TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Apr 15, 2012
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Desmos: A Beautiful, Free Online Graphing Calculator - Eli Luberoff
Grades
9 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This tool is an standalone, web-based graphing calculator ideal for math or science. It graphs equations as you write them, is color-coded, and instantly revises and redraws the equations...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This tool is an standalone, web-based graphing calculator ideal for math or science. It graphs equations as you write them, is color-coded, and instantly revises and redraws the equations as you update them. Share any graph with a Bit.ly (shortened) link. Note that the calculator does NOT use Flash so it works on iPads and iTouches. Easily manage your graphs in a folder and browse examples.
tag(s): calculators (28)
In the Classroom
Use this Better Calculator in place of expensive graphing calculators that many students may not have. Be sure to provide the link on your teacher page or wiki for easy access. This is a wonderful tool for iPad or 1:1 classrooms.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
CK-12 Flexbooks Library - CK-12 Foundation
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
The CK-12 Flexbook Library holds ninety-two free, downloadable, and customizable textbooks. Topics are primarily mathematics and science: operations, physics, probability, biodiversity,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The CK-12 Flexbook Library holds ninety-two free, downloadable, and customizable textbooks. Topics are primarily mathematics and science: operations, physics, probability, biodiversity, organic chemistry, calculus, and many others. Other subjects include SAT preparation books, spelling, composition, and more. Navigate to the type of book you are looking for by scrolling over the edition. Read the brief description, and even view the table of contents. There are PDF printables, video clips, and much more! Many of the texts have both student and teacher editions. It may not be feasible to purchase new textbooks, but current ones are still needed. This free resource allows you to use fresh materials without spending a ton on new texts. Even better, if you do not like a book after using it in class, you can select a new one or combine pieces into your own "new" book.
tag(s): biodiversity (35), environment (266), human body (68), integers (35), number sense (61), operations (84), probability (85), problem solving (150), ratios (38), resources (92), spanish (87)
In the Classroom
Choose a textbook that suits your teaching needs. Read online or download to customize to your specific requirements. Use this resource for teaching online. Textbooks are protected by Creative Commons so use them in the courses you create. Respect the CK-12 Foundation by crediting them when you use their resources. Share the website with students via the class Wiki so that they can use different texts as alternate resources. Share this site on your class website or blog for students to explore for extra practice or self-directed exploration by motivated or highly able students.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Scrumblr - scrumblr
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Use this free tool to create an online whiteboard or bulletin board you can use to display information for any subject. No sign up or membership needed! Just start ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Use this free tool to create an online whiteboard or bulletin board you can use to display information for any subject. No sign up or membership needed! Just start right in. Start a new notice-board by entering a title. Add sticky notes with messages to your wall using the plus sign at lower left. Draw attention to specific sticky notes by dragging one of the colored dots to that note. Anyone who has the link will be able to add to the whiteboard. Add or remove columns dividers on the whiteboard by using the + or - icon to the side. Don't forget to copy the url for your board before you close it! Paste it somewhere you won't lose it or mark it in your favorites.
tag(s): bulletin boards (12), organizational skills (51)
In the Classroom
Use this as a place to put web quest links and information. As a project idea, have students create a wall about their summer vacation. They can include links and other information to display. Have elementary students build a class homework board each day, having a different student add the assignment for each subject; then share the link to the board for them to access at home. "writing down" assignments can be fun! Use this tool as a new format for book reports. Do your students have favorites such as music or sports? Create a wall around these favorites or hobbies. Use a wall for grammar or vocabulary words or science unit terms. Create walls of pro/con for debates or high level thinking viewpoints. Post assignments, reminders, or study skills on a wall. Do you use student scribes or reporters? Use the site to create a wall with the goings-on in class. See a similar tool (and more ideas to use either tool) in the TeachersFirst review of Stixy here. Decide which one you prefer!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Project Laundry List - Project Laundry List, Inc.
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Save the planet, one load of laundry at a time with Project Laundry List. This website is dedicated to encouraging people to use clotheslines and other sensible alternatives to wasteful...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Save the planet, one load of laundry at a time with Project Laundry List. This website is dedicated to encouraging people to use clotheslines and other sensible alternatives to wasteful energy consumption. Don't miss the Cost Calculator: a spreadsheet that you download to your computer, enter the amount and type of laundry you do, and automatically calculate energy and water costs of clothes care. It even shows your washer's carbon dioxide emissions! The calculator suggests easy ways to reduce costs, which, in turn reduces your impact on the environment. In the Programs Education section, find "The Clothesline Plan." It provides strategies about how to get involved with the clothesline, cold water washing movement. Featured here, among other good laundry history resources, is also "National Hanging Out Day" which is used to educate and create awareness about energy savings through the use of clotheslines.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): earth day (104), ecology (124), environment (266), holidays (117)
In the Classroom
During environmental science units or Earth Day, use this to have students calculate what their own households spend to care for clothing. Have students consider different tips for reducing environmental impact and saving money. As a homework assignment, have students implement two changes for two weeks. Have parents sign off on a log form to verify student participation. (Parents will love the extra help and possible money savings!) Set up your own celebration of "National Hanging Out Day" by having teams of students prepare presentations (the website even provides one) to share with others students and the community.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Trello - Fog Creek Software
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Trello organizes your projects into boards. It tells you what's being worked on, who's working on what, and where something is in a process. Updates are shown in real time, ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Trello organizes your projects into boards. It tells you what's being worked on, who's working on what, and where something is in a process. Updates are shown in real time, so refreshing the site isn't necessary. The two main items used on boards are cards and lists. Cards are tasks; create a card for each task and drag it to the list. Attachments such as videos, due dates, user notes, and more can be attached to cards. Then pull each card into a list and and place in any order necessary to complete the tasks. You can be identified with an @symbol and receive instant notifications.
tag(s): graphic organizers (35), organizational skills (51)
In the Classroom
Use this site in the classroom for organizing any long term project such as a research report or collaborative projects. Create a board for each group with a timeline and assign parts for each project. Gradually release the responsibility from one project to the next, asking students to create their own task lists so they learn time management. Teachers of learning support and gifted will love this tool as a way to teach organizational skills. Share it with parents to suport their organizationally challenged students. Yearbook or school newspaper advisors may want to consider this site for organizing and assigning tasks. Share this site with your school's PTA as a resource for organizing and planning school events.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Pora Ora: The Online 3D Educational Game for Children - Caped Koala Studios
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Pora Ora is a stunning educational virtual world for elementary school aged students. The site includes educational activities and interactives for language arts, math, geography and...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Pora Ora is a stunning educational virtual world for elementary school aged students. The site includes educational activities and interactives for language arts, math, geography and many other subjects. Don't miss the Globetrotter geography activity - taking you around the world! As students participate in activities on the site, difficulty levels increase upon completion of skills. Online safety is at the heart of this site. The parental administration account sets the student's account from free chat with everyone to completely locked down where they have the world to themselves and everything in between. The site has a language filter and you can report any incidents of trouble. The first task requires you to complete an online safety task. You are able to play one time without activating an account. To return to the site an account needs to be created and part of that process is an email activation from a parent (or teacher) account. This site was created in the United Kingdom, so if you speak American English you may notice some slight spelling differences.
tag(s): continents (32), counting (100), equations (98), geometric shapes (73), keyboarding (25), landforms (36), landmarks (18), numbers (159), operations (84), preK (164), problem solving (150), puzzles (164), sequencing (29), spelling (142), vocabulary (289), vocabulary development (75)
In the Classroom
Create accounts for each student or one class account for students to work on skills together. Demonstrate the site using your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to show students how to create their avatar, find games, view quests, and more. Share this site with families using your class webpage, wiki, blog, or newsletter.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Moneyville - Northern Bank's Financial Literacy programme
Grades
2 to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Take a trip to MoneyVille, a fun interactive environment/virtual world to explore where money comes from, what money is worth and how to prioritize spending and saving. Choose a username,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Take a trip to MoneyVille, a fun interactive environment/virtual world to explore where money comes from, what money is worth and how to prioritize spending and saving. Choose a username, password, and "design" your character. Throughout the activity, you are asked to make a number of decisions that can affect your finances for the year. Make money by picking apples and selling apple juice, working at the post office to sort packages according to value, working at the city gates painting, and more. Step into the time machine in Moneyville to journey to ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, or to the time of the dinosaurs. The money in Moneyville is generic so this site is useful in any country using any form of currency. Note that the actual game opens in a new window. Be sure to click on the disclaimer and privacy statement at the bottom of the page to find information for teachers and parents about the site, including some printables grouped according to age range.
tag(s): financial literacy (45), money (154)
In the Classroom
Create a classroom account and have students work together and explore economic principles. Share how to use this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students create individual accounts and create a learning station for students to explore this site to learn more about economics. Take advantage of discussions that occur and use them for teachable moments when exploring economic decisions. Share this site with parents through your class website or newsletter for students to use at home.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Stem Career - Rich Feller
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
What is STEM? With so much emphasis on pursuing STEM, find great resources here about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Find articles, surveys, and other information...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
What is STEM? With so much emphasis on pursuing STEM, find great resources here about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Find articles, surveys, and other information about STEM careers. Find information geared towards students, teachers, counselors, and parents about pursuing STEM careers. Search through STEM disciplines, degree profiles, or other information.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Share some of the infographics on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Allow time for students to search careers to report to the rest of the class using conventional or multimedia posters and other products. Use an online poster creator, such as Padlet (reviewed here). Include the skills required for the job, the education needed, and what that person does. Challenge students to create an advertisement for a STEM career they might enjoy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Random Word Generator - Dillfrog.com
Grades
6 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Spice up creative writing activities with this random word generator. Choose from a list of either verbs, nouns, adjectives, or adverbs to find creative, thought-provoking combinations...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Spice up creative writing activities with this random word generator. Choose from a list of either verbs, nouns, adjectives, or adverbs to find creative, thought-provoking combinations or alternatives as prompts for writing. Lists include 20 words in each column and can be changed by choosing the Generate More! button. Click on the word to view the definition.
tag(s): creative writing (98), creativity (83), vocabulary development (75)
In the Classroom
Display the generator on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) and challenge students to use as many words as possible in their daily writing. Use words from the site for vocabulary of the day practice. Challenge students to define as many words as possible from the word generator. Set a timer and have students use as many words from the generator as they can in the time allowed. Build creative fluency and flexibility as students dream up new story scenarios to use the new vocabulary.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
American Indian Response to Environmental Changes - National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
4 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
This site documents how four Native American communities are responding to changes in the environment where they live. Through videos and primary sources, you can explore these four...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site documents how four Native American communities are responding to changes in the environment where they live. Through videos and primary sources, you can explore these four Native American cultures. Each tribe's section is broken down into the following areas: Getting Started, Meet the People, About Our Homeland, Our Environmental Challenge, Our Strategies, and Our Future.
tag(s): environment (266), native americans (48), natural resources (31)
In the Classroom
Project this site on an interactive whiteboard and watch the videos on each of the tribes. If you have laptops available, have students navigate on their own. Have the class take the included interactive quizzes to see what they've learned. Group students and have each group read about a different tribe. Then using the online story project planner, have students create a presentation about their tribe that can be uploaded to the site. Be sure to visit the teacher area for lesson plans, links and other resources.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Pictogram Graph - Jo Edkins
Grades
K to 5
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Create and learn about pictogram graphs with this interactive tool. Add titles, descriptions, choose a picture and a color, choose what value each picture is worth, choose the number...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Create and learn about pictogram graphs with this interactive tool. Add titles, descriptions, choose a picture and a color, choose what value each picture is worth, choose the number of rows/columns, and enter a value on the graph. Learn about the different ways to use the site by viewing the How To Use This Webpage link at the bottom of the graph. This site was created in the United Kingdom. So if you are an American English speaker, you may notice some slight spelling differences.
tag(s): charts and graphs (159), data (118)
In the Classroom
Use Pictogram Graph with an interactive whiteboard (or projector) for whole class graphing. This site would also make a great math center in the classroom. Groups of students can visit the center and graph collected values at a computer or interactive whiteboard.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Internet Safety: Rules of the Road for Kids - Common Sense Media
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This site contains all the information that educators and parents need to keep kids safe online. There are resources, articles, videos, and links to help teach students about digital...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This site contains all the information that educators and parents need to keep kids safe online. There are resources, articles, videos, and links to help teach students about digital citizenship.
tag(s): cyberbullying (28), internet safety (74)
In the Classroom
Share this link on your class web page and/or in a parent newsletter to help parents learn about Internet safety. Use the videos to help students learn how to be safe online. Share the videos on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use the information to run a parent information night.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detective - Kaiser Permanente
Grades
2 to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Health Detective is an interactive site developed by Kaiser Permanente to teach kids how to make healthy choices. Choose a character name to begin. After a short video the activity...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Health Detective is an interactive site developed by Kaiser Permanente to teach kids how to make healthy choices. Choose a character name to begin. After a short video the activity begins and players choose healthy foods to go into the backpack. Other information on the site includes a teaching guide, healthy tips for families, and a family profile chart for healthy goal setting all available to download in PDF format. To go directly to the interactive, click on the link that says "Psst! Grown-ups can find more information on raising healthier kids here too!"
In the Classroom
Create a link on classroom computers for students to use this site as a center or in a computer lab setting. Display the activities on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to play as a class. Share a link on your classroom website or blog for students to play at home. Have students create online posters on paper or do it together as a class using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard (reviewed here) or PicLits (reviewed here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
How Our Laws Are Made - Mike Wirth
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Remember "I'm Just a Bill"? This one screen infographic is today's equivalent. The site, which is zoomable, presents a graphic flowchart of how ideas become laws in the United States....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Remember "I'm Just a Bill"? This one screen infographic is today's equivalent. The site, which is zoomable, presents a graphic flowchart of how ideas become laws in the United States. A great, high impact, visual aid to understanding the process by which the US government enacts laws.
tag(s): branches of government (28), congress (20)
In the Classroom
Use the graphic as an introduction to a detailed discussion. Share the site on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use it to reinforce the process once you've taught the lesson. Encourage students to bookmark it to review or test their understanding. Anyone who teaches civics, government or US history will be able to use this graphic on an interactive whiteboard. For that matter, it should be required viewing for citizens and politicians alike!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form