Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This is a wonderful site for finding quality images to use in projects. Use these images for either personal or professional projects. Registration is not necessary to download them. All images are copyright free. Search images by name (or category - photos, video, illustrations and vector) and filter by orientation (landscape or portrait) and image type (photo, clipart, video, or vector.) Be sure to use the filters at the top. Right click to download. Use good search terms to find the best pictures possible. You must know where to save images on your computer. Be sure to give credit to the person who took the picture and show their name wherever the image is used. Consider adding images to this site to increase the number of options and expand the ideas of Creative Commons. Adding images does require you to join the site (email required).

tag(s): creative commons (28), images (263), photography (130), search engines (48)

Find web lessons, videos, and downloads about timely and necessary financial topics. Learn about credit card financing, hidden costs, and paychecks. Each lesson begins with an introduction to the activity including questions to answer. Feedback is given to the questions, including an explanation of the correct answer. Use the print downloads for creating a budget to use as an activity in class.

tag(s): financial literacy (93), money (113)

Media4Math offers math resources including videos, tutorials, and more. Choose the tutorial tab to find many tutorials perfect for interactive whiteboard use on topics such as algebra tiles, solving equations, and linear functions. Choose the PowerPoint tab to download PowerPoints for Algebra Jeopardy, slope/function, and quadratic functions. Watch video tutorials for the TI-Nspire Clickpad and Touchpad at the Nspire tab. This site is worth a look for anyone teaching upper-level mathematics. Registration is required (with email) for some of the features. Also, be aware some of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): angles (52), charts and graphs (171), equations (119), functions (52), geometric shapes (135), polynomials (20), quadratics (27), statistics (121)

MIT + K12 is an excellent site where MIT students create videos and teach science concepts to K-12 students. Though the daily operations (outreach program) is gone, the videos are still freely available. MIT + K12 was created to be used as an avenue for current engineering, science, and math students. The goal is to change the perception of these roles for young students and encourage development in STEM skills. Choose videos sorted by topic or grade level. If you sort by grade levels, be aware there aren't as many choices for the younger grades. Do a keyword search for specific terms. Each video includes the assignment (question addressed in the video), the MIT's student's proposal for the video, and the short video explanation. Don't see what you need? Create an educator account and pose an assignment for a MIT student to address in a video lesson. The videos are mainly shared on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): bacteria (22), colors (64), energy (133), engineering (129), glaciers (17), nuclear energy (20), planets (113), plants (146), reproduction (7), scientific method (48), STEM (297), transportation (30)

Digital Learning Day is an annual February event spotlighting successful instructional practice and effective use of technology around the country. Choose the "About DLDay" option to find out more about the goals of Digital Learning Day, begin with a detailed description listing the characteristics of digital learning. View exemplary models, showcases, lesson portals, and more using links provided. Sign up as a participant for Digital Learning Day then plan your own classroom activity, provide a presentation to parents, or choose from other ideas offered on the site. Explore the Participate portion of the site to find digital tools, online resources, graphics, lesson plans and more. Sign up isn't required; however, it does allow you to receive emails with updates and learning ideas throughout the year. The digital learning content demonstrations are conducted in four areas: math, science, language arts, and civics/social studies; critical areas, such as working with ELL or special education students, will be woven into the lessons.

tag(s): digital citizenship (85), digital storytelling (154), modeling (8), preK (271)

Take the world's best courses online for free! Choose courses from 33 universities in 20 different topics ranging from science, business, music and film, and the social sciences. Course information displays start date, length of class, and the source offering the course. View a description/biography of the course instructor, a video explanation of each course, and information on the course format at the homepage for each class. Most courses offer a certificate of completion for successful completion of course requirements.

tag(s): china (81), climate change (99), computers (109), data (151), energy (133), engineering (129), financial literacy (93), gamification (83), greeks (46), immigrants (34), immigration (68), nutrition (140), professional development (385), psychology (65), scientific method (48), sociology (23), solar energy (34), space (222), sports (82)

TV411 En Espanol offers lessons covering several math, social studies, and science topics, all in Spanish. All lessons are offered in video and slide format beginning with an introduction to the activity. Some videos have questions for students to answer and receive feedback. Choose a topic to view videos offered along with a short description. Each video includes links to related web lessons (slide format) and some offer related print downloads.

tag(s): bacteria (22), heat (15), nutrition (140), photosynthesis (21), spanish (109), water (102)

Textivate is a simple web tool to automatically generate a range of online activities based on any text you enter (up to 500 words). Type or paste a chunk of text into the text box on the Textivate front page and click on the "Textivate Now" button to see the available exercises that can be generated from that text. Choose from various activities based on the amount of text used such as drag and drop, sorting, or fill in the gaps. View an example on evaporation located here. Register on the site for further options such as uploading text, embedding your textivate onto a website, or share via hyperlink.

tag(s): grammar review (31), process writing (37), sequencing (17), summarizing (23), word study (59)

Draggo is a convenient way to save, share, and organize your bookmarks from anywhere. With Draggo, you use the web to store your favorite links, preventing loss from computer problems. Join for free. Inside your account, add pages to store, share, and organize links. Add the browser button or drag links into Draggo to put in your inbox; organize when you have time. You can have up to 10 tabs to save your important links. Choose to keep private or make public via your own personalized Draggo URL. Editing is not possible without a user name and password. The introduction video to this site is the only part of the site that appears to require Flash.

tag(s): bookmarks (43), classroom management (120), curation (32)

With over 5 million dollars granted, Voya Unsung Heroes has supported teachers through grants provided by its Unsung Heroes Program. Each year grants are provided to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching techniques and methods that improve learning. Applications are judged on three criteria: innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. 100 Finalists are chosen yearly to receive $2,000 grants with at least one award going to each of the 50 states. Three top awards of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 are given to the top three recipients. Follow links provided on the site to apply for the grant. The deadline is generally the end of April each year.

tag(s): grants (15)

Dance, Factors, Dance is a wonderful visual display of numbers and factors. The numbers begin at 0 and continue through 10,000. Each number displays as a visual image sorted by factors, or in one large group if prime. At the top of the screen, the actual digits show along with the factorization represented. For example, 10,000 displays as 5X5X5X5X2X2X2X2 with a beautiful star-like image. Speed up the dance or stop at any given point using icons (at the bottom of the page) or go backwards to watch numbers unfold.

tag(s): factoring (25), factors (29), number sense (69), prime numbers (26)

iFakeText is a tool to create fake screenshots of a series of iPhone text messages. Write a name, then choose an operator and write text in the provided box. Click the link "Create your Screenshot" to view the picture. Have the operator READ the text message (great for non-readers). Take a screenshot or share via different social networking platforms or via a link.
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tag(s): creative writing (124), text to speech (20), writing prompts (61)

Discover a huge collection of interactive illustrations to help explain complex concepts in science, technology, art, math, and a range of other topics. Use these activities to create interactive visualizations. There are thousands of Mathematica Demonstrations. A demonstration is a Mathematica notebook that takes advantage of Mathematica's manipulate command. Use the manipulate command to create sliders or buttons or check boxes to change the values of parameters in the displays in the demonstration. The result is you control the animation. View demonstrations on topics ranging from odd and even numbers to odd and even functions, fractions to fractals, and from linear functions to linear algebra and linear programming. In addition to mathematical topics, there are demonstrations illustrating the time in different cities around the world, global demographic information, the solar system, and art and music concepts. You need to download the Wolfram CDF player to use and interact with the demonstrations.
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tag(s): addition (129), animals (295), architecture (75), computers (109), division (98), fractions (160), geometric shapes (135), gravity (43), logic (161), maps (220), money (113), multiples (15), multiplication (122), plants (146), psychology (65), statistics (121), subtraction (110), weather (160)

Don't miss this unique search engine for math and science. Search for equations, formulas, and expressions using mathematical symbols and scientific notations or search using text. Choose from options before beginning a search such as basic, operators, physics, trigonometry, and others. Results provided are the most relevant results that are theoretically similar instead of visually similar. Take a tour of the site with the video provided at the home page to better understand its capabilities. Download the extension for Chrome or Firefox using links provided. Be sure to check out the Formatting Tips link for tips and suggestions on using Symbolab.

tag(s): calculators (36), equations (119), scientific method (48), symbols (15)

Generate the data you need quickly. You can easily generate large volumes of custom data in a variety of formats. Enter a column title, choose from a variety of data types, and include options as necessary. Choose result types such as HTML, XML, SCV, or Excel files among others. Also choose data from specific countries such as US, UK, Netherlands, and Canada. Choose the number of results to be displayed. Databases are used to randomly bring in the results.

tag(s): data (151), mean (19), median (16), mode (13), population (51), variables (14)

The Mathematics Visions Project contains lessons and activities integrated into Common Core Standards for use with secondary students. Two versions are available: Secondary One and Secondary One Honors. Both include an edition for students and teachers. It is highly recommended that you read the introduction to the materials to understand the concept behind the lessons before beginning use. Each module is in PDF format for easy printing. It is not necessary to print the entire module. Choose a lesson and just print those pages. Following each lesson is a homework assignment. The Ready, Set, Go! homework assignments correlate to the daily classroom experience and are organized into three parts: Ready to prepare to learn new material, Set! for practicing developing skills (the new mathematical skills become more "set" or fluent), Go! to help students remember the skills and procedures learned previously. Follow links provided for additional support with concepts in the homework material. Assessments for each module provide feedback through multiple choice, constructed response, and short answer questions.

tag(s): equations (119), inequalities (25), sequences (12), sequencing (17)

This free site provides a color-coded mashup of current news headlines, clickable to see the full articles. View various sections of the news separately by clicking on the colored icons along the top. Sort into World, National, Finance, Tech, Showbiz, and Sport. To read the full article, click on the brief story (in the box). Use the drop-down feature to search news stories in a variety of other countries.

tag(s): countries (73), financial literacy (93), news (229), sports (82)

This tool reveals full URLs for links that have been shortened using URL shortener tools (like bit.ly, tinyurl.com and others). Many of the URLs created by the shortening sites are blocked by school content filters (because the shortener websites are actually blocked). Try un-shortening the URL with this tool to access the content and to know what you are headed for! Enter the URL and click the button. Shortened URLs can also hide undesirable content, so seeing the "real" URL can prevent embarrassment such as opening something unexpected in front of others.

tag(s): browser (8), internet safety (114)

Find many ready to go, subject specific, Common Core aligned projects free for your use. Developed by the Buck Institute for Education, who are THE experts for project based learning, the PBLU projects are designed to save you time in the project based learning process. However, each project is flexible enough to customize it to your needs. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated about new project development. You can even suggest a project for them to create through the Community Wish List.

tag(s): problem solving (233), Project Based Learning (23), Research (87), STEM (297)

Create a "fake" Facebook-style page for anyone or anything! It's a good idea to do a little planning ahead of time, then just follow the directions on the landing page. Give your page a name and add an image from your computer. (They insert an image for you if you do not select one, however, you can change the image by clicking on it and selecting one from your computer.) Of course you will need to use a Creative Commons or other copyright-safe image. You can also add videos and links, edit the profile, and your page is almost ready. You must add at least one post and one friend to save work. Under the "Friends" block, you can add blocks such as Family, Major Speeches, etc. Choose "save" from the options on top left side of the page, enter a password, and your unique URL for your Fakebook page appears. Be sure to copy and save this link as it is the only time it is given in the setup process. If you are prepared with images and links, page creation is quick and easy with a small learning curve. Share your Fakebook page with the link to your page.
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tag(s): back to school (55), book reports (28), creative writing (124), digital storytelling (154), firstday (22), social networking (61)