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Useful charts - UsefulCharts Publishing
Grades
5 to 12
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Find hundreds of useful charts and diagrams that illustrate philosophy, english, history, science, current events, and more for free, online viewing. You will find PDFs, posters, timelines,...more
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Find hundreds of useful charts and diagrams that illustrate philosophy, english, history, science, current events, and more for free, online viewing. You will find PDFs, posters, timelines, etc. Learn about topics such as: Most Famous Paintings, World Leaders Timeline, Muppet Voices Chart, New Seven Wonders, Human Evolution Timeline, and more. General "subjects" include Social Studies Charts, Most Popular Charts, Psychology Charts, Philosophy & Religion Charts, English Charts, Science Charts, and many others! The site is selling charts and downloads, but you can view the site for FREE. Zoom in to see details using the View menu in your web browser or touchpad zooming on Macs.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Share a visual overview of a topic on projector or IWB before teaching or as a reference before lessons that zero in on subtopics. Use this site to teach data and the graphic display of data. Allow groups of students to choose a graphic and report to the class on how the data was made more meaningful using the graphics that were chosen. You may also want to share this link as a research tool for debates or presentations on science or social studies topics. Share the timeline or graphic on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Discuss the science, history, or math behind the data collected. Discuss other information and ways of presenting the information in order to create a more interesting graphic. Have students try their hand at creating an infographic using a tool such as Snappa, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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dotEPUB - Xavier Badosa
Grades
3 to 12
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Convert the content of any webpage into an e-book format to read on your tablet, phone, or other e-reader device using dotEPUB-- even offline! Install the browser bookmarklet in Firefox,...more
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Convert the content of any webpage into an e-book format to read on your tablet, phone, or other e-reader device using dotEPUB-- even offline! Install the browser bookmarklet in Firefox, Safari, Opera, Mozilla, or Chrome to begin. In Chrome and Mozilla use the dotEPUB browser extension to create documents. Once installed, click on the bookmarklet or browser extension while on any page to convert the page and send to your e-reader. Choose from either epub or mobi (Kindle) format for use in e-readers. View the instructional videos for complete directions on how to use the bookmarklet or extension. This site is also available in Spanish. The instructional videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube and you wish to share the videos in class, they may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
What a great find for BYOD programs! Use dotEPUB for students to take content from your course blog or website and put it on their e-readers for easy access wherever they go. Have students download informational texts from web sites to annotate in their e-reader software as you build comprehension and "close reading" skills a la CCSS. Elementary teachers will need to help students learn to use this tool. Use dotEPUB to create an ePub portfolio of your students' blogging efforts. In Spanish class, convert your website into an e-book for students to practice language learning. Make ePubs of any web content for portability and annotation tools available on e-readers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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U.S. Political Conventions and Campaigns - Northeastern University
Grades
4 to 12
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Learn all about U.S. political campaigns and party conventions. Five main sections explain it all: History, Campaign Finance, Nominations, Policy, and Media. Within each section are...more
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Learn all about U.S. political campaigns and party conventions. Five main sections explain it all: History, Campaign Finance, Nominations, Policy, and Media. Within each section are videos and articles about the current state of affairs as well as past practices. Each section offers lesson plans suitable for high school use. The sections also offer short review quizzes that provide instant feedback. Scroll through each section in order or choose from portions with links at the top of the section. Though the videos say "this user is blocked," there are transcripts and articles to read, and you can still take the quizzes.
In the Classroom
Although lesson plans are geared to high school, this site is also useful for students in lower grades. Go directly to the quiz portion of each section, display on your interactive whiteboard, and take the quiz as a class as an overview of what students know about the election process. View sections on your interactive whiteboard to help students understand the different facets of a campaign. Assign students (or groups) different sections; then have them present information learned to their classmates. Create posters about the American political process using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pocket - Read It Later, Inc
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
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Pocket is a bookmarking and curation application that syncs across all of your devices to save online articles or videos for later viewing. Saving is simple. Download the bookmarklet...more
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Pocket is a bookmarking and curation application that syncs across all of your devices to save online articles or videos for later viewing. Saving is simple. Download the bookmarklet on your computer or the Pocket app to your mobile device. When you see something to save for later viewing, click the share button to send to your Pocket account. View at anytime (even offline). Sort by content type such as article, video, or text. Add tags to organize content as you wish. Pocket integrates with many other online tools, such as Twitter and Flipboard. Share articles using social networking or email links to the Pocket app. Although this site is recommended for all grade levels, younger students would only be able to use this site if the collection was completed by an adult. Click to view the short introduction video to learn more.
In the Classroom
Use Pocket professionally to collect and share websites, videos, and images for lessons and units. Use Pocket to share sites with colleagues, parents, and students. Share this site with older students to use to save resources they find for research. Demonstrate how to use Pocket and share with students as a resource for collaborating on group projects. Be sure to talk about using tags to organize things so they don't end up with a giant "pocketful" of tangled "stuff."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Web Gallery of Art - Emil Kren and Daniel Marx
Grades
3 to 12
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Search this virtual museum and database of European fine arts from the 11th to 19th centuries. The site also offers a version for use on mobile devices. The site provides ...more
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Search this virtual museum and database of European fine arts from the 11th to 19th centuries. The site also offers a version for use on mobile devices. The site provides 16 different tours, music, a glossary and the ability to send e-postcards with images. There is also a feature for viewing two images at once.
In the Classroom
This site will complement any art, history, or world language class. Use the site to view artwork from a specific time period in history. Share artwork on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Challenge students to create a talking avatar using an image (legally permitted to be reproduced) from the site. The avatars can be used to explain a historical event or to have students practice their world language skills. Extend student learning by asking them to use a site such as Blabberize, reviewed here, to create their talking avatar.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Living Wage Calculator - Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier
Grades
8 to 12
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Living Wage Calculator provides information to estimate the cost of living in any community or region. Enter a location in the search box or choose from the state list to ...more
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Living Wage Calculator provides information to estimate the cost of living in any community or region. Enter a location in the search box or choose from the state list to begin. Results are provided for an entire state, county, or specific city. The "calculator" provides typical expenses for the location along with living wage, poverty wage, and minimum wage. View typical wages for different occupations in that location. The wages at poverty level are indicated in red.
In the Classroom
This site would be excellent for use during a unit on careers, economics, or financial literacy. Allow students to explore pay for different career options not only in your city but in different locations across the country. Have students create magazine covers using Magazine Cover Maker reviewed here. Use this site during Family and Consumer Science units to explore the cost of living and typical salaries across the United States. Have students put together a mythical "budget" for living in their chosen career.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: TeachersFirst Exclusives that Spark Curiosity in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from August 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Explore four free...more
Explore four free...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from August 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Explore four free TeachersFirst exclusive resources that spark curiosity and support classroom instruction. Let TeachersFirst help you save time and assist you with creating engaging learning experiences for your students. Enhance reading comprehension across content areas with our library of pre-made virtual field trips that immerse students in literature and build context and interest in the characters and their journeys. Support geography and mapping skills in grades 2-6 with the weekly episodic adventures of Geo and Meri. Build cross-cultural understanding and practice digital writing weekly with XW1W. Explore a web-based, interactive infographic of the Battle of Gettysburg designed to raise questions and invite connections for students in grades 5-10. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of context within instruction; 2. Explore four curricular support resources that can be used to spark curiosity and discussion in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of a TeachersFirst exclusive, web-based resource in your lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Explore four free TeachersFirst exclusive resources that spark curiosity and support classroom instruction. Let TeachersFirst help you save time and assist you with creating engaging learning experiences for your students. Enhance reading comprehension across content areas with our library of pre-made virtual field trips that immerse students in literature and build context and interest in the characters and their journeys. Support geography and mapping skills in grades 2-6 with the weekly episodic adventures of Geo and Meri. Build cross-cultural understanding and practice digital writing weekly with XW1W. Explore a web-based, interactive infographic of the Battle of Gettysburg designed to raise questions and invite connections for students in grades 5-10. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of context within instruction; 2. Explore four curricular support resources that can be used to spark curiosity and discussion in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of a TeachersFirst exclusive, web-based resource in your lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Images - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from May 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
When using projects...more
When using projects...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from May 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
When using projects for alternative assessment and feedback, you'll find that students can express themselves more creatively when given tools to share what they have learned. Come to this session to learn about three tools students can use to work with images for their projects. We'll discuss digital citizenship expectations and explore tools that allow students to responsibly repurpose digital resources. You might even find a tool that is useful for your own purposes when creating learning objects! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the tenets of copyright and digital citizenship that apply to remixing and reusing images. 2. Explore three tools and how each can be used to alter and change images; and 3. Plan for the introduction of creative image tools in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
When using projects for alternative assessment and feedback, you'll find that students can express themselves more creatively when given tools to share what they have learned. Come to this session to learn about three tools students can use to work with images for their projects. We'll discuss digital citizenship expectations and explore tools that allow students to responsibly repurpose digital resources. You might even find a tool that is useful for your own purposes when creating learning objects! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the tenets of copyright and digital citizenship that apply to remixing and reusing images. 2. Explore three tools and how each can be used to alter and change images; and 3. Plan for the introduction of creative image tools in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources related to Source Reliability/Checking Sources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and...more
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As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and determining if a source is reliable and credible.
In the Classroom
We have included resources for all grades. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions with each reviewed resource, give you ideas about using these tools in your classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Integration Made Easy with Canva - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Provide challenging...more
Provide challenging...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Provide challenging learning opportunities for your students while promoting innovative classroom instruction by using digital image creation to engage students and deepen their content area knowledge. Students can create posters, social posts, videos, presentations, and more that demonstrate their knowledge construction skills. Learn to use Canva for classroom projects and personal productivity, and brainstorm with others about ways you and your students can use this tool to demonstrate learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of Canva; 2. Explore three different ways to use Canva in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Canva in your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Provide challenging learning opportunities for your students while promoting innovative classroom instruction by using digital image creation to engage students and deepen their content area knowledge. Students can create posters, social posts, videos, presentations, and more that demonstrate their knowledge construction skills. Learn to use Canva for classroom projects and personal productivity, and brainstorm with others about ways you and your students can use this tool to demonstrate learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of Canva; 2. Explore three different ways to use Canva in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Canva in your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reading Treks: American Born Chinese - TeachersFirst
Grades
7 to 12
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TeachersFirst Reading Treks create a virtual field trip of resources about a piece of literature or text using the My Maps feature of Google Maps. This Reading Trek provides inspiration...more
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TeachersFirst Reading Treks create a virtual field trip of resources about a piece of literature or text using the My Maps feature of Google Maps. This Reading Trek provides inspiration and suggestions for using the trade book, American Born Chinese. American Born Chinese recounts the tale of three characters: Jin Wang, who moves to another area with his family to find that he's the only Chinese-American at his new school; the Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest Chinese tales; and Chin-Kee, who is typical of the negative Chinese stereotype and is destroying his cousin Danny's life. Their lives and stories meet up with an unforeseen turn in this current tale. Discover their journey to their identity and purpose in life while struggling with others' prejudices, especially how it applies to racism. Use our robust Instructional Guide with students in grades 7-12. Content correlates to Common Core Standards, ISTE Student Standards, National Core Arts Standards for Visual Arts, and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. Find the entire selection of Reading Treks here.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many suggested classroom uses for this resource found on the Instructional Guide (PDF). Consider using the historical information and primary sources from the book to have students research places and events discussed in the book to create interactive timelines. Find a variety of free online timeline creation tools at located here. Using the map and locales, trace and then calculate distances for some of the locations shared. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here, to create and share custom maps.
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Mind Over Media - Media Education Lab
Grades
6 to 12
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Learn to recognize the power of communication and understand today's "new" forms of propaganda through critical analysis and discussion using tools found on Mind Over Media. Browse...more
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Learn to recognize the power of communication and understand today's "new" forms of propaganda through critical analysis and discussion using tools found on Mind Over Media. Browse through the site to learn the four techniques used to influence others along with specific examples. Be sure to check out the section for teachers that includes a complete six-lesson curriculum aligned to Common Core and other National Standards. Share a link to this site for parents to use as a resource for discussing ways people try to influence teens at home. The videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Discover the many ready-to-go free lesson ideas to include with classroom discussions of propaganda and persuasive advertising techniques. Share the Learn section with students as part of a flipped lesson, then have students provide examples of propaganda they find on TV or the Internet. Ask students to find advertising demonstrating two opposing points of view, then, with younger or less technically experienced students, use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here to compare and contrast information found. With older or more technically experienced students, use a tool such as Whimsical Mind Maps, reviewed here to create charts or a mind map to make the comparison.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Astronomical Observational Images: The Naked Eye through Current Observations - Project PHaEDRA
Grades
6 to 12
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Observation of the universe has changed over time with the development of new technologies. This collection hosted on the Smithsonian Learning Network shares imagery from telescopes...more
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Observation of the universe has changed over time with the development of new technologies. This collection hosted on the Smithsonian Learning Network shares imagery from telescopes and spacecraft that tell a story of how observers view the sky and its objects. The collection contains fifty-five items, including newspaper articles, photographs, and videos. Choose any thumbnail to view, share, and download each resource. It isn't necessary to create a Smithsonian Learning Institute account to access and share the materials; however, creating a free account allows you to save and favorite items and personalize collections.
In the Classroom
Share this collection with students, then allow them time to explore on their own. Be sure to point out and discuss the proper use of citations when using materials from the site. Each item includes an icon with quotation marks which includes proper citation that can be copied and pasted into your document. Ask students to compare and contrast features found within the images using Canva's 4-Circle Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. To extend learning, ask students to use Canva's Infographic Maker, reviewed here, to share information about the change in technology used to observe stars over time.
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What So Proudly We Hail: Making American Citizens Through Literature - Amy and Leon Kass
Grades
5 to 12
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Be inspired to love American History! Development citizenship and awareness by using this ten-part curriculum of short stories, speeches, and songs. The curriculum consists of three...more
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Be inspired to love American History! Development citizenship and awareness by using this ten-part curriculum of short stories, speeches, and songs. The curriculum consists of three categories. The Meaning of America explores the American character and identity through the "close reading" of classical short stories such as "To Build a Fire" and "Man Without a Country." The American Calendar examines the purpose of the American holiday, proposing the celebrations help to unite us and attach us to our country. Songs for Free Men and Women scrutinizes national songs for meaning and how they emotionally attach us to our nation. All of this curriculum is inquiry based. It also offers suggested discussion questions, study guides, author biographies, and video discussions to model how higher-level-thinking conversations about each text should sound. What So Proudly We Hail uses primary texts, has rigor, is inquiry based, and has many essay topics and writing prompts aligned to the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies. A few of the blog entries include helpful information about the Common Core standards.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
This comprehensive program can be a bit overwhelming at first look. You might want to pick just one, high interest short story lesson, perhaps Jack London's "To Build a Fire." This lesson and many others lends itself to small group discussion and work. The introduction makes observations and asks questions to encourage active reading and deep discussions that you may want to use as a class. Whether you and your students complete the lesson as a class or in small groups, you may want to use a program like Today's Meet reviewed here to enable all students to have a voice. If using small groups, have students post what the group decided are the answers on Today's Meet so everyone can see all answers. Where answers differ, have students go back into the reading and cite evidence to support their answer on Today's Meet for all to see. Teachers of gifted and music can choose selected ideas from this site, as well. A teaching team could make this site the focus of a year-long effort with so much material available. Upper elementary teachers and higher can make holidays and patriotic songs far more meaningful through close reading and class discussionsAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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'45 Words' Video Lesson - NewseumED
Grades
8 to 12
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Brought to you by NewseumED, this video is a perfect fit to introduce any unit on the First Amendment and its freedoms. Find a comprehensive lesson plan, watch the video ...more
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Brought to you by NewseumED, this video is a perfect fit to introduce any unit on the First Amendment and its freedoms. Find a comprehensive lesson plan, watch the video through the NewseumEd site, and download documents in either PDF or Word formats. The documents include a list of historical figures and their involvement with the issues from the period, and a viewing guide worksheet for students to fill in. All of the actors' words, in the video, are direct quotations taken from primary sources. Since the video focuses on the origins of the freedom of the press, it would make a fascinating intro to a media literacy unit, too.
In the Classroom
Whether studying the First Amendment or media literacy, upload this video to a tool such as EDPuzzle, reviewed here, to edit the video to show only portions you select, or to pause the video automatically and add questions for students to answer, and/or add your verbal comments. Some of the Discuss questions would be appropriate to insert after viewing parts of the video. Break students into small groups after the video and assign them different Discuss questions for reflection and investigation. Challenge small groups to create a presentation to share what they learned using a tool like slides, reviewed here. After watching and discussing the video, extend either a media literacy unit or a civics/government unit. Do this by asking students to view news articles in our present political situation i.e. election time, civil rights discussed, etc. Then have them compare how the news media during the late 1700s would have handled issues of today, and how politicians of the Federalist party would have reacted to our issues today. Alternatively, have students create a simple infographic comparing the problems in the news of then and now. Use a tool such as Infogram, reviewed here.
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TopoView - US Department of the Interior
Grades
8 to 12
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TopoView uses topographic maps to view physical and cultural changes of geographic locations over time. This tool uses maps created since 1879, allowing you to choose a location and...more
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TopoView uses topographic maps to view physical and cultural changes of geographic locations over time. This tool uses maps created since 1879, allowing you to choose a location and move the slider bar to show maps available from 1879 through the present. There is a learning curve to understand and use the site. Be sure to watch the YouTube video demo for an overview of using and understanding map tools. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Use TopoView to demonstrate and help students understand changes over time in different areas of the country such as population, urban density, and more. Discover what your location was like in the past and how it has changed over time. View maps together on your interactive whiteboard or projector and demonstrate how to use the site. Have students explore on their own and use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram, reviewed here, to compare changes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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openverse - Creative Commons
Grades
5 to 12
2 Favorites
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openverse is a search tool to find free images that are available under public domain and Creative Commons licenses. At the time of this review, in Beta, is an Audio ...more
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openverse is a search tool to find free images that are available under public domain and Creative Commons licenses. At the time of this review, in Beta, is an Audio search. Type your search term in the search bar to begin browsing. Narrow your options by using the available filters, including image type, file type, source, image ratio, and image size. Each image includes HTML attribution information to copy and paste onto your web page.
In the Classroom
Use this image search in a variety of ways for classroom use. Ask students to find images of cells, animals, geographic formations, etc. to use with class projects and presentations. Be sure to remind students to use the attribution link along with the photo, especially when publishing on the web. Keep this site as a reference link on your class web page for any time students are creating wikis, blogs, or electronic projects where they need images. They can find just the right picture with CC licensing, and you should require them to include the citation provided! Be sure that students understand the rules for sharing appropriate and inappropriate images and copyright concerns.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Word Sense - codeLily LLC
Grades
6 to 12
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Word Sense is a dictionary and thesaurus presented in a unique, interactive display. Enter your word in the search box and view the definition. Click on any of the related ...more
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Word Sense is a dictionary and thesaurus presented in a unique, interactive display. Enter your word in the search box and view the definition. Click on any of the related terms to view definitions and connections from the associated words. Use links to go directly to the definition of any associated word or term to continue exploring and understanding terms. There is a link to "Learn How it Works" to learn more about the possibilities at this site. We strongly recommend that you explore how it works first! Note: This is a full service dictionary, so ANY word is available for search, including those not appropriate at school. Use caution with less mature students searching independently. Be certain to set clear expectations and consequences for inappropriate searches.
In the Classroom
Have students create a word cloud of the important terms they learn from this site. Explore word meanings, connotations, and antonyms. Use a word cloud maker to create clouds of new words learned - WordItOut, reviewed here. Use Word Sense to understand and explore vocabulary words of the day or week. Share with students as a resource for preparing for standardized testing, such as the SAT/ACT.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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asymetrica - Aysmetrica Labs, Inc.
Grades
2 to 12
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aysmetrica is an interesting web browser extension designed to adjust the spaces in text to create an easier reading experience. View the examples on the How it Works page to ...more
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aysmetrica is an interesting web browser extension designed to adjust the spaces in text to create an easier reading experience. View the examples on the How it Works page to understand what aysmetrica offers and why it makes reading easier in many instances. Reduce cognitive load by creating chunks of text instead of one space between each word; this makes content easier to read and understand. Use the slider to adjust the amount of formatting provided. Be sure to follow the links, found in the top menu under More, to download the free browser extension for aysmetrica for personal use. This site requires email registration.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Install aysmetrica on classroom computers for student use when reading text-heavy online content. aysmetrica may be especially helpful for ESL/ELL and special education students to use as an aid in reading and comprehending text. Share text on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector using aysmetrica as part of a lesson on reading skills to demonstrate "chunking" of text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Best and Worst Places to Grow Up: How Your Area Compares - New York Times
Grades
10 to 12
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Take a look at county by county income mobility in the U.S. using this interactive map. Click a county to read about the differences in income for children who grow ...more
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Take a look at county by county income mobility in the U.S. using this interactive map. Click a county to read about the differences in income for children who grow up in that county when they reach age 26, as compared with the national average. Note that the site is "smart" and senses where you are located to tell you about your area. You can also enter in any county in the U.S. in the search box or drag the map to other locations. The accompanying text explains the results in more detail, including differing mobility for boys and girls. The map may surprise you and cause you to wonder why. Read the full explanation or click the link to the related article. Note the importance of education in income results, but that is not the only factor.
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This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Share this interactive on students' devices for them to discuss in small groups. Share on a projector/interactive whiteboard for whole class discussion of the factors that might lead to these results. Why do poor children have greater income mobility than richer children in some areas? What about gender? What might be misleading about these statistics? Take a broad look at the country to talk about what cultural factors may be different in different areas. For a good exercise in digital citizenship and critical thinking, ask students to find out where the data came from and to write three questions that might dig into the "why" behind these stats. Ask them what else they would like to know after seeing this map -- and how it might influence their own decisions and future plans (if at all). In a government/civics class, the discussion naturally will move to how this information might influence elections and candidates' strategies in one county vs another. This same interactive is also important for teachers as professionals. Know your community and what happens to the children you teach. You may want to share it with administrators for some staff conversations about the impact of your school.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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