Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Teachers can take a trip around the world without leaving their classrooms! Geo-fs.com is a free online flight simulator with an open-source platform to render the global landscape you can fly over. This free site will work on any modern web browser, including Chromebooks! You can choose to control your plane with keyboard controls, a mouse, or a joystick. A large ad on the center of the home screen looks like it will run the game. Read the screen carefully to ensure you are not clicking on an ad. A chat feature on the site may cause the site to be blocked at your school. Always test resources before using them in the classroom to be sure they function and are appropriate for your students.
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tag(s): aviation (41), virtual field trips (131)

Start or convert your podcasting to Acast's free account. There are many benefits to a free account, such as unlimited hours of audio and editing; with Acast, there are no limits for storage, uploads, or downloads. In addition, you will have your own podcast website that updates automatically, and, unlike other podcast programs, there are no limits to which podcast app you use, and a bonus to that is a one-click distribution to all podcast listening apps. Another advantage with Acast is that you get a free web player that can be embedded on your website, blog, and social media. On top of all that, you get free analytics that shows episode performance, geography, and more. As if all of this isn't enough, if you use another podcasting program, easily switch over to Acast. Be sure to look at the Acast Essentials Toolkit which is free and will explain all areas of podcast production and it features insights from well-known podcast creators.

tag(s): communication (130), digital storytelling (155), podcasts (112)

Uncover a city with over 200 pyramids, search across Europe for your penguin friend, or test your knowledge of ancient artworks and artifacts, and much more at Google's Arts & Culture Experiments. This large selection of experiments allows you to interact with artificial intelligence and interactive experiences to explore the arts in new and exciting ways. Hover over the icon for any investigation to launch the activity or see an overview that summarizes the experiment and information on tools used to build the experience.

tag(s): animation (66), art history (106), artificial intelligence (186), artists (86), climate change (100), colors (63), crosswords (19), drawing (62), egypt (59), emotions (49), environment (252), europe (84), france (41), glaciers (17), insects (67), july 4th (12), museums (53), music theory (48), nasa (29), nutrition (140), painting (54), patterns (61), poetry (195), pollution (53), robotics (26), women (151)

Merlot (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching) is a curated collection of free learning and support materials for educators that includes almost 100,000 learning resources in all content areas and grade levels. Search information on the site in several ways, such as using a keyword or searching by ISBN, materials, or members. Use the dropdown box labeled "Browse" at the top of the page to conduct a more focused search by grade level, content, type of material, and mobile platform. All available content includes clickable peer reviews and user ratings with an overview of the material, recommended uses, and target student population. Registration isn't required; however, it allows you to bookmark and save topics. In addition, registration offers access to Merlot's Content Builder (website maker) and a Course ePortfolio.

tag(s): OER (43), preK (280), professional development (390)

Are you looking for some great STEAM projects to do in your classroom? Instructables.com has a curated collection of STEAM projects complete with step-by-step directions, photos, and tips for completion. Some even have video clips to help with the directions. Projects range in age level from lower elementary to high school. The contributor, The Oakland Toy Lab, designed everything with accessibility in mind. Each project can be created with widely available and relatively low-cost materials. In addition, teachers can create a free account to download printable PDFs of step-by-step directions of each activity. Be aware that this collection is posted as a part of a larger website of community-contributed content, so some Instructables may not be appropriate for a school environment.

tag(s): crafts (74), engineering (137), makerspace (40), science fairs (20), STEM (304)

Georgia Virtual Learning is the online education headquarters for the Georgia Department of Education and offers over 100 virtual courses for middle and high school students. Choose from studies in all core content areas and the fine arts and world languages. An additional option features courses in CTAE/Electives. These offerings include classes in finance, computer science, fitness, and more. After selecting a course to view, use the module to proceed through the contents. Each module includes an introduction featuring essential questions and interactive content and concludes with final assessments and a module test.

tag(s): art history (106), body systems (40), business (53), chinese (45), drawing (62), environment (252), financial literacy (95), french (74), geology (62), japanese (49), latin (23), literature (222), music theory (48), myths and legends (41), narrative (16), novels (34), nutrition (140), oceans (149), OER (43), photography (132), plagiarism (34), poetry (195), psychology (65), robotics (26), romeo & juliet (7), short stories (18), sociology (23), space (221), spanish (111), STEM (304), writers workshop (31)

The Chromebook Simulator provides tutorials, offers the ability to connect to your Chromebook, and the option to check email offline. This site also includes an option for troubleshooting Chromebooks by using a link to reset the hardware in your Chromebook. Other features allow you to install and manage apps and connect Chromebooks to Android phones and WIFI networks.

tag(s): computers (109), tutorials (52)

LiveGap offers a suite of three online web tools, all available without registration. The first is LiveGap Charts, reviewed here. This chart creation tool is a very easy-to-use resource for creating and personalizing charts and graphs in several formats. The second resource is an editor for creating and testing HTML, Javascript, and CSS documents. The third tool is called an Icon Matrix. The Icon Matrix is a pictograph creator offered in several different formats. Each tool includes options to customize color, text, information, and more. Use the share icon found in each tool to download or share your work.

tag(s): charts and graphs (172), data (151), infographics (57)

Create charts in several formats using Livegap Chart creator; no registration required. First, select a form to enter data manually or from a spreadsheet to begin. Next, customize colors, text, font, and more to personalize the look and design of your content. When finished, save your chart as an image, as an animation on a web page, download a video file, or save online and share the link for others to view. Although registration isn't required, it offers you the opportunity to save charts for later use.

tag(s): charts and graphs (172), data (151)

This guide provides clear information and resources for educators at all grade levels on learning about and addressing the issue of cyberbullying. Learn about the definition of cyberbullying and understand statistics on the prevalence and types of cyberbullying. Other tips share how to identify and intervene when recognizing instances of bullying. In addition, this guide provides grade-level-appropriate teaching resources to use as part of the Common Sense K-12 Digital Curriculum, reviewed here.

tag(s): character education (80), cyberbullying (42), digital citizenship (88)

The Digital Citizenship Progression Chart provides clarity and an organized path for teaching the main concepts of digital citizenship starting with kindergarten and through high school. This resource is organized using the nine themes of digital citizenship, such as digital access, digital commerce, and more. This resource provides a visual tool for use across grade levels and topics. In addition, information includes correlations to the three guiding principles of safe, savvy, and social digital users. To learn more about the nine themes of digital citizenship and the three principles, use the Nine Elements tab from the top menu. Download an updated copy of the progression chart for personal use using the link at the bottom of the page.
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tag(s): character education (80), digital citizenship (88)

Learn JavaScript coding using CodeGuppy's free tutorials. CodeGuppy works well for both beginners and those with some coding skills. Begin with the tutorial that introduces the basics of the workspace and simple instructions. Additional lessons teach how to work with pixels and coordinates, draw colored lines and shapes, and customize many different games and activities. Next, follow the link to Hour of Code to find a downloadable Draw with Code book. This book provides basic coding information and directions to code to create various objects such as a car, flower, and balloon. Registration isn't required; however, creating an account allows you to save work.

tag(s): coding (86), computers (109), STEM (304)

This list shares information about 34 African-American scientists and their contributions to many different fields of science. Scroll through to learn about a pioneering ophthalmologist, a woman physicist who advanced the field of telecommunications, and a physician who developed a tool for use with gastric biopsies, among others. Each entry includes short biographical information along with a summary of their accomplishments.
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tag(s): african american (119), black history (134), careers (179), scientists (68), STEM (304), women (151)

Proper use and understanding of using technology responsibly are essential for all students to acquire. This offering from PBS Learning Media focuses on Digital Citizenship concerning technological literacy. Each of the fifty-three included videos helps students understand concepts such as understanding the role of influencers on social media, editorial accuracy, and why many people are susceptible to disinformation. Each video is relatively short in length, running from around five to fifteen minutes. Look for the icon with "SM" located at the bottom of some of the descriptions; these videos include additional support materials for use in the classroom.

tag(s): digital citizenship (88), internet safety (114), journalism (74), social media (50)

Find ideas for science activities using everyday household items, learn from engaging videos, play games, and complete professional development courses at this fantastic site offered by the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Choose the Science at Home activities to find engaging activities to complete at home, such as making slime or creating a rubber band bungee cord to drop an egg safely. Each activity includes a list of items needed, instructions, and a simple explanation of the science concept. Many activities also include video demonstrations. The video portion of the site shares information on various topics such as hatching baby chicks and understanding forces used in elevators. Be sure to visit the educators' part of the site that includes directions for learning labs, science education webinars, and Jr. Science Cafes, sharing discussions with professionals in the medical field and the impact of COVID.

tag(s): architecture (84), circuits (19), dna (43), energy (133), engineering (137), forces (37), gravity (43), light (56), natural resources (37), plants (147), recycling (46), solar energy (35), sounds (43), STEM (304), water cycle (22), weather (161)

Innovative Learning HQ shares professional development resources in technology for educators, classroom lessons designed to bring STEM education to bridge the digital divide across under-resourced communities, and various AR/VR apps. Create a free account to access over 100 lesson plans and professional development sessions that provide micro-credentials. Browse the featured resources or select activities by content area. Most activities provide a focus on virtual reality or augmented reality and include a facilitator's guide, introductory videos, and student activity worksheets. In addition, lessons offer options for teaching to different grade level bands that form a progression of learning. Tasks include correlation to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Standards, and ISTE Standards. Finally, professional development courses provide coaching, collaboration, blended learning, and more learning opportunities. The on-demand modules are approximately 3-4 hours in length and offer the chance to apply for a micro-credential certificate upon completion.

tag(s): animals (293), animation (66), augmented reality (9), biographies (94), cells (82), coding (86), digital storytelling (155), engineering (137), graphic design (49), maps (223), musical notation (35), Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (233), robotics (26), STEM (304), sustainability (51), Teacher Utilities (203)

Deceptive Detective is a colorful poster available to download as a PDF that provides questions to ask when looking at news sources. Prompts encourage students to consider the source of information, its presentation, date of publication, and more. Select the link above the poster to view the file in its entirety. This poster is part of Common Sense's News & Literacy Toolkit, reviewed here.

tag(s): bias (27), computers (109), evaluating sources (29), internet safety (114), journalism (74), media literacy (109), news (228), social media (50), STEM (304)