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The Case Files - The Franklin Institute
Grades
4 to 12
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This wonderfully informative website provides numerous "case files" about many famous people from the world of science and technology. There are five major areas including computing,...more
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This wonderfully informative website provides numerous "case files" about many famous people from the world of science and technology. There are five major areas including computing, transportation, cosmic inquiry, energy, and communications. Click the names of the famous people to learn more about their specific inventions and/or contributions to science and technology. The downloadable PDF also includes images of artifacts from each scientist's life: diaries, writings, and more. Numerous famous scientists and inventors are included (Alexander Graham Bell, William Jennings, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, Catherine Gibbon, and many others).
tag(s): aviation (51), energy (139), inventors and inventions (89), scientists (72), transportation (31)
In the Classroom
Why not use this website as a resource for "case file" research projects. Assign each student (or groups of students) a different person to investigate. Weaker readers may need a partner with strong reading skills. Then have the students present a multimedia presentation about their "case file." Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, Vevox, Animatron, Renderforest, and Microsoft PowerPoint Online. Or have a day when students actually portray their scientist and interact with others "in character."You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Renaissance Pleasure Faire Costuming - Renaissance Entertainment Productions
Grades
9 to 12
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If you are teaching anything related to the Renaissance time period, this is a nifty site for studying costuming of the period. It gives detailed information on the materials, colors,...more
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If you are teaching anything related to the Renaissance time period, this is a nifty site for studying costuming of the period. It gives detailed information on the materials, colors, and types of clothing worn in the Elizabethan era.
tag(s): renaissance (38)
In the Classroom
Whether working in theatre, art, or family & consumer science, this site works as a resource and a template for students to create authentic costuming. Using what is described; students can create their own designs of costumes for peasants through noblemen from headwear to footwear. There is a glossary of terms for proper identification. Students might want to design the clothing for Hamlet or Romeo & Juliet, using the language and information given on this site.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NPR: Election 2008 - National Public Radio
Grades
6 to 12
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Sifting through the volume of information on the 2008 Presidential elections could be a full-time job! If you want a handful of sites that give you current, unbiased (as much ...more
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Sifting through the volume of information on the 2008 Presidential elections could be a full-time job! If you want a handful of sites that give you current, unbiased (as much as any political information can be!) data about the election, consider using this NPR site. It starts with a flash-enabled US map that is currently reflecting the status of primaries and caucuses. You can link to a nice side-by-side comparison of candidates' views on central issues like Iraq, the economy, health care, and climate change. There is a helpful primary calendar that keeps you posted on where we are in the process. Finally, there is updated news and commentary about the campaign season.
In the Classroom
Of course, civics and government teachers focus on Presidential elections past and present and will find this site quite useful. Other teachers who regularly do "current events" discussions can also find simple, direct, and up-to-date information that can be used to inform, debate, or share on an interactive whiteboard. Make this site a Favorite and share it on your teacher web page for students to use for research on individual candidate platforms. Encourage students to check the site regularly for updates. Use it to help students stage a mock debate or mock election.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Kidlink - Kidlink
Grades
3 to 12
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To investigate Kidlink, click Teachers Room, and follow the directions on that page to register for free and see what the site has to offer. This website provides an online ...more
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To investigate Kidlink, click Teachers Room, and follow the directions on that page to register for free and see what the site has to offer. This website provides an online connection to students from various areas of the world. There are links provided for students, families, and teachers. The website is available in various languages - English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese. Students can share stories, artwork, and more. The educational content includes life planning skills (careers), social studies (geography, government, history, etc.), writing, and many other academic areas. Free registration is required for each student and teacher. All content is monitored by volunteer moderators. What a fabulous resource to use in geography or language arts class. This website doesn't just teach students about countries throughout the world, but also allows students to interact with students of various cultures as they write and respond to each other in this safe environment.
tag(s): careers (184), communication (122), cultures (289)
In the Classroom
Students need not have their own email to use this site. Kidlink explains that they are permitted to use the teacher's email address (which allows you to monitor their activities, as well). You might want to use your "extra" email account. Set up accounts for your students to communicate in your world language class or as part of your study of other continents. With younger students, you may want to communicate as a whole-class activity, composing on a projector or interactive whiteboard.If your school policies limit your ability to use such a site, see the FAQ information and ready-to-go presentation explaining Kidlink. Share it with your principal and parents. ALWAYS get written parent permission when sharing student work/ideas online.
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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History - Metropolitan Museum of Art
Grades
6 to 12
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History offers an expansive online resource for exploring global art across cultures and centuries. The site includes world maps,...more
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History offers an expansive online resource for exploring global art across cultures and centuries. The site includes world maps, detailed timelines, and thematic essays that highlight connections between art, history, and society. By clicking the "Works of Art" link, users can search and filter artworks by time period, geographic region, or thematic category. Time periods span from 8000 BC to the present, and thematic categories cover areas such as African, Renaissance, Colonial, Medieval, Modern, and many more. The timeline features art from nearly every continent and encompasses diverse artistic traditions, making it a rich tool for classroom research, comparative study, and visual inquiry.
tag(s): art history (104), medieval (38), renaissance (38)
In the Classroom
Art teachers will find it easy to search for themes. History teachers can access items by date. Any of the "thematic essays" could be projected on an interactive whiteboard (or projection screen) to accompany a lecture in class. Or have students use this excellent resource for independent research or to illustrate their own presentations. Challenge groups to choose a time period and create blogs about the "mood" of the art. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration! Or have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Biographical Dictionary - s9.com
Grades
3 to 12
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This Wikipedia-type dictionary includes more than 33,000 biographies on men and women from ancient times to today. Search by birth or death dates, professions, achievements, name or...more
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This Wikipedia-type dictionary includes more than 33,000 biographies on men and women from ancient times to today. Search by birth or death dates, professions, achievements, name or other keywords. Anyone can register to edit or add to a biography. If you do recommend this site as a source for research, be sure to have the discussion about its unknown authorship and usefulness as a general information tool but not as a "scholarly" resource.
tag(s): critical thinking (180)
In the Classroom
This site could be a terrific way to publish student research projects to the real world. When you assign research projects on a famous scientist, author, famous American, musician, etc., have students create their written projects in a format that will fit into this online dictionary, including providing links and references for their information. Younger students could write an entry together as a class (perhaps on an author whose book you have just read). Challenge middle and high school students to find articles in your research area that contain possible inaccuracies or bias (and the research to prove it) and present both the original and their proposed changes to the class before putting them online. What a critical thinking challenge!Be sure to follow your district's acceptable use policy if you are allowing students to contribute to this site. Make sure you have written parent permission to post student work online.
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Language Menu Activities - Learnwell Oy
Grades
6 to 12
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Choose from Vocabulary or Picture Vocabulary for many topics. There are currently 36 languages to choose from. (From matching games to picture recognition to translation practice,...more
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Choose from Vocabulary or Picture Vocabulary for many topics. There are currently 36 languages to choose from. (From matching games to picture recognition to translation practice, the site offers fairly sophisticated word practice. A flag-country matching game is of general interest to all students, not just language learners. There are many advantages in using this site for ESL or ELL students. The main advantage is the capability to choose a different language for questions and answers, thus assuring specific understanding of specific words with the definitions in their first language.
tag(s): capitals (14), flags (18), vocabulary (251), vocabulary development (102)
In the Classroom
Mark this site in Favorites on your classroom computers for ESL and ELL students.. Provide information about this site to foreign language teachers in your school. This is a wonderful site to list in your class newsletter (if applicable) or on your class website.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CRAM - Flashcard DB (Database) - Cram.com
Grades
K to 12
7 Favorites
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Check out this easy-to-use flashcard site useful for any subject area. The Leitner System of efficiently learning facts through flashcards makes learning a breeze. This online version...more
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Check out this easy-to-use flashcard site useful for any subject area. The Leitner System of efficiently learning facts through flashcards makes learning a breeze. This online version actually graphs the results of a study session so you can see progress. The sign-up for this free tool is ultra-quick and requires no email address. The set-up is quite user friendly. Within a few minutes of accessing this site, you have personalized flashcards to help with learning. Another cool feature: when you give your card sets the same 'tag,' you automatically have the ability to study those multiple sets together. After the study session, you will see the study stats for just those card sets. Flashcards couldn't be easier!
tag(s): word study (58)
In the Classroom
Facts, spelling words, vocabulary, definitions, you name it --- all can easily be typed into this flashcard format for any subject. Plan to tag sets for related material so they can be grouped. For example: tag all geography terms "geography" and all words from the same science chapter using the chapter number or topic. You can use multiple tags, too! In the computer lab, using a projector or interactive whiteboard, walk your students through making their own sets of flashcards. Students or parents can then access their electronic cards at home or anywhere. No email address is needed to sign-up for this free service. Include the link to your sets on your web page for students to study before tests.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Rome Reborn - Flyover Zone
Grades
6 to 12
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Rome Reborn is, as its title implies, a digital representation of Rome on June 21, 320 AD. Currently, several views and videos are available. The clips look like a cross ...more
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Rome Reborn is, as its title implies, a digital representation of Rome on June 21, 320 AD. Currently, several views and videos are available. The clips look like a cross between a "Google Earth" fly-in and the backdrop for a video game. While they have the potential to give students a "you are there" vision of ancient Rome,
In the Classroom
The still views and video clips are ideal for use with an interactive whiteboard or projector during a discussion of ancient Rome. Use them as a companion to current photographs of the Colosseum, or the Roman Forum, for example. Ask your more creative students what suggestions they might have to portray Rome. What would they like to "see"? More "techie" humanities students may be interested in following the project and/or attempting to communicate with project participants.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Universal Leonardo - University of the Arts, London
Grades
6 to 12
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Leonardo da Vinci is one of history's greatest geniuses. This site looks at Leonardo's work in ways that highlight how comprehensive and interdisciplinary his impact has been. Of...more
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Leonardo da Vinci is one of history's greatest geniuses. This site looks at Leonardo's work in ways that highlight how comprehensive and interdisciplinary his impact has been. Of course, you can examine his individual works of art, but this site is organized along threads, which you can access through a traditional menu or through an interactive web. Follow Leonardo's influence in math, through his inventions, in his understanding of the human body or his examination of the natural world. There is an abundance of information to learn on this site, however, there are also some just-plain-fun flash-enabled games to play like making the Mona Lisa smile broadly by correctly answering questions about her, practice mirror writing, or see if you can power his glider across a ravine.
tag(s): renaissance (38)
In the Classroom
Because Leonardo's work crosses so many curricular boundaries, teachers from many different disciplines might find this site useful as part of a lesson on a projector or interactive whiteboard, particularly when painting "the big picture" for students (no pun intended!). Art teachers, of course, can access Leonardo's work, but science teachers can use the interactive games to illustrate principles of physics or early understanding of the human body. History or literature teachers might use the site to personify the term "Renaissance Man" for students studying the time period. Whatever your discipline, be sure to make the link available from your teacher web page for curious students to explore outside of class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A People's Journey, A Nation's Story - African American History and Culture - Smithsonian
Grades
6 to 12
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted to documentation of African-American life in the United States. Explore the virtual museum...more
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted to documentation of African-American life in the United States. Explore the virtual museum through collections, exhibitions, stories, and more. Search collections by topic, era, or name to view artifacts including photographs, maps, and much more.
tag(s): africa (162), african american (129), black history (131), civics (128), cultures (289)
In the Classroom
This site is a great tool for individual research; add this site to your teacher web page so students can access it from home. Replace paper and pencil and use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here from Classtools, to compare information from different time periods or locations in the United States. Enhance learning by having cooperative learning groups create podcasts providing information about African-American life throughout the years, or as a newscast from one particular time or event. Use a site such as podomatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Agriculture in the Classroom - Center for Agricultural Literacy at Utah State Univery
Grades
1 to 12
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What is agricultural literacy? Find out by exploring and taking advantage of the many resources for teachers and students shared on this site. Visit the Teacher Center to find a ...more
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What is agricultural literacy? Find out by exploring and taking advantage of the many resources for teachers and students shared on this site. Visit the Teacher Center to find a standards-based agricultural literacy curriculum matrix, search for state agricultural programs, visit a virtual farm, and much more. The Student Center includes Ag Smart quizzes, games, state agricultural facts, and career information. Although not required, creating an account allows users to save lessons for easy access anytime.
tag(s): agriculture (54), careers (184), nutrition (137), virtual field trips (141)
In the Classroom
Use the provided activities and lessons when planning a nutrition unit or learning about each state's agriculture products. Include the AgBadging Activities as part of a computer learning station or as a flipped or blended learning activity to engage students in learning about the many fields of agriculture. Download the Field Guide to learn more about the activities and suggested classroom uses. Create digital badges using Badge List reviewed here, to recognize students' completed projects. Ask students to share their learning by creating a multimedia presentation using tools found at Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here. Options include creating presentations, infographics, videos, and web pages.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ultimate rollercoasters.com - ultimaterollercoaster.com
Grades
4 to 12
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Although this website doesn't have a lot of "bells and whistles." It is very useful to learn more about the physics behind thrill rides, the history of the roller coaster, ...more
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Although this website doesn't have a lot of "bells and whistles." It is very useful to learn more about the physics behind thrill rides, the history of the roller coaster, and more. The site provides statistical information, historical information, construction information, and more about various thrill rides (mainly roller coasters). Did you ever wonder what the tallest steel roller coaster was in the world? This website provides a "record book" with a wide variety of statistical information about what roller coasters can claim to be the tallest, longest, fastest, and more.
tag(s): motion (56)
In the Classroom
This website could also be used for various research projects (either researching actual roller coasters - their history, structure, speed, etc..), or even researching different time periods and the types of rides that were available during that time. If you study laws of motion, assign students to find "real world" examples of the laws in action using research on this site. Ignore the annoying pop-ups!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ninjawords - Phil Crosby
Grades
3 to 12
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A rapid-fire dictionary, this site gives you the definition of any word you type into the box. It also keeps a history of the words in a list on the ...more
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A rapid-fire dictionary, this site gives you the definition of any word you type into the box. It also keeps a history of the words in a list on the right as you look them up, a very useful tool. While the definitions are quite complete, including parts of speech and synonyms for most words, they are not comprehensive. A word such as "look" produces only 2 of the many definitions that could be applied to that word. However, entering in such words as "mercenary" or "ambiance" yields a great short, straightforward definition great for a quick check while reading. The site also provides the ability to enter a single listing of terms, separated by commas, and create a link to EXACTLY that list of definitions (as a glossary for a specific lesson, for example). See a sample created by the TeachersFirst editors http://ninjawords.com/trudge, stroll, walk, perambulate, stagger, prance, skip, since the site is nondiscriminatory and will give a response to any word you enter, regardless of the propriety of the word!
tag(s): vocabulary (251)
In the Classroom
Use the "random" button to generate a word of the day in an instant! Create pre-made word lists for students to access online from your teacher web page by entering them all , separated by commas, and clicking "Link to this page" at the end of the page. The URL that then shows in the address bar IS the URL to access that word list any time from any computer. Have students make personal lists of their own for individualized vocab study. Open Ninjawords as students read a selection in class--even in science or social studies texts, and allow students to take turns entering new words they encounter. If you have a projector or interactive whiteboard, the entire class can "see" the current "word wall" created by the history function. Or you can simply keep it on a classroom desktop to help those who need it. If you mark each "glossary" page as a Favorite on your computer, you can NAME IT "Chapter 3 Glossary" or "Amphibian Unit Glossary" etc and make it available for students to use any time. The history feature allows you to "track" whether students have entered inappropriate words. The history list seems to remain on your computer for a period of time, probably by leaving "cookies" on your computer -- in this case a useful thing! Use it on your machine to recall vocab from day to day for continuing lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free Rice - freerice.com
Grades
6 to 12
6 Favorites
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This fascinating site allows you to build your vocabulary and other knowledge while providing free grains of rice to the hungry throughout the world. This is a nice interactive way...more
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This fascinating site allows you to build your vocabulary and other knowledge while providing free grains of rice to the hungry throughout the world. This is a nice interactive way for kids to practice vocabulary and basics in chemistry, math, art history, geography, and world languages. Subjects available (via the link in the page footer)include checmical symbols, world language and English vocabulary, multiplication, world countries on a map, capitals, and famous paintings. Read the FAQ to find out where the money comes from and more.
tag(s): multiplication (132), symbols (19), vocabulary (251)
In the Classroom
Reminiscent of The Reader's Digest "Enrich Your Word Power" feature, this is a great little time filler, especially for those students who always seem to be ahead of the rest of the class. They can challenge themselves to better their "level" as gauged by the site. They can challenge each other to see who will give the most grains of rice in any given session. If your class has a vocabulary glossary wiki, this site will provide many new entry ideas! You might even get into a conversation about how much 20 grains of rice really is and where around the world it might do the most good.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Timeless Ideas for Teaching - Concord Monitor Publishing
Grades
6 to 12
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Posted by the New Hampshire Concord Monitor Newspaper in the Classroom program, this website offers many interactive ideas that students can use either with a physical newspaper...more
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Posted by the New Hampshire Concord Monitor Newspaper in the Classroom program, this website offers many interactive ideas that students can use either with a physical newspaper in front of them, with an online news service such as CNN, or with online editions of newspapers that you find here. The examples used all refer to the New Hampshire newspaper, but are easily adaptable to whatever topic you want the students to deal with. This site includes such varied activities as creating a database and writing recipes. It covers every section of a newspaper. Students could create their own classroom newspaper using some of these activities or simply create journalistic articles based on whatever topic you are currently teaching. This is adaptable to almost any grade level and subject area.
tag(s): local history (12), news (221), newspapers (86)
In the Classroom
Whether you use hard-copy papers or electronic editions, many of these ideas will work even better using technology: word processing, wikis, blogs (for editorials), graphic organizer tools, digital cameras, etc. Use today's tools to study this powerful medium as it goes through transition into an electronic world. Consider asking students to compare electronic vs. hard-copy newspapers and their pros/cons, as well.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Online Guide to Traditional Games - James Masters
Grades
8 to 12
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Clearly, students love playing games of all kinds. This website takes a look at the history of games from board games to lawn games. It both describes the pieces, the ...more
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Clearly, students love playing games of all kinds. This website takes a look at the history of games from board games to lawn games. It both describes the pieces, the boards, the rules, and the history. Since many of the games are from other places around the world, this site affords the opportunity to investigate how game playing relates to life in different times and places. This is a great site to get kids involved in history, games, and creativity. Not only can they learn about games from the Renaissance and before; they will laugh at names like "Toad in the Hole" and "Ringing the Bull." While many of these games will show the origins of games they play today, it will give students ideas on how to create their own games.
In the Classroom
Have students design gameboards or cards, game pieces, and rules to play variations of the games on the site. In your world cultures class, have students play and compare games from different cultures. Use game-creation as the culminating project at the end of a content or research unit or simply as a way to teach writing: both informational (directions) and creative. Have students role-play characters who might play original or historic games by writing character sketches and then performing them. Let the games begin!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Catalog Choice - Ecology Center
Grades
6 to 12
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This is an environmental site and should NOT be confused with catalogchoice.COM, a consumer site FULL of advertising. Catalog Choice(.org) provides free membership to "opt out" of catalogs....more
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This is an environmental site and should NOT be confused with catalogchoice.COM, a consumer site FULL of advertising. Catalog Choice(.org) provides free membership to "opt out" of catalogs. Their self-described mission is "a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources." If you teach consumer skills, basic economics, or environmental issues, this site is a real world place to visit with your students as part of your class discussions on marketing, advertising, and environmental issues caused by junk mail.
tag(s): advertising (23), earth (195), earth day (61), environment (252)
In the Classroom
If you teach about advertising techniques or information literacy, project both the .org and the .com sites on a screen or whiteboard so students can use a critical eye to see what the .com site is trying to do! Invite your science class to share the .ORG site at home and start an "uncatalog" drive to save some trees. Keep a running total of the number of catalogs your class has stopped and have students research the number of trees you have saved. As part of Earth Day or with your environmental club, share this resource with the entire school community. Encourage students to create tree-safe electronic "ads" for catalog choice (.ORG) that you can share on your class web page. Note: the site requires a free membership, so students should join together with a parent, especially since most catalogs are probably addressed to the adults in the house. Do not permit sharing of personal information (name and address) by students on the site!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Exploring Africa - Michigan State University
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Wow, this website is amazing! Exploring Africa brings Africa into your classroom through numerous interdisciplinary lessons. There are 20 modules (within 4 general units of study)....more
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Wow, this website is amazing! Exploring Africa brings Africa into your classroom through numerous interdisciplinary lessons. There are 20 modules (within 4 general units of study). The general units include "Why Study Africa," "Studying Africa Through the Social Studies," "Studying Africa Through the Humanities," "Regional Perspectives," and "Country Case Studies." Each module contains a teacher version that includes objectives, focus questions, activities, background information, and more. These teaching and learning activities all follow the "5 E's" format: Engage, Explore, Explain, Expand, and Evaluate. The website also provides links for specific country information and current events.
In the Classroom
This website is literally a textbook online. Consider using a reading guide tool such as Read Ahead, for younger readers. Read Ahead is perfect for introducing any reading passage to struggling readers, special education students, and ENL/ESL learners. The information is ready to go and easy to use. It may not be possible to cover all of the information included in this extensive website. Pick and choose the modules that will be useful in your own classroom. Modules can easily be used independently and include detailed teacher notes, evaluations, printable pages, and more. Many of the activities will work well using technology, though the plans do not specify this. For example: Share some of the maps on your interactive whiteboard or have students draw some of their "preconceived notions" about Africa on the whiteboard as part of the introductory image activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Africa Guide - africaguide.com
Grades
2 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
This website provides a colorful interactive map of Africa. You are able to click on any country in Africa to learn more about that particular country. The website includes ...more
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This website provides a colorful interactive map of Africa. You are able to click on any country in Africa to learn more about that particular country. The website includes basic geographical information (capital cities, landforms, elevations, exact locations, etc.) along with other general information. The reading level is too high for younger students, so they will need an adult reader. Some of the links provide authentic music from the country, information about accommodations available, and tourist attractions.
tag(s): africa (162)
In the Classroom
What a fabulous tool for online research or student-guided learning. This website presents a wonderful, concise summary of all of the countries in Africa. Why not assign individual students (or groups or 2) a specific country to research. Then the students can create an interactive PowerPoint or other presentation to share on a projection screen. With younger students, use your interactive whiteboard to share the site (turn up the speakers), allowing students to click and guide the class "trip." Music links go to Amazon, and only some have the listening feature available (scroll down the Amazon page to "Listen to Samples"). You will want to check before class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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