Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Poll Maker makes it easy to create and share polls in just a few seconds without requiring registration. Add your question and response choices in the blanks provided; options allow you to find and add images to both the question and the responses if desired. Additional tabs provide options for selecting and customizing a theme and personalizing settings. Setting options include security features, multiple answers as responses, and selections to hide or show results. Advanced settings allow you to set the start and end dates of polls. When ready to share your poll, copy and share the link, copy and paste the embed code onto a website, or invite users to your poll via email. Registration isn't required; however, it allows you to create and manage additional polls and view hidden results.

tag(s): data (151), Formative Assessment (74), polls and surveys (49), questioning (36), quizzes (90)

Spinner Wheel isn't just your ordinary customizable spinner; it offers the ability to include several spinners to use simultaneously. Add spinners and customize colors, text, select images, and themes. Customize backgrounds by color or select images from Unsplash, reviewed here. Creating an account isn't necessary, but it allows you to save and share wheels. Scroll down the page for complete directions and a selection of examples shared for inspiration on using this resource. .

tag(s): preK (271), probability (99), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (198)

Create and share data with the different GIF formats offered by Google News Lab. Choose from the three theme options - rectangles, circles, or racetrack to begin. Follow the prompts to add a title and data values. Add data as a percentage or numerical values then customize your GIF by selecting from different color options. When finished, save as an HQ (high quality) or LQ (low quality) GIF. Once created, save the GIF to your computer or share using the provided link.

tag(s): data (151), images (263)

This site is an undertaking of the University of Minnesota to develop a citizen science project including volunteers from around the country to share long-term data on monarch butterfly populations and their milkweed habitat. Sign up and share your data, or explore the site to learn more about monarch butterflies. The site includes monitoring data from around the US, training information, and ongoing updates and newsletters.

tag(s): animal homes (57), butterflies (13), citizen science (27), data (151), habitats (92), insects (69)

Create impressive, interactive presentations, images, infographics, charts, and anything else with Genially. Easily insert maps, surveys, video, audio, and more. AI features include a background remover and AI-powered text editing. Choose the type of project you want to create to see the templates available, then select from the free plan templates. Project options include game templates, options to create interactive images, infographics, and slides, eLearning templates, and much more. Genially is an all-in-one tool that will soon become your go-to tool for creating visual content. All your projects are stored in the cloud, making collaboration a cinch! Register for the free account with email or a Google or Facebook account, and then start creating! A Genially must be saved to share. Share creations from your dashboard on different social networks, copying and pasting a link, using an HTML code to embed it in a website/blog, or sending it directly by email. Click the arrow to the right of your account icon to find Help (FAQs), a blog, and tutorials (Tour). Free education accounts include a workspace for unlimited student accounts, live collaboration with your class, 1 GB of storage, and access to over 1,000 free templates. Note: Genially changed its domain name from .ly to .com. Your content will NOT be affected. However, you will want to change this in your bookmarks.
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tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), charts and graphs (171), communication (129), digital storytelling (154), gamification (83), images (263), infographics (56), interactive stories (22), multimedia (53), posters (43), video (266)

Zearn Math is a complete math program that provides Common Core aligned math lessons, personalized to individual learners, and based on Eureka Math / Engage New York. Lessons focus on three critical components: deep understanding, fluency, and problem-solving. Self-paced lessons allow for mastery of concepts before unlocking lessons providing the next level. Math Chat lessons provide video instruction similar to a small group lesson. Lesson Labs include drag and drop activities followed by quiz questions. Zearn currently offers K-8 lessons. Test the student lessons and teacher resources for a whole module with NO sign up required. Create a class account and add students using an Excel sheet or manually input student names to receive custom reports on student progress.

tag(s): addition (129), classroom management (120), data (151), decimals (85), differentiation (84), division (98), fractions (160), geometric shapes (135), measurement (122), multiplication (122), numbers (120), operations (72), subtraction (110)

Find hands-on learning of computer science concepts (often without technology) with this collection of free learning activities including interactives and puzzles. All materials are through Creative Commons licenses for easy copying, sharing, and personal adaptation. Download all activities for free in a book download or explore individual activities by topic, and then download in PDF format available in several languages. Other options include videos to view individually or by topic on activity pages. Topics covered include Binary numbers, Images Representation, Text Compression, Information Theory, Searching and Sorting Algorithms, Routing and Deadlocks, and Cryptography, among others. Also, check out the section for teachers under the Community tab. This section includes many additional resources and learning programs. The videos are in English, French, Swedish, Korean, and Chinese. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): computational thinking (40), computers (109), cryptography (5), data (151)

Find a collection of resources for teaching and learning shapes and measures. This site works well on any web enabled device. Teaching resources include: angle measurer, grids for measuring areas of virtual shapes, coordinate practice, isometric grid for 3D shapes, perimeter practice, rotation, symmetry creator, rotational symmetry of shapes, translations, and a virtual mirror. Each of these tools allows demonstration and some practice. Shapes and Measures will bring your geometry class alive!
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tag(s): geometric shapes (135), measurement (122)

The Kentucky Center for Mathematics offers this excellent math intervention website with Math Recovery lessons and printables. Free registration provides access to their database of proven numeracy-developed activities searchable by standard, grade level, fluency benchmark, task group or setting. Registration requires approval before accessing the site but is free using your email and school information. Approval was received within minutes of submitting registration.

tag(s): commoncore (73), number sense (69), numbers (120)

Explore the progressions of the Common Core math standards throughout the grade levels. Look at different areas of mathematical standards, numbers and operations, base ten, counting cardinality in algebraic thinking, numbers and operations for fractions, geometry, and measurement and data in grades kindergarten through grade five. In grades six through eight explore statistics and probability, expressions and equations, the number system, ratios, and proportional relationships. In high school discover the progressions in algebra, functions, and modeling. Find resources for further development of programs offered to support Common Core mathematics. Discover research, periodicals and groups using Common Core math.

tag(s): commoncore (73)

Explore over 111 different visual patterns and determine what the 43rd step in the pattern would be. Find the equation, use a table, or draw it! This is a fun way to work with patterns, equations, problem solving, and geometry. There is a teacher tab with an explanation about assigning patterns to students and an idea for a form to create for students to fill out. Some patterns have a link with additional information.

tag(s): equations (119), geometric shapes (135), patterns (61), problem solving (233)

This online interactive 100 chart is more than just a static chart. You can click and drag counters onto the chart to display patterns, multiples, odd and even numbers, and much more. Color code patterns with counters to use in demonstrating math concepts.
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tag(s): 100thday (9), multiplication (122), number sense (69)

Find great math resources on this free site on countless topics. Click each resource to find sites useful on individual computers or projected on a whiteboard screen. Be sure to test out each interactive prior to using with a class, as some require Flash or other programs. Find great games about Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and Money. Though these interactives are labeled for grades 7-12, several can be used by K-5 teachers i.e. the number line interactives. Click on an activity and then explore the tabs above. There is a wealth of material here, so be sure to check it out!

tag(s): data (151), money (113), numbers (120), probability (99)

Online Math Learning is a huge website with numerous resources including interactive problem generators, a video library, worksheets, and links all organized by grade level and subject level. This site is very well organized, easy to use, and has something for every grade level and nearly every subject/topic area. Advise students to ignore the advertisements.

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), equations (119), statistics (121)

Use Think Math to improve thinking about - Math! Choose either a grade level (K through 5) or a subject (such as Algebra, Geometry, Time and Money, or Data Analysis, to name a few.) Use one or more of the e-lab activities for each subject as well as interactive tutorials explaining the topic. Don't miss the teacher resources/guides under the Think Math! tab with great Adobe PDF resources.

tag(s): data (151), measurement (122), money (113), numbers (120), probability (99), statistics (121), time (91)

Students can practice math skills independently (and in both English and Spanish) with this collection of challenging, interactive practice activities, organized by grade level and topic. Click Spanish version at the top for your ESL/ELL students to have access to the same valuable resources! The website says the activities are designed for students in grades K through eight. Topics vary greatly and include algebra, statistics, counting, comparing, decimals, basic operations, exponents, fractions, and many others. Nearly every math topic taught in elementary or middle school, will be found at this site. Once you click on the general topic area, be prepared for a HUGE list of specific choices to explore. Each math concept is explained in a simple paragraph and then students are presented with practice activities about the specific concept. The practice activities are timed.

Be aware there are several advertisements at this website (all appropriate). But considering this site is free (and full of ready to go math activities), the advertisements are worth the minor annoyance.

tag(s): estimation (33), exponents (35), measurement (122), mental math (19), money (113), patterns (61), place value (34), statistics (121)

This math-based activity addresses reading, computer, and problem-solving skills while encouraging student creativity. After reading an online story, students participate in a class survey based on the story content, use that data to create a graph, and construct and illustrate a related word problem.

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), problem solving (233)