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Snappy Words-Free Visual Online Dictionary - Snappy Words.com
Grades
2 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Snappy Words visual dictionary is an easy-to-use online interactive English dictionary and thesaurus. It provides the meanings of words or phrases, generates synonyms, and draws...more
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Snappy Words visual dictionary is an easy-to-use online interactive English dictionary and thesaurus. It provides the meanings of words or phrases, generates synonyms, and draws connections to associated words. Simply type a word in the search box and click "GO." Instantly you will see a word map. An extra built in feature is the words in the visual interactive display are color coded according to parts of speech. Look up as many words as you need anytime; there is no limit on the number of searches and no registration is required. As with most online tools, teacher monitoring is strongly advised.
tag(s): maps (292), parts of speech (67), speech (92), thesaurus (24)
In the Classroom
Teachers and students on all grade levels will love usingSnappy Words for all subjects. Demonstrate it on your classroom whiteboard or projector, bookmark it in your favorites, and make it directly available to students from your class webpage. Elementary students will enjoy defining their spelling words or content area vocabulary. They can categorize their words by parts of speech or create a list of synonyms. Students can then create their own word "maps" for new vocabulary words using drawing tools or online graphic organizers like bubbl.us, reviewed here. Middle school, high school and adult learners can use it as a valuable tool for vocabulary specific to a literary work or subject area, preparing for a standardized test, or while reading assigned material or a book, poem, or article of choice. Whether you are writing content for an article, a blog, a letter, or any assignment, minimize this website and play with words to avoid repetition, choose precise meanings and kick your vocabulary up a notch! Share this one on your class web page, for sure.
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Maths is Fun - Rod Pierce
Grades
3 to 9
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Math is Fun when you visit this website that is loaded with games, activities and much more! Math activities are divided into topics such as Algebra, Data, Games, Dictionaries, Worksheets,...more
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Math is Fun when you visit this website that is loaded with games, activities and much more! Math activities are divided into topics such as Algebra, Data, Games, Dictionaries, Worksheets, and more. After choosing a topic there are several choices for appropriate activities within the category. The teachers page has links to many virtual manipulatives, puzzles, speed math and other classroom activities. All activities contain an explanation and solution to the puzzle. Although this site may appear as another "drill and kill" site, is also has a lot of extra features and activities included. If you are a math teacher, this is definitely a site worth taking a look at.
tag(s): logic (237), measurement (160), problem solving (272)
In the Classroom
Use the teacher's page on the interactive whiteboard or projector to demonstrate math concepts such as symmetry, tessellations, and basic algebra concepts. Assign activities and games to students and let them become the expert in one topic. Use the illustrated math dictionary provided on the site as an example and create a class math dictionary of concepts learned. Have students share their new math term on the class wiki. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries - check out the TeachersFirst's Wiki Walk-Through. This may also be a site that you want to include on your class website for students to use both in and out of the classroom.
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Puzzle Playground - Smart Kit
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This site includes many different types of puzzle and brain games that will keep students motivated throughout the school year! There is a TON to offer at this site. ...more
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This site includes many different types of puzzle and brain games that will keep students motivated throughout the school year! There is a TON to offer at this site. Start out easy with a memory match game, move on to strategy activities and work your way toward the Physics Puzzle activity. Interactives are sorted into categories such as word puzzles, logic, spot the difference, and much more.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): logic (237), problem solving (272), puzzles (207)
In the Classroom
This site is ideal to use on classroom computers as a center. Students will think they are playing games; however, they are really expanding their logic and problem solving skills through the interactive activities. This is a great site to list on your class webpage, for students to access both in and out of the classroom. For a bonus/extra credit challenge, ask students to FIND connections between a game and topics/concepts they have been studying and to explain the connections while demonstrating the game on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Hint: start with the Physics challenge.
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Algebra Meltdown - Manga High
Grades
3 to 8
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Practice basic linear algebra with this interactive site where the players help scientists working at a nuclear generator. The scientists are impatient, so you have to be quick to solve...more
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Practice basic linear algebra with this interactive site where the players help scientists working at a nuclear generator. The scientists are impatient, so you have to be quick to solve the equations to guide the atoms through each machine on time. Be sure to check out the achievements section which provides information on math skills used at each level. There are some unobtrusive advertisements at this site. You can play without joining or register for a free, basic school account to save some scores.
In the Classroom
Have a team competition on the interactive whiteboard or projector and challenge students to move on to higher levels. Students who aren't playing will still be learning as they try to solve problems along with the players. Use the activity as an introduction to algebra skills included in the interactive, such as multiplying and dividing with negatives. Challenge students to come up with the formulas for multiplying and dividing negatives based on correct responses in the activity.
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Tangram House - Andrey Orlov
Grades
2 to 8
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Tangrams are a form of old Chinese puzzles that provide the opportunity for developing spatial sense and problem solving skills. Tangram House provides choices of tangram puzzles to...more
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Tangrams are a form of old Chinese puzzles that provide the opportunity for developing spatial sense and problem solving skills. Tangram House provides choices of tangram puzzles to solve using the seven basic pieces that form a square. Hints can be turned on for beginning users. The activity can also be downloaded in a zip file to play when not connected to the internet. Be sure to click on the Help and Settings icon to learn more about how to flip, turn, and rotate the tangram pieces.
tag(s): tangrams (14)
In the Classroom
Introduce on your interactive whiteboard or projector when beginning a geometry unit on shapes and vocabulary such as turn, flip and rotation. Challenge students to discuss how shapes are moved to form tangrams. Provide this link on your class website for students to use at home. This site is great for younger gifted students!
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Plastelina Logic Games
Grades
3 to 8
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Test your logic and patience with these interactive logic games. Plastelina offers the option of registration and payment for a password which allows access to all of the activities...more
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Test your logic and patience with these interactive logic games. Plastelina offers the option of registration and payment for a password which allows access to all of the activities on the site; however, many are free and can be played without registration. Free interactives are clearly marked next to the titles. At the time of this review, five activities were FREE.
In the Classroom
Have a team competition as students use the site on an interactive whiteboard or projector and try to see who can solve the puzzles first. Use the puzzles as a quick time filler and revisit on occasion until the puzzle is solved.
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LEGO Education Activities - LEGO Education
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Lego Education Activities are designed to be rich, fun-filled, creative learning experiences. They offer educators a means to use LEGO sets as essential tools that engage students while...more
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Lego Education Activities are designed to be rich, fun-filled, creative learning experiences. They offer educators a means to use LEGO sets as essential tools that engage students while challenging their creativity and enhancing their knowledge and comprehension. As a thinking teacher, you only need to look on the Teachersfirst Editor's Blog here to realize what a hot topic teaching creativity is and how it fits into the classroom. From role-playing and meeting the needs of early childhood development to theme-based sets for older students, LEGO Activities offer a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching. There are also specific sets designed to cover specific subject areas, including technology curriculum. As you browse the activities, you will find obvious connections to curriculum in simple machines and other science topics, as well. Stay current and find a lot more stimulating ideas by checking out the LEGO Education and LEGO Smart Blogs available from theLego Education Activities page.
tag(s): creativity (119), critical thinking (111), logic (237), problem solving (272)
In the Classroom
Expose your students to different levels of the learning spiral by challenging them to use problem-solving skills for increasingly difficult obstacles. Students can work in small groups to foster cooperation and teamwork as they sort, graph, follow and give directions, and discuss ideas. Of course you will need some LEGOs, so you might try raiding your own children's toy boxes, include a request in your classroom newsletter for donations, look around for LEGO kits collecting dust on classroom shelves, or put it on your school's PTA wish list. Be sure to have cooperative learning groups video their activities to share with the rest of the class using a site such as SchoolTube (reviewed here).
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Gymnasium For Brain - Sitalakshmi Seshadrinathan
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
The goal of this site is to make Math fun and provide mental exercise and stimulation. 100's of warm-up puzzles are provided that require logic and problem solving to come ...more
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The goal of this site is to make Math fun and provide mental exercise and stimulation. 100's of warm-up puzzles are provided that require logic and problem solving to come up with a solution. Hints are provided as well as the solution. The Speed Math section demonstrates different "tricks" as alternatives to standard algorithms in a detailed explanation. Another section demonstrates different Math patterns and how they are formed and expanded. The Kids Corner provides simpler problem solving activities for younger students. Free membership to the site is available.
tag(s): logic (237), problem solving (272)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a resource for a problem of the day activity. Challenge students to solve and provide explanations to logic puzzles and create their own problems. Display on the interactive whiteboard or projector as a springboard to class discussion of the Mathematics involved within each of the problems.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lesson: Life After Trash - Teach Engineering
Grades
6 to 9
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Great for a foundations of science class or middle level environmental science class, use this activity to have students "get their hands dirty" solving real life problems with real...more
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Great for a foundations of science class or middle level environmental science class, use this activity to have students "get their hands dirty" solving real life problems with real life activities. Life After Trash is an excellent lesson for having students think beyond the obvious uses of everyday products. Concepts such as landfills, the three R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle), and basic environmental awareness are partnered with the skills of working in groups, critical thinking, and problem solving to create an interesting and fun classroom activity. There is little cost (if any) to doing the lab.
tag(s): critical thinking (111), engineering (126), problem solving (272)
In the Classroom
A week or so before conducting this simulation activity, ask students to bring in recyclables and clean trash from home. This will cut down on the amount of trash you need to collect, and it will add variety to the supplies. Set up the activity by talking about trash, where it comes from and where it goes. Discuss better alternatives for trash "disposal" such as recycling and reusing. Have students think of obvious reuses for materials and then explain that there are other alternatives to obvious uses. Introduce the activity and basic rules and safety to the students. Arrange them in groups of three or four and then allow them to "shop" the classroom "landfill" to create new things out of old trash. Follow up with discussion of group products, uses, and real life applications of this idea such as recycled art.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MathSlice
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
The mission of MathSlice is to provide interactives and worksheets for elementary aged children; however this site contains much more. Basic math worksheets are available in many different...more
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The mission of MathSlice is to provide interactives and worksheets for elementary aged children; however this site contains much more. Basic math worksheets are available in many different areas of math concepts beginning with addition going up through scientific notation and percentages. In addition, there are links to ipad games that teach math skills. Many other interactives are available on the site including math millionaire, scrabble, connect 4 and dozens more. In addition to Math, there are activities for Geography, science, music, early literacy, and Spanish.
tag(s): light (49), logic (237), puzzles (207), sight words (37), sound (103), worksheets (61)
In the Classroom
Display games on the interactive whiteboard or projector for students during indoor recess times. Allow students to try the interactives during computer time to reinforce current concepts taught. This is a great link to post on your class website for students (and parents) to try at home.
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Brain Den
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
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Brain Den offers a variety of brainteasers to test logic skills. Brainteasers, games, and puzzles range from geometry to algebra to paradoxes to optical illusions. Although most of...more
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Brain Den offers a variety of brainteasers to test logic skills. Brainteasers, games, and puzzles range from geometry to algebra to paradoxes to optical illusions. Although most of this site isn't highly interactive, it does offer a wide variety of brainteasers for nearly all ages. This is a great site for gifted students. *Advise students to ignore the advertisements.
tag(s): brain (70), logic (237), optical illusions (13), puzzles (207)
In the Classroom
Enrich gifted students' learning by having them explore the puzzles and teasers on this site. Try having students solve the geometry puzzles or algebra puzzles and then ask them to present their solution to classmates using a multimedia presentation. Challenge students to create a video and share using a site such as SchoolTube, reviewed here. Students could also try to create their own puzzles. Share the puzzles on an online, interactive poster using Lucidpress, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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fastr - a flickr game - random chaos
Grades
3 to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
Guess what a group of photos have in common with this simple game that draws from flickr images. The game shows a group of images, and you must guess what ...more
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Guess what a group of photos have in common with this simple game that draws from flickr images. The game shows a group of images, and you must guess what "tag" the images have in common.
tag(s): flexibility (5), images (276), vocabulary (325)
In the Classroom
Share a fastr game on your projector or interactive whiteboard to get the mental juices flowing at the start of class. Build word choice vocabulary for speech/language students or ESL/ELL students as they guess what word the photos have in common. Extend the experience by having students create their own groups of images (perhaps even taking their own with a digital camera) to support a curriculum concept, such as "omnivore" or "well." Use this tool in combination with a Flickr search tool such as FlickrCC reviewed here to help students understand tagging and see how an unusual combination of images can share the same tag.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Word Mayhem - Learning Planet
Grades
4 to 8
8 Favorites
0 Comments
Students can challenge their word knowledge while competing in this sixty-second, multi-media vocabulary game. Players must work quickly to click or type letters to create words from...more
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Students can challenge their word knowledge while competing in this sixty-second, multi-media vocabulary game. Players must work quickly to click or type letters to create words from a set of scrambled letters. Points are awarded based on word length, with opportunities to increase your score by deciphering scrambled words based on definitions. When the winner is revealed, the game and timer automatically reset with another chance to compete.
tag(s): game based learning (112), vocabulary (325), vocabulary development (125)
In the Classroom
Word Mayhem is a wise choice for a quick, easy to try, vocabulary development and reinforcement activity. The instructions are simplistic and students can compete against themselves or other players. When students are working on individual technology based assignments in the classroom or computer lab, this is a good link to make accessible to keep them on task and engaged when they finish the assignment a few minutes before the end of the period.
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Wordslide
Grades
2 to 7
3 Favorites
0 Comments
How many words can you make from a given set of letters? Wordslide lets your find out. This easy to use interactive provides you with a list of letters and ...more
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How many words can you make from a given set of letters? Wordslide lets your find out. This easy to use interactive provides you with a list of letters and a tower of blank squares for each of the word combinations. As you find a word it is added to the tower until finding all combinations. You can play alone as a visitor or there is an option to register to play against other users. Registration allows you to also keep your own scores and possibly be listed in the hall of fame. Registration only requires a username and password. No email address is necessary. Warning - registration also allows access to a chat forum about the game that isn't always monitored.
In the Classroom
This is a great 5-minute activity when you don't have time to start a new lesson. Have a student "emcee" use it on your interactive whiteboard or projector to challenge the class to find all of the word combinations. Discuss the words created to demonstrate spelling and phonics patterns found.
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Luminosity - Brain Games - Lumos Labs Inc.
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Brain Games is a site that allows you to train your brain in fun and easy ways. In as little as 10 minutes a day you can train your brain ...more
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Brain Games is a site that allows you to train your brain in fun and easy ways. In as little as 10 minutes a day you can train your brain to improve memory and attention. What a great life skill tool to share with students! Some examples of activities include attention games to help with focus, memory games to help with recall, problem solving games to help with logical reasoning, flexibility games to help with verbal fluency, and numerous others.
tag(s): brain (70), psychology (64)
In the Classroom
What a great way to give kids a brain break while still keeping them focused. This site can be used on an interactive whiteboard or projector with the whole class. Psychology classes may want to investigate the games and how/why they might affect memory and brain function. The website is also a great tool to use as a center or to provide a student reward. Some of the games do not require a sign in but others do. Teachers could create a class login that students could use to access the additional games.
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iPlay Math Games - IPMG Publishing
Grades
K to 12
8 Favorites
0 Comments
This website has a comprehensive collection of printable math games for all grade levels. Some require common items such as dice and playing cards. Activities are organized by grade...more
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This website has a comprehensive collection of printable math games for all grade levels. Some require common items such as dice and playing cards. Activities are organized by grade level and skills. A wide variety of math skills include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percents, algebra and long division, measurement, graphing and exponents, problem solving, geometry, probability, logic and reasoning, numeration, counting and patterns.
tag(s): logic (237), manipulatives (37), patterns (85), percent (82), probability (130)
In the Classroom
This site will give you a bevy of activity options for your students to try in the classroom to support their learning. Use these activities to plan a Math Night for parents, homework help, embed a link in your classroom website, or send out as an attachment with electronic class newsletters.
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New York Times Mathematics Lesson Plans - New York Times
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Tie math and reading into a neat little package in this convenient lesson plan page from the New York Times. With the daunting task of trying to have students see ...more
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Tie math and reading into a neat little package in this convenient lesson plan page from the New York Times. With the daunting task of trying to have students see the connection between algebra techniques and the real world, this tool is a must-have in the math teacher's arsenal. The site provides clear lesson plans that only require a quick read before implementing, along with links to different Times content.
tag(s): charts and graphs (196), statistics (124)
In the Classroom
Use the lessons found on this page to enhance mathematics class curriculum. Have students work on activities independently on laptops in class. If computer access is limited, print out activities and have students work in groups on calculations and guide them using the interactive whiteboard or projector. This also provides the automatic connection between real life and the math strategies and concepts. Take advantage of these timely topics. Be sure to save this site in your favorites and check back often for some fresh ideas.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Break It Down! - Science Net Links
Grades
4 to 8
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Break It Down is a simple game showing a machine working as a system, including elements of simple machines. It is a fairly easy game to master. Read the instructions ...more
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Break It Down is a simple game showing a machine working as a system, including elements of simple machines. It is a fairly easy game to master. Read the instructions provided. You may want to turn down the volume if multiple computers are using this game at once or just to save your sanity.
tag(s): machines (30), simple machines (37)
In the Classroom
Introduce this challenge on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Students could use this activity as practice or enrichment during science computer labs or when assigned work is complete. Challenge individual students (or pairs) to see who can complete the activity (successfully) in the shortest amount of time. Ask student groups to write an explanation of the physics of how the system works once they successfully complete it.
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Sliding Block Puzzle Page - Nick Baxter
Grades
1 to 12
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Challenge basic counting skills and problem solving using classic sliding puzzles. Not only will you find numerical sliding puzzles, but also colorful shape puzzles. Java applets make...more
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Challenge basic counting skills and problem solving using classic sliding puzzles. Not only will you find numerical sliding puzzles, but also colorful shape puzzles. Java applets make an interactive version of each puzzle appear below the "goal" you are trying to reach. There is also a targeted number of moves to reach the goal. There are many different types of puzzles, some more familiar than others. Be sure to be patient as puzzles load. Sometimes the interactive (drag to slide) portion does not appear right away.
In the Classroom
Share these puzzles on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) as a mind-bending challenge. Help students develop problem-solving skills such as thinking several steps ahead by offering the link on your class web page. Higher level and gifted math students can try to determine a formula for calculating the number of moves it may take to solve a puzzle. Give awards to students who accomplish the "goal" in the stated number of moves, then ask them to explain their strategy or think aloud as they repeat it on an interactive whiteboard. Offer a puzzle club for your mathematical/logical thinkers or simply develop visual thinking skills by sharing these challenges.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Armored Penguin - Armored Penguin
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Create puzzles and other word games using this resource. Puzzle types include Word Search, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bagels (Interactive Logic Game,) and Math worksheets among others....more
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Create puzzles and other word games using this resource. Puzzle types include Word Search, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bagels (Interactive Logic Game,) and Math worksheets among others. There are also quotes, illusions, and more. Creating a log in is not required. Puzzles created remain for two months and can be saved as a pdf file on your computer. Many puzzles are already permanently archived and can be found by looking through the categories. Don't miss many holiday and calendar-event puzzles! Search puzzles of the day to find new and interesting puzzles to use. Printable puzzle versions from this site require Adobe Reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): holidays (152), logic (237), puzzles (207), vocabulary (325)
In the Classroom
Need a puzzle to reinforce the words in a particular unit? You may find one already created. If not, it is simple to create and save to your computer or share by URL (remember the online version is saved for two months). Use the "Quotes" page for great quotes of the day, the "Illusions" page for optical illusions, or the "Fresh Words" page to see what words can be made from a word, phrase, or collection of letters. Have cooperative learning groups create their own puzzle pages for a topic that they are researching or learning about in class and use them to challenge their classmates or another section of the course. Have students create puzzles as a cost-free, printable gift for families on special occasions such as Mother's Day.
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