Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This tool is cool little tidbits of knowledge. The subtitle is "Boldly Exploring Life's Little Mysteries." Zidbits include facts such as "What is the hardest language to learn?" "Do trees die from old age?" or "What is the most lethal poison?" Find facts for history, science, health, entertainment, and news on this site as well as fun facts. This site doesn't provide just a quick tidbit, but also gives background information and additional details.
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tag(s): infographics (56), questioning (36), speaking (26)

This tool is a wonderful resource for both middle school teachers and students. Find lessons in any physical or biological content area. Find ideas for activities to use as part of your school's Science Club or interesting trivia to use as starters for your classroom. Other resources available include ideas for nature Centers, Puzzles, and links to other resources. This site has quite a few distracting advertisements.
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tag(s): atoms (43), cells (82), earth (184), ecology (103), forensics (12), insects (68), measurement (122), motion (47)

Discover the science and engineering behind many Hollywood Themes: Zombies, Space, Forensics, and Superheroes. Choose one of the themes to access information, videos, TI-Nspire downloads for interactive activities, and more. Each page also features related Math and Science Activities. The current hosts are Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) and Dr. Z.
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tag(s): diseases (66), forensics (12), space (222), STEM (297)

This free tool created by a botanist/zoologist is a useful resource about living things. Though some of the content requires a membership, there are many resources that are free. Find information, photos, and even free video clips. Note that illustrations are copyrighted by the site owner, and information from the site must be cited with the correct references given (examples are provided.) Be sure to check out all the tabs that include Plants and Animals, the Planet Earth, Science words and Pics, Human Body, and more. Don't miss the chance to Ask a Zoo Vet (under Bringing Science to You) and many activities for those as young as preK (see Words and Pictures).
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tag(s): animals (294), earth (184), human body (93), plants (146)

Sheppard Software offers hundreds of online learning games for learners in a large variety of subjects. Topics include brain games, seasons, nutrition, and world geography. Search for specific topics or browse categories. Looking for a specific grade level range? Scroll down below the main icons to view recommended sections for different age ranges from preschool to adult. In addition to games, some categories include videos, timelines, and coloring activities. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. Some activities require flash which isn't supported on all browsers.
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tag(s): addition (129), alphabet (53), alphabetical order (8), animal homes (57), animals (294), capitalization (9), capitals (16), cells (82), colors (63), continents (33), counting (60), countries (73), decimals (85), dinosaurs (43), division (98), elements (33), endangered species (27), equations (119), estimation (33), fractions (160), geometric shapes (134), grammar (137), integers (21), landforms (39), life cycles (21), measurement (122), money (113), multiplication (122), number lines (33), number sense (69), numbers (120), oceans (149), order of operations (29), parts of speech (39), patterns (61), periodic table (44), place value (34), puzzles (149), states (124), subtraction (110), time (91), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (94)

Bring science to life with this free community of Science Workshop ideas. The site may not look exciting, but the activities bring real hands-on learning to science. Browse a few activities to get the idea. After registering, click on the CSW Projects and Activities tab. Search the activities by project type (e.g. projectiles, music, woodshop) or by STEM content. Workshop ideas are either video or downloaded instructions with images. Most use simple, inexpensive materials.

tag(s): engineering (129), gravity (43), inventors and inventions (80), musical instruments (52), plants (146), sound (72), STEM (297)

Next Vista offers Learning videos for teachers looking for alternatives to YouTube. At the time of this review, they offered over 1,000 videos (most useful for in the classroom). Videos are made by teachers and/or students. Search by three main topics: Light Bulbs, Global View, or Seeing Service. Better yet, use the right sidebar to search by topic: Math, Science, World Languages, History & Culture, Performing Arts, and more.Next Vista offers an extensive collection of career videos to use as a resource for exploring and discovering career opportunities. View videos directly on site or share using the link or embed code provided. Throughout the school year, Next Vista hosts video creation contests for students and teachers. Submit your own videos less than 5 minutes in length using directions provided. They even offer small prizes for winners.

tag(s): africa (148), asia (116), careers (156), computers (109), europe (84), literature (221), musical instruments (52), musical notation (34), north america (15), parts of speech (39), poetry (193), shakespeare (99), south america (47), speech (69), video (266)

Use this interactive to learn about the Sun. Learn how far the Sun is from Earth, about solar flares, solar wind, and more.

tag(s): solar system (110), sun (71)

GE Focus Forward offers a series of 30 three-minute videos featuring stories about innovators. Directed by award-winning documentary film makers, the films range in topics from a "Journey Under the Sea" to a look at the "Secrets of Trees." Hover over any film icon to view a short description of the topic. Click to begin. Share films using social networking buttons within the film. Copy the code (click the video you want, then, click the third symbol in the upper right corner to copy the code) to embed on any website or blog. Videos are hosted on Vimeo, which is accessible in most schools.

tag(s): environment (252), inventors and inventions (80), medicine (57), mental health (48), nutrition (140), oceans (149), robotics (24), solar energy (34), STEM (297), trees (18), video (266)

Science 101 is a science Internet portal. Although rather "plain vanilla," this site has a LOT to explore. After choosing a subject area: astronomy, bacteria, biology, books, calculations, chemistry, data, earth, electronics, or ethics, find articles or website links for further information. This site includes over 30 subject areas on a variety of science and math topics. Use as a resource to begin explorations. Some links may lead to flash activities, not all browsers support flash.
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tag(s): resources (83), science fairs (20), scientific method (48)

Watch full length documentaries online for free. Find your favorites through daily suggestions, browsing the top 100, or searching categories: 9/11, activism, art, aviation, business, comedy, crime, disaster, drugs, economics, environmental, food/drink, health, media, medicine, music, nature, performing arts, philosophy, political, religion, science, social, sport, strange, technology, travel, and many more. Look at film festivals and films featured in each. If you do not find what you are looking for, submit your request. A link to Amazon brings you to DVD's. Some are free, and others are for sale.
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tag(s): video (266)

Dive into Documentary Storm to discover 100% free documentary films. The goal of the website is to share knowledge spread ideas, and have fun. Search the different channels to find exactly what you are seeking. Topics included are art, biography, conspiracy, culture, drugs, environment, health, indie films, lifestyle, mockumentaries, money, nature, politics, psychology, religion, science, society, sports, technology, war, and many more. Search in the top 100 documentaries, or click use"surprise me." Connect with Facebook, RSS, X (formerly Twitter), or email.

tag(s): video (266)

Discover a rich collection of videos (and lectures) offered by Britain's The Royal Institute. This Smart Place for Science has an amazing number of videos taped from their live lectures to connect people to the world of science. Some videos go back to the 1950's and are reminiscent of old classroom videos. However, most are more recent and feature leaders in their respective fields of science. Choose from collections to view the individual offerings such as Crystals or the Brain. There are also some videos focusing on math topics. As with any scientific site, some content is not appropriate for less mature students. Preview to be sure, depending on the topic you choose. Some of the lectures are quite high level and would challenge any advanced student. Some videos are hosted on YouTube and some within the site's own servers. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): air (101), brain (56), elements (33), engineering (129), genealogy (8), genetics (80), human body (93), plants (146), rocks (35), STEM (297), video (266)

At UCAR find games, activities, and lessons built around the theme of our atmosphere including weather, climate, and sun and space. Visit the Learning Zone to view video and images identifying changes in the atmosphere and greenhouse effect on the earth. Try interactives such as the solar eclipse memory game. Explore the climate sensitivity calculator. Be sure to check out the teachers' section of Spark to find several classroom activities divided into the topics of weather, climate change, and atmosphere and chemistry activities.

tag(s): atmosphere (22), climate (84), climate change (99), glaciers (17), hurricanes (32), snow (17), solar energy (34), sun (71), tornadoes (14), weather (160)

Are you looking to experience science and math through a different lens? STEMbite is a YouTube channel with engaging "bite-sized" lessons from a unique first-person perspective through Google Glass. This intro page explains the project and gives the link to the actual YouTube channel. Math and science surround us in our everyday life. STEMbite opens your eyes to infinite possibilities. The videos engage you through a short explanation and motivate you to learn more. Examples of videos include math at the pharmacy, washing machine physics, chemistry in your kitchen, probability challenge, the polarization of light, and more! Subscribe to the STEMbite YouTube channel to make your mind hungry to learn about the application of math and science in our everyday life. STEMbite will change your point of view on math and science. If your district blocks YouTube, then STEMbite may not be viewable for students at school.

tag(s): atmosphere (22), energy (133), probability (99), STEM (297), video (266), waves (14)

The World Digital Library makes it possible to discover, study, and enjoy digitized cultural treasures from around the world. Resources include manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings. Browse by place, time, topic, type of item, and contributing institution, or use the open-ended search available in many languages. Information included with items includes a description, place of event or item, date, location of the item, and tags for viewing items similar in nature or topic. Move the timeline to view items for specific time periods.

tag(s): 1600s (20), 1700s (36), 1800s (75), 1900s (72), 20th century (62), africa (148), asia (116), australia (28), china (81), cross cultural understanding (173), europe (84), images (263), north america (15), south america (47)

This YouTube channel teaches scientific concepts in an easy to understand style. The channel includes a variety of short videos ranging from 3 to 10 minutes. There are videos for primary students as well as high school students. New videos are released weekly, and viewers are encouraged to add their suggestions for future videos. The wide variety includes just about every topic in Science. Note: Constant additions mean that adults will want to preview in case recent additions are not appropriate for your audience. One page load included a video about "How Weed Works," possibly appropriate during a drug and alcohol study, but not elsewhere? Be sure to check whether YouTube is blocked at your school and download videos prior to class if necessary.

tag(s): video (266)

The Mars Education Program is a resource for STEM lessons and activities related to Mars and outer space. Mars resources include videos, images, and news on the latest research of the planet. Don't miss Ask Dr. C (a beta project) in the Resources menu to pose questions about Mars and see the answers. Stay up to date with the latest information from Mars by perusing The Red Planet Report from the Mars Resources menu. Visit the STEM plans for lessons in exploring, scientific research, and conceptual modeling. Aligned to National Science Education Standards, lessons have been developed for K-12 classrooms. Lessons include complete descriptions of activities, learning objectives, handouts, and assessments to download in PDF format. In most cases, you must open the pdf to see the grade range on the lessons.

tag(s): mars (26), planets (113), scientists (67), space (222)

At CommonCore Sheets, find downloadable worksheets correlated to the Common Core curriculum and customizable activities. Choose from worksheets in every subject, including foreign languages. Registration isn't required to select and use worksheets; however, creating an account provides access to the Teacher Panel. Use the Teacher Panel to save sheets, create classes and assignments, monitor grades, and add distance learning assignments.
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tag(s): charts and graphs (171), decimals (85), fractions (160), measurement (122), money (113), negative numbers (13), operations (72), order of operations (29), parts of speech (39), primary sources (117), probability (99), sentences (22), time (91), timelines (56), variables (14)

All Things Science is an aggregator of short, top quality science videos for educational use. Search for specific content topics using the search bar. Browse through featured, most viewed, or all videos. Interested in seeing how a germ travels with a sneeze and makes you sick with a virus? There is a detailed video on that topic and SO much more. Read short descriptions of videos before viewing. Share using social media links provided, with a direct url, or with the embed code directly onto your website. Free registration on All Things Science allows you to save videos to favorites, add comments, and upload video. Note that videos can be submitted by members, so it is advisable to preview before sharing with young people.
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tag(s): animals (294), cells (82), climate (84), climate change (99), genetics (80), human body (93), medicine (57), scientific method (48), scientists (67), solar energy (34), solar system (110), space (222), video (266), weather (160)