58 Results | sort by:
Recent Additions to TeachersFirst
How to Celebrate Winter Solstice With Kids-Tinkergarten
Grades
K to 5tag(s): crafts (90), earth (190), seasonal (35), seasons (55), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Take students outside to observe and trace their shadows at two different times of day. Have them compare lengths and direction, then discuss how the winter solstice relates to changing sunlight. Have students design and create an ice lantern using molds, natural materials, and freezing temperatures. They can record the steps, observe melting rates, and explain the science behind freezing and thawing. Connect this to solstice traditions involving light. Inspired by the article's ritual ideas, students can create paper lanterns, write wishes or hopes for the growing light, and participate in a short "lantern walk" around the classroom or hallway. Afterward, they write a reflection on why people celebrate the return of longer days.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!).
10 Crafts & Activities Winter Solstice - How Wee Learn
Grades
2 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crafts (90), earth (190), seasonal (35), seasons (55), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students create simple ice sun catchers using water, natural materials, and a freezer or outdoor cold temperatures. Afterward, they can write a quick observation about how the changing light interacts with their artwork and what this reveals about the winter solstice. Using a solstice-themed journal (inspired by the page), have students write short entries describing what they notice about daylight, temperature, and nature during this time of year. For a digital version, use Book Creator, reviewed here. After learning about different cultural celebrations of light around the solstice, students can create a small craft (such as a lantern, candle silhouette art, or light-themed collage) and write a short explanation card that connects their piece to the meaning of the solstice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Winter Solstice - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
2 to 6In the Classroom
Use one of the provided reading passages about the solstice (myths, traditions, or science). Have students highlight key details, identify the main idea, and write a short summary explaining why the solstice is significant. After viewing Twinkl's content on places like Stonehenge, students can research how ancient monuments align with the solstice. They can create a one-page "Show What You Know" poster using paper or DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here illustrating the structure and its purpose. Using a pencil taped upright to a piece of cardboard, have students measure the length of its shadow at different times of day. They can compare their observations with Twinkl's explanation of Earth's tilt and discuss why shadows change as daylight increases or decreases.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Storytime with Kate Meszaros- Winter Solstice Wish - Kate Ingersoll-Meszaros
Grades
K to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crafts (90), earth (190), seasonal (35), seasons (55), snow (21), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have your students write or draw their favorite moment from the story and explain how it shows what the winter solstice feels like or why it is special. Inspired by the book's theme of hope and renewal, have students create a "winter wish" card or paper lantern expressing something they hope will grow brighter in their lives or their community. Students can choose a winter solstice or winter-light celebration (such as Yule, Dongzhi, or Soyal) and make a slide using Google Slides, reviewed here explaining one tradition. Compile these slides into a class presentation to share with the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
What Is the Winter Solstice? - Bozeman Public Library
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Using a globe and a flashlight, have students recreate Earth's tilt and shine the light at different angles to see how daylight changes. Have students look up the sunrise and sunset times for your location on the solstice and calculate total daylight. Then have them repeat this for an area in the Southern Hemisphere and compare the results. Have students measure the length of a shadow at the same time multiple days leading up to and after the solstice. Then have them graph the results using ChartGizmo reviewed here to observe how the angle of the sun changes over time.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Winter Solstice Activity for Kids - Treehouse Schoolhouse
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): crafts (90), cultures (249), data (152), earth (190), seasonal (35), seasons (55), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students use the Winter Solstice Daylight Tracker to record sunrise and sunset times for several days. They can calculate total daylight hours and create a simple line graph that shows how the amount of daylight changes. Assign students to keep a short journal on paper or using Write Reader, reviewed here where they note outdoor observations during the week of the solstice. After learning about the winter solstice, students can create a piece of art that represents the "longest night" or the "return of the light," such as a watercolor sunrise, paper lantern, or nature collage.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
December Solstice - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
2 to 6tag(s): cultures (249), earth (190), seasonal (35), seasons (55), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students track sunrise and sunset times for a week before and after the winter solstice, then graph the changes using LiveGap Charts reviewed here to visualize how daylight shifts over time. Using a stick or pencil placed upright outside, students can measure the length and direction of shadows at different times of day. They can compare results to understand why shadows are longest near the solstice. After watching the video, have students research how different cultures recognize or celebrate the winter solstice. They can create a simple poster, mini-presentation, or journal page in Canva for Education, reviewed here about a tradition they find interesting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Jewish Grandparents Network - David Raphael and Lee M. Hendler
Grades
K to 5tag(s): family (53), hanukkah (22), holidays (228), jews (54), preK (288), religions (123)
In the Classroom
Students can compare and contrast different celebrations using the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here. Students can complete the coloring and activities featured on the site. Finally, students can create a recipe book using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Hour of Code - Code.org
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89), critical thinking (140), logic (158), problem solving (243), STEM (331)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site to use during annual Hour of AI or Code activities and throughout the year as part of computer science instruction. Integrate coding activities into cross-curricular lessons, for example, by incorporating coding exercises that enable students to explore geometry and patterns within their math lessons. Integrate with science lessons to explore the scientific method or use coding activities to create interactive stories that bring student writing projects to life. Extend student learning by including activities and lessons from Hour of AI, reviewed here as part of your computer science curriculum. Share student projects on your class website or on a site such as Milanote, reviewed here to curate and share information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Minecraft Education Hour of Code: AI for Good - Minecraft Education
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89), critical thinking (140), data (152), game based learning (215), problem solving (243)
In the Classroom
Have students complete the AI for Good Minecraft challenge, guiding their Agent to detect fires and protect the forest. Have them record observations about how coding decisions impact the environment and outcomes in the game using Book Creator, reviewed here. Ask students to design their own "AI for Good" scenario in Minecraft or on paper. They can use AI to clean oceans, track endangered animals, or reduce pollution, and write a short reflection explaining their idea. Have students create a class infographic or poster titled "How AI Helps Our Planet." These can be made on paper or digitally using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Two Truths & AI Game - Common Sense Education
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), digital literacy (22), game based learning (215)
In the Classroom
Share this game during the Hour of AI. Begin class with a "Two Truths and a Lie" icebreaker using everyday facts, then introduce the AI version from the website. Have students guess which statements might have been created by AI to start a discussion about how machines mimic human communication. Guide students to research examples of AI-generated content, such as news articles, art, or social media posts. In small groups, they can analyze clues that reveal when something might not be human-made and share their reasoning with the class. Challenge older students to write their own "Two Truths and an AI" statements using a classroom AI tool or generator such as Claude, reviewed here or ChatGPT, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Hour of AI - CodeCombat
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89), game based learning (215)
In the Classroom
Have students complete the first set of Hour of AI coding puzzles, where they write simple Python or JavaScript commands to help their hero solve problems. Present students with a partially incorrect code sample from one of the puzzles and challenge them to identify and correct the errors. After finishing a level, students write or record a short explanation of how their code worked, describing how the computer "thought" through the steps.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Tynker - Hour of Code - Tynker
Grades
K to 8Educators can access a free teacher dashboard, track student progress, and utilize printable certificates, lesson guides, and answer keys to simplify and enhance the setup process. The resource supports all students, regardless of prior coding experience, and works on standard web devices, allowing for either a flexible one-hour coding event or an extended exploration of computer science concepts. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89), puzzles (148)
In the Classroom
Share the AI-specific activities during the Hour of AI. Have students complete one of Tynker's interactive Hour of Code puzzles, such as "Dragon Blast" or "Candy Quest," where they use block coding to move characters, collect items, and solve challenges. Invite students to create a short interactive story or animated scene using Tynker's story-based tutorials. They can choose characters, write dialogue, and program actions to retell a story or show what they've learned in another subject. Assign students to design a simple game using Tynker's coding tools, test it with classmates, and revise it based on feedback. This connects coding with design thinking and collaboration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Mix & Move with AI - Code.org
Grades
2 to 9tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89), dance (31)
In the Classroom
Have students use the interactive platform to design a virtual dancer that moves to a chosen beat. They adjust rhythm, tempo, and style to see how AI interprets movement and music together. Have students remix an existing dance by changing AI-generated moves or music selections. Discuss how machine learning can be creative but still depends on human choices and input. Encourage students to invent their own AI-powered creative project ideas, such as generating a story rhythm, creating a visual art piece with AI, or coding a short interactive show. Then, have them present their prototype or plan to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Explore Hour of AI Activities - CSforALL
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), coding (89)
In the Classroom
Have students explore how computers recognize objects by sorting pictures into groups, then compare their choices to an AI model's results. Discuss how AI "learns" from examples and what happens when data is biased or incomplete. Challenge students to imagine an AI system that could solve a real-world problem in their community, such as recycling or accessibility. They can create posters or short videos using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here to pitch their ideas, emphasizing creativity and ethical use. Show one of the Hour of AI introduction videos, then have students brainstorm where AI appears in their daily lives, such as music recommendations, navigation apps, or digital assistants, and present their findings with examples.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Ecology-Definition-Examples-Explanation - MooMooMath and Science
Grades
6 to 8tag(s): ecology (107), ecosystems (92)
In the Classroom
Have students explore the classroom, schoolyard, or images to find examples of biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. Students can choose an ecosystem and draw a food web using MindMup reviewed here labeling producers, consumers, decomposers, and the flow of energy. Assign students to write analogies comparing an ecosystem to something familiar (ex., a school, a car engine).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
5 WOW Factor Ecological Relationships Activities - Bright in the Middle
Grades
6 to 8tag(s): ecology (107), ecosystems (92)
In the Classroom
Start the unit with a hook by introducing Demodex mites--microscopic organisms that live on human skin. Show a short video or image, then ask students to hypothesize the type of relationship (mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism) that exists. Have students examine curated images of organisms in pairs or small groups and sort them into categories (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, predation, competition). They should justify their choices with evidence. Have students invent an organism and design its ecological relationships. Then have them draw the creature, describe its niche, and explain at least two relationships (ex., its predator, its symbiotic partner). They can create a 3D model of their creature using Delightex reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Museo Frida Kahlo Virtual Tour - Museo Frida Kahlo
Grades
K to 12tag(s): art history (109), artists (91), museums (53), virtual field trips (132)
In the Classroom
Offer students time to explore this virtual museum while studying artists or Mexican culture. Have students create artwork in Kahlo's style, then share it as a gallery walk using Google Slides, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here. Ask students to choose several of their favorite pieces, explain their significance using animated characters, and choose a personalized background with Animate Characters, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
Wildlife Ecology Basics - Michigan State University Extension
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): animals (291), conservation (104), ecosystems (92), endangered species (28), environment (249), forests (31), habitats (100), population (53)
In the Classroom
After learning about basic habitat needs (food, water, shelter, space), give students cards with different Michigan animals and habitat types. Have them match each animal to its correct habitat based on clues from the website. Using the site's information on forest animals, students can create a forest food web poster or digital web using Canva Edu reviewed here showing the connections between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Using the site's information on forest succession, have students create a timeline using Sutori reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here or model showing how a forest changes over time, and how those changes affect wildlife.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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!).
NASA - Games and Interactives - NASA
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): nasa (31), solar system (115), space (231), stars (77), STEM (331), virtual field trips (132)
In the Classroom
Guide students through a virtual tour of the solar system. Have them pick a planet or moon to "visit" and record three fascinating facts about it. After exploring how NASA designs spacesuits, students can work in teams to create a "paper prototype" for a next-gen spacesuit, labeling each layer's function. Let students try landing a rover on Mars using the simulator. Discuss the challenges involved and have them write a short paragraph about their experience.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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