TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Nov 27, 2016
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
FreeCodeCamp - Quincy Larson
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): careers (139), coding (87), computational thinking (41), computers (105), critical thinking (112), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Browse through the menu of activities in each of the certifications to find lessons for stand-alone topics such as adding images to websites or working with different HTML features. Sign up isn't necessary to view lessons, only to save progress when working through certifications. Share FreeCodeCamp with students who have an interest in coding and computers. Encourage students to complete certifications to include with college applications. Share with students who may not have an interest in college, but have an interest in computers, coding, and gaming.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!).
Girls Who Code - Reshma Saujani
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): coding (87), communities (36), computers (105), critical thinking (112), logic (163), women (136)
In the Classroom
Share this site with your school's administration or anyone willing to consider leading an after-school computer program for girls and ask them to become a sponsor. Be sure to share information on the Summer Immersion Program with your high school guidance counselor and technology teachers as an excellent opportunity for interested students.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!).
CodeHow - CodeNow.org
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): coding (87), computers (105), creativity (92), critical thinking (112), logic (163), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Share CodeHow tutorials with students interested in coding and computer programming. Share with your school's technology teacher for use with advanced students or after-school computer clubs. Consider asking technology leaders in your community to speak to students with specific tips and advice for learning how to code.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 (87), computational thinking (41), computers (105), critical thinking (112), game based learning (171), gamification (74), 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!).
Code Hunt - Microsoft Research
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): coding (87), computers (105), critical thinking (112), engineering (117), Microsoft (84), problem solving (225), STEM (259)
In the Classroom
Learning to code is an opportunity to teach students to think and problem solve, and coding is a critical digital literacy skill for the future. Create a recess/lunch time or after school coding club for students to access the site. Challenge students to write stories to accompany each level of code they complete as they play Code Hunt. Provide an environment for students to collaborate to solve the levels such as a collaborative learning center.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!).
Google CS First - Google
Grades
5 to 9tag(s): animation (61), coding (87), computational thinking (41), critical thinking (112), digital storytelling (142), gamification (74), musical notation (35), problem solving (225), social media (53), sports (78), stories and storytelling (40)
In the Classroom
Create a club in your classroom as part of your STEM activities, as a lunch/recess club, or an at-home activity for students. Use the flyers and presentation materials provided to create interest in the club. Differentiate clubs by student interests and abilities. Share Google CS First with your school's media or tech leader as an excellent resource for teaching coding. This site is perfect for those who want to learn more about coding, but have some hesitancy since all materials from creating a group through the lessons are free. If you still have some doubts, enlist the services of a tech-savvy high school student to help with activities as part of their volunteering requirements.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!).
Pencil Code Gym - David Bau
Grades
K to 12tag(s): coding (87), computational thinking (41), critical thinking (112), digital storytelling (142), drawing (60), geometric shapes (135), musical notation (35), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
Create a link on classroom computers for use as centers. Use the text options for students to use with digital storytelling. This site is perfect for differentiating different levels of coding skills. Allow students to explore at their own pace, then share their creations with classmates. Extend learning by challenging students or groups to create videos explaining their creations using Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Be sure to add a link to your class website for students to practice at home.Comments
Great resource for all ages, more appropriate for middle school and above.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!).
Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation - Kahn Academy
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): animation (61), coding (87), computers (105), critical thinking (112), problem solving (225)
In the Classroom
The course is self-paced, so differentiation is easy. Explain to students that coding is a critical skill in today's tech-filled world and will be a valuable skill in the job market. Compare coding to just another "world language." Put a link to this tool on a class website, blog, or wiki. Look for more ways to use coding in the classroom on the TeachersFirst's Coding in the Classroom page, here. Make JS part of science inquiry or math logic in any classroom. Besides the intrinsic factors that come with learning to code, students will be motivated by badges. Set up a coding activity center for interested students when they finish class work or for rainy days and snow days. Coding is an excellent way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use this site as homework, a classroom center, or in a lab setting.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