classroom
Have students create a front page of La Cronica or El Progreso using a template in Canva Edu reviewed here, featuring a headline, article, and illustration about one of Idar's accomplishments or a key issue she advocated for. Assign students to write a modern-day editorial as if they were Jovita Idar, addressing a civil rights issue relevant to their own community. Encourage them to use persuasive writing and include a call to action for readers. Host a classroom debate inspired by Idar's stand against the Texas Rangers. Use the guiding question: "Should journalists risk personal safety to speak out against injustice?" Encourage students to use historical examples and modern parallels.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lillian Moller Gilbreth - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): engineering (134), psychology (60), women (184), womenchangemaker (79)
In the Classroom
Have students create a visual timeline of Gilbreth's life using Sutori reviewed here, highlighting key events such as her educational milestones, major inventions, and contributions to workplace efficiency and home economics. Students can watch the movie "Cheaper by the Dozen" while comparing it to the life of Lillian Moller Gilbreth using Figma reviewed here. Finally, students can learn about the advancements she made in engineering by using Kiddle reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Meta Warrick Fuller - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): artists (88), women (184), womenchangemaker (79)
In the Classroom
After watching the animated documentary, have students reflect on how Fuller used sculpture to express identity and social issues. Then, students can draw or describe a symbolic sculpture they would create to represent a cause or part of their identity. Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare her artwork to another person from the same period. Create a mini "gallery" in the classroom featuring images of Fuller's major works along with other historical art. Assign students to rotate through stations, completing response sheets with prompts like "What message does this sculpture convey?" or "How does art act as protest or empowerment?"Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ken Burns in the Classroom: Thomas Jefferson - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): declaration of independence (16), jefferson (20), presidents (151)
In the Classroom
Students can use Class Tools reviewed here to create a timeline of events leading up to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Students can use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast Thomas Jefferson with another president.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pop Culture - PBS Learning
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): 1910s (26), 1920s (25), 1960s (54), cultures (259), great depression (31), womens suffrage (64)
In the Classroom
After watching The Crash of 1929 - Primary Resources: Headlines, students can use Story Maps, reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram for the Crash. Students can review the Annie Oakley series to create a digital story using Book Creator, reviewed here that includes famous Americans. Students can use Padlet, reviewed here to post questions after each video.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Science and Technology - PBS Learning
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): 1920s (25), 1940s (68), 1950s (32), 1960s (54), 1970s (30), 1980s (21), cold war (38), inventors and inventions (88), space (236), world war 1 (84)
In the Classroom
After watching "Tesla: Early Experiments with Wireless Power," students can continue to research Tesla's history by completing a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. After watching Sputnik's Launch Begins the Space Race | Chasing the Moon, students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast the space race between the United States and Russia. Students can also research using Kiddle, reviewed here about what advancements have been made in fire safety, work conditions, and immigration since the Triangle Fire.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Interactive Lessons with Canva's AI Magic Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Take your Canva skills to the next level by harnessing the power of AI to create more engaging and interactive instructional materials. In this workshop, you'll discover how Canva's AI Magic features can streamline your lesson preparation, generate creative content, and enhance student learning experiences. Learn to use AI-powered tools for text generation, image creation, and design enhancement while maintaining pedagogical effectiveness. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master Canva's AI Magic tools (Magic Design, Magic Edit, and Magic Write) to enhance instructional materials. 2. Create differentiated learning resources using AI-assisted features while maintaining instructional integrity. 3. Develop practical strategies for incorporating AI-enhanced Canva projects into existing lesson plans and assignments. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (231), creating media (16), OK2Askarchive (80), professional development (288)
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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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STORM - Stanford Open Virtual Assistant Lab
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (231), professional development (288), Research (78), summarizing (25), thinking routines (26)
In the Classroom
STORM can be used as a research assistant and resource tool to create articles to share and use with students. Ask STORM about upcoming topics in your classroom and include specific information that might not be readily available using textbooks and online searches. For example, when studying climate change, inquire about climate change in your particular region or state to provide more relatable information to your students. STORM creates a table of contents for each article and uses these subtopics as starting points for research projects that present different viewpoints and information about your topic. Explore the BrainSTORMing process of an article with students to discuss and understand how to approach information from various perspectives. Extend learning by asking students to research content from different viewpoints using Project Zero's Thinking Routines Toolbox, reviewed here, specifically those in the Considering Controversies, Dilemmas, and Perspectives category. When complete, use Padlet, reviewed here to share student research by creating columns for each perspective or viewpoint.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines 7 Think Pair Share - Madame Sensei
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (56), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (26), thinking skills (72)
In the Classroom
Begin a new unit by showing students an image, a short video clip, or an artifact related to the topic. Have them record what they see, what they think it means, and what they wonder about. As a class, brainstorm what students think they know, what puzzles or questions they have, and how they could explore further. Have them post ideas on a shared chart or Padlet, reviewed here to revisit and update throughout the unit. Use the Compass Points Routine (N = Needs, E = Excitements, S = Suggestions, W = Worries) before a group project or discussion. It helps students clarify their thoughts, consider multiple perspectives, and make balanced decisions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Routine Templates - TPT
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brainstorming (17), graphic organizers (53), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (26), thinking skills (72)
In the Classroom
Begin a new topic with an image, artifact, or short video clip. Have students use a See, Think, Wonder organizer to record observations, inferences, and questions. Have students complete a 3-2-1 Bridge before and after learning a concept (3 thoughts, 2 questions, 1 analogy). Using one of the printable templates available on the page, students can develop a claim about a topic, find supporting evidence, and pose further questions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free - See, Think, Wonder - TPT
Grades
K to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (56), graphic organizers (53), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (26), thinking skills (72)
In the Classroom
Display an intriguing image, artifact, or chart at the beginning of class. Using a See, Think, Wonder graphic organizer, have students jot down what they notice, what they infer, and what they're curious about. This works well as a warm-up for ELA, science, or social studies lessons. After reading a short story, article, or poem, students can complete a See, Think, Wonder reflection to analyze characters, themes, and emotions. They can use the free printable templates to guide their responses. Present a visual math pattern or real-world image involving shapes, symmetry, or data. Have students use the See, Think, Wonder framework to describe what they observe, hypothesize relationships, and pose questions for deeper exploration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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6 Essential Thinking Routines you Need in your Repertoire - Thinking Museum
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): brain (56), inquiry (29), perspective (24), podcasts (139), puzzles (156), summarizing (25), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (26), thinking skills (72)
In the Classroom
Display several images, artifacts, or short text excerpts around the room. Students can rotate in groups, using the See, Think, Wonder routine at each station to record their observations, interpretations, and questions on sticky notes or a shared Padlet, reviewed here. After reading a story or historical event, have students "step inside" the mind of a character or figure. Next, they can write or record brief reflections from that person's perspective, describing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Using Creative Questions, students can brainstorm inquiry-based questions related to a class topic (e.g., "What would happen if...?" or "Why does this matter today?"). Post them on a question wall to inspire deeper research or writing projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MusicFX - Google Labs
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (231), songs (48)
In the Classroom
Share music clips with students and ask them to describe the tone and emotions of the music. Create music to use as background for presentations, such as digital books made with Book Creator reviewed here or presentations made with Google Slides reviewed here. Use MusicFX to create relaxing music, then turn on looping to play as background during classroom work times. If your students create podcasts, design prompts to use as introductions and endings for their recordings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Educational Resources: People and Society - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Students can play the games on Whyville. Students can create an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here to explain why we should be worried about climate change. Students can also visit the Utah Education Network to continue their learning on various concepts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Reading Month - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 8tag(s): digital reading (18), STEM (333)
In the Classroom
Have students complete the Story Quest activity by choosing a reading-themed mission from the slides, and create a comic strip on paper or using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here. Set up a classroom "passport" system where students stamp their passports after reading books from different regions. Pair a STEM-based story (like Rosie Revere, Engineer) with a hands-on engineering challenge, such as building a simple machine or bridge using classroom materials to solve a problem from the book. After reading a book with a strong setting or theme, have students design and build a model (using paper, recyclables, or digital tools like Tinkercad reviewed here) that represents a key element, such as a character's home or an invention from the story.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth Day Explorers - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 8tag(s): earth (189), earth day (61), environment (246), recycling (44), STEM (333)
In the Classroom
Students can create a public service announcement using Buzzsprout, reviewed here while completing the "Take Action" lesson. Students can upload their "art" to Seesaw, reviewed here after completing their "Found Art" artwork. Students can use Book Creator, reviewed here to create a book on all the animals that they learned about from the "Wonderful World Scavenger Hunt" activity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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