334 mind-stretchers results | sort by:
return to subject listing
Semantris - Google
Grades
4 to 12
tag(s): game based learning (181), logic (163), puzzles (142), vocabulary (238), vocabulary development (90), word study (60)
In the Classroom
Share Semantris with students on classroom computers or devices for use as a quick word association and vocabulary building activity. Challenge students to become more proficient in "beating" Google by earning as many points as possible. For younger students, this site is an excellent way to build vocabulary skills. Have older students take this site a step further and research how machine learning works through this Google activity. Enhance learning by asking them to substitute a traditional report or presentation by making a video explanation tool like Typito, reviewed here, to describe the concept of machine learning. After spending some time practicing this game, take it a step further and extend student learning by having students create their own vocabulary learning game using a tool such as Scratch, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Microsoft Bing - FUN - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): logic (163), Microsoft (80), problem solving (225), puzzles (142), trivia (19)
In the Classroom
Include Bing Fun as a link on your classroom computers and share the link on your class webpage. Have students try their skill on Sudoku and other logic puzzles to increase problem solving skills. Use the current news questions as a starting point for discussions in social studies classes. Ask students to choose one of the questions as a starting point for digging deeper into the topic. Have students share weekly podcasts discussing current topics and background information. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, provides free podcasting tools.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Puzzle Prime - Puzzle Prime
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): logic (163), problem solving (225), puzzles (142)
In the Classroom
Share a link to Puzzle Prime on classroom computers and your class website for students to access on any device. Consider having a "puzzle of the week" activity for students to complete on their own or in groups using activities on this site. Ask students to demonstrate their thinking process in completing puzzles by demonstrating on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector. Take this a step further and ask student to create a video explanation using a tool like Screencastify, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here. Use these puzzles as examples and encourage students to create their puzzles for others to solve. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts sharing problem and puzzle solving tips; for this, use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
NCTM Illuminations Numbers & Operations Resources 6th - 8th Grade - NCTM
Grades
6 to 8tag(s): area (52), estimation (34), factors (29), multiplication (121), number sense (70), numbers (119), operations (72), order of operations (28), perimeter (20), problem solving (225), ratios (47), statistics (120), time (92), venn diagrams (15), volume (34)
In the Classroom
Keep this site in your professional favorites to find supporting technology for teaching numbers and operations. As you find practice or extension ideas for student use or at home reinforcement, share specific links on your class web page or classroom computer center for students to access independently or as you assign them for needed practice. The full site could be overwhelming for most parents, so share the specific areas that fit your curriculum.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Extreme Event - Koshland Science Museum
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (117), disasters (37), earthquakes (45), floods (10), game based learning (181), hurricanes (33), logic (163), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Use the materials found on Extreme Event as a hands-on lesson in problem-solving, short and long term planning, and building community. Use an online tool such as Interactive Three Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here, to compare and contrast different strategies needed to solve problems in different crisis situations. Challenge students to create a brochure or newsletter sharing their findings. Are you integrating technology in your class? Instead of the traditional paper brochure, enhance student learning by using Marq, reviewed here, or if you are more experienced use Sway, reviewed here, and create a newsletter. If you complete this activity with different classes, share results from the different games as part of your discussions on your problem-solving decisions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Twitter Chat: Start a School Makerspace from Scratch - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): makerspace (43), professional development (409), STEM (279), twitterchatarchive (175)
In the Classroom
If you are starting Makerspace, or need some new ideas, view this archive. Share this tool with your colleagues who are interested in Makerspace.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Magic Gopher - Solitaire Paradise
Grades
4 to 12In the Classroom
How does Magic Gopher guess correctly every time? Encourage students to discover the "trick" to his success. If you aren't sure, find the solution here. Take this math trick a bit further, will it work with 3-digit numbers? Challenge cooperative learning groups to create video explanations of the math behind Magic Gopher. If you are less experienced with technology use with your students, try a tool such as Powtoon, reviewed here. Those who are more experienced might try moovly, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Shikaku Madness - Ganbaru Games
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): computational thinking (41), logic (163), multiplication (121), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Shikaku Madness is an excellent addition to classroom bookmarks for practicing multiplication, working with arrays, developing problem-solving skills, and using logic. Encourage students to work up to the next level and become an expert in Shikaku. Share a link to the site on your class website for students to access at home. Encourage Shikaku "experts" in your class to share their methods for completing each puzzle with other students. Transform learning by challenging students to create a video demonstrating their process in puzzle solving using a tool such as Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here, or Screencastify (Chrome app), reviewed here. Then share it using a tool like SchoolTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Game-Based Learning Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): coding (90), differentiation (89), game based learning (181), gamification (79), logic (163)
In the Classroom
Share these tools on your class website or blog for students to use both in and out of the classroom. Use these tools to differentiate and reach all students at the various levels. Challenge your students to create their own games for review of content or acceleration options.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Playbuzz - Shaul Olmert and Tom Pachys
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (147), flash cards (42), polls and surveys (48), quiz (66), trivia (19), video (262)
In the Classroom
Share Playbuzz with students to create interactive classroom content. Have students create polls for favorite characters in books, use the Video Snaps tool to share significant portions of a video, or use Flip Cards in place of traditional flash cards. Create interactive content for your classroom lessons including trivia to introduce new lessons or create a Gallery Quiz to match images to clues. The possibilities are as unlimited as your imagination and those of your students!Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Flappy Code - Code Studio
Grades
K to 12tag(s): coding (90), computational thinking (41), computers (109), critical thinking (117), game based learning (181), gamification (79), logic (163)
In the Classroom
Use Flappy Code as an interesting way to introduce coding to your class. Display Flappy Code on your interactive whiteboard or projector as you progress through the steps to code a game, then have students create and explore on their own. After school clubs and activities can use Flappy Code to learn to code. Use this tool with gifted students for a great 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.Comments
This resource would be engaging for students just learning how to code.Melissa, , Grades: 0 - 5
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Novel Engineering - The Novel Engineering Project/Tufts Center
Grades
K to 12tag(s): engineering (126), problem solving (225), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
Don't let the simple look of this site fool you; this is an excellent resource for incorporating STEM topics into your reading activities. Use ideas from this site with the literature suggested, then come up with your own ideas for any other selection of literature. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration. Have students or groups collect ideas and findings using Padlet, reviewed here. The Padlet application creates free online bulletin boards.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
HTML 5 Crossword Generator - Class Tools
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): crosswords (19), puzzles (142)
In the Classroom
Create puzzles for any subject or topic for review or introduction to new materials. Allow students to create puzzles for other students to solve. Add a puzzle to the classroom newsletter or blog to create interest. Share puzzles on an interactive whiteboard for students to solve together.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Solvemall Crosswords Online - Solvemall.com
Grades
5 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crosswords (19), problem solving (225), puzzles (142)
In the Classroom
Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector to play as a class. Use as a learning center or for rainy day recess. Create a link to the puzzles on classroom computers or your class website. Crosswords are a great find for use with gifted students to practice logic and problem-solving skills. Challenge students to create their own crosswords using a tool like Eclipse Crossword Creator, reviewed here, or Just Crosswords, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office - United States Patent and Trademark Office
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): crafts (54), digital citizenship (89), inventors and inventions (77), sound (73), sports (81), STEM (279), video (262)
In the Classroom
Whether an elementary, middle, or high school teacher you'll find ideas for building model rockets and more. Use an interactive whiteboard or projector and start by viewing the video on the home page titled Extraordinary Innovations. Or, in your blended or flipped class have students watch the video at home and enhance their learning by using playposit, reviewed here, to take notes, make comments, or ask questions to document what they learned from the video. Be sure to have a small or whole group discussion about what they learned from the video using their notes & comments the next day! At the end of your lesson or unit on patents and trademarks, transform learning by challenging students to create a timeline for the invention of the snowboard, or motorcycles, or another topic of interest. Why not modify classroom technology and make this an interactive timeline with music, photos, videos, and more using Timeline JS, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Plum Landing - WGBH Educational Foundation
Grades
1 to 3tag(s): conservation (92), earth (186), earth day (60), environment (246), game based learning (181)
In the Classroom
Capture student interest in environmental science, zoology, conservation, and ecology with Plum and her human friends! Use this site in science as a way to introduce the study of the Earth, biomes, or food chains. Share the videos on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Add to computers for center time. Use Plum's adventures to inspire further adventures involving the students. Use videos as a multimedia resource to supplement the science textbook. Use the adventures to inspire either narrative or expository writing. During Earth Day, students can explore your school community. Explore other science topics and modify student learning by challenging them to create comics using a tool such as Make Beliefs Comix, reviewed here, or a digital storytelling project with their own images, observations, and stories using Presentious, reviewed here. Presentious allows narrating and adding text to a picture. ENL/ESL and learning support students will find this site useful with reading support, video, and demonstrations. Have students research topics mentioned in the videos for deeper understanding. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, replace pen and paper by having students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Seesaw, reviewed here. Share research and stories with other classes in your school, students' families, and on your class website or wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Technovation Families - Iridescent
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): aeronautics (10), computers (109), design (80), engineering (126), gifted (65), inventors and inventions (77), makerspace (43), oceans (149), problem solving (225), robotics (23), STEM (279)
In the Classroom
Be sure to take advantage of the free educator units offered with membership. Share project ideas with students as ideas for a school science or engineering fair. Share this site with students interested in exploring careers in science or engineering. Encourage students to enhance their technology use and learning by using a visual blogging tool such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links (no registration required), to document their progress while completing projects. Have gifted students choose projects from the site to complete as enrichment within different learning units.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Bill's Games - Bill Kendrick
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (181), logic (163), problem solving (225), puzzles (142)
In the Classroom
Share and demonstrate the activities on an interactive whiteboard. Create a link on classroom computers to use as a center. Challenge students to increase difficulty levels in games and activities. Ask students to journal about their problem-solving process when playing games and activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tux Math Scrabble - Charles B. Cosse
Grades
5 to 9tag(s): addition (127), division (97), equations (119), galileo (6), game based learning (181), multiplication (121), problem solving (225), subtraction (108)
In the Classroom
Tux Math Scrabble makes an excellent addition to any unit on equations. Have students play games with classmates while discussing different game strategies. Create a link on your class web page and have students challenge family members.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
4 Numbers Game - 4nums.com
Grades
1 to 8tag(s): addition (127), DAT device agnostic tool (147), division (97), equations (119), mental math (19), multiplication (121), problem solving (225), subtraction (108)
In the Classroom
Share the 4 Numbers Game on an interactive whiteboard or projector to demonstrate how to play, and then create a link to 4 Numbers on classroom computers. Challenge students to begin playing without time limits. As they become more skilled, start using the clock and have them try to beat it. Have students take a screenshot of any game. Next they can upload the screenshot image and add voice bubbles to explain what they learned. Use a tool such as Phrase.it, reviewed here. If you do not know how to convert a screenshot into an image file, take a picture of the screen using a digital camera, then upload the file to your computer. Be sure to share a link to the 4 Numbers Game on your class website or blog for play at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form