Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Use this tool to "draw" on and label any map available through Google Maps, including maps of the night sky! No registration or email required! Create a colorful, personalized map with added scribbles and labels. Add your choice of placemarker labels for geology locations, people, etc. There are even little icons available to use. Your drawing or "Scribble Map" is then available to share by URL, email, or print. Slightly more savvy users can download, save as a KML file (readable in Google Maps or Google Earth), or embed the map in another site. The tools include sharing the map on Facebook and Twitter, as well. Add images by pasting in their URLs. Drawing tools include lines, circles, place pointers, text labels, and color/size/transparency controls for all tools. Place pointers can be edited by selecting them (arrow tool), then clicking the small pencil. This site does include Ads and all the normal controls of Google maps, including satellite, map, terrain, hybrid views and Night Sky. See a sample Scribble Map created by the TeachersFirst editors (drag the map with your mouse!). Explore the tools and MENU options at the top left when you start out. Try the different Maps views (lower right) and zoom controls. Search for a starter location using the search at the top left, just below the tools. There is no help available, but it is easy to do basic maps. Share, save, etc. by clicking Menu (top left). When you first save a map, it will ask you to create a password for that map to use to edit it later. Note that if you SAVE a map and share it by URL, those accessing it will be able to use the tools and change the map. If you want them to see it without changing it, you will need to embed it in a blog, wiki, or other web site. The map ID can be changed and customized by simply typing in your own choice of ID when you are saving the map.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): directions (12), geology (64), landforms (37), landmarks (18), map skills (56), maps (207), space (213)

This site details the life and many attempted voyages of the English explorer Henry Hudson. Although the site is very "wordy," it is very inclusive and excellent for research. It includes a lot of facts, maps, information about each voyage, information about nautical measurements, and details about his ships and crews. The information and maps available here are based on the author combing historical books and documents and information. An extensive bibliography and list of weblinks relating to Hudson adds interest to the maps and history on the site.

tag(s): explorers (64), maps (207)

Use these easy lessons to understand math concepts in Elementary Algebra and Pre-Algebra that many students find difficult to grasp. Use a variety of interactives to bring the concepts to life and provide real practice. Practice exercises include topics such as Numeral Tree, Less or Greater, Equivalent Fractions, and several others. Puzzles and Games include Shapeology, Primary Colors, Equivalence Rings, and more. This site has a lot to explore! Use additional puzzles and activities for extra practice. There are some unobtrusive advertisements at this site.

tag(s): equations (119), factors (29), integers (22)

This site is a searchable database of science quotes from different scientists and philosophers. This site is a basic "plain vanilla" tool, but includes a lot of scientists and philosophers (great for reference and quick research). Searches can be done by keyword, names, or alphabetically. The drawback to the site is that there are some distracting commercial features. Direction would need to be given to younger students on differentiating between advertisements and site content.

tag(s): scientists (62), search engines (50)

Looking for great information on living green and saving the environment? Find great resources here on "Transforming Waste" and "Case Studies." Read posts from professionals in "Points of View." View videos in the "Resources" section. Look under "Classroom Tools" to view student resources by grade and teacher resources by grade, topic, and resources. Caution: the beginning of the site sometimes asks you to participate in a survey. You can hit the "no thanks" button to pass this section.

tag(s): earth (185), earth day (60), environment (240)

This official site for the Scripps National Spelling Bee answers all of your questions about how you and your school can promote good spelling and vocabulary knowledge. Check out all of the links to learn how to study for the Bee, guidelines, and application deadlines. December is the annual deadline for your school's enrollment in the National Bee. This site will have the exact deadline each year. Click on Study Zone to download the Consolidated Word List (a gigantic compilation of 794 pages of words that have been used from 1950 to the present). Your serious competitive spellers will also benefit by exploring Merriam-Webster's Spell It (reviewed here by TeachersFirst).

tag(s): spelling (95)