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OK2Ask: Resource Roundup: Free Tools from the Edge - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Discover free digital...more
Discover free digital tools that empower students to creatively demonstrate their learning! Explore the TeachersFirst Edge--a collection of web-based resources that enable quick, engaging project creation. Learn how students can easily make explainer images, concept maps, videos, and more to showcase their understanding across different subject areas. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Navigate and understand the organization of TeachersFirst Edge resource categories. 2. Identify and select free digital tools that support creative, student-centered knowledge demonstration. 3. Develop a practical plan for integrating an Edge tool into an upcoming instructional unit by creating a sample learning artifact. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): creating media (17), professional development (392), student-centered (8)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with More Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Dive deeper into...more
Dive deeper into Project Zero Thinking Routines to focus on perspective-taking strategies that build empathy and social-emotional skills. This workshop explores innovative ways to help students think about their thinking, listen with understanding, and take responsible risks. You'll learn how to integrate digital tools and AI technologies to transform perspective-taking routines into engaging, interactive experiences. Discover practical techniques for fostering empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions that encourage students to see the world through diverse lenses. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand perspective-taking thinking routines and their impact on developing students' empathy and social-emotional skills. 2. Develop strategies to help students reflect on their thinking processes and listen with understanding and empathy. 3. Integrate digital tools and technologies to enhance perspective-taking thinking routines. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (136), differentiation (85), empathy (36), professional development (392), social and emotional learning (109)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.OK2Ask: Believe the Hype! Using HyperDocs for Innovative Instruction - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12HyperDocs have evolved...more
HyperDocs have evolved beyond simple digital worksheets into powerful, flexible learning experiences that transform classroom instruction. In this workshop, participants will discover how to leverage HyperDocs as versatile instructional tools that support diverse learners, empower student voice, and facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technology. Learn how to design interactive, differentiated lessons that maximize student engagement and learning potential and gain new insights into using AI to streamline lesson planning and support multilingual learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the core principles and benefits of using HyperDocs in instruction. 2. Identify effective design strategies by exploring sample HyperDocs and templates. 3. Learn techniques for integrating AI tools to assist in HyperDoc creation. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (48), teaching strategies (52)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Ancient Classic Maya Music - MexicoLore
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), musical instruments (54)
In the Classroom
Students can research and identify different Maya musical instruments (drums, whistles, ocarinas, rattles). They can listen to recordings of similar instruments and discuss their sounds and possible uses. Students can make simple versions of Maya-style instruments using household materials (clay whistles, bottle maracas). Students can also explore how traditional Maya music has influenced modern music in Mexico and Central America. They can also research contemporary Maya communities still using ancient instruments and present their findings through a short slideshow using Google Slides reviewed here, a video using moovly reviewed here, or a poster. Working in small groups, students can create a short musical performance inspired by Maya music. They can use simple percussion instruments, vocals, or even body percussion to replicate rhythmic patterns that might have been used in Maya ceremonies.Ancient Egypt and the Nile River Valley - Khan Academy
Grades
6 to 10tag(s): asia (125), egypt (59), myths and legends (41), pyramids (24), religions (112)
In the Classroom
Have your students take on the role of a pharaoh, making decisions about governing Egypt. Present students with real-life challenges (ex., a famine, a rebellion, or a need for a new pyramid) and have them decide how to respond. Students can create a map of Ancient Egypt, labeling key locations such as the Nile River, pyramids, temples, and major cities. Then, they can annotate the map briefly to explain how geography influenced Egyptian civilization. A digital map can be made using Google My Maps reviewed here or MapHubs reviewed here. Create a class language similar to hieroglyphics, and have students or the teacher write messages to each other. Have students explore Egyptian myths and gods, then create their own to write a story or skit about them.Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a chart of Mayan glyphs and their meanings. Then, give them a short "coded" message using real Mayan glyphs and challenge them to decode it. Doing this introduces them to the complexity of the Mayan writing system in a fun, interactive way. Hide "glyphs" around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to "excavate" and analyze their findings. They must hypothesize what the symbols might mean based on context clues and prior knowledge, like real archaeologists decoding ancient texts. In small groups or individually, students can create a mini "Maya codex" by folding paper in accordion style and illustrating a short story using glyphs and pictures. They can write a key to explain their symbols, like archaeologists do when deciphering ancient texts!The History of Ancient Egypt - Smithsonian Channel
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): asia (125), egypt (59), myths and legends (41), pyramids (24)
In the Classroom
After watching videos about pharaohs, students can imagine they are rulers of Ancient Egypt. They can write a journal entry or speech describing their daily life, responsibilities, and accomplishments. They can even present it in character, wearing a paper pharaoh's crown! Turn learning into a fun trivia game. Use key facts from the videos to create a Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here, where students can test their knowledge in teams. Add bonus challenges like "act out a scene" or "draw a mystery object" for extra fun. Students can participate in a "choose your own adventure" activity where they must make decisions as an ancient Egyptian (ex., choosing a job, where to live, what to trade). Students can explain and compare their choices to what they learned in the videos. Students can work in groups to create a short skit about a historical event or daily life in Ancient Egypt. They can act as scribes, merchants, builders, or even gods and goddesses, bringing history to life through performance.Ancient Egypt Map Lesson Pack - Twinkl
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): asia (125), egypt (59), map skills (64), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Give students a blank map of Ancient Egypt and have them label key locations like the Nile River, Giza, Thebes, Memphis, the Red Sea, and the Sahara Desert. Add a challenge by having them color-code fertile land, deserts, and water sources to understand Egypt's geography. Students role-play as Egyptian traders or travelers journeying along the Nile. They will use a map to plan their route, deciding where to stop for food, trade, or religious ceremonies. They can write a travel diary entry describing their experiences. Make the travel diary online using a tool like WriteReader, reviewed here or Book Creator, reviewed here. Cut out sections of an Ancient Egypt map and mix them up. Have students work in groups to reassemble the map, identifying key landmarks as they put it together. Using clay, paper mache, or even a digital tool such as CoSpaces, reviewed here, students create a 3D model of Ancient Egypt, highlighting the Nile River, major cities, and famous landmarks.14th Amenendment to the US Constitution - Library of Congress
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): civil rights (217), constitution (99), states (125)
In the Classroom
Print out copies of historical documents from the Library of Congress (ex., drafts of the amendment, letters, or court decisions). Divide students into groups and have them analyze the documents, answering guided questions about their significance, language, and historical context. Students can script and record a short podcast episode using tools like Anchor, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here, discussing how the 14th Amendment relates to a specific historical or modern civil rights issue. Assign students landmark Supreme Court cases involving the 14th Amendment, such as Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade. Using tools like Padlet, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here, students can collaboratively research and present the facts, rulings, and their implications for civil rights today.What Life Was Like As An Incan - Nutty Productions
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can write a story about what they learned in the video by creating a simple blog post using Telegra.ph reviewed here. This site does not require any registration. Students can also ToonyTool, reviewed here to create single-frame cartoons about the video.Andean Music, the Music of the Incas - Discover Peru
Grades
5 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): musical instruments (54), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can recreate the musical instruments used by the Incan civilization. Students can find Incan music to listen to and compare and contrast with another civilization using Figma reviewed here. Students can record the music on Acast reviewed here to deconstruct the instruments and match them to the sounds in the songs.Native Knowledge 360: The Meaning of Innovation - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): inquiry (30), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use History in Motion reviewed here to create their own Inca timeline. Students can compare and contrast the innovation of the Incan civilizations to other civilizations using Google Drawings reviewed here. Finally, students can use Padlet reviewed here to post facts that they learned.The Children of the Sun - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): south america (77), stories and storytelling (61)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes on each of the pages from the manuscript. Students can use WordClouds reviewed here to post words associated with their message from the story. Students can use Genially, reviewed here, to show what the have learned.The Inca Empire: Everything You Wanted To Know - History Extra Podcast
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): podcasts (114), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post information about that they learn. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes during the podcast. Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the area.How The Inca Used Knots To Tell Stories - Literacy Hub
Grades
9 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): communication (130), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Slides reviewed here to make up their own stories with Incan artifacts. Students can research other ancient civilizations that did not have a writing system and use Figma reviewed here to compare and contrast their accomplishments or lack thereof.The Mali Empire - National Geographic
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast King Sundiata Keita to different rulers during the same period. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area. Finally, students can use Timeline JS, reviewed here to create a timeline of the Mali Empire.The Griot tradition of West Africa - The Griot tradition of West Africa
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can learn about the musical instruments Sibo features. Students can compare and contrast Sibo to other African musicians using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Finally, students can use WordClouds, reviewed here to share their feelings and emotions while listening to the songs.Ruth Bader Ginsburg for Kids - Bedtime Stories
Grades
3 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): courts (23), jews (50), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Students can create a timeline of key events in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life using drawings, captions, or digital tools such as Timelinely, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here. Students can research another historical figure who fought for fairness (ex., Malala Yousafzai, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks). They can present their findings in a "living museum" where they act as the person. Divide students into small groups and assign roles: judge, lawyer, and citizens. Then, present a simple fairness-related scenario (ex., "Should recess time be equal for all grades?"). Students debate both sides before the "judge" makes a decision, practicing critical thinking and public speaking.Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): civil rights (217), courts (23), jews (50), religions (112), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Display some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quotes (ex, "Fight for the things that you care about...") and have students match them to their meanings. Set up a mock Supreme Court scenario where students act as justices, lawyers, or petitioners. Present a simple, kid-friendly case about fairness, such as equal rights in sports teams, and let students debate and make a ruling. Students can also use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Have students create a timeline using Class Tools, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here of important moments in Ginsburg's life and compare them with key events in U.S. history. Inspired by RBG's famous collars, students create their own "justice badge" that represents a cause they care about. Students can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make the badge online.Teachers- Holocaust Museum Houston - Holocaust Museum Houston
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (136), ebooks (46), empathy (36), holocaust (43), immigrants (44), immigration (79), jews (50), professional development (392), religions (112)