Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This website includes a stunning collection of over thirty videos and essays from women who contribute to NASA's mission in many different ways. The stated goal for the site is "we hope that these stories will inspire girls everywhere to reach for the stars, and explore the myriad of opportunities available to them through pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics." Each story includes a biography, story, and video about the woman highlighted. Stories include information about their background, academic degrees, current work, and future goals with NASA. The site includes a blog, Twitter feeds, and a Facebook page which you can subscribe to. The videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): careers (135), scientists (62), space (209), STEM (245), women (116)

This site has been created to identify wildlife and environmental issues in Canada. It is a must-see for those looking for information on animals and useful to teachers in any country! The species portion of the site contains information on hundreds of animals divided into categories such as birds, insects, etc. After selecting a category, a list of animals included is shown. After choosing an animal, a fact sheet is provided. Each fact sheet includes a description, habitat information, range, feeding, breeding, resources, and conservation information. All of this information has access to a link for easy printing. Don't miss the neat videos located at "Who Tube." There is also an extensive section for educators with projects, lessons, and curriculum information that can be easily adapted for any classroom need.

tag(s): animal homes (54), animals (271), environment (233), habitats (87)

This interactive was intended for woodworkers but works very well in Geometry class. The activity works by showing you a series of geometric figures that need to be adjusted a bit to make them correct. A square highlights the point that needs to be moved or adjusted. Use the mouse to drag the blue square or arrowhead where you feel it is 'right.' Once you let go of the mouse, the computer evaluates your move, so don't let up on the mouse button until you are sure. The 'correct' geometry is also shown in green, so you can see where you went wrong. You will be see each challenge three times. The table to the right shows your score ach time. You can compare your score to the last 500 players or to your last best score.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): angles (50), geometric shapes (130), puzzles (143)

Looking for an alternative site to one you are unable to access or use? Use SimilarSites to search types of sites and read recommended replacements. View the title, description, and click on the URL to go directly to the site. Click on review to provide a review of the original site being compared. While older students can use this site themselves, teachers of younger students could also find this tool useful as a professional resource to find sources/replacements. The site uses the keywording that site creators provide and other metadata to find the "similar" sites.

tag(s): search engines (49)

This site offers free book making activities -- the old fashioned way with paper and art supplies. Of particular interest is the project titled Making Books around the World in which students can make slat books, palm leaf books, accordion books, "papyrus" scrolls, and cloth books of many types. Tips for teachers make the book making projects accessible. Book plans are also available in Spanish.

tag(s): artists (76), book reports (27), creative writing (119)