Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This employment/economics site leads you through the process of looking for a job, trying to make it through the month on a limited income, understanding the repercussions of participating in a strike, and facing a time when there is no money. It is similar to a "real life" choose your own adventure. Most choices offer three options and share some pros/cons for each. After you select the job you would like to try for, the activity leads you to the requirements and possible pre-tests. If you do not qualify, you must apply for one of the remaining and less desirable jobs. Once you choose your job, you learn about costs of health insurance, taxes, housing, transportation, child care, and more.

tag(s): financial literacy (91), money (114)

This is a collection of interactive activities that teach mathematical concepts from algebra up through calculus, and well-written instructional modules that introduce scientific concepts, primarily in physics and life sciences from grades 3-12. Each module includes interactive elements that let students experiment with the topic concept. The presentation and subject matter are excellent for these high-interest interactives. A free acount gives you 20-40 free Gizmos, lesson materials, to teach with,

tag(s): earth (184), engineering (127), equations (118), forensics (12), life cycles (21), measurement (123), numbers (119), probability (98), scientific method (48), space (216)

Mission US is a free online interactive US History adventure. Mission US offers amazing interactives that are set throughout US History. The first activity Mission 1: "For Crown or Colony?" has players becoming a 1770 14-year-old printer's apprentice named Nat Wheeler. As players move through the activities they meet characters from all walks of life and must choose where their loyalties lie. This site does require a log-in and password, but no email address is required. Use the links to download and play on a Mac or PC, since the online version requires Flash.

tag(s): 1800s (75), abolition (7), american revolution (82), evolution (88), great depression (30), immigrants (34), immigration (68), slavery (78), westward expansion (39), world war 2 (160)

iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and encourage them to participate in the democratic process. The project is spearheaded by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and includes law professors and educators from around the country. iCivics.org provides detailed lessons designed for very specific judicial and constitutional concepts as well as for the executive and legislative branches. Some of the lessons have videos and links to other relevant websites. In addition to the lessons, iCivics features several engaging interactives on civics topics, democracy, branches of government, citizenship, elections and campaigns, and the constitution. Several include full teacher manuals (PDF) and a detailed report of student game performance -- very useful for assessment. There are webquests on civics topics, as well. In addition, iCivics.org has a useful feature that helps locate other websites with resources specifically correlated to your state standards. You can also search using grade level. The site continues to grow and add new materials and activities on an ongoing basis. Don't miss the interactive called "Cast Your Vote" to prioritize issues and evaluate candidates! Videos from iCivics reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): bill of rights (31), branches of government (64), congress (40), constitution (93), courts (20), democracy (23), elections (83), game based learning (187), presidents (135), supreme court (27)

PhET offers free, researched-based interactive activities for teaching science and math concepts. Topics include physics, biology, chemistry, and more. In addition to the interactive, most items include a video demonstration and teacher-submitted activities. Choose interactives by topic, or iPad or ChromeBook compatible games. Many interactives now support HTML 5 for easy access on any device.

tag(s): circuits (21), electricity (62), energy (131), mass (20), motion (50), waves (15)

This is an online simulation game focusing on sustainable fishing. Students can manipulate variables (numbers of fishing boats, catch quotas) and see how those changes affect both the bottom line and the environment. Each change results in a year's worth of data (up to 15 year's worth), and then reactions from different stakeholders. The game can be played as one, but other participants will need to be online, or as a group. Register with your school email to get a code to set up your class, which could take two business days.

tag(s): environment (246), financial literacy (91), fish (18), resources (83), sustainability (45)

This is a web implementation of the popular computer game by the same name. Players must figure out how to operate their lemonade stand profitably, taking into account pricing, cost of materials, rent, and other economic factors. Students may want to try different strategies and see how they fare with their customers.

tag(s): money (114)