TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Jun 25, 2023
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
Sports Games - Crazy Games
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
It isn't always possible to participate physically in sports, so Sports Games provides an online option for sports fans. Choose from a large selection of games based on sports, including...more
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It isn't always possible to participate physically in sports, so Sports Games provides an online option for sports fans. Choose from a large selection of games based on sports, including soccer, basketball, BMX racing, and more. Hover any of the game thumbnails to view the title and select it to go to the game's start page. Some games include options for multiple players.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (173), sports (77)
In the Classroom
Before starting a new sports unit in your physical education class, share a corresponding game with students to play at home. Playing games allows students to engage with the latest sport and receive a short introduction to some rules. Also, consider adding games from this site to classroom computers as an indoor recess activity when outdoor activities aren't available.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts - ithrive games
Grades
9 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen...more
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iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen civic and social-emotional learning (SEL). The digital simulations are designed to support student-driven learning, and the student's actions determine the storyline. Students will play as journalists reporting on a breaking story. To get the truth, they need to find credible sources, collaborate with peers, and report the story accurately and without bias. Registration with a school email address is required to play. This game was designed to function within school firewalls. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact your school's IT department. iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis scenario is centered around topics that may be sensitive for some students. Consider offering alternatives or providing extra support if needed.
tag(s): bias (21), game based learning (173), journalism (69), media literacy (96), simulations (7), social and emotional learning (72)
In the Classroom
Engage your high school students with iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts. The game-based simulation includes teacher preparation, pre-simulation, and optional post-simulation activities. The entire simulation takes about two thirty-minute sessions total to play. Teachers should plan for the full simulation and activities to take at least five 45-minute class periods. A complete implementation guide is included. Civics topics include effective sourcing of information, SEL skills include understanding bias and collaboration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Blooket - Blooket LLC
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Blooket is a digital review game built for classroom use. Educators create game sets, and students join on their device to play a variety of game options using the provided ...more
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Blooket is a digital review game built for classroom use. Educators create game sets, and students join on their device to play a variety of game options using the provided code. Games include options for solo or group play. Build sets using your own questions or search Blooket's library to find games created by other educators. Save favorite sets to your account for later use, then duplicate sets and edit to fit your needs when ready to play. Blooket also offers the option to import quizzes directly from Quizlet, reviewed here. As students join a game, they choose a Blook, a character that serves as an avatar. When ready, choose the "host" option to begin play by selecting a game mode and following prompts. Some games offer the ability to assign homework, allowing students to complete the game within the selected time frame.
tag(s): assessment (143), Formative Assessment (66), game based learning (173), gamification (74), quizzes (89), vocabulary (231), vocabulary development (91), worksheets (68)
In the Classroom
Discover and use Blooket's many engaging games as a resource for practicing and reviewing information within any area of content. Use the score results to provide feedback for guiding further lessons. Some games are more fast-paced than others; use this to your advantage by sharing different versions for different groups of students. Use Blooket to differentiate instruction by adjusting the difficulty of question sets based on student abilities. Introduce new content using Blooket as a pre-assessment before starting any new unit. Use Blooket as an ice-breaker or get-to-know-you activity at the start of the school year or at the beginning of a new semester to build comradery within your classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Wordwall - wordwall.net
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Create and customize interactive games and activities with Wordwall's easy to use tools. Choose from many different options, including quizzes, matching games, drag and drop activities,...more
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Create and customize interactive games and activities with Wordwall's easy to use tools. Choose from many different options, including quizzes, matching games, drag and drop activities, and more. After creating an account, choose from shared activities, modify them to fit your needs, and then share them with your students as an assignment or link. Create a new activity by selecting a template and following the directions to add information and images if desired. At the time of this review, free plans offer access to 18 interactives, 15 printables, and the ability to create five resources.
tag(s): assessment (143), game based learning (173), quiz (67), quizzes (89)
In the Classroom
Use the interactive games found at Wordwall to use at computer stations or home to practice skills or prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests. Use the embed code to add your games onto your class website for easy student access. Instead of asking students to memorize dates or events, help them by organizing the information into common features. For example, during a Civil War unit, group together events taking place in different cities to help provide context for students. Include a link to your quizzes on your class webpage or blog for students to practice at any time using the URL or embed code. Enhance technology use and learning by having students create their own Z-A quizzes to share with peers when studying for tests or use as an introduction with class presentations. This quiz generator is also a great resource to use during professional development sessions with your peers. Create a quiz to increase your viewers' interest in your topic as you begin your discussions or as a final activity to review the information shared. Find many more ideas and examples for using WordWall on this curated list.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Educandy - Educandy
Grades
K to 5
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Quickly create and share interactive learning games created from your vocabulary terms using Educandy. Activities include match-up games, memory matches, crossword puzzles, and more....more
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Quickly create and share interactive learning games created from your vocabulary terms using Educandy. Activities include match-up games, memory matches, crossword puzzles, and more. Go to the top right menu and click download the free app. After creating your account, follow the prompts to create a list of words, matching pairs, or quiz questions. When finished, edit or play the game using links found under your activities. Share using the link provided or copy the embed code to embed your game into a website.
tag(s): assessment (143), DAT device agnostic tool (138), game based learning (173), preK (247), quizzes (89), vocabulary (231)
In the Classroom
Use Educandy to create games and practice activities to reinforce vocabulary for any subject. Embed your activities into your website or learning platform for students to use at home. Turn the quiz creation around and ask students to create a list of vocabulary terms and definitions to use within the games. Introduce new vocabulary using Educandy to assess student knowledge at the start of any new unit. Extend student learning after vocabulary practice by having them create infographics, posters, social media posts, or guides with tools found at Canva Edu, reviewed here, using the new vocabulary and your topic of study.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MakeCode Arcade - Microsoft
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Modify or create your retro games with MakeCode Arcade. Resources on the site include coding tutorials, game design concepts, learning outcomes, and courses in coding. Follow the prompts...more
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Modify or create your retro games with MakeCode Arcade. Resources on the site include coding tutorials, game design concepts, learning outcomes, and courses in coding. Follow the prompts within the tutorials to create unique games using drag and drop code blocks. As you become familiar with coding, expand knowledge with Javascript or Python. Share using the links or download onto Microsoft game devices if available.
tag(s): coding (85), computers (101), game based learning (173), Microsoft (81), STEM (243)
In the Classroom
Use Microsoft Arcade to introduce coding to both new and experienced coders. Share some ideas from the site on an interactive whiteboard (or with a projector), then have students experiment on their own. Encourage students who are comfortable with coding to become classroom experts and explain ideas to other students. Enhance their learning by asking them to make recordings using ScreenPal, reviewed here, to share tips, and demonstrate different features of coding. Use this tool with gifted students for a great challenge. Set up a coding activity center for interested students when they finish classwork 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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SplashLearn - StudyPad, Inc
Grades
K to 5
1 Favorites
0 Comments
SplashLearn is a game-based math curriculum for students in grades K-5. As students play games, SplashLearn adapts the learning path to fit individual student responses and interactions...more
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SplashLearn is a game-based math curriculum for students in grades K-5. As students play games, SplashLearn adapts the learning path to fit individual student responses and interactions within the elementary math curriculum. Use the teacher dashboard to manage classes and add students. Other features allow educators to assign material to individual students, add required assessments, and enable home access using parents' email addresses. The site's themes and rewards motivate student learning, students earn coins to use toward the purchase of virtual pets.
Note: This tool is now free for teachers for the premium version and complete access to all its features (no cost).
tag(s): addition (126), decimals (85), division (97), equations (116), fractions (160), game based learning (173), geometric shapes (130), Learning Management Systems (22), measurement (125), multiplication (120), number sense (70), place value (34), subtraction (108)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free games to provide practice and support with your math curriculum. Differentiate learning based on student ability and confidence. Assign content based on students' learning goals. Share this site with parents to provide practice and support of math concepts at home. Use SplashLearn's reports and assessment results to guide your math lesson planning. Share this site along with other math practice activities using a bookmarking tool such as Symbaloo, reviewed here. Share your Symbaloo link with parents and on classroom computers for easy access to all learning tools shared. Use activities found in SplashLearn as part of a blended learning experience using Pear Deck, reviewed here. Include a link to games found on the site along with videos and other learning activities found both online or uploaded from your computer.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Blockly Games - Google
Grades
K to 12
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Learn computer programming with Blockly Games, developed for students who don't have any prior coding experience. Games progress in difficulty starting with a simple puzzle and increase...more
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Learn computer programming with Blockly Games, developed for students who don't have any prior coding experience. Games progress in difficulty starting with a simple puzzle and increase through creating a pond game with text-based programming. Start from the beginning or choose any game to complete activities at your own pace.
tag(s): coding (85), game based learning (173), STEM (243)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the varying levels included with Blockly Games to introduce and develop coding skills with your students. After sharing the site on your interactive whiteboard (or with a projector), add a link to this site on classroom computers for use as a coding center. Include Blockly Games with your other coding resources using a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo EDU, reviewed here, to share links in one single tool. As students learn about coding, enhance technology use by asking them to reflect upon their learning through blogs. Edublogs, reviewed here, is a free blogging platform developed for classroom use. Modify technology use by asking students to include screenshots of their work and discuss their problem-solving tips as they work through the different levels of coding skills. Use a screenshot tool such as Awesome Screenshot, reviewed here. As students become more proficient in using code, ask them to create their own games using Blockly, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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oodlu - Wayne Holmes and Douglas Lapsley
Grades
2 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Create learning games for use on any device using oodlu. Sign up for a free account to begin creating question sets. Take advantage of many different question formats including sequencing,...more
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Create learning games for use on any device using oodlu. Sign up for a free account to begin creating question sets. Take advantage of many different question formats including sequencing, multiple choice, and fill in the blank. Optional features provide the ability to add different forms of feedback to guide students when making incorrect choices. When finished, share the code with students to access the learning games. Students sign in using their username, password, and the code provided. As students complete activities, they earn award badges. Use the teacher dashboard to review and monitor student achievements. Free accounts include an unlimited number of students and questions.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (138), flash cards (42), game based learning (173), gamification (74)
In the Classroom
Use oodlu to differentiate learning in your classroom. Assign questions sets to different groups of learners according to their specific needs. Be sure to show students how to log in and access questions (if your class is remote learning, show students the log in, etc. by using a video conference room such as Zoom, reviewed here, and then include a link to the site on your class webpage for students to play at home. At the end of your unit, enhance learning and augment technology use by asking students to plan a multimedia presentation using a tool like Milanote, reviewed here, where you can turn your notes into a storyboard for this project! Extend learning and modify technology use by having students use the Storyboard to create a multimedia presentation with a tool like Sway, reviewed here, to share their learning. Have students include text, images, videos, and a link to oodlu learning games in the Sway.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gimkit - Josh Feinsilber
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Gimkit is a quiz learning game for students and teachers, created and maintained by students. After signing up, you begin by creating "kits" (live learning games) to create quizzes....more
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Gimkit is a quiz learning game for students and teachers, created and maintained by students. After signing up, you begin by creating "kits" (live learning games) to create quizzes. Create from scratch, import an existing quiz from Quizlet or a CSV file, or copy quizzes from the Gimkit gallery to modify for your use. Follow the prompts to add questions, four answer choices, and add an image if desired. Add class rosters and assign kits for student completion within a specific time frame. Students complete quizzes at their own pace within the due date. As they complete quizzes, students earn money to reinvest in Gimkit upgrades that align with their strengths. Use your Gimkit dashboard to view student progress and earnings and additional formative data. Free accounts provide all core features and the ability to create unlimited kits. There is also a restriction on how many players (5) can join your live game.
tag(s): assessment (143), collaboration (87), game based learning (173), gamification (74), polls and surveys (46), quizzes (89)
In the Classroom
Use Gimkit as a formative assessment tool for all subjects. Create pretests and allow students to opt out of some introductory assignments and choose other options like research projects or multimedia presentations. If you want to share a quiz as a class, project a quiz onto your interactive whiteboard and discuss question options together. Use the data collected from student quizzes to guide instruction both individually and for whole groups. Don't forget to take advantage of already created quizzes found on the site and available to import from Quizlet! For the live game student limit, try having Gimkit at a "center" or "station" that students rotate through over a week.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Baamboozle - baamboozle.com
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
Baamboozle is a quick and easy-to-use tool for playing and creating games. It doesn't require registration to play. Choose the "Games" link to go to all games saved on Baamboozle. ...more
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Baamboozle is a quick and easy-to-use tool for playing and creating games. It doesn't require registration to play. Choose the "Games" link to go to all games saved on Baamboozle. Scroll through to view games, or search for a term. Divide the group into two teams and begin play. Each team chooses a number from the game board and answers the question. Check for accuracy; then, Baamboozle keeps track of scores. Use games found on the site, or create games on any device. Registration with email is necessary to create your own games.
tag(s): flash cards (42), game based learning (173), preK (247)
In the Classroom
Save Baamboozle in your bag of tricks for a quick review of any content. Engage students by having them create games to share with the class when reviewing for quizzes and tests. Bring excitement to professional development by creating a Baamboozle with materials you are sharing. Be sure to provide a link to Baamboozle games on your class website for students to play at home. Use Baamboozle if your class is remote learningAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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GooseChase edu - Andrew Cross
Grades
3 to 12
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Organize and run a scavenger hunt with GooseChase! Sign up for an account to begin creating games. Add your own missions to games or use missions available on the site. ...more
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Organize and run a scavenger hunt with GooseChase! Sign up for an account to begin creating games. Add your own missions to games or use missions available on the site. Determine point values for completion and optional links or images to provide additional information. Choose to allow participants to submit validation of completion through photos or videos that you can see in real-time. Once your game is set up (using any computer or device with Internet access), invite participants to begin play through a mobile device. Download the free apps for any mobile device through the Google Play Store or iTunes. GooseChase now has free basic plans for teachers where you can have unlimited games (Experiences) and have 5 teams per Experience, however, it allows only team Experiences.
tag(s): creativity (91), DAT device agnostic tool (138), game based learning (173), gamification (74)
In the Classroom
Use GooseChase in your classroom as part of your project based learning activities. Assign a series of activities to groups for completion. Differentiate projects based on student interest and ability. Use one of the many educational games already in the library to see great examples of how to use GooseChase for any subject area. GooseChase would be an excellent addition to staff meetings. Have participants locate information on websites, textbooks, or throughout your school as part of professional development. Create a GooseChase for students as part of a nature walk outside of your school, ask younger students to find different geometric shapes, or have students draw pictures of main characters in books as part of a GooseChase mission.Edge Features:
Includes an education-only area for teachers and students
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
Requires download/installation of software
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ABCya - ABCYA.com, l.l.c,
Grades
K to 6
12 Favorites
0 Comments
ABCya.com, created by a web developer turned computer teacher, provides educational games, videos, and activities for elementary students. Nearly every subject is included. Simply click...more
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ABCya.com, created by a web developer turned computer teacher, provides educational games, videos, and activities for elementary students. Nearly every subject is included. Simply click on your grade level (K-5) and find what is available under language arts, math, and other subjects. Specific topics range from basic typing activities to creating word clouds to grammar games (at all levels) and so much more. The interactives are teacher approved and offer colorful and attention grabbing ways for learning. Opportunities for sharing on Facebook, tweeting, and sharing on social bookmarking sites are incorporated. This is a MUST SEE site for elementary teachers looking for some great practice sites for basic skills!
tag(s): alphabet (48), decimals (85), drawing (62), fractions (160), game based learning (173), geometric shapes (130), keyboarding (29), latitude (9), literacy (103), longitude (9), number sense (70), numbers (120), operations (74), preK (247)
In the Classroom
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector, demonstrate how to use the specific tool/activity. Create a learning center on your whiteboard or on individual laptops and allow students to try it out on their own. List this as a student and parent resource on your classroom website. Use this site to informally assess skills to tell you which students to allow to do alternative work or go ahead. Allow your gifted students to explore new concepts while providing necessary reinforcement for those learners that need a technology-inspired method to help master learning goals. This is an excellent tool for differentiating. Provide as an anticipatory guide for new units.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Arcademic Skill Builders - Arcademics
Grades
1 to 9
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Looking for engaging interactives for math, language arts, geography, and even more? Look no further than this colorful site. These activities are great ways to build skills and work...more
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Looking for engaging interactives for math, language arts, geography, and even more? Look no further than this colorful site. These activities are great ways to build skills and work on math and language arts concepts for all students. The activities are divided into multi-player and single-player games in such categories as "Addition and Subtraction," "Multiplication and Division," and "Fraction and Ratios." There are also language arts interactives! After signing up, enroll your students in the Free membership, assign games, and keep track of student progress. Arcademics uses HTML5, so you can use any device with a web browser. Find apps for Android and iOS, too. HTML5 allows students to play together from any device, anywhere; this means students can play some of the games with classes around the world. Talk about collaboration! Need help? See the step by step instructions for troubleshooting available at the FAQ link. Access information for grade levels, subjects, and more across the top of the website. To choose a game, roll your mouse over it to see its title, then click. Read the quick introduction to understand the activity. Provide direction in whether students should enter a player name or use the randomly generated name from the site. Choose to play a new game or join an existing game. Create a private game if you wish, which requires password creation. No email address or personal information is required for these excellent practice activities. There is a subscription (at a cost) offer for this site. This review is for the free portion of this resource "The free Arcademics Basic includes student powerups and achieivements, but no data analysis."
This site includes advertising.
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tag(s): addition (126), collaboration (87), DAT device agnostic tool (138), division (97), fractions (160), game based learning (173), multiplication (120), ratios (48), subtraction (108), verbs (27), vision (45), vowels (6)
In the Classroom
Use these games for individual practice for students who need extra help. The instant feedback provides great learning opportunities for students and builds confidence. Group students in multi-player games that is engaging and interactive. Focus on students' honing skills, building confidence and working together as a group of learners. Use these activities with an interactive whiteboard or projector to elicit large group participation or when computers are limited. Provide this link on your class website, for students to access both in and out of the classroom. The instant feedback for students and keeping track of student progress makes Arcademic Skill Builders perfect for remote learning or the blended classroom! Extend student learning by having students use Flip, reviewed here, to ask clarification questions and to reflect on their learning. Require students to comment on their peers questions and reflections.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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