Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides help teachers incorporate authentic historical artifacts, government records, and literary works into their lessons, enhancing students' critical thinking and research skills. With ready-to-use teaching resources, topic guides, and bibliographies, this site supports interdisciplinary learning and provides rich content for inquiry-based projects in history, literature, civics, and more.

tag(s): african american (115), architecture (75), black history (133), branches of government (65), civil rights (209), civil war (139), conservation (102), energy (133), engineering (129), environment (252), foreign policy (13), hispanic (36), industrialization (12), jews (33), latin (23), literature (222), middle east (50), native americans (109), nutrition (140), photography (130), politics (118), population (51), religions (95), Research (87), sports (82), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (198), women (151), womenchangemaker (37), womens suffrage (52)

The PhET Interactive Simulations website, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, offers free, research-based interactive simulations for teaching science and mathematics. These engaging simulations allow students to explore concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and math through hands-on virtual experiments. These PhET simulations are designed for elementary through college-level learners, and support inquiry-based learning and can be used for whole-class demonstrations, small-group activities, or independent exploration. The simulations are HTML5-based, making them accessible on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices without additional software. This resource is an excellent tool for reinforcing key STEM concepts in an interactive and visually engaging way.

tag(s): acids and bases (9), area (53), atoms (44), charts and graphs (171), electricity (61), fractions (160), friction (9), functions (52), gravity (43), light (56), magnetism (36), matter (46), molecules (44), ph (3), probability (99), quadratics (27), simple machines (19), simulations (19), sound (72), space (222), STEM (297)

Discover a range of engaging, educational activities that keep kids learning and entertained during snow days. The activities focus on STEAM themes, featuring ideas like making snow volcanoes, building ice sculptures, exploring physics with sledding experiments, and even creating snow art. Each activity provides a unique way for students to explore scientific principles hands-on, making it ideal for teachers who want to turn a winter day into an exciting day of learning.
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tag(s): crafts (64), experiments (55), snow (17), STEM (297)

Virtual Science Teachers is an interactive website offering live, online science tutoring sessions for students in grades K-12. It provides personalized support in various science subjects, aligning with national standards and catering to students' individual needs. Teachers can integrate this resource into their classrooms to supplement lessons, offer additional support for struggling students, or enhance the learning experience for those seeking enrichment. With its flexible scheduling and expert tutors, Virtual Science Teachers is a valuable tool for fostering science engagement and mastery in a dynamic, one-on-one setting.

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), genetics (80), scientific method (48), simulations (19), STEM (297), water (102)

Rock your lessons using popular music and pop culture to engage students. The standards-aligned lessons provide interdisciplinary connections using music as the starting point for in-depth explorations and guided activities. Use the search feature to find lessons and collections sorted by subject, music genre, type of activity, and topic. Subjects range from Civics to CTE to STEAM to Art/Design and many others. Each lesson begins with an essential question and includes procedures, student handouts, and videos.

tag(s): artists (85), cross cultural understanding (173), dance (31), empathy (34), jazz (16), musical instruments (52), social and emotional learning (102), sociology (23), STEM (297)

Crash Course Organic Chemistry is a free digital tool with fifty organic chemistry videos. The series of videos has topics on 3D structure and bonding, acidity, aldehydes and ketones, penicillin, and more. Videos range in length from twelve to fourteen minutes. This site uses YouTube and has commercials before some of the videos.
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tag(s): acids and bases (9)

Discover the fascinating world of chemistry with Crash Course Quimica (all in Spanish)! This series breaks down essential chemistry concepts--like atomic structure, chemical reactions, and the periodic table--into engaging, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying bonding, acids and bases, or thermodynamics, these vibrant and dynamic videos make learning fun and accessible for students of all levels. Share these videos with your Spanish-speaking students to help them better understand chemistry. Perfect for high schoolers or anyone curious about how matter works, this series brings chemistry to life! Use these videos to connect Spanish and Chemistry lessons. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your school blocks YouTube videos, they won't be available in your classroom.
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tag(s): atoms (44), carbon (17), chemicals (41), elements (34), molecules (44), periodic table (46), spanish (109)

Explore the wonders of matter with Crash Course Chemistry! This series makes the complexities of atoms, molecules, reactions, and the periodic table easy to understand through engaging lessons and vibrant visuals. Whether you're curious about bonding, stoichiometry, or thermodynamics, each episode breaks down chemistry concepts into short, fun explanations. Ideal for high school students and anyone eager to learn, it brings the science of chemistry to life! The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your school blocks YouTube videos, they won't be available in your classroom. Some of the YouTube videos have a short advertisement at the start.
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tag(s): atoms (44), carbon (17), chemicals (41), elements (34), molecules (44), periodic table (46)

Crash Course Organic Chemistry is a free digital tool that contains fifteen outbreak science videos. The series covers what pathogens do to us, why societies respond to infectious diseases the way we do, and how everyone can help stop another pandemic. The videos range in length from twelve to fourteen minutes. This site uses YouTube and has commercials before some of the videos.
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tag(s): diseases (67)

The Crash Course has over 45 videos on topics ranging from Anatomy to Zoology, Artificial Intelligence to Outbreak Science. There are the more common topics one might want to learn about, like Ecology, Films, Geography, and much more. All videos are free to watch. Each video also includes a short description (some with lesson stem ideas). Crash Course videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district/school blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable. The good news for teachers whose schools block YouTube is that you can download the video if you fill out a form. Go to the Download tab from the top menu, select Students & Teachers, scroll down the page, and follow the directions.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), black history (133), branches of government (65), business (52), climate (84), computers (109), copyright (44), ecology (103), energy (133), engineering (129), human body (93), literature (222), media literacy (109), myths and legends (37), plants (146), politics (118), space (222), statistics (121), video (266), zoology (18)

Developed with funding from NASA, Infiniscope offers space-related digital learning resources, professional development, and content creation opportunities for educators. Explore the site's home page to find the featured and newest content. Choose the Content Library to find links to lessons and collections relating to earth and space topics sorted by content type, grade level, and more. The Quick Start Guide is located under For Educators and provides an overview of how to navigate Infiniscope and an overview of the content and creative tools available. Although registration isn't required, registering as an educator offers access to additional tools and features of Infiniscope, including enrolling students in lessons, tracking their progress, and creating virtual lessons and tours.

tag(s): earth (184), fossils (41), light (56), moon (73), planets (113), plate tectonics (22), professional development (385), seasons (37), space (222), stars (71)

Gauth uses AI to provide homework help in math and science topics, including chemistry, physics, calculus, and more. Under the menu topic - Subjects, you will also find help with Literature, Writing, Social Science, and others. To begin, upload a question or an image. Gauth then provides a step-by-step response with a detailed explanation of the answer. Find additional explanations by selecting Copilot, which is built into Gauth's platform, or by choosing from suggestions for related questions. You don't need to register, but doing so will allow access to your search history.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), equations (119), literature (222), statistics (121), STEM (297), tutorials (52), writing (325)

Skype a Scientist connects classrooms and groups with scientists for live Q&A and scheduled live-stream sessions. Visit the Livestreams link to find upcoming sessions and reserve your free ticket. If you and your class can't attend, archives of all sessions are available on YouTube. You can find them by visiting the provided link. Visit the signup section on the site to learn how to find a scientist and request a private session for your class; this process takes about a week, and teachers connect via email to set up a convenient time for your chat. Scientists are available in many different fields and languages.

tag(s): scientists (67), skype (2)

Numerade STEM Bootcamps provide free, interactive video lessons in STEM subjects like algebra, physics, and chemistry. The platform includes Bootcamps with step-by-step video tutorials, practice problems, and quizzes designed to enhance students' understanding. You can access a variety of topics for different grade levels and standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. The videos have captions available for students who may need them. Videos do have discussions under them, so be mindful of this if are having students use them independently.

tag(s): statistics (121), STEM (297), test prep (69), tutorials (52)

Plix (Play, Learn, Interact, and eXplore) shares over 1,000 interactives, providing practice and exploring math and science concepts. Math topics range from adding whole numbers to calculus concepts; science content includes biology, physics, earth, and life science, among others. Follow the directions found in each interactive to move the slider to show changes in each story problem or question. Plix integrates with several learning management systems, including Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas. Share Plix activities by creating a new class on the Plix site or assigning it to your learning management system.

tag(s): angles (52), area (53), atoms (44), charts and graphs (171), data (151), decimals (85), earth (184), earthquakes (46), equations (119), fractions (160), geometric shapes (135), integers (21), latitude (10), magnetism (36), molecules (44), oceans (149), planets (113), plate tectonics (22), prime numbers (26), probability (99), rock cycle (12), rocks (35), scientific method (48), seasons (37), simulations (19), solar system (110), statistics (121), STEM (297), Teacher Utilities (198), volume (34), water (102)

Sizzle is a resource that provides help for math and science using artificial intelligence (AI) features. Enter problems in several different ways to receive step-by-step help in solving problems. Type the problem into the chat, upload a picture (word and number problems), or scan the problem with your phone. After defining the problem, Sizzle leads users through each step before sharing the next step to complete. Answer each step in the chat, ask to see choices, or reveal the next step. When viewing options for solving each step, Sizzle provides tips for correct solutions if the incorrect response is chosen. While registration is optional, creating an account allows users to access their history of solved problems. Sizzle is available online and as an app from Apple and Google Play.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), DAT device agnostic tool (147), equations (119), tutorials (52)

Discover the wonders of science from the experts at Purdue University by tuning in to their podcasts and watching their educational video lessons on YouTube. Visit the podcast channel for episodes covering various science topics, including agriculture, space, weather, and more. Superheroes of Science's YouTube Channel includes close to eight hundred videos (with new episodes added weekly) available in several different categories. Visit the channel for science demos and information about the Kids STEM degree program reviewed here, STEM careers, science for kids, and many other topics. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): agriculture (49), engineering (129), friction (9), gravity (43), oceans (149), podcasts (108), rivers (16), solar system (110), sound (72), STEM (297), sun (71), water (102)

Propello offers a standards-based middle school science curriculum based upon Next Generation Science Standards that includes tools that make it easy to personalize content through engaging tools and materials. Begin by creating a course by choosing from the library of materials that include activities, projects, assessments, and more. Use the drag-and-drop features to customize content to add to a learning path. Share lessons with students easily via Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or with a shared link. Use Propello's formative, summative, and project-based assessments to guide lessons and adjust content as needed. Propello materials include support for all learners, such as translation to over 100 languages using Immersive Reader, leveled readings, text-to-speech features, and visuals. Registration is required using an educator's email address.

tag(s): adaptations (16), animals (295), biodiversity (36), cells (82), chemicals (41), climate (84), climate change (99), conservation (102), differentiation (84), earth (184), ecosystems (83), energy (133), evolution (89), forces (37), genetics (80), light (56), mass (19), matter (46), moon (73), motion (47), natural resources (37), oceans (149), organisms (15), solar system (110), space (222), stars (71), sun (71), Teacher Utilities (198), temperature (35), water cycle (22), weather (160)

Built to support the next generation of science leaders, The Wonder of Science shares many excellent free resources for science teachers of all grades. Information includes linked lessons offered by grade level, standards, and type of activity. Select the resources link to find printable activities, mini-lessons, assessments, planning, implementation, etc. From the home page, select videos to find videos linked by Next Generation Science Standards. A helpful video walkthrough of the site is available on the home page, and it provides a quick look at what is included and how to find resources. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): biodiversity (36), chemicals (41), climate (84), earth (184), ecology (103), ecosystems (83), energy (133), environment (252), forces (37), genetics (80), life cycles (21), light (56), matter (46), molecules (44), motion (47), oceans (149), planets (113), sound (72), space (222), stars (71), weather (160)