TeachersFirst's Computational Thinking
Computational thinking is expressing solutions so that humans and computers can understand them. A great way to visualize how to embed it in your classroom is to have the students think like the physicist, economist, artist, mathematician, etc. to identify the problems that need to be explored. This is not programming computers but logical ways for problem solving. It is a problem solving tool for every classroom that has students think like a problem solver and use higher level cognitive skills.
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Gapminder - Gapminder
Grades
7 to 12
tag(s): data (147), demographics (13)
In the Classroom
The site would be best used on an interactive whiteboard, although computer-savvy students could access it individually. The world data presented might supplement lessons in economics, civics, world cultures, current events or modern history. Teachers should plan to spend a chunk of time previewing the site before using, however, as the interface is not entirely intuitive. There is a tutorial, but it will take some experimentation to discover the various ways to manipulate the data and present it graphically. There is also this page of ideas specifically for teachers. You can compare individual countries, or zoom into geographic regions. "Mature" teachers who learned bar graphs and pie charts may find the choices a little overwhelming, but with a little noodling around, will be able to graphically illustrate concepts in ways never before possible. Challenge your students to retrieve and use some of the data in support of an essay thesis, oral presentation, or debate.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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The Puzzle Toad - Carnegie Mellon University
Grades
10 to 12In the Classroom
After sharing the site on your interactive whiteboard, add a link to this site on classroom computers for use as a center. As students try solving the puzzles, enhance learning by asking them to reflect upon their learning through blogs. edublogs, reviewed here, is a free blogging platform developed for classroom use. Modify learning by asking students to include screenshots of their work and discuss their problem-solving tips as they work through the different puzzles. Use a screenshot tool such as Awesome Screenshot, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Developing Thinking and Reasoning Skills in Primary Learners Using Detective Fiction - Yale University
Grades
1 to 3tag(s): critical thinking (112), mysteries (19)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and activities hosted on this site! Be sure to save this site as a favorite to allow for easy reference later on. As a rainy day activity, read one of the featured mysteries together, and encourage students to notice the clues present as you read, stopping the reading to note each one. After you have finished the book, students retell the story to a partner, including the hints that helped the hero to solve the mystery.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Snap! (Build Your Own Blocks) - Jens Monig and Brian Harvey
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): animation (62), coding (88), computational thinking (42), computers (106), critical thinking (112), design (83), drawing (59), problem solving (226), STEM (262)
In the Classroom
Share Snap! on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector to provide an overview of the features included then allow students to explore on their own. Save projects to your own computer or create an account to save on the site. Search YouTube for video tutorials on using this program and share with students as they build an understanding of how to use the site. Begin by creating a small project together, then allow students to work individually or in groups to create their design. Streghthen learning by sharing links to student projects on an online bulletin board like Lino, reviewed here. Transform learning by challenging students who are proficient with Snap! to create video tutorials using a tool like Clipchamp, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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