Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This site offers a variety of graph paper to be downloaded in PDF form. Graph categories include squares, triangular, hexagonal, circular, brick, and note-taking. Within each category are several options. Be sure to scroll down the site to read the helpful tips before printing any of the graph paper. Note that the pdfs will also display on an interactive whiteboard for students to graph, draw, and more!

tag(s): printables (36)

Have fun exploring bubbles and geometry with this site loaded with ideas for experimentation! Ideas include items to use to create different types of bubbles, materials to explore when trying to create a strong bubble, different shapes to create using bubble solution, and questions to ponder. Challenge students to think about how to measure a bubble, learn about making bubble prints, and look for colors in bubbles.

tag(s): problem solving (233)

This site provides tutorials and free puzzles for the game of KenKen. KenKen is similar to Soduku; however, it has the added complication of requiring number combinations (using operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to fit within bolded boxes. The site has an excellent illustrated tutorial on how to play the game located at the "How to Play" link. Teachers can sign up for the free newsletter and receive free puzzles. There are several free puzzles on the site. Much of the site is devoted to selling puzzle books (so you will notice some advertisements); however, there are many free puzzles and the tutorial makes it worth a visit. Also available is an iphone app that can be downloaded to receive more puzzles.

tag(s): addition (129), division (98), logic (161), multiplication (122), puzzles (149), subtraction (110), vision (44)

Use this easy site to find any address on satellite view. Show My Street uses Google Street View. Type in an address. As you type, street views that begin to match the address will appear. As you continue to type, the street views continue to change. (This is actually a really great way to see other places.) Zoom in on your address using the same tools found in Google Maps. Share the location by clicking on the X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or link icons.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): maps (220)

The play What Time Is It, Mr Wolf? page on the Scouts website provides detailed instructions for this classic children's game, suitable for various age groups. The game involves one player acting as the 'Wolf' while others approach by asking, "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" and moving forward based on the Wolf's response. The objective is to avoid being caught when the Wolf declares, "Dinner time!" This activity promotes physical movement, listening skills, and strategic thinking. The page includes setup guidelines, safety considerations, and variations to adapt the game for different settings and group sizes. The video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then it may not be viewable.

tag(s): time (91)

This site has lots of interactives for young children to explore. Interactives cover several different subject areas and include lots of fun sounds and graphics. Simply click the arrows to scroll through the games. Be aware: if you click "Home" you will be taken to the main page for Kids CBC, not the specific area for primary grades only. So you may want to use the back arrow to return, or mark this as a Favorite for easy return.

tag(s): game based learning (205), preK (271)

Need to create a simple website without cost? Google Sites offers a simple interface that is easy to use to build websites. Use some advanced features such as fonts, text size, text color, and headings. Add images and videos from You Tube to your site. Revert to previous versions of the pages you create through the revision history. Add a Google map to your page easily. Use other Gadgets that are easy to plug in by choosing one of the many Google Gadgets. Create many different kinds of pages in your site. Choose your own privacy rules for the site as well.

tag(s): wikis (14)

Use MapCrunch to go to places in the world without ever leaving the classroom. Explore the world's geography and cultures easily. View detailed "Google Street View" snapshots of towns, cities, and areas all over the globe. Randomly tour spots on the earth or choose a tour by continent. Use the navigation buttons to zoom in or out or shift the MapCrunch window to face a different direction. Click on the checkbox to use the slideshow feature. Share by using a link, through Facebook, or email.

tag(s): maps (220)

Want to enhance the viewer experiences and discussions around the YouTube videos you embed? Enter the URL of your You Tube video to add DVD-like controls without altering the original content. Use EmbedPlus to add features such as scene skipping, movable zoom, third party annotations, slow motion on-demand, and instant replay. Set start time and scene markers if desired. Add your annotations during this set up process. When done, click get Code to either copy a new URL for your video or obtain an embed code to place in a blog, wiki, or site to share with others.

tag(s): movies (54), video (266)

Are you continually looking for math center ideas? As the title suggests, this site provides a lengthy list of simple math centers. The ideas could easily be tailored to grade level and ability as needed. The site is divided up by math strands of Numbers and Equations, Geometry, Patterns, and Measurement.

tag(s): measurement (122), numbers (120), patterns (61)

This site offers many links to information about Snowflake Bentley and other resources for studying snow crystals. Wilson (Snowflake) A. Bentley is credited with the discovery that no two snowflakes are alike. His research and studies on snowflakes were conducted in the small Vermont town of Jericho. Snowflake pioneered the science of photographing snow crystals by attaching a microscope to his camera. The most in-depth section of the site offers resources to learn more about snowflakes such as an educational unit on snowflakes, computer recreations of snowflakes and math sites studying patterns and symmetry.

tag(s): pioneers (9), snow (17)

This site provides a simple activity to practice rounding whole numbers based on a tie-in to Jan Brett's book, Comet's Nine Lives. There is a simple explanation of rounding before beginning the game. Each seashell contains a 2 digit number with 2 choices for the correct answer. If the correct answer is chosen, a sand dollar is earned, an incorrect response gently prompts the player to try again.

tag(s): estimation (33), rounding (8)

Madlibs have come a long way since 1953 when they were invented. This site has an online Madlib creator you can use in many different ways. It's easy to access, and there is no registration needed. Just click on "create a new madlib" and you'll be presented with a template. There is a sample story so you get the idea of how to create one. You will also get to put in tags so you can find your Madlibber again. The site also lists current madlibs that others have created. Beware of some of the content of the already created madlibs, if you intend to allow students to use this site independently.

This site provides excellent practice with different Math strands. Topics include numbers (place value, number lines, estimation), algebra, addition/subtraction, problem solving, and more. After choosing a topic, various choices are offered. Key vocabulary is presented along with a short video explanation of the topic. In addition to the video, there is an option to test your own ability. Each topic can also be printed to use in the classroom and there is a link to related "jams" Be sure to check out the "Jams" sure to excite your students to learn new skills in a musical manner.

tag(s): problem solving (233)

This site provides the opportunity to explore Venn Diagrams through the use of shapes. Different ways to create the diagrams are provided by choosing one or two circles and choices of circle placement. With the "Guess the Rule" option, players try to find the rule based on shapes that are allowed into the design. The learner area provides a background on Venn diagrams and how they might be used in everyday living. The instructor area provides printable exploration questions, links to standards, classroom preparation tips, and links to similar resources.

tag(s): logic (161), problem solving (233)

This activity provides good practice in converting fractions, decimals and percents, simplifying fractions and developing number sense. Choose from different time limits and difficulty levels as well as activities such as percentages, converting fractions/decimals, reducing fractions, add/subtracting fractions and much more. The instructor tab provides information on standards addressed, suggested classroom uses and links to similar resources.

tag(s): decimals (85), fractions (160), percent (59), test prep (69)

This activity allows a student to practice answering questions with estimation. The site offers the options of choosing to practice estimating addition, multiplication, and percentage problems. Options include setting different time limits, how close the estimation should be (close, really close, or almost perfect) and difficulty level. Be sure to check out the instructor section which provides a printable with exploration questions, links to standards, ideas for classroom use, and links to similar resources.

tag(s): estimation (33), test prep (69)

This site offers practice in estimating skills through different visual comparisons. Problems are available in counting, length and area. Two comparisons are shown and then selection will be made based on the question posed with the problem. Hints are available and there are two different levels of difficulty available. Tabs are also included with information for the learner, activity help, and information for instructors. Be sure to check out the information for instructors which include suggestions on how to use in the classroom, an activity sheet, links to standards, and other similar resources.

tag(s): estimation (33), problem solving (233), test prep (69)

This activity works well for explorations with clock (modular) arithmetic. The clock can be adjusted from 2 to 24 hours, then the number of elapsed hours can be entered to determine the current time. Be sure to check out the instructor tab which provides a link to a student worksheet, indicates alignment to some state standards, suggested classroom uses, and offers similar resources.

tag(s): time (91)

This site offers practice on computation of whole integers that can be varied by levels. Players select a time limit, difficulty level and types of problems. There are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division challenges. Scores are automatically recorded and can be found at the end of each game.

tag(s): addition (129), division (98), multiplication (122), subtraction (110), test prep (69), vision (44)