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SparkFun Tutorials - SparkFun Electronics
Grades
8 to 12
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SparkFun tutorials teach the basics (and beyond) of electronics. Over 400 tutorials include topics such as computers, circuits, and wearable technology. Browse through the list of tutorials,...more
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SparkFun tutorials teach the basics (and beyond) of electronics. Over 400 tutorials include topics such as computers, circuits, and wearable technology. Browse through the list of tutorials, or choose topics by tags to find specific content. Each tutorial includes complete instructions as well as suggested reading lists to help fully develop the understanding of concepts used. Most projects require several different materials, be sure to check each tutorial's supply list before starting any project. Many projects have an intro video that resides on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): circuits (21), computers (109), electricity (62), engineering (126), weather (161)
In the Classroom
Share SparkFun Tutorials with students competing in electronics or computer competition. Use tutorials as guides for projects in Makerspace classrooms or with after-school clubs. SparkFun Tutorials are the perfect challenge for gifted students. Encourage them to choose projects of interest either individually or as a group to complete as a "self-directed" lesson. Share the Wearables or Pokemon Go projects with students to show them this can also be for creating a fashion statement or patches for caps, backpacks, tee shirts and more. Be sure to photograph finished products for next year's students to view. Challenge students to create an "explainer" video tutorial for their project using ScreenPal, reviewed here, and then share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.
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Pencil Code Gym - David Bau
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
1 Comments
Code your own art, music, and interactive fiction with Pencil Code Gym. The main language is Coffescript, but you can click the word Reference in the upper left corner to ...more
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Code your own art, music, and interactive fiction with Pencil Code Gym. The main language is Coffescript, but you can click the word Reference in the upper left corner to use HTML for writing tags in your code. Pencil Code also supports Javascript and CSS. Follow instructions to code using drag and drop blocks or text. Toggle back and forth between the two formats to view the different formats. Click the pencil in the upper left corner to see several resources including Materials for Teachers, Teachers Manual, Printable Activities, and several others. The wide range of activities make this site perfect for use with students of all levels of coding abilities. When complete, share finished projects on "GymStage", the sharing portion of Pencil Code Gym.
tag(s): coding (90), computational thinking (41), critical thinking (117), digital storytelling (152), drawing (60), geometric shapes (135), musical notation (33), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Create a link on classroom computers for use as centers. Use the text options for students to use with digital storytelling. This site is perfect for differentiating different levels of coding skills. Allow students to explore at their own pace, then share their creations with classmates. Extend learning by challenging students or groups to create videos explaining their creations using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Be sure to add a link to your class website for students to practice at home.Comments
Great resource for all ages, more appropriate for middle school and above.Melissa, , Grades: 0 - 5
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W3 Schools Online Web Tutorials - W3 Schools
Grades
4 to 12
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W3 Schools offers online tutorials for learning different forms of computer coding, from beginner level through advanced concepts. Choose from available categories to begin, then follow...more
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W3 Schools offers online tutorials for learning different forms of computer coding, from beginner level through advanced concepts. Choose from available categories to begin, then follow the tutorials including online examples to edit. Take quizzes to test your skills. Experienced coders will appreciate the reference guides included on the site containing common tags and terms used.
tag(s): coding (90), computers (109), critical thinking (117), gamification (79), logic (163), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
Use these tutorials to provide coding instruction for students at all ability levels. Make coding part of science inquiry or math logic in any classroom. Include it in the context of the scientific method or discussions about careers in science. You may even want to portray coding as just another "world language" in today's world. If you are looking for more ways to use coding in the classroom, check out TeachersFirst's Coding in the Classroom page.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation - Kahn Academy
Grades
6 to 12
2 Favorites
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In this Kahn Academy interactive online course, participants learn the basics of the JavaScript language to draw images and animations and beyond. Select from the Contents menu on the...more
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In this Kahn Academy interactive online course, participants learn the basics of the JavaScript language to draw images and animations and beyond. Select from the Contents menu on the left, or scroll down the page. Lessons are taught using short videos. Many videos have an interactive transcript and an error checker to assist you if you make a mistake. Use the provided links to videos hosted on YouTube. After viewing the explanation or a concept, try the practice sessions. Work through the seventeen modules with multiple lessons to earn badges. Many of the videos include real-time student questions and replies, Tips, Thanks, and Spin-Offs. The New Program space encourages the creation of original JavaScript programs. To save progress and keep track of projects, create an account by signing up using Gmail, Facebook or any email. Identify yourself if you are teacher or parent. Documentation, in both text and video format, includes information on JS basics. Help is available in a community forum format which students may access. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): animation (64), coding (90), computers (109), critical thinking (117), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
The course is self-paced, so differentiation is easy. Explain to students that coding is a critical skill in today's tech-filled world and will be a valuable skill in the job market. Compare coding to just another "world language." Put a link to this tool on a class website, blog, or wiki. Look for more ways to use coding in the classroom on the TeachersFirst's Coding in the Classroom page, here. Make JS part of science inquiry or math logic in any classroom. Besides the intrinsic factors that come with learning to code, students will be motivated by badges. Set up a coding activity center for interested students when they finish class work or for rainy days and snow days. Coding is an excellent way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use this site as homework, a classroom center, or in a lab setting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FreeCodeCamp - Quincy Larson
Grades
9 to 12
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FreeCodeCamp offers self-paced training in coding, followed by practice building projects for non-profit sources. The site includes 100's of challenges featuring many different types...more
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FreeCodeCamp offers self-paced training in coding, followed by practice building projects for non-profit sources. The site includes 100's of challenges featuring many different types of coding programs. Participate in FreeCodeCamp's curriculum to earn up to four standardized certifications in software development recognized by technology employers. Chat rooms provide assistance and support to participants working through certifications. FreeCodeCamp provides assistance in obtaining employment to users who complete certifications on the site.
tag(s): careers (140), coding (90), computational thinking (41), computers (109), critical thinking (117), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Browse through the menu of activities in each of the certifications to find lessons for stand-alone topics such as adding images to websites or working with different HTML features. Sign up isn't necessary to view lessons, only to save progress when working through certifications. Share FreeCodeCamp with students who have an interest in coding and computers. Encourage students to complete certifications to include with college applications. Share with students who may not have an interest in college, but have an interest in computers, coding, and gaming.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Girls Who Code - Reshma Saujani
Grades
3 to 12
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Girls Who Code is an organization founded to help close the gender gap in technology. They have several programs offering girls the opportunity to explore coding with peers. The Clubs...more
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Girls Who Code is an organization founded to help close the gender gap in technology. They have several programs offering girls the opportunity to explore coding with peers. The Clubs Program is for girls in grades 3-12 and meets two hours each week in local schools and provides opportunities for computer training for beginners through advanced learner. Click Locations from the top menu to see if there is a school near you. The Summer Program offers a 2-week immersion program or a 6 week self-paced program for 9th-12th-grade students in coding and exposure to jobs in the technology field. No location near you? Click Programs from the top menu and slide down to Code At Home. While most of the content on this site is appropriate for middle school girls, please preview before you share.
tag(s): coding (90), communities (37), computers (109), critical thinking (117), logic (163), women (142)
In the Classroom
Share this site with your school's administration or anyone willing to consider leading an after-school computer program for girls and ask them to become a sponsor. Be sure to share information on the Summer Immersion Program with your high school guidance counselor and technology teachers as an excellent opportunity for interested students. If there are no locations near you (and no volunteers to start one) post this to your web page with the directions to Code At Home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CodeHow - CodeNow.org
Grades
6 to 12
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CodeHow is a series of YouTube videos created by alumni of CodeNow sessions teaching students about coding. Presented by students, these videos explain common programming misconceptions...more
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CodeHow is a series of YouTube videos created by alumni of CodeNow sessions teaching students about coding. Presented by students, these videos explain common programming misconceptions and programming concepts. Topics include getting started with Github, Cloud9, and specific programming concepts such as working with string variables. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): coding (90), computers (109), creativity (90), critical thinking (117), logic (163), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Share CodeHow tutorials with students interested in coding and computer programming. Share with your school's technology teacher for use with advanced students or after-school computer clubs. Consider asking technology leaders in your community to speak to students with specific tips and advice for learning how to code.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MathScienceMusic - Theolonius Monk Institute of Jaz
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
MathScienceMusic provides a large variety of free, engaging, resources to teach math, science, and music to students from kindergarten through college all created through a collaboration...more
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MathScienceMusic provides a large variety of free, engaging, resources to teach math, science, and music to students from kindergarten through college all created through a collaboration with Jazz legend, Herbie Hancock. Click letters on the homepage to begin your musical experience, then scroll down to view the available resources. Each group of resources includes a video introduction explaining the content. Some of the choices include Scratch Jazz (music and coding) and Groove Pizza (Shapes and Angles and Groove). All activities include a short description along with suggestions for appropriate grade level, concepts taught, and links to additional resources. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): angles (51), animation (64), brain (56), coding (90), fractions (157), geometric shapes (135), india (25), multiples (15), music theory (45), musical instruments (49), musical notation (33), numbers (119), patterns (62), preK (263), ratios (47), sound (73)
In the Classroom
Share activities from MathScienceMusic on your interactive whiteboard with students, then let them explore independently. Scratch Jazz is perfect for teaching basic coding; students interested in music will enjoy creating their own jazz-themed project using the site's tutorial. Add interest to math lessons by taking advantage of the free lesson plans. Be sure to check out the link to Math and Music Standards found on the music and math curriculum page. Have students modify their learning by creating videos of their music creations using moovly, reviewed here and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Be sure to have them discuss their journey from the beginning through the final creation of their project. Team up with your school's music teacher to collaborate on the many activities provided on this site.
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Internet Safety for Kids Resource Guide - SearchRPM
Grades
6 to 12
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Hosted by an Internet marketing company that understands the importance of children's safety online, this extensive collection of articles, infographics, and links should encourage...more
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Hosted by an Internet marketing company that understands the importance of children's safety online, this extensive collection of articles, infographics, and links should encourage conversations with kids about Internet safety. Sure to be helpful for parents and teachers because of practical steps to improve online experiences for children; plus everything is free to use, print and share. Find resources organized in two areas: Internet safety tips for children and parent safety and Internet monitoring resources. The one-page articles are text heavy, so this site will be most useful with older teens. Areas covered include the usual topics, but also include some not so often covered: Kids' Online Personas & Activity, Internet Video Safety Tips for Kids, Internet Game Safety Tips for Kids, Internet Radio Safety Tips for Kids, and A True or False: Internet Safety Facts for Kids. Parental Internet Monitoring Resources provide a helpful compilation of parents' essential information. These include Cyber Bullying Prevention, Digital Parental Controls, Laws and Organizations for Kids Online, Online Stranger Danger: Stop Internet Stalkers, Protecting Financial & Personal Information, Safe Browser Settings for Kids, Social Media Safety Tips for Kids, and Monitoring Your Kids Internet Usage.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bullying (50), cyberbullying (40), digital citizenship (89), financial literacy (89), internet safety (113), media literacy (106), parents (59), safety (69), social media (54)
In the Classroom
Use "A True or False: Internet Safety Facts for Kids" as pre or post assessment or discussion starter. Project the infographics for students and/or parents to introduce or summarize a topic. Since information is mostly text, except for two infographics, use the articles for informational text reading selections. Improve learning and help students identify important words by having them use Wordsift, reviewed here. The text might be difficult to follow for ENL/ELL and younger students. Use Select and Speek, reviewed here, a text to speech tool that will allow these students to follow the text as the article or passage is read to them. Have students discuss or blog responses.The articles will make useful resources for a parent information night, to send home in newsletters, or to post on school websites. The pages are embedded into the SearchRPM website, so it can be easy to stray into the corporate side. Also, there is a very large contact box that seems related to business inquiries at the bottom margin of each page.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Kiddle - Google
Grades
K to 12
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Kiddle is a search engine for kids powered by Google Custom Search, and it provides results oriented for kids. Results appear with larger thumbnails and large font to make reading ...more
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Kiddle is a search engine for kids powered by Google Custom Search, and it provides results oriented for kids. Results appear with larger thumbnails and large font to make reading the results easier. Search options include web, image, video, and news options. Inappropriate searches result with an "Oops, try again!" message.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): search engines (49)
In the Classroom
Use Kiddle as the default search engine on classroom computers. Share on an interactive whiteboard or projector and demonstrate how to search using the different options, and how to choose keywords that make searching easier. Share a link on your class website and in your classroom newsletter for parents to use at home. Learning support and ESL/ELL students will appreciate being able to search without as much reading. Even very young students can LOOK for a site using this search tool, assuming they can type just a little bit.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resource Guides - Learning Commons - The University of British Columbia - Vancouver Campus
Grades
5 to 12
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UBC (University of British Columbia) Commons offers several guides for learning and sharing with digital tools. From the top menu click Academic Support, then choose Academic Integrity...more
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UBC (University of British Columbia) Commons offers several guides for learning and sharing with digital tools. From the top menu click Academic Support, then choose Academic Integrity and Citations. Begin by choosing any guide of interest with topics including how to avoid plagiarism and a guide to properly citating online resources. Each guide provides an excellent description of the topic along with related resources and links. Some include videos and a FAQ section. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): citations (32), copyright (46), creative commons (28), digital citizenship (89), plagiarism (33), Research (84)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site on your interactive whiteboard as you share individual topics with students, then create a link on your class website for students to access information at any time. Divide topics among groups of students and enhance or transform classroom technology use and student learning by having each group create a simple or multimedia infographic (depending on teacher requirements or student ability) and share their findings using Venngage, reviewed here. Create a class wiki with resources for using and crediting online tools. Not comfortable with wikis? Check out the TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through.
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Protecting Children's Privacy Guide - Paul Bischoff
Grades
K to 12
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Protecting Children's Privacy is a guide for parents, educators, and caregivers with suggestions for keeping children safe in a digital world. One excellent portion of the guide includes...more
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Protecting Children's Privacy is a guide for parents, educators, and caregivers with suggestions for keeping children safe in a digital world. One excellent portion of the guide includes suggestions for how to adjust privacy settings on computers and mobile devices for popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Snapchat. Learn how to adjust privacy controls on computers and mobile devices, get suggestions for browsing online anonymously, and much more.
tag(s): internet safety (113)
In the Classroom
Share information from this article with students as part of your ongoing lessons in cyber safety. Share a link on your class website as a resource for parents. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts sharing online safety tips and suggestions. Use a site such as PodOmatic, reviewed here, for a podcasting project.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tests Tests Tests - teststeststests.com
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Here is your one stop for FREE training on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as typing tests and other challenges. Upon completion of Microsoft tutorials, take corresponding...more
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Here is your one stop for FREE training on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as typing tests and other challenges. Upon completion of Microsoft tutorials, take corresponding tests to evaluate understanding. Other quizzes include career tests, computer programming subjects, and more.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): keyboarding (28), Microsoft (80), spreadsheets (22)
In the Classroom
Make a shortcut to any activity on this site on classroom computers and use it as a center. Be sure to include this site on your class webpage for students to access both in and outside of class for further practice. Train yourself on Microsoft products using these tutorials. Share the typing activities with your students to increase their speed and accuracy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sketchfab - Alban Denoyel, Cedric Pinson, & Pierre Antoine Passet
Grades
6 to 12
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Sketchfab is a large online community for publishing and viewing 3D materials. Think of it as YouTube for 3D. Explore the site to find over half a million uploads of ...more
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Sketchfab is a large online community for publishing and viewing 3D materials. Think of it as YouTube for 3D. Explore the site to find over half a million uploads of animations, models, and images. Use the keyword search to find specific content or browse through the different categories. Embed or share images using links provided with each image. If you create your own 3D content, free membership allows you to upload using several different file types. Use their online editor to adjust and fine-tune your creations.
tag(s): animation (64), architecture (65), planets (112), plants (148)
In the Classroom
Share some of the many 3D models such as a human heart, the White House, or monarch butterflies. Display these on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector. Share with students with advanced knowledge of gaming and 3D as a resource for sharing their own 3D models and viewing materials made by others. If your school has a computer club, share this site with its sponsor for use with students. Do you or someone on your campus have a 3D printer? Explore and find printables to download and print. If you don't have access to a 3D printer you may want to write a grant for one. See GetEd Funding, reviewed here, for grant writing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Robo Boogie - Code Club & Nesta
Grades
6 to 12
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Create a dancing robot and learn code at the same time! Begin by choosing a robot dancer, and then click "Let's Dance!" Edit your robot's dance moves using the toolbars ...more
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Create a dancing robot and learn code at the same time! Begin by choosing a robot dancer, and then click "Let's Dance!" Edit your robot's dance moves using the toolbars to change the head, arm, and hip movements. If you don't like the music, no problem, choose from four different music genres for your robot. Switch to Code Mode to view and change current settings. When finished, save and share your dance.
tag(s): coding (90), computational thinking (41), computers (109), critical thinking (117), engineering (126), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
Demonstrate how to use this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Show students how to switch back and forth between Code Mode and toolbars. Ask one student to change a dance move and other students to adjust the code to match the change. After school clubs and activities can use Robo Boogie to learn to code. Use this tool with gifted students for an interesting challenge. Set up a coding activity center for interested students when they finish class work or for rainy days and snow days. Share this link on your class website for students to access both in and out of the classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching London Computing Resources for Teachers - Teaching London Computing
Grades
1 to 12
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Teaching London Computing offers a large variety of resources for computer skills teachers. Download their latest magazine with stories about the most recent research, classroom activities,...more
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Teaching London Computing offers a large variety of resources for computer skills teachers. Download their latest magazine with stories about the most recent research, classroom activities, and more. Be sure to check out the classroom activities for primary and secondary school students. Most don't need any additional materials other than resources linked to the activity. Other areas on the site include magic and computational thinking activities and videos of workshop presentations. The site was created in the UK, so some of the pronunciations and spellings may differ from those in American English.
tag(s): computers (109), logic (163), probability (97), problem solving (225), sequences (12), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free activities and resources on the site to promote computer skills and problem solving in the classroom. Choose activities from the site to include during your school's math fair (or hold your own class math fair). Share a link to activities on your class website and encourage students to complete them and share with the class. Have students create an annotated image of their activity including text boxes, related links, and video using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here.
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Make to Learn - Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE)
Grades
6 to 12
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Make to Learn offers an online space for designing, discussing, and learning about digital fabrication (using a digital design to create a physical object). Watch the short intro video...more
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Make to Learn offers an online space for designing, discussing, and learning about digital fabrication (using a digital design to create a physical object). Watch the short intro video for a succinct explanation for what exactly digital fabrication is. Choose from different tabs to explore the different components of the site: Discuss, Learn, Tools, and Design. Although the site only has a few lessons and resources, it provides a starting point for learning about digital fabrication. Some of the lesson videos are on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.
tag(s): computers (109), creativity (90), design (80)
In the Classroom
Share a link to the site for students interested in design and computers. If your school has an after-hours computer club, share this site with their leader as a resource for ideas. You may be interested in writing a grant to buy any equipment needed for digital formatting. See GetEdFunding, reviewed here.
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Pixar in a Box - Khan Academy and Pixar
Grades
4 to 12
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Pixar and Khan Academy team up to offer an interesting series of learning tutorials demonstrating math, science, and engineering concepts faced by animators as part of the animated...more
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Pixar and Khan Academy team up to offer an interesting series of learning tutorials demonstrating math, science, and engineering concepts faced by animators as part of the animated film-making process. Examples include the use of digital pixel painting using algebra and creating blades of grass in Brave with parabolic arcs. View a short video explanation of the program, then choose from the learner's or educator's guides for specific details on each activity. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): animation (64), creativity (90), movies (53), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
This site is excellent for enrichment. Include it on your class webpage for students to access both in and out of class. Share the opening video for lessons, then allow students to explore and complete the videos at their own pace. Use this site for enrichment with your gifted students or students interested in art and filmmaking. Challenge students to use concepts presented in the Pixar in a Box tutorials to create their own animated films.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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typing.com - teaching.com
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn and teach typing with typing.com. Take advantage of the site's free practice games and typing tests without registration. Register using your email to keep track of your progress...more
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Learn and teach typing with typing.com. Take advantage of the site's free practice games and typing tests without registration. Register using your email to keep track of your progress and print completion certificates. Sign up for a teacher account to access a full typing curriculum along with the ability to view grades and track student progress.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (181), keyboarding (28)
In the Classroom
Use typing.com as a classroom computer center or as a computer lab activity. Challenge students to complete exercises and earn badges. Create a link to the site on your class website for students to practice at home.
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CodeHS - Jeremy Keeshin & Zach Galant
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
CodeHS is designed to help high school students learn the basics of computer programming. However, the tool would also be good to use in middle school. Start by signing up ...more
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CodeHS is designed to help high school students learn the basics of computer programming. However, the tool would also be good to use in middle school. Start by signing up for an account, create a class, and get started. Students sign up for the class with a class code or through an email invite from the teacher. The course is self-paced and takes students through with step by step tutorials, examples, and help along the way. Students begin each section of the course with an instructional video on Vimeo, YouTube, or the CodeHS website. Questions that check for understanding and an example of coding are follow-ups to the video. Then students put the skills to use through a series of practice activities by moving Karel, the dog, through combinations of four commands. You can check student progress through the dashboard. Also, explore the many resources offered to help you learn how to use and teach coding. Go through your own personal, professional development with the site as well.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): classroom management (122), coding (90), computers (109), critical thinking (117), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Coding is an excellent way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use this site as homework, a center, or in a lab setting. The course is self-paced, so differentiation is easy. Explain to students that coding is a critical skill in today's world filled with technology and will also be a valuable skill in the job market. Many jobs that will require coding do not yet exist. Put a link to this tool on your class website, blog, or wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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