TeachersFirst - What's Popular
This page shares the 25 resources most frequently marked as Favorites by TeachersFirst Members in the past 60 days. See what tops the list of TeachersFirst's database of well over 15,000+ educator-reviewed web resources. Find out what other teachers are excited about. Not a TeachersFirst member yet? See the time saving benefits of free TeachersFirst membership.
Citizen Science Platforms & Organizations - Science Literacy Foundation
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Are you ready to join the citizen science community but need help knowing where to start? Then, this site is for you! First, browse this curated list of citizen science platforms and organizations to ... more
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Are you ready to join the citizen science community but need help knowing where to start? Then, this site is for you! First, browse this curated list of citizen science platforms and organizations to find your perfect match. Next, use this list to find information from government resources, crowd-sourcing media, global community connections, and more. In addition to links to resources, each item on the list includes a summary of the project or resource.
tag(s): citizen science (28), animals (498), data (250), habitats (153), environment (462), STEM (353), ecology (186), space (320),
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the information on this site to introduce your students to the concept of citizen science. Brainstorm together to develop a list of ideas for a citizen science class project, then use a polling tool such as Dotstorming, reviewed here, to vote on your final choice. Instead of using written journals throughout your unit, ask students to replace these and enhance learning by keeping online journals with Microsoft Word or Google Documents: alternatively, have students use a blog tool such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration. With Telegra.ph have students click on an icon to upload related images and add YouTube, Vimeo, or Twitter links. Throughout your research, ask students to highlight and share important information, add annotations, and add links to additional information. As you add student resources, use Wakelet, reviewed here, to share information on your website or blog. Ask students to enhance their learning and create personal Wakelets, including images from projects and their journal entries.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Along - Gradient Learning
Grades
6 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Along is an online tool for providing digital check-ins and reflection activities with students using audio, video, or text. Share a question with some or all students to encourage making connections ... more
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Along is an online tool for providing digital check-ins and reflection activities with students using audio, video, or text. Share a question with some or all students to encourage making connections and check in on student wellness. Students select an option to share their responses, and the teacher views reflections within the Along dashboard. Follow up with students as desired to continue the conversation or to make personal connections with all students. Use the tips and content provided by Along to select research-based questions designed to help students build life skills and confidence. Teachers with students under 13 years of age will need to send home a letter of consent, which Along has provided in Spanish and English and for print or to email. There is also a code of conduct which all students must agree to. To find this information and the forms - from the home page scroll down to and click Code of Conduct from the bottom menu.
tag(s): communication (167), Teacher Utilities (201), classroom management (238), social and emotional learning (106),
In the Classroom
Along makes it easy for you to implement this tool into your classroom with their many free resources. Resources include guides to introducing Along to students and fellow educators. Share the privacy information guide with parents as you begin using this tool. Begin by using the customizable calendar as a method for planning to introduce and use Along. Consider using the information found on the site to create and share a presentation about this product using Google Slides, reviewed here, or by creating a short video using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker reviewed here. Be sure to show students how to prepare for their responses. If you find some students are reluctant to use one of the modes, for instance, the video, work with that student to help them feel comfortable. Uses for this tool are only limited by your imagination, and it's perfect for staying updated on the social-emotional learning (SEL) of your students. Check-in with students during long projects or reports to see where they are in the process and if they have any frustrations, check-in after a science lab to see who has questions, ask students at the end of a project or lab what they would do differently next time. Check-in with Language arts book groups to see how students are doing with the novel, their group, the project at the end, etc.
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BeeLine Reader Collection - Reading is Fundamental
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Improve reading and comprehension skills for all students and adults with this BeeLine Reader Collection on Literacy Central. Find over 100 books and stories as downloadable PDFs, all using BeeLine Re... more
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Improve reading and comprehension skills for all students and adults with this BeeLine Reader Collection on Literacy Central. Find over 100 books and stories as downloadable PDFs, all using BeeLine Reader technology to highlight and wrap text to improve focusing and tracking while reading. Use the leveled reading passages within Reading is Fundamental for multiple grade levels and books. Find additional support materials for each book, including author interviews, lesson plans, crosswords, and word searches all as downloadable PDFs. Though Beeline Reader is not usually a free tool, Literacy Central is providing it to its members for free through these PDFs. You do not need to create a free membership to use these materials, only to save them as a favorite. Learn more about the Beeline Reader tool and how it improves reading comprehension by watching the YouTube video introduction on this page.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): multilingual (72), Special Needs (66), reading strategies (139), reading comprehension (223), independent reading (155), Teacher Utilities (201),
In the Classroom
These BeeLine Reader PDFs are an excellent addition to the already valuable reading materials found at Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Central, reviewed here. Be sure to bookmark this site to find leveled reading passages with the enhanced function of BeeLine Reader. These PDFs are wonderful to share with ENL/ELL and Special Education specialists to use with their students. Remember, all teachers are reading teachers. Share this tool with your science, social studies, and math teachers, too!
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TeachingLab.ai - Teaching Lab Coherence Innovation Studio
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
TeachingLab.ai offers a selection of AI resources for creating assessments, generating text, and planning lessons. Most tools require registration using your email; registering accounts allows members... more
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TeachingLab.ai offers a selection of AI resources for creating assessments, generating text, and planning lessons. Most tools require registration using your email; registering accounts allows members to access their previous history and make new AI tools. After registering, select a tool and provide the required information in the chat box, then click generate to produce the response. In addition to accessing your history on the site, additional options allow you to copy and paste output into a document or export the product into a Google Doc. When using AI tools, always verify the output for accuracy.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (141), differentiation (129), Teacher Utilities (201), assessment (239),
In the Classroom
Use TeachingLab.ai to increase productivity and creativity with classroom content. Use the provided tools to generate lesson plans, modify activities to differentiate learning, and create quick formative assessments. Be sure to include prompts as specific as possible to receive the best results, then use the chat bar to provide additional input to for the desired results. Use TeachingLab.ai to generate ideas for introducing new vocabulary to students or as a tool to support multilingual learners in your classroom. After generating vocabulary lists and content ideas, use the information to create interactive games and activities using Wordwall, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How To Evaluate Websites: A Guide For Teachers And Students (Free Poster) - Kathleen Morris
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This blog post from an Australian educator provides a useful flow chart for quickly evaluating websites using a step by step process. In addition to the printable chart, the author includes an expande... more
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This blog post from an Australian educator provides a useful flow chart for quickly evaluating websites using a step by step process. In addition to the printable chart, the author includes an expanded discussion on each part of the flow chart that explains the importance of each step.
tag(s): charts and graphs (297), Research (88),
In the Classroom
As mentioned in the blog, it is natural to move around through several sites when conducting research. Having a specific process to use when deciding to spend more time helps students (and adults) become more effective with their time and resources. Share this site and the poster with your students as you discuss Internet search and research methods. Print the poster and have students include it with their research journals to use as a guide. Use this flow chart as a model for students to create their own guides for research using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here. Create guides for following the process from start to finish of creating a research report, finding and choosing research items, or evaluating educational games.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Overcoming Obstacles K-12 Curriculum - Community for Education Foundation, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Overcoming Obstacles free curriculum shares hundreds of lessons based upon a foundation of thirty life skills. Skills include effective communication, making informed decisions, setting goals, respect... more
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Overcoming Obstacles free curriculum shares hundreds of lessons based upon a foundation of thirty life skills. Skills include effective communication, making informed decisions, setting goals, respecting one another, and more. Find content organized into four grade bands, beginning with kindergarten through second grade and finishing with high school. Each printable lesson starts with a plan that includes goals, objectives, and a materials list. In addition to specific lesson instructions, each activity includes additional extensions to practice and reinforce skills taught. All information is available without registration; however, registering on the site allows you to customize lessons before downloading and saving. In addition, student activity sheets are available for download in 25 languages.
tag(s): conflict resolution (18), problem solving (407), communication (167), OER (48), social and emotional learning (106),
In the Classroom
Use the Overcoming Obstacles curriculum as a stand-alone life-skills curriculum or as a supplement to your current social-emotional learning (SEL) teaching materials. If you cannot take advantage of the complete curriculum, use the site's library to find lessons and activities on specific topics to address in your classroom as needed. For example, if peer pressure is a concern, select that activity to include in classroom lessons. Many of the activities include role-playing, extend these activities by creating student-led podcasts using Buzzsprout, reviewed here. Create podcasts with different scenarios for students to role-play appropriate and inappropriate responses, including suggestions for making informed decisions.
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Focusable for Education - Focusable
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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Focusable provides tools that support an increased focus on activities and recharging activities that provide tools for dealing with stress. Registration isn't required; however, it allows members to ... more
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Focusable provides tools that support an increased focus on activities and recharging activities that provide tools for dealing with stress. Registration isn't required; however, it allows members to create classroom groups that monitor students' focused learning time and support teaching methods on how to relax and focus. Recharge activities include eye relief, neck stretch, and box breathing techniques. Focus activities include using a timer as a focused reminder with check-in points to add a video and reflect upon progress in completing the task at hand.
tag(s): Teacher Utilities (201), social and emotional learning (106), DAT device agnostic tool (248),
In the Classroom
Include Focusable as one of your tools to assist students who have difficulty staying on task or with students who have anxiety as a teaching tool to learn meditative breathing and focusing techniques. Download the Research Guide for Education to understand the research behind Focusable and learn about ways to incorporate Focusable into classroom routines that develop healthy work habits and routines. Then, be sure to add a link to Focusable on your class website or newsletter for students and parents to access at home. To reinforce your focus routines in the classroom, ask a student or a group of students to share a weekly report on progress using Focusable. Students may include new breathing techniques learned, how routines are used at home, or how paying attention to focusing techniques improves class performance. Record and share short student video presentations using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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P 21 - Partnership For 21st Century Skills - P21
Grades
1 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Join the community designed to educate students and all learners in 21st century learning. The mission consists of building collaborative partnerships between education, businesses, government, and co... more
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Join the community designed to educate students and all learners in 21st century learning. The mission consists of building collaborative partnerships between education, businesses, government, and community leaders to promote learning skills needed in the 21st century for life, work, and citizenship. P21 strives to prepare all students for the challenges of the future. Find a framework for student outcomes with support system outlines. Resources for educators include sample lesson ideas, Common Core alignment, P21 Common Core Tool Kit, professional development guides, 21st century skill maps in a variety of subject areas, case studies of exemplar schools, a newsletter, and a Blogazine. Resources for policymakers include information on definitions, framework, and implementing 21st century skills. A parents' guide contains information on 21st century skills and leadership. Most downloadable materials are free. Get a press kit or join an advocacy group or mailing list.
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tag(s): professional development (530),
In the Classroom
Investigate P21 to see if you are meeting your students' needs for the 21st century. Use the parent tip sheet, real world examples, or the PowerPoint to clarify your goals to parents and administration. Explore literacy maps and skills maps to compare your methods of instruction. Look for ways to support professional development in your school. Become more effective using Common Core Curriculum. Join the blog and change your world. This site contains great research, ideas, and goals to include in grants, mission statements, or strategic planning.
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Teampedia - Seth Marbin
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Teampedia is a comprehensive and collaborative resource for finding icebreakers, team building, and leadership activities. Browse through almost 100 categories on this wiki. Find trust activities, get... more
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Teampedia is a comprehensive and collaborative resource for finding icebreakers, team building, and leadership activities. Browse through almost 100 categories on this wiki. Find trust activities, getting to know you, and online/remote team building. Explore activities based on the group size involved. If you have a great activity and don't see it, add it to Teampedia by following the steps provided. Each game or activity includes a list of materials needed, number of players, time required, and directions for play. Some directions for strategy games also include strategy options.
tag(s): creativity (186), back to school (89), problem solving (407), firstday (37),
In the Classroom
Use this site to find Icebreaker activities and options for the first week of school community building. Bookmark this tool for the first week of school or any time that you want to experience some "team-building" in your class. Use this site if you have weekly classroom meetings to build relationships among students. Share this site with students and have them create their own games based on research projects or as a review for major tests. Share this site with parent helpers to find ideas for classroom parties.Comments
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Gift Cards for Good - Google Sites
Grades
1 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Gift Cards for Good collects gift cards with a "little" left on them and uses them to buy things for charities. This 501C3 tax-exempt organization, was created by a 10 year old. Explore the links to f... more
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Gift Cards for Good collects gift cards with a "little" left on them and uses them to buy things for charities. This 501C3 tax-exempt organization, was created by a 10 year old. Explore the links to find out where to send your leftover gift cards. Find the links to various charities around the world. Find other ideas about how to help around your community (without gift cards).
tag(s): service projects (33),
In the Classroom
Capture your students passion, hearts, and interest in proving that kids can make a big difference. Use this resources as an inspiration for community service projects that can be done -- even by 10 year-olds! Encourage students to look for charities in your area and find out how they can help. Place this link on your class website to further the cause and show parents the power of kids! Include it in your units on character education and leadership. Use it as an example for project based learning, challenging students to write promotional materials and letters explaining their project. Replace the paper and pencil version of promotional materials with one of the tools found at Genially, reviewed here, where students can select to create interactive images, guides, presentations, flyers and others. They can insert surveys, video, audio, maps, and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Quotery - Jason Bacchetta
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Explore, discover, collect, and share quotes with Quotery. Search by keywords to find quotes on various topics or by author to find quotes from a certain source. Sort by popular, random, or the latest... more
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Explore, discover, collect, and share quotes with Quotery. Search by keywords to find quotes on various topics or by author to find quotes from a certain source. Sort by popular, random, or the latest quotes. Use the toolbar on the left to search by topic, author, pictures, and much more. Links on each quote allow you to easily view the full quote, save to your account, or share using the URL, email, or social networking sites. Registration isn't necessary but does allow you to collect and save quotes for future use.
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tag(s): bulletin boards (32), quotations (34),
In the Classroom
Make a shortcut to Quotery on classroom computers or include it on your class web page for students to use as a resource for projects. Encourage leadership, hope, and inspiration! Use quotes as a theme for writing prompts or even to relate to the theme of a story. Have students find quotes as examples of figurative language. Add quotes to end of year slide shows or videos. Use the quotes to inspire personal or classroom mission statements. Have students include a quote when turning in work, and explain how it inspired or helped them. Add music or art to explain a quote. During the first week of the school year, share this site with students. Challenge students to choose a personal "quote of the year" to set the tone for their goals. Have students put the quote in their notebook, folder, or device desktop. Choose a few quotes to hang around your classroom. Show students how to keep favorite quotes in an idea bin where they keep thoughts, thoughtful questions, and pieces of inspiration. Choose a sticky note tool from the Teachersfirst Edge as a collection space.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Academy of Achievement - Academy of Achievement
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This site profiles a wide variety of achievers from the arts, science, sports, and business. Each achiever profile features a short biography, a discussion of his or her significance, a photo gallery ... more
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This site profiles a wide variety of achievers from the arts, science, sports, and business. Each achiever profile features a short biography, a discussion of his or her significance, a photo gallery and an interview. Most of the interviews feature audio and video clips of the achiever as well. The achievers are grouped by area and in an alphabetical drop down list. One great feature is that the achievers are also grouped by character attribute (referred to as their "key to success"):passion, courage, perseverance, integrity, and a neat category called "The American Dream."
tag(s): social skills (41), character education (84), heroes (40), pioneers (15),
In the Classroom
If you assign any kind of "hero," "pioneer," or "leader" biography project, this site is a fabulous resource for students. The list of achievers includes many who may not be instantly recognizable to students and therefore provide more potential for discovery. In addition, the site is large enough and well-enough organized that students can start with this site and "dig" for a possible achiever to research, either by achievement area or by character trait. The site includes a diverse group of achievers, so is also useful if you're doing Women's History or Black History projects. Include this site on your teacher web page for students and parents to access as a reference.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Greek vs. Contemporary Architecture - TeachersFirst
Grades
10 to 12
11 Favorites
0 Comments
A lesson examining the differences between classical Greek building styles and those of contemporary architects. This lesson plan was one of the winners in a lesson plan contest sponsored by TeachersF... more
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A lesson examining the differences between classical Greek building styles and those of contemporary architects. This lesson plan was one of the winners in a lesson plan contest sponsored by TeachersFirst. TeachersFirst editors have added technology options where appropriate.
tag(s): greeks (49), greek (53), architecture (113),
In the Classroom
The possibilities for this lesson expand exponentially with the use of web-based resources for images, research, and creation of student projects. Many of the activities would also be well-suited for interactive whiteboard.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Life's Instructions - Collecting Family Sayings in a Student Publication - TeachersFirst
Grades
9 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
A writing and research project that involves gathering family sayings and working them into a student-created publications. This lesson plan was one of the winners in a lesson plan contest sponsored b... more
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A writing and research project that involves gathering family sayings and working them into a student-created publications. This lesson plan was one of the winners in a lesson plan contest sponsored by TeachersFirst. TeachersFirst editors have added technology options where appropriate.
tag(s): family (108),
In the Classroom
This unit works well with a study of Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography or other biographical or autobiographical works. Technology optins include using web resources for research and web-based tools for creating and sharing the student projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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