Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This interactive, bridge building simulation is a hands-on way to learn about not only physics but also cost effective design. There are clear, on screen instructions that students can easily read and follow. Even better, if they do not read the instructions, they may learn even more by trial and error. It all depends on the instructor's level of comfort and time constraints for purposeful play. There are 8 levels of bridge building and the goal of the simulation is to build a sound bridge that little creatures can safely pass over a large chasm. The little creatures remind one of a little purple cartooned lemmings. The only frustration is that once you click a spot on the screen you are stuck with that decision. If you make the decision and you do not look at it, you have to start all over again to fix it. This takes a plain bridge building lab to the next level by adding technology and allowing for multiple attempts without wasting materials. Another neat feature of this simulation is that you can embed it on your own website.Be aware: there are some advertisements at this site.

tag(s): forces (37), gravity (43), structures (18)

This site designed by School for Champions is a great introduction to the basics of Physics. One of the neatest features of this site, beyond its straightforward scientific information, is that the information can be read to the students. The function is embedded in the site! This would be very helpful for learning support students and other vision impaired students.

tag(s): newton (21)

Join the Green Revolution! Choose videos that showcase the inventiveness, creativity, and passion of researchers and inventors who will be part of powering our future. At the time of this review topics included: wind, solar, green roofs, microbes, city car, smart grid, and biomass. You are also able to embed videos into a wiki, site, or blog. Click "Print Educator Info" to download a PDF for use with classes. In the future, transcripts will also be available.

tag(s): conservation (102), environment (252)

Solve distance, rate, and time problems with this engaging site. View a video introduction, learn how to solve sample problems, read about experiments, and learn strategies for solving these types of problems. Click on sample problems to solve. This site offers teacher and student materials as well as other resources. Want to challenge your students, click on the link for the FlyBy Math Simulator which allows you to manipulate the parameters of the plane and the problem being solved.

tag(s): measurement (122), ratios (47)

Calculator Soup collects all sorts of online calculators in one free site. Calculators range from basic to complicated and have specific functions like conversion, time, finance, and chemistry. A great tool for students who do not have specific calculators or forget them.

tag(s): calculators (36)

Looking for games to review science concepts from a variety of topics? Look no further. Use this free site to access interactives in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Geology, Meteorology, Nature of Science, Oceanography, or Physics. Click on a subject to view a list of games. Click on the teachers section to receive great tips, create your own games, and download study sheets for use in class.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): crosswords (19), game based learning (205)

Use this database to find teacher created sheets that follow movies shown in the classroom. Provide a change of pace for your students by using different questioning to challenge them. Be sure to preview, as this collection is only as good as the materials submitted. Check with your administration on rules for using "home videos" as they can be a violation of licensing or deemed inappropriate. Even though videos appear here, they may not be educationally appropriate. Be sure to check out the notices at the start of any "entertainment" video to be sure of legality. Keep in mind that these worksheets should not replace good interactive and thought provoking activities. Be sure to use other means to involve students in thought and action beyond the worksheets themselves. Find worksheets in either PDF or Word formats.

tag(s): business (52), climate (84), geology (62), movies (54)

Looking for ways to link current science events and skills such as reading and writing across the curriculum in your science classroom? Visit this ideal internet location! Created by the people of the New York Times, this lesson plan idea page has all the tools to put together quick, technology, reading and science based lessons in a fraction of the time it would take to pool the resources on your own.

tag(s): cross cultural understanding (173), main idea (8), news (228)

See remarkable and astounding scientific discoveries and inventions on this amazing site. Categories of science include Earth and Nature, Energy and Power, Medical Marvels, New Materials, Quantum Leaps, Space and Time, Science Fiction, and Weird Science. Young scientists will be amazed, engineers inspired, and even the disinterested will find accomplishments to make them curious. Even middle school girls will find something that they like about science on this site. There is some advertising, but the science images and information outweigh it.

tag(s): cells (82), engineering (129), inventors and inventions (80), medicine (57)

Use this highly unusual web-based tool to explain what happened in a car accident, including all the information that would go into an accident report to the police or insurance company. Drag vehicles, draw street layouts, add signs, and more to fully explain the unfortunate event.

tag(s): forces (37), maps (220)

Make music a web 2.0 interactive experience using this "mashup" of musical YouTube videos, all in the key of B Flat. If you can access YouTube videos at school, you will open the eyes and ears of those who never thought they would even care about music. See twenty different "instruments," both traditional and electronic, playing excerpts YOU combine by starting and controlling the volume on your choice of instruments. They sound great together or in any combination you choose. If you click "More info," you will find out FAQ and more about the project and its creator, including how it was done.

tag(s): music theory (46)

What is Watch Know Learn? Short for "You Watch, You Know, You Learn" it provides explanations for students. Finding bits of information to help students can be frustrating as resources are disorganized on the web and may be hard to find." Watch Know Learn" is a free site that organizes small video clips to help with the understanding of a variety of topics in subject areas. Search by age (3-18+). You can click and drag the age filter to the youngest and oldest ages to include. Videos are also organized by sequence of topics taught. The site is an ongoing project with input from educators and organizations interested in education of children. Registration is not required to view the videos. Creating and saving videos to the site, as well as commenting, require registration. You can monitor site recent changes and additions using the "Change Log."

tag(s): computers (109), crafts (64), decimals (85), environment (252), ethics (21), fractions (160), holidays (187), Juneteenth (22), scientific method (48), video (266), vocabulary development (94), writing (325)

This web page is a GREAT resource of various biological animations. The site offers the options of either playing the animations via web browser or downloading the animation to the computer. Versions of the animations are available for both Mac and PC. Topics include, but are not limited to: cloning, cycle sequencing, model organisms, transformation, DNA restriction, DNA arrays, and gel electrophoresis.

tag(s): animation (64), dna (43)

This site is filled with study tools to help students learn information in a variety of subject areas. Stacks of topics related to geography, history, math, languages, medical, tests (SAT, ACT, etc.), science and more are linked with collections of learning tools that include virtual study cards, matching games, word search puzzles, and hangman games. There really is something here for nearly all subject areas and grade levels! Students can select the tool that works best for them and work at their own pace until they are satisfied with their progress. If you can't find a stack to fit your needs, you can edit existing lists or create customized study stacks. The site also allows you to print out study cards, or export flash cards to study them via cell phones, PDA, or iPod. Email the stacks to peers or connect with Study Stack through Facebook. Some of the activities require Java. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): flash cards (44), greek (47), hebrew (16), latin (23), test prep (69), vocabulary (238)

Looking for simple ways to showcase simple math and science concepts? No money for classroom materials? Look no further. Use these simple instructions for making educational toys using everyday materials. Each toy easily demonstrates concepts that are basic for understanding processes of science. View an unbelievable amount of toys under the following categories: "Amazing Astronomy," "Pumps from the Dump," "Math Magic," "Paper Fun," Tipping Toppling Toys," Motor and Generator," "Electricity and Magnetism," "Newton Unplugged," "Fun with Pressure," "Fun with Light," "Toys from Trash," "Simple Sounds," "Strong Structures," "Flying Toys," "Force Fun," "Spinning Toys," and others. View annotated photos of the construction process or download detailed instructions. This site requires adobe Acrobat. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): light (56), newton (21), sound (72)

This design blog from a team of contributing designers and New York-based editor Grace Bonney features multiple daily posts of design ideas from homes, thrift stores, and occasional traditional artwork. There is also information about student design competitions and shows worldwide. Be sure to explore the various categories, from DIY projects to city design "guides." The visual inspirations and discussion starters will elicit reactions from, "What's such great design about that piece of junk?" to "Wow, what a creative idea!" The rapidly-growing collection can inspire ideas for invention, writing, artwork, and formal design projects. There are also video clips that require Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): cooking (32), crafts (64), recycling (45)

As part of their extensive site for vocabulary, roots, and more, MyVocabulary.com has added a themed area for photography. Find interactive vocabulary activities using photography vocabulary words. You will also find printable crosswords, fill in the blanks and more, all using the same theme words. This and other "themes" available on the site will make vocabulary development fun.

tag(s): light (56), photography (130)

What do those Fourth of July fireworks and the Periodic Table have in common? Plenty! This creative and interactive site not only teaches students about the history and elements of the Periodic Table, but helps them discover which elements are responsible for the colors and special effects evident in a fireworks display. This site was created by NOVA.

tag(s): elements (33), fire (22), july 4th (12), periodic table (44)

Download free shareware games to encourage thinking and practice identifying geometric shapes. Many of the downloads are games, while others provide opportunities to view computer art and find the hidden geometry or for students to create their own! There are also activities connecting math to physics and astronomy.

Be sure to check with your technology department about the ability to download these applications to school computers. Many districts have restrictions on the ability to download. Click on each game icon to read a description of the games included and some uses. Games are Mac and Windows compatible. Read their FAQ link with each set of games for the most asked questions about the shareware. Once downloaded, to "stop" a program, click Esc. If you are not allowed to install software on your own, share these powerful games with your math or art supervisors so they can advocate for you with the tech folks.

tag(s): geometric shapes (134), symmetry (26), tessellations (3)