TeachersFirst's Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning is a curriculum design method that offers learners challenging, open-ended problems. The hands-on learning activities offer investigations of real-world problems. Problem-based learning allows students to develop lifelong learning skills, gain work-place readiness, and improve team-work and cooperative learning strategies. View this collection to begin your journey with problem-based learning in your classroom.
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Promoting STEM Through Literature - Judy Bowling & Kerry Guiliano
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
1 Comments
This site shares several children's books and resources for incorporating STEM lessons and the design process. Begin by selecting the book and find a Design Thinking Journal for each...more
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This site shares several children's books and resources for incorporating STEM lessons and the design process. Begin by selecting the book and find a Design Thinking Journal for each student, a book card, and additional materials to accompany the book. Finally, use the box on the right side of the page to find additional information about design thinking and curriculum connections.
tag(s): book lists (164), inquiry (24), literacy (118), Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (224), STEM (286)
In the Classroom
In addition to the suggestions for STEM-related literature, the Design Thinking Journal is an excellent addition to any classroom for use with many other projects. Include ideas from the site in your Maker Space activities, learn more about Maker Spaces and find additional ideas at the TeachersFirst Maker Spaces Special Topics page with reviewed resources. Enhance learning by encouraging students to share Maker Space projects by posting them on a website or blog created using Edublog, reviewed here. Ask students to share their problem-solving journey using the Design Thinking Journal information when designing projects using Padlet, reviewed here. Padlet can be a video discussion tool with capabilities for sharing student responses through video with other students. Encourage students to respond to each others' videos. This is a link to Padlet's Help section for posting video or an image.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Verizon Innotive Learning HQ - Verizon
Grades
K to 12
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Innovative Learning HQ shares professional development resources in technology for educators, classroom lessons designed to bring STEM education to bridge the digital divide across...more
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Innovative Learning HQ shares professional development resources in technology for educators, classroom lessons designed to bring STEM education to bridge the digital divide across under-resourced communities, and various AR/VR apps. Create a free account to access over 100 lesson plans and professional development sessions that provide micro-credentials. Browse the featured resources or select activities by content area. Most activities provide a focus on virtual reality or augmented reality and include a facilitator's guide, introductory videos, and student activity worksheets. In addition, lessons offer options for teaching to different grade level bands that form a progression of learning. Tasks include correlation to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Standards, and ISTE Standards. Finally, professional development courses provide coaching, collaboration, blended learning, and more learning opportunities. The on-demand modules are approximately 3-4 hours in length and offer the chance to apply for a micro-credential certificate upon completion.
tag(s): animals (291), animation (64), augmented reality (8), biographies (95), cells (83), coding (89), digital storytelling (152), engineering (127), graphic design (48), maps (207), musical notation (33), Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (224), robotics (23), STEM (286), sustainability (43), Teacher Utilities (162)
In the Classroom
Discover the many ready-to-go free resources offered through Innovative Learning HQ in classroom lessons and for your professional development needs. If unsure of how to find assignments for your grade level, visit your dashboard to find recommended activities. After selecting tasks for students, use the provided modules to deliver instruction. Most activities are perfect for use in computer labs, a computer center, or a blended learning activity.
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Candy Pumpkin Catapults - Playdough to Plato
Grades
K to 5
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Students will love learning about simple machines by building catapults to launch candy pumpkins. Then, using just a few supplies, challenge students to see whose pumpkins fly the farthest....more
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Students will love learning about simple machines by building catapults to launch candy pumpkins. Then, using just a few supplies, challenge students to see whose pumpkins fly the farthest. Along the way, students also explore other scientific questions that examine the impact of size and weight and consider the effect by using different types of supplies. This article includes complete directions along with images for incorporating the pumpkin catapult into early childhood classrooms. Of course, be sure to use caution and discuss safety rules when hurtling items at any time. If possible, take this activity outdoors to allow more space for launching the catapults.
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tag(s): makerspace (43), preK (264), Problem Based Learning (12), simple machines (16), STEM (286)
In the Classroom
Although this lesson describes activities for pre-k classrooms, the challenge is suitable for adaptation to any elementary class. Try the challenge with other small items at any time. For example, during the winter holidays, use snowman erasers or during spring, try catapulting different sizes of pompoms to see how far they fly. Adapt this activity for older students by providing the supplies at a learning center or makerspace area without directions. Allow students to explore options on their own to build and create a catapult. Use a digital organizational tool such as IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, to record and share students' observations. Extend student learning by creating ebooks using Book Creator, reviewed here, that include images of students' creations, text of their observations, and audio explanations of the STEM learning. For younger students, create a class book together. Older students can create individual books to share as part of your class's digital library.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Halloween STEM Challenge - Bone Bridge - Feel-Good Teaching
Grades
3 to 8
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This STEM challenge is not just for Halloween; include it with your makerspace activities and problem-solving lessons at any time during the school year. Provide students with supplies...more
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This STEM challenge is not just for Halloween; include it with your makerspace activities and problem-solving lessons at any time during the school year. Provide students with supplies including q-tips, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, pennies, and rulers to begin this challenge. The goal is to use the provided materials to build bridges that test strength, capacity, and length. Suggested content connections include the skeletal system and bridges.
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tag(s): body systems (41), bridges (11), engineering (127), forces (37), halloween (32), holidays (182), makerspace (43), Problem Based Learning (12), STEM (286), structures (18)
In the Classroom
Incorporate this engaging activity into a Halloween learning center, or for those that don't celebrate Halloween at school, include this activity within many content areas. This activity is easily adaptable to lessons about the skeletal system, force and motion, bridges, and even geometric properties. As students begin exploring different methods to create bridges, use FigJam, reviewed here as an information-gathering resource. Create a Jamboard with two columns, one column for ideas that work and another for failed attempts. Use a student blogging tool such as edublogs, reviewed here, and ask students to blog about their bridge-building attempts. Include pictures of student's creations as part of their blog. Extend learning by asking students to describe their problem-solving activities and share their thoughts on important features required to build strong bridges by creating a multimedia presentation using Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here. Adobe Express includes tools for creating websites, videos, images, and more. Another multimedia presentation tool to consider is Genially, reviewed here. Genially includes easy-to-use features that can create interactive images, video presentations, and interactive content. Use Genially's features to create interactive images that include students' explanations of their bridge's features.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Adobe Education Khan + Create Activities - Adobe Education and Khan Academy
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
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Adobe Education and Khan Academy have partnered to share guided activities for all grade levels from kindergarten through higher learning. Activities begin with Khan Academy created...more
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Adobe Education and Khan Academy have partnered to share guided activities for all grade levels from kindergarten through higher learning. Activities begin with Khan Academy created materials to build knowledge through activities that encourage creation, self-expression, and immersion in the topics provided. Select any topic to view a description and correlation to ISTE learning standards. Topics include math, language and literature, science, and social studies. Sign in to download each lesson to your computer that provides for links to all activities and tutorials for using technology tools included in the activities.
tag(s): branches of government (65), cells (83), digital storytelling (152), environment (245), genetics (81), geometric shapes (135), grammar (133), landmarks (21), map skills (57), molecules (43), multiplication (121), Online Learning (42), parts of speech (40), Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (224), Project Based Learning (26), Research (84), social and emotional learning (96), STEM (286), stories and storytelling (51)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this excellent site to use as a resource for finding and developing lessons for both in-person and online learning. Lessons found on this site includes links to videos and articles found on the Khan Academy website, use bookmarking and collaborative resources such as Symbaloo EDU, reviewed here, or Padlet, reviewed here, to share the Khan Academy links along with other helpful resources for students. Use a word cloud tool like WordClouds, reviewed here, to motivate and encourage students to think about the topics shared at the beginning of your activities. If you prefer to use additional multimedia resources in addition to the Adobe products shared in the lessons, browse through the TeachersFirst Edge Tools, reviewed here, to find additional tools for creating videos, webpages, collaboration, and much more.
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Earth School - TEDEd
Grades
3 to 12
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Earth School contains a 30-day nature-focused series of lessons and activities designed for learners of all ages. Each daily Quest includes a video introduction along with a quiz and...more
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Earth School contains a 30-day nature-focused series of lessons and activities designed for learners of all ages. Each daily Quest includes a video introduction along with a quiz and additional discussion and focus activities. Developed in response to school shutdowns due to the Coronavirus, activities are intended to be self-paced and available for students to complete on any device. Lessons are organized into themes. Create a free account to save and edit activities. Students who complete all 30 activities receive a certificate via email. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): agriculture (48), climate (83), climate change (93), design (81), forests (28), oceans (149), recycling (45), remote learning (54), solar energy (34), STEM (286), Teacher Utilities (162), water (101)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site as a resource for science and nature lessons to supplement current materials in your classroom. Because lessons were created for use in remote learning situations, they are perfect for including during elearning or digital learning days. Create an account and customize lessons to personalize activities to fit your curriculum and students. For example, customize lessons easily to change discussion questions to adapt to student abilities, then share the differentiated lessons to different groups of students. Extend learning by adding links to additional activities such as asking students to write a short blog post using edublogs, reviewed here, or create a cartoon based on the activity's content using ToonyTool, reviewed here. Extend learning for all students using Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here. Begin by creating a discussion question, then share the topic with students. An idea would be to have small groups of students hold a podcast "conversation" about the topic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MIT Full STEAM Ahead - MIT
Grades
3 to 12
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic...more
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic grade-level learning "packages" that include video, activities, and challenges in various topics. Content includes inventions, outer space, and music and sounds, among other topics. Many subjects also include activities that don't require Internet access. Additional links provide a curated list of learning games that promote 21st Century skills. All content is created for teaching in online or in-person situations.
tag(s): design (81), diseases (68), earth (185), engineering (127), game based learning (182), inventors and inventions (77), makerspace (43), sounds (42), space (217), STEM (286)
In the Classroom
As students participate in the activities and lessons shared on this site, utilize the many features of Google Documents or Microsoft Word to gather information, and collaborate with peers. Use spreadsheet tools to record findings and create graphs to evaluate the results of experiments. Engage students in the learning process by adding questions and comments to the videos in the learning packages using edpuzzle, reviewed here. Ask students to use Sway, reviewed here, to share the products of their learning activities. Add text, images, videos, and more to create multimedia presentations. Use the learning packages to find activities and resources to incorporate into your current learning units. Be sure to check out the interactives (games) that focus on problem-solving and collaboration skills.
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The Big6 - Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz
Grades
K to 12
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The Big6 provides training and resources based on the Big6 model for problem-solving and decision making. This site also includes information for incorporating the Super3 model into...more
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The Big6 provides training and resources based on the Big6 model for problem-solving and decision making. This site also includes information for incorporating the Super3 model into the decision making process for younger students. Follow the Big6 blog as a means to stay current on the latest ideas and information related to using the Big6 model in and away from the classroom. The Big6 Resources link shares detailed information on the Big6 model along with an overview of incorporating the model as a structured month by month program. The included instructional materials include handouts, presentations, videos, and additional support materials for you to learn about and teach the Big6 model strategies.
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tag(s): problem solving (224), teaching strategies (42)
In the Classroom
Share ideas from this site with peers as part of your professional development sessions. Consider creating a monthly building-wide schedule using the suggestions provided on the site. Include your ideas with parents through your website to teach them along with you and your students on methods for working through any type of decision. Use technology resources to reinforce and reflect upon the Big6 and Super3 decision-making processes. For example, use Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here to create digital posters for each of the strategies. Include suggestions on ways for students to be successful within each strategy. Provide resources for students to match strategies such as planning. Read Write Think, reviewed here, has a large number of student interactives including a Cube Creator, reviewed here, Book Cover Creator, reviewed here, and an Essay Map, reviewed here, that provides students assistance in planning writing assignments. As students learn about and become familiar with the Big6 and Super3 process, ask them to share their ideas and reflect upon learning using blogs created with Edublog, reviewed here. Have students share their knowledge with others using a video explainer tool like Google Slides, reviewed here. Be sure to share student reflections and explainers on your class website for parents and others to view!
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OER Commons - OER Commons and ISKME
Grades
K to 12
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OER (Open Educational Resources) Commons is a digital public library and collaboration platform for educators, including K-12 and universities. The collection includes complete courses,...more
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OER (Open Educational Resources) Commons is a digital public library and collaboration platform for educators, including K-12 and universities. The collection includes complete courses, textbooks, mini-lessons, and simulations, as well as lesson plans, workbooks, collections for Project based and Problem Based Learning, and more. In addition to the content on the site, OER Commons also includes features for building interactive lessons and modules and media documents. Registration isn't required; however, free signup on the website provides you the option to save materials, create and collaborate with groups, and align resources to standards.
tag(s): business (51), OER (43), preK (264), Problem Based Learning (12), Project Based Learning (26), Teacher Utilities (162)
In the Classroom
Bookmark OER Commons to use as your first stop in lesson planning. Take advantage of the search filters to narrow down the content and grade-level information to suit your needs. This website is also an excellent resource for finding materials to differentiate instruction. Use higher-level activities to challenge gifted students, and search for content to use for remediation. As you gather resources into a collection or lesson plans, be sure to think about ways to incorporate technology in meaningful ways to enhance and extend learning.
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Outrider - Outrider Foundation
Grades
8 to 12
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Outrider shares information and interactives exploring the topics of nuclear war and climate change. Within the section devoted to nuclear war, browse through stories explaining the...more
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Outrider shares information and interactives exploring the topics of nuclear war and climate change. Within the section devoted to nuclear war, browse through stories explaining the importance of NATO, a timeline of nuclear history, and explore the interactive demonstration of the impact of an atomic bomb blast in your location. The climate change portion of the site includes an interactive demonstrating the effects of climate change nationally and locally. Also, this portion contains articles and timelines of climate history.
tag(s): atomic bomb (8), climate (83), climate change (93), nuclear energy (20), weather (160)
In the Classroom
Include this site with your resources for teaching both of these timely topics. Collaborate with your students and extend learning by bookmarking and saving additional resources using Netboard, reviewed here. In addition to saving bookmarks, Netboard includes the option for adding notes to shared resources. Encourage students to use this feature to describe useful information found on any website. As students explore these topics, use Gravity, reviewed here to enhance learning by creating video response questions for student discussion. Use Gravity to record video or audio'?prompts or create screen recordings to share.'?Encourage students to redefine their learning and problem solve solutions by creating video explainers describing the problem and proposed solutions using a video explainer tool like Google Slides, reviewed here .Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Expii Solve - Expii, Inc.
Grades
8 to 12
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Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, fashion,...more
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Solve interactive math and science puzzles based on current events with Expii Solve. Choose from over 70 sets of questions with topics including the Super Bowl, Star Wars, fashion, holidays, and more. Each topic includes a set of five problems with each question increasing in difficulty. If you need help, use links to tutorials at the bottom of each question. Registration isn't required; however, registering allows you to track progress in completing puzzles.
tag(s): cultures (147), holidays (182), logic (162), problem solving (224)
In the Classroom
Be sure to save these puzzles for use throughout the school year. Use these problems as a substitute for your typical homework assignments. Include questions as part of math or science centers. Replace pencil and paper journals or notebooks by having students blog about their learning and understanding using Tumblr, reviewed here. Ask groups of students to work on topics together then share their results with the class. To enhance student learning and understanding, consider instituting a recurring podcast for students to share problems and discuss problem-solving strategies. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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UL Xplorlabs - Underwriters Laboratories
Grades
7 to 12
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Xplorerlabs provides free STEM learning activities for middle school educators through exploration modules and hands-on learning all correlated to Next Generation Science Standards....more
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Xplorerlabs provides free STEM learning activities for middle school educators through exploration modules and hands-on learning all correlated to Next Generation Science Standards. Begin each module with a short overview of the topic then follow each step to investigate and solve through evidence-based collaboration. Each module requires one to two class periods to complete. In addition to learning modules, Xplorerlabs also includes Xtensions including additional experiments and challenges. All of the experiments on the site include student and teacher guides for download.
tag(s): electricity (62), energy (131), fire (22), fire safety (16), heat (15), problem solving (224), STEM (286)
In the Classroom
You and your students will benefit from this site's free materials to include in your science lab activities to teach content, problem-solving, and scientific investigation techniques. As students begin activities replace paper and pencil and use a digital graphic organizer such as one found at LiveGap Charts, reviewed here, to organize questions and gather information. Upon completion of experiments, enhance learning and have students share their work using Printing Press, reviewed here, to create a one-page newspaper or brochure including images and text. At the end of your unit, have students use Google Slides, reviewed here, to redefine their learning and create an explainer video sharing and demonstrating the results of their lab activities.
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Google My Maps - Google
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
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You may already be familiar with Google Maps, reviewed here, but Google My Maps takes working with maps a step further. Use Google My Maps to create...more
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You may already be familiar with Google Maps, reviewed here, but Google My Maps takes working with maps a step further. Use Google My Maps to create custom maps with features you add. Add points or shapes to any location, use the embedded search to find places then save to your map, import information from spreadsheets, and customize your map with colored icons and your uploaded images and videos. Collaborate on your project just like you would with Google Documents, then embed maps into your website or blog.
tag(s): maps (207), virtual field trips (105)
In the Classroom
Share Google My Maps on an interactive whiteboard or projector to create virtual trips for many situations. Create a trip to biomes around the world, visit places mentioned within books, map out battlefield locations for different wars, or find and save different kinds of landforms on your map. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Embed completed maps onto your class webpage or blog for students to view when reviewing for tests or quizzes. Have older students complete their own Google My Map project to create their own virtual field trips. This site is perfect to use in conjunction with TeachersFirst Reading Treks, to follow the adventures of characters in the featured stories. Not ready to create your own maps? Use the explore feature on the site to find many examples of maps made by others.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TED-Ed Student Talks - Lessons Worth Sharing - TEDEd
Grades
4 to 12
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TED-Ed Student Talks provide a platform for students aged 8-18 across the world to explore ideas, share information, and participate in global conversations. Begin by applying to start...more
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TED-Ed Student Talks provide a platform for students aged 8-18 across the world to explore ideas, share information, and participate in global conversations. Begin by applying to start a club to discuss thoughts and ideas of interest to your group through the leadership of an adult facilitator. Each club is open to up to 50 members. Clubs provide 13 meetings beginning with three sessions exploring TED Talks, following that, students learn how to frame and share ideas. At the conclusion, participants upload their final talk to the TED-Ed YouTube Channel. Under Discover find Lessons, Collections, Insights and more. Be sure to explore the topics under Create and Get Involved. The videos are hosted on YouTube.
tag(s): collaboration (93), creativity (92), critical thinking (118), logic (162), problem solving (224)
In the Classroom
Facilitate a TED-Ed Club to promote problem-solving skills and creative thinking in any subject. Challenge students to pursue ideas of interest to them in the classroom. Create a club as an after-school activity for like-minded students, or as enrichment for gifted learners. TED-Ed Club provides an outlet for some quieter students with interests other than what is offered in the curriculum, encourage these students to share their interests and passions through the guidelines provided in the clubs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Instructables - Project Based Engineering for Kids - Autodesk, Inc.
Grades
K to 8
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Discover a collection of problem-based learning engineering lessons for building models in the areas of physics and structural and mechanical engineering. For each topic, a video with...more
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Discover a collection of problem-based learning engineering lessons for building models in the areas of physics and structural and mechanical engineering. For each topic, a video with step by step construction directions accompanies a necessary list of materials. Create your project, and let the explorations begin. Explore ideas given for basic explanations or ideas to test for some of the buildable models. Create a collection, share, or add some ideas for activities. Topic ideas include slingshot rockets, rubber band helicopters, extending grabber, simple pneumatic machine, cork shooter, catapults, slingshot cars, truss bridges, simple sail car, marble roller coaster, gliding car, tower tornado, and crash test cars, among others. Share this awesome find on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, or email. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): engineering (127), makerspace (43), Problem Based Learning (12)
In the Classroom
Bring out the "inner engineer" in each of your students! During physical science units, visit this collection to get directions for students to build simple models to supplement content. You might want to visit the accompanying site How to Teach Project Based Engineering to Kids before getting started. Students can work in small groups to create a project. Different groups can demonstrate different laws of physics. Add this to your class website as a do-at-home project to encourage exploration at home. During language arts when focusing on using concise, clear, language, listen to the directions and use as a model. Enhance learning by having students write the scripts for creating other models using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Using these online documents affords many benefits, including the ability to add comments, highlight information, and add links to online information. Extend learning by having students create a multimedia presentation featuring the directions and construction of the student model using Google Drawings, reviewed here. With Google Drawings, students can annotate, narrate, and add related links to an image. Not familiar with Google Drawings? Watch an archived OK2Ask session to learn how to use: OK2Ask Google Drawings, here. In gifted and talented classes or pull out programs, consider for a beginning of a deeper understanding of the concepts. Move forward with virtual field trips to see the "real" machines at work. Find ideas for after school clubs, camps, and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Wonderment - Kidnected World
Grades
3 to 9
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Enjoy and challenge creativity and problem-solving skills in a world of wonder. Once you sign up for The Wonderment, a social platform for kids, choose a bot or secret identity. ...more
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Enjoy and challenge creativity and problem-solving skills in a world of wonder. Once you sign up for The Wonderment, a social platform for kids, choose a bot or secret identity. Given a choice to follow many different paths, kids determine the subject of interest. The paths are real-world problems from around the globe. View a video, story, or idea. Design a response using text, photos, or a video. Join a chat to allow comments or ask questions to make global connections. After each posting, special points are added to make the bot design more elaborate. A personal Wondermeter rises with each response. Through donations, this non-profit brings technology to children around the world. A call for adults to serve as mentors to respond to each child challenges adults to join in the fun and make the world a better place. Register with email. Children under 13 need parent or teacher approval to participate. Click How it Works from the upper right menu to watch the short videos to explaining paths, projects, communities, and generally how The Wonderment works.
tag(s): communication (139), cross cultural understanding (170), enrichment (9), gifted (65), listening (93), Problem Based Learning (12), problem solving (224), social media (53), social networking (64), social skills (23), speaking (23), sustainability (43)
In the Classroom
The Wonderment is a problem based learning adventure for each student around the world to communicate and collaborate with other students. This venue allows great lesson ideas for digital citizenship and digital footprints. Begin by choosing a path for the entire class and feature on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector. Have students work in small groups to choose their best response. Discussions can focus on creativity, problem solving, and collaboration between the group and others from around the world. In a gifted class, use as a way to challenge kids to break through the "right answer" and find the "best answer." Use this as a model for finding authentic needs in your community. Be sure to share a link to this tool on your class blog, website, or learning management system (LMS). Use this tool as the answer for the parents who always want more challenge and enrichment for their students at home. Be sure to share at a staff meeting to spread the wonder for other students and adults.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers - Holt
Grades
2 to 12
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Interactive Graphic Organizers help to gather thoughts, visualize, understand, or organize. Find interactive graphic organizers from categories such as identifying/organizing details,...more
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Interactive Graphic Organizers help to gather thoughts, visualize, understand, or organize. Find interactive graphic organizers from categories such as identifying/organizing details, order and sequence, cause and effect, process diagrams, persuasive position support, vocabulary, and many others. The selected organizer will download in PDF format. The features of the form are: interactive form fields, highlighting, adding mark-up, commenting, and saving it all. Find accompanying teaching notes for each organizer by clicking on the link in the paragraph at the top of the page. The teacher guide has detailed lessons and suggested uses.
tag(s): concept mapping (15), graphic organizers (49)
In the Classroom
Mark this site on your class web page, put it on your task bar, and add to all student computers. Demonstrate by using and creating your customized graphic organizer. Turn it into PDF format and save or print. Get students in the habit of using graphic organizers to improve achievement, organization, and details.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Timeline JS - Northwestern University Knight Lab
Grades
K to 12
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Create beautiful interactive timelines quickly and easily. Begin with a Google spreadsheet from the template provided. Add from a variety of media sources such as Twitter, Google Maps,...more
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Create beautiful interactive timelines quickly and easily. Begin with a Google spreadsheet from the template provided. Add from a variety of media sources such as Twitter, Google Maps, YouTube, and much more. When finished, publish to the web, and share using links or embed code. Be sure to check out the example link for suggestions and ideas for use. The tutorial video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, it may not be viewable.
tag(s): digital storytelling (152), timelines (54)
In the Classroom
Use your interactive whiteboard or projector to share timelines about historical events, research literature, learn about different decades and events throughout the world, and more. Transform student technology use by having them create timelines for research projects. Use a whole class Google account or individual Google apps accounts if you have them. Use this tool to make a timeline of your school year. Create author biographies, animal life cycles, or timelines of events and causes of wars. Challenge students to create a timeline of the plot of a novel, interspersed with the ways themes appear throughout the novel. If you teach chemistry, have students create illustrated sequences explaining oxidation or reduction (or both). Have elementary students interview grandparents and create a class timeline about their grandparents for Grandparents' Day. Why not create a timeline highlighting students' family events for a special gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or other holidays? You may need to assign students to do some investigative work first (years of births, marriages, vacations, etc.). In world language classes, have students create a timeline of their family in the language to master with vocabulary about relatives, jobs, and more (and verb tenses!). Students learn about photo selection, detail writing, chronological order, and photo digitization while creating the timelines of their choice. Making a timeline is also a good way to review the history and cultural developments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Curriki - EnterpriseDB Postgre SQL company
Grades
K to 12
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Curriki is a nonprofit organization that encourages teachers and learners' to collaborate in developing quality educational materials in a global community. Click What We Do from the...more
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Curriki is a nonprofit organization that encourages teachers and learners' to collaborate in developing quality educational materials in a global community. Click What We Do from the top menu and slide to CurikiStudio, and click Creators to create a free account and find resources like questions, photos/images, multimedia, and more for interactive lesson creation. Next under Solutions is CurrikiGo, where you will publish your lessons, etc. Last on the dropdown list is the CurrikiLibrary, where you can search by subject area, grade level, or resource type (interactive, video, or podcast). For a thorough summary of Curriki click the Explore a CurrikiStudio Activity. Join different groups for a more involved way to explore new areas in online learning, subject area interests, or focus questions. Create collections of your resources to keep private or share with others. This site focuses on providing free access to teachers, schools, students, or parents to many new creative ideas for in-class learning, digital learning, and hybrid or blended learning in a global community. Free membership includes monthly newsletters. Follow Curriki on Facebook, Twitter, or blogs.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): graphic organizers (49), literacy (118), OER (43), operations (72), resources (87), rubrics (35), Teacher Utilities (162)
In the Classroom
Curriki has several ways to benefit teachers and students. Use Curriki as a resource listed on your website to have extra opportunities for additional practice or enrichment for parents and students. If you have a blended classroom, Curriki is the perfect tool to use for your students to access assignments. Use as a way to organize your digital resources. The lesson plan and Webquest templates are user friendly and promote best practices. While growing in your professional development by connecting with teachers worldwide, let your class learn with other classes worldwide. Curriki encourages you to think critically about your own lessons, and also the lessons suggested.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Do Something.org - Do Something.org Team
Grades
7 to 12
5 Favorites
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Do Something.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people take action to promote causes they care about and motivates them with realistic,...more
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Do Something.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people take action to promote causes they care about and motivates them with realistic, creative inspiration to establish a culture of volunteerism. By tapping into the web, television, mobile devices, and popular media, Do Something.org empowers and celebrates today's youth as the "Do Something" generation: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Explore this site for ideas for starting your own project and browse the many causes and volunteer opportunities already in your own area and beyond. Help students discover ways to make a difference. The rules are simple: No Money, No Car, and No Adults permitted for putting your plans into action.
There are suggestions, resources, and support to empower young people and give them the energy to take action and make a difference. Whether their passion is to feed the homeless, end bullying, help even the playing field of educational inequalities, or many more needy causes, this website is chock full of easy to access information and strategies that encourage teenagers to decide for themselves how they can contribute their time and desire to make a difference.
There are suggestions, resources, and support to empower young people and give them the energy to take action and make a difference. Whether their passion is to feed the homeless, end bullying, help even the playing field of educational inequalities, or many more needy causes, this website is chock full of easy to access information and strategies that encourage teenagers to decide for themselves how they can contribute their time and desire to make a difference.
tag(s): character education (77), Project Based Learning (26), service projects (17)
In the Classroom
Do you believe that kids can change the world? What are you doing about that? If you have been thinking about involving your class in some type of community service and project based learning, but need some direction, DoSomething.org is a phenomenal place to "shop" around for ideas. Perhaps you may want to start by showing the film, Pay It Forward, or with a writing prompt, "If you were given time in school to come up with one idea that could be put into action right now by people your age that would make this school or this community a better place, what would it be and how would you put your plan into action?" Have students share ideas in small groups, then introduce them to DoSomething.org by projecting it on your classroom whiteboard or projector, viewing some of the short videos, and using the power of the internet to empower them to act now. Challenge students to collect Internet resources for their cause using Wakelet, reviewed here, where they can add a cover image, background, collaborate with others, and chose the layout they prefer. Next, enhance learning by asking your students to create an interactive infographic using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, to explain their ideas about their cause and how they would put their plan into action. Club advisers, school counselors, and teachers of gifted can use the empowering resources of this site to inspire students to ACT.
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