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Critical Thinking Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
Nurture critical thinking skills in your classroom using the resources shared in this collection. Critical thinking is a process that includes the ability to interpret, analyze, and...more
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Nurture critical thinking skills in your classroom using the resources shared in this collection. Critical thinking is a process that includes the ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information. Thinking critically requires students to infer and solve problems with an open mind. Students use critical thinking skills to observe, experience, communicate and reflect while reading and learning content. As contentious public events spill over into the classroom, teachers need to help students learn how to process perspectives that differ from their own. Use this collection as you are planning your lessons and activities.
tag(s): critical thinking (137), media literacy (113), problem solving (234)
In the Classroom
Help your students to practice critical thinking skills using these engaging resources. Share these resources with your colleagues and school parents by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter.Crossword Clues - CrosswordClues.com
Grades
6 to 12Crossword Clues is a helpful tool for solving crossword puzzles and much more. Use the Crossword Solver feature to enter the clue and number of letters to receive suggestions for ...more
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Crossword Clues is a helpful tool for solving crossword puzzles and much more. Use the Crossword Solver feature to enter the clue and number of letters to receive suggestions for puzzle answers. Play Crossword Boss to challenge your ability to answer crossword questions quickly or use the Anagram Solver to unscramble letters to find matching words and phrases.
tag(s): crosswords (19), puzzles (149)
In the Classroom
Save this site to encourage students to test their skills on higher-level puzzles, using only as a last resort to find answers. Use the recent clues list for you or your students to create puzzles using the crossword generator from Class Tools, reviewed here. Have students develop puzzles to review vocabulary terms, important information from novels, or test their knowledge of historical figures. Include their puzzles on your website for students to access from home.Grades 6-8 Math & Science Resources for Teaching Remotely on Short Notice - TeachersFirst
Grades
6 to 8It doesn't have to be difficult to teach remotely. This collection shares tips and online resources for use in teaching math and science for grades 6-8 in remote situations. The ...more
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It doesn't have to be difficult to teach remotely. This collection shares tips and online resources for use in teaching math and science for grades 6-8 in remote situations. The tips share guidelines for getting started and maintaining schedules. Also key is the need for student interaction; the tips also share ideas for maintaining classroom community even during remote lessons. Use instructional tools included in this collection, PhET Interactive Simulations, reviewed here, and tips to provide practice and exploration of many math and science topics. This collection also includes ideas for formative assessment based on the use of the PhET Simulations.
tag(s): game based learning (206), problem solving (234), professional development (393)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of your remote teaching experience to provide students with engaging interactives and games using PhET Simulations. Copy the Wakelet template shared on the site and modify student directions to fit the activity and your learning goals. If you need quick training on the use of Wakelet, use the links in this collection to view archived webinars sharing how to incorporate each of these resources into the classroom.Nova Labs - PBS
Grades
6 to 12Engage in authentic scientific exploration with the games and interactives offered through Nova Labs. Engage in lab topics of cybersecurity, evolution, RNA, clouds, energy, and the...more
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Engage in authentic scientific exploration with the games and interactives offered through Nova Labs. Engage in lab topics of cybersecurity, evolution, RNA, clouds, energy, and the sun. Each interactive includes a collection of videos providing background information. The site also shares educator guides specific to each lab with strategies for use.
tag(s): cells (82), critical thinking (137), energy (133), evolution (88), internet safety (116), Research (88), solar energy (35), sun (69), weather (160)
In the Classroom
Nova Labs provides many opportunities for engaging students in authentic learning situations. Consider using this site as an introduction to any of the included topics. For example, begin your energy unit by assigning the energy lab as homework or as a flipped learning activity. Watch the introductory video together, then allow students to explore the site on their own. Use Playposit, reviewed here, extend technology use by adding questions and student responses to videos to encourage critical thinking skills. Have students share their learning after participating in the lab by annotating images using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Google Drawings allows you to annotate an image with links to videos, text, websites, and more. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here. Google Drawings presents a variety of levels for technology use depending on teacher requirements for the project, or even student ability; it allows for adding narration, videos, text, and links to help explain the project. Ask tech-savvy students to create their own learning games with Scratch, reviewed here, using information learned from their research.
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Semantris - Google
Grades
4 to 12Semantris is an engaging pair of word association games offered as a Google experiment in predicting the use of words by players. Arcade is a quick-thinking game; write a word ...more
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Semantris is an engaging pair of word association games offered as a Google experiment in predicting the use of words by players. Arcade is a quick-thinking game; write a word associated with the shared selection to drop words to the bottom of a list as quickly as possible. Block is a slower paced game; try to provide a short phrase to describe one of the words in the blocks to drop the blocks and prevent them from reaching the top of the page.
tag(s): game based learning (206), logic (160), puzzles (149), vocabulary (242), vocabulary development (95), word study (59)
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.Microsoft Bing - FUN - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12Bing Fun offers a selection of web-based mini games in a variety of formats like puzzles and trivia quizzes. Scroll down the page to choose from the available options including ...more
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Bing Fun offers a selection of web-based mini games in a variety of formats like puzzles and trivia quizzes. Scroll down the page to choose from the available options including quizzes on current news and geography. Most quizzes offer several options for level of difficulty, the current news quiz allows students and teachers to select quizzes for several different weeks.
tag(s): logic (160), Microsoft (79), problem solving (234), puzzles (149), trivia (18)
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.Puzzle Prime - Puzzle Prime
Grades
6 to 12Puzzle Prime is an excellent collection of some of the best puzzles, games, and illusions on the Internet. Run by a small group of mathematicians, content is carefully selected to ...more
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Puzzle Prime is an excellent collection of some of the best puzzles, games, and illusions on the Internet. Run by a small group of mathematicians, content is carefully selected to meet their high standards. Select a puzzle by type, skill level, or topic. When ready, click the solution to find puzzle answers.
tag(s): logic (160), problem solving (234), puzzles (149)
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.NCTM Illuminations Numbers & Operations Resources 6th - 8th Grade - NCTM
Grades
6 to 8Illuminations offers this library of interactives specifically for teaching the Numbers and Operations strand in 6th through 8th grade. The variety of activities provides opportunities...more
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Illuminations offers this library of interactives specifically for teaching the Numbers and Operations strand in 6th through 8th grade. The variety of activities provides opportunities for learning content through many different methods including problem solving, exploration of rational numbers and proportions, and includes Dynamic Paper (create math manipulatives, such as pentagonal pyramid, a set of pattern blocks, a number line, and so on; all these in the size and shape you need). All interactives include complete instructions, an exploration, and correlation to standards.
tag(s): area (53), estimation (33), factors (29), multiplication (120), number sense (68), numbers (121), operations (72), order of operations (29), perimeter (20), problem solving (234), ratios (47), statistics (121), time (91), venn diagrams (15), volume (33)
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.
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Magic Gopher - Solitaire Paradise
Grades
4 to 12Magic Gopher is an entertaining math riddle game. Follow the instructions to select a two-digit number, add the digits then subtract that answer from the original number. Magic Gopher...more
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Magic Gopher is an entertaining math riddle game. Follow the instructions to select a two-digit number, add the digits then subtract that answer from the original number. Magic Gopher "guesses" the symbol located next to that final number.
In 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.Shikaku Madness - Ganbaru Games
Grades
4 to 12Shikaku Madness is a logic-based puzzle where you attempt to cover a grid with rectangles. Use the numeric clues on the grid to solve the puzzle. Tap and drag on ...more
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Shikaku Madness is a logic-based puzzle where you attempt to cover a grid with rectangles. Use the numeric clues on the grid to solve the puzzle. Tap and drag on the grid to create rectangles that don't overlap and contain the number of squares in the clue. Choose from four levels of difficulty when attempting puzzles.
tag(s): computational thinking (41), logic (160), multiplication (120), problem solving (234)
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.Game-Based Learning Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This collection of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is selected to help teachers and students learn about game-based learning and how to incorporate games into teaching and learning....more
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This collection of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is selected to help teachers and students learn about game-based learning and how to incorporate games into teaching and learning. Engage your students in the way they love to learn - games! Explore resources for quick practice or create your own games using these tools. Nurture problem solving, logic, and creativity.
tag(s): coding (87), differentiation (85), game based learning (206), gamification (86), logic (160)
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.Flappy Code - Code Studio
Grades
K to 12Create a Flappy Bird game using drag and drop code, then save it to your phone to play over and over! Follow the 10 step directions to add code to ...more
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Create a Flappy Bird game using drag and drop code, then save it to your phone to play over and over! Follow the 10 step directions to add code to your workspace as you make your bird fly toward a target, give directions for the end of game results, and edit actions and speed of the game. When finished, share games via URL or social networking links. The intro video resides on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): coding (87), computational thinking (41), computers (109), critical thinking (137), game based learning (206), gamification (86), logic (160)
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.Novel Engineering - The Novel Engineering Project/Tufts Center
Grades
K to 12Novel Engineering offers an integrated approach to teaching engineering with literacy. Learn about it through the short video on the home page. To find ideas, select the "BOOKS" link...more
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Novel Engineering offers an integrated approach to teaching engineering with literacy. Learn about it through the short video on the home page. To find ideas, select the "BOOKS" link at the top of the page. Choose from several well-known books to find the engineering problem(s) in the book and possible solutions from students.
tag(s): engineering (137), problem solving (234), STEM (310)
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.HTML 5 Crossword Generator - Class Tools
Grades
3 to 12Create personalized crossword puzzles to embed on your blog or website with this easy puzzle creator. View the help for the directions and examples. It is as simple as typing ...more
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Create personalized crossword puzzles to embed on your blog or website with this easy puzzle creator. View the help for the directions and examples. It is as simple as typing a question on each line followed by an asterisk, then the correct answer. When complete, submit to view your puzzle online and choose from different options for sharing. Also, you can download puzzles as PDF documents.
tag(s): crosswords (19), puzzles (149)
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.Solvemall Crosswords Online - Solvemall.com
Grades
5 to 12Solvemall offers a large variety of online crossword puzzles. Choose from a new daily starter puzzle each day or scroll down to find popular sets. In addition to the daily ...more
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Solvemall offers a large variety of online crossword puzzles. Choose from a new daily starter puzzle each day or scroll down to find popular sets. In addition to the daily puzzle, most days also have a special topic puzzle such as inventors or musicians. Simply fill in each space on the puzzles with your responses and check when finished to view results. Solve blocked puzzles and collect points by creating a free account.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crosswords (19), problem solving (234), puzzles (149)
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.USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office - United States Patent and Trademark Office
Grades
3 to 12Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection....more
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection. USPTO features "collectible" cards of inventor profiles, activities at different levels - including videos about the paticulars of patents, trademarks, and more. In another video section are videos with age appropriate appeal, and titles like Driverless Cars, Bionic Limbs, Biofuels, Electronic Tattoos, and more. The invention and design focus of most of the activities makes for perfect STEM and "maker space" lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): crafts (76), digital citizenship (93), inventors and inventions (81), sound (71), sports (85), STEM (310), video (267)
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, 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.
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Technovation Families - Iridescent
Grades
4 to 12Technovation Families: Curiosity Machine connects scientists and engineers with young people to help design and create projects together. Create an account to begin using features on...more
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Technovation Families: Curiosity Machine connects scientists and engineers with young people to help design and create projects together. Create an account to begin using features on the site. Discover challenges to build on your own, including categories such as aerospace, robotics, engineering, and more.See the menu on the left to see them all. Find inspiration by watching videos of scientists and engineers sharing their inventions. Share your finished projects as inspiration for other aspiring engineers and scientists.
tag(s): aeronautics (12), computers (109), design (79), engineering (137), gifted (66), inventors and inventions (81), makerspace (40), oceans (149), problem solving (234), robotics (26), STEM (310)
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.
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Bill's Games - Bill Kendrick
Grades
4 to 12Bill's Games offers a variety of free online activities and puzzles. Although this site is "plain vanilla," there are classic activities that offer challenges for all ages. Scroll through...more
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Bill's Games offers a variety of free online activities and puzzles. Although this site is "plain vanilla," there are classic activities that offer challenges for all ages. Scroll through the home page to find puzzles, board games, mazes, and word games. Each activity includes directions for play and many offer options for difficulty levels.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (206), logic (160), problem solving (234), puzzles (149)
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.Tux Math Scrabble - Charles B. Cosse
Grades
5 to 9Tux Math Scrabble takes the traditional Scrabble game and replaces letter tiles with numbers and mathematical symbols. Drag tiles anywhere on the Scrabble board to form equations while...more
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Tux Math Scrabble takes the traditional Scrabble game and replaces letter tiles with numbers and mathematical symbols. Drag tiles anywhere on the Scrabble board to form equations while earning as many points as possible from the value of the tiles. Use links on the menu to the left to change the background, adjust grid size, see a demo, and change skill levels.
tag(s): addition (127), division (96), equations (119), galileo (6), game based learning (206), multiplication (120), problem solving (234), 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.4 Numbers Game - 4nums.com
Grades
1 to 8The 4 Numbers Game is a classic math game. Use the four numbers provided and basic math (+, -, x, /) to arrive at an answer of 24 as quickly ...more
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The 4 Numbers Game is a classic math game. Use the four numbers provided and basic math (+, -, x, /) to arrive at an answer of 24 as quickly as you can. Play alone or with multi-players. Play with a time limit (or without). Choose the kids game to play without division or multiplication. Be sure to view the How to Play link for complete rules and suggestions. Find new puzzles on the site daily, or follow 4 Numbers via X (formerly Twitter) to receive notifications of the puzzle of the day. This site is also available as an app for both iOs and Android devices.
tag(s): addition (127), DAT device agnostic tool (146), division (96), equations (119), mental math (19), multiplication (120), problem solving (234), subtraction (108)