TeachersFirst: Week of March 14, 2010

Featured Sites - Week of March 14, 2010

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Here are this week's features. Clicking the "more resources like this" link below each listing will present a list of our most recent additions for the same subject area and grade level .

Time-for-Time - Grades 0 - 5 - permalink
This is a resource for teachers, students and anyone that wants to learn about time. Students will find interactive games, quizzes and a telling time practice clock. Teachers can access lesson plans, a class clock, and worksheets. There is also a brief history of clocks, links to world clocks, information about time zones, and more. Students must be able to count to 60 to use the various activities. 10773

In the Classroom:
Use the class teaching clock on your interactive whiteboard or projector to help students learn about both analog and digital clocks through its interactive features. At a computer learning center allow students to take the online quizzes. List this link on your class website for students to access both in and out of the classroom. Have cooperative learning groups demonstrate their understanding by creating interactive online posters ("glogs") using Glogster EDU, reviewed here.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: time | clocks | time zones |

Louvre - Grades 1 - 12 - permalink
Roam the halls of the Louvre without having to sign one field trip form (or gather passports). This virtual museum experience contains an on-line collection of 35,000 pieces and spans across 60,000 square feet. Features such as “My Personal Space,” allow you to bookmark and store your own personalized art collections in multiple albums. Each art piece includes a label that states basic information such as the name of the artist, date, period, and medium. For more in depth information simply click the label and view a short narrative written by the Louvre’s own curators and staff. Search their database by keywords or exact phrases or use the “kaleidoscope” to locate artwork organized by themes such as: mythology, landscape, and even sports. By downloading 3Dvia, you can also view imaginary architecture and exhibitions in 3D. The work displayed at the Louvre spans from the medieval period to 1848. 10744

In the Classroom:
The possibilities for using this website in the classroom are as extensive as the Louvre itself. Liven up your Greek Mythology unit by accessing the “Kaleidoscope” mythology theme to learn how various gods and their stories appear in fine art. View the site in French and have your class speaking and reading French as they stroll through the halls of the Louvre. Link your study of the French Revolution to paintings such as Delacroix’s “Lady Liberty." While studying World History, reading Machiavelli’s masterpiece “The Prince” or Vasari’s biographies in “Lives of the Artist,” view the work of artists who lived through the political unrest of the Renaissance. The site does not provide prefabricated lessons for teachers but is an excellent resource for re-search and project-based learning. Create a class wiki for students to share their favorite paintings or thoughts on a specific painting and its meaning. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries – check out the Teacher’s First Wiki Walk-Through reviewed here.

Making Stopmotion Movies - Grades 2 - 8 - permalink
Energize your Writers Workshop by creating stopmotion movies. This is a highly engaging way to teach your students about story elements, dialogue, character development, and storyboarding. Filmmakers can first organize their ideas on downloadable planning sheets. Make the characters for the movie out of clay, wiki stix, paper, or even found objects. Some free animation and movie software links are available. Step by step directions on how to create a stopmotion movie, and Windows Moviemaker, and iMovie tutorials are available. 10755

In the Classroom:
Encourage your students to revise and edit their writing by turning their stories into stopmotion movies. Have students work in small groups to visually re-create events from their own writing. This will help develop stronger characters, dialogue, and draw attention to the elements of time and place. The planning sheets are a helpful tool to help students examine story structure and sequence. Alternatively, develop reading comprehension and fluency by asking students to re-create a fable or folktale. The new term for this is "Readers stopmotion." Teachers may want to be comfortable using a digital camera and movie making programs before embarking on this project.”

Challenge students to share their videos on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here or post them on your class website. Get parent permission before posting any student work on this sharing site and check with your school administrator to be sure that your school allows students to post videos on-line. Teachers may want to be comfortable using a digital camera/webcam and movie making programs before embarking on this project.

WordPop Foldables - Grades 1 - 12 - permalink
Make your students active vocabulary learners by making word study a hands-on experience using WordPop. Check out this site for students to create 3-D projects demonstrating their understanding of key concepts and vocabulary in any subject. An online video demonstration makes it easy to get started using foldables in the classroom. The instruction Tools section of this site can be used by the teacher to help plan how key vocabulary terms will be learned and assessed. 10636

In the Classroom:
Word Maps can be used to help students learn new vocabulary terms by defining words or finding antonyms and synonyms. Use the downloadable Jeopardy template as a unit review or introduction to a new unit to assess student knowledge. Foldable templates can be used to teach prefixes and suffixes in relationship to root words. Make this one of several vocabulary learning options for more tactile learners by sharing the link on your class web page, and be sure to tell parents about it as a study aid they can use to support their student at home. Create foldables for world language vocabulary, science terms, literature vocabulary, and practically any other subject.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: word maps | graphic organizers | word study | foldables |

Math Maps - Grades 0 - 6 - permalink
This site is an interactive, collaborative project that uses Google maps with you and your students to provide content. You can also see Math maps created by others. By following the directions, you can create math problems utilizing information from your own city or town. Once the math problems are posted on the map, you can tweet or blog to inform others about them. In addition to creating problems, your students can view the contributions of others and solve real world math problems. Be aware: pop-up messages do appear across the bottom of the screen. These messages are recent posts to the site. Teachers who wish to contribute must submit a Gmail address to be offered access to add their own “Maths Maps.” (Note to U.S. educators and students: What you know as “math” is known as “maths” in the UK, Australia, and some other countries. The “s” is NOT a typo!)

10808

In the Classroom:
What makes this site special is that the content comes directly from educators and students. Use the existing math problems as a challenge activity or to demonstrate how math can be used in the real world. Share the maps and math questions on your interactive whiteboard or projector. The different pin colors represent different age groups so you can choose appropriately leveled math problems. You can easily differentiate for individuals by telling them which color to explore. This site is a great way to get your students to learn more about their community. Have your students research a community spot and create a math problem about it as a class. Enter the information onto the map together or under teacher supervision for other classes all over the world to use. Allow students to explore on their own and keep a math log of all the problems they found and solved on a "trip around the world with math."

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: maps | map skills | measurement | shapes |

Year by Year - Grades 3 - 12 - permalink
Build students’ sense of historical context year by year. Help them to realize that Gershwin did not write during the Vietnam War and that World War II preceded the Beatles. This site gives an overview of any year students click on from 1900 to the present, including cultural events, national and world news, politics, sports, prize winners, movie releases, deaths, and --for more recent years -- links to news focusing on other topics such as science and people. It provides an interesting summary of any particular year; most students find it interesting to check the year of their birth and those of their family members. Many highlighted keywords link to the Infoplease encyclopedia and other reference sources. 10759

In the Classroom:
Ask your students to visit the site and create a multimedia presentation from the information about any specific year they see there. Or have them compare life in two different decades. Have students create online books using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. Or challenge students to create an online poster using Wallwisher, (reviewed here).

When studying literature, point out this site as a source authors might use for cultural background information in their writing. Pick out the details while reading a novel, for example, that might be found at this site. Or before studying a historical period, use this site as an anticipatory set or “activator” on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Have students collect information tidbits and predict what might be put into the site for the current year.

Ask your ESL/ELL students to share similar information about the years they were born and the events that occurred in their home cultures. Use the site when preparing a unit on summarizing or informational paragraphs, showing the students how to select and condense relevant information from the site into a few sentences.

Old Man and the Sea - Grades 6 - 12 - permalink
The Old Man and the Sea, written by Ernest Hemingway, is one of the cornerstones of the literary canon. This beautifully illustrated animated film version enhances students' comprehension at all skill levels and helps teachers introduce students to the rich and varied elements of this classic story. The aesthetically pleasing presentation of Hemingway’s vivid imagery serves to present the story in an enjoyable and memorable fashion. Additionally, Turkish subtitles are included in a closed captioning option, which can easily be turned on and off by clicking on the CC button located directly below the video.

This site has all the bells and whistles that Google presents in a user-friendly format. Google Videos are ready for full screen view on a projector or interactive whiteboard and are readily available for download, by simply clicking the "Download" button. The strength of this film being a Google-video is the ease and quality of viewing. The play page has a large video player and caters to all of you multi-taskers who want to keep the current video playing, while you also click on the “Related Videos" links to help you discover and search results for more related films. The Grid View Rollover Function sustains uninterrupted viewing while allowing you to move your mouse over multiple thumbnails of the video. Another feature is the ability to jump directly into the video at the point where captions of interest appear, which is extremely handy during class discussions and to review or reference a particular snippet. You can also choose to sign up for a free Google Account which will allow you to browse and play videos directly from the home page. 10646

In the Classroom:
This resource may be used in several different ways, depending upon the teacher's needs and goals. Although no curriculum packet or guide is provided, this site is a good resource to enhance the study of The Old Man in the Sea, as well as to meet the needs of the Turkish speaking population. This animated film adapted version can serve as a starting point to acquaint students with Hemingway’s well-known literary work and introduce imagery and other significant literary elements. It can also be used as an extension activity that lends itself to oral and written expression, or as a supplementary aid to understanding the text. The subtitles are valuable for bilingual-Turkish speaking, ELL, and ESL students. Use your imagination to spark interesting discussions about the passages that might be difficult to understand in the text, develop a compare-contrast learning activity by using an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram (reviewed here), study the literary elements of the story, or interpret the artistic value.

Tissues of Life - Grades 3 - 10 - permalink
Find detailed scientific information and examples on this site about human tissues. Click on the links to find this detailed information presented in an eye pleasing and very interactive manner. Despite the kid friendly look and sound effects as you roll over material, the content is well worth the visit. Click and play with games, comics, illustrations, and photographs that have been enlarged.

Rollover sound effects are sure to grab attention, but the content beneath all that flash is what will have you coming back. The site uses games, comics, illustrations and magnified photographs to inform and entertain. Many of the details may be too involved for younger viewers even though they are magnificent. Students may not have the maturity level for some content. It is always advised to review sites before using in a class. 10438

In the Classroom:
As you are discussing the human body, use this site to learn how cells and tissues work together for correct functioning of organs and the body itself. Use this site to identify different cells and tissues and their functions. Use microscopes to view cells in the classroom and compare to the sizes and shapes found on the images on this site. Have cooperative learning groups create simple infomercials about a specific topic learned at this site. Share the videos using a tool such as Teachers.TV reviewed here.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: biology | life science | tissues | cells |

Fizzy's Lunch Lab - Grades 1 - 4 - permalink
Learn all about health, diet, and fitness at this interactive web site offered by PBSkids. Topics include how to prepare and find health snacks, discovering the difference between good and bad foods and what happens to food after it enters your body. Videos, games, food facts, music, and more are used to entice students to learn about good nutrition. Each month new videos and activities are being added to the site. As a culminating project have students create online posters ("glogs") using Glogster EDU, reviewed here. 10638

In the Classroom:
Teachers can use this site as part of their health and nutrition units. Lesson plans are available that correspond with each month's theme and activities. Use the games on your interactive whiteboard or projector to help spur classroom discussions on how to create nutritious meals and plan activities that will enhance a healthy lifestyle.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: health | nutrition | fitness | food pyramid |

Taj Mahal Virtual Tour - Grades 6 - 12 - permalink
Ready for a little get-away? Take the virtual tour of the Taj Mahal! Created by the Arm Chair Travel Co., and described by the New York Times as "Thrilling, Sumptuous, Exotic, ... with astonishing detail" this site is a very thorough trip through the beautiful Taj Mahal and its grounds. This site is so extensive and the visuals so gorgeous, it has to be seen to be believed. For example, click on the top of the Mausoleum to see a panoramic view of the city, or click on an interior view for a 360° inspection of The Cenotaphs.

This site has "Downloadable Assets for Schools," and can be toured in English, French, Japanese, Hindi, or the Indian Native Language. There is inline text for the hearing impaired. The Taj Mahal tour includes 360° panoramas, videos, narration, maps, music, text, and visits to areas that are off-limits to the public. Ancillary materials can be found at the bottom of the first page, and at the bottom of the tour page. A few of the titles are: Arches of the Taj Mahal, Calligrapy and Inscriptions, Islamic architecture, and The History of the Taj Mahal. 10716

In the Classroom:
Make world cultures or the study of India a visual experience using this site. Some English language learners can listen in their native language, and then listen and read in English summarizing the information they learned in English.

Views of the Taj Mahal can be projected and navigated on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Before viewing, student groups can come up with impressions and questions about what they are going to see and annotate the images with the interactive feature of the whiteboard. Challenge small groups to focus on one area of the Taj Mahal and report to rest of the class. Using the interactive whiteboard students can simultaneously navigate the Taj Mahal tour and one of the ancillary sites. Older students can annotate the two views using an online tool such as Fine Tuna, reviewed here.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: Taj Mahal | India |

Hatchet - Grades 4 - 7 - permalink
A great resource for a book study on Gary Paulsen's novel, Hatchet. Online quizzes, lesson plans, vocabulary, writing prompts and more make this site worth using. The online quizzes give students, and their teacher, instant feedback on comprehension. 10807

In the Classroom:
Use this site as a resource for a book study. Print many of the materials to keep on hand. The online quizzes offer a quick assessment. As a culminating project, have students create online books about characters or themes in Hatchet, using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: Hatchet | survival | novel study |

Livebinders - Grades 2 - 12 - permalink
TeachersFirst Edge review: For serious technology users. Compile and share information from all over the web -- and text and images you add -- with others by creating a Livebinder on a topic or theme. Add tabs with specific information, easily accessed across the top of the binder. Interested in sharing information in a new way? Check out this extremely easy and exceptional site that can easily manage digital clutter. Gather and organize links, videos, information, charts, news, etc. in one neat and organized binder. As you update your binder in the future, all your changes automatically show to everyone who accesses the binder by URL or embedded version. Binders can be public or password-protected ("private"), so use of copyrighted images is possible under Fair Use, as long as you limit access to your own students via password (they call it a "key"). 10479

In the Classroom:
Skills required: Creating and managing a login is required for use. Once an account is created, add the bookmarklet to your browser bar for quick access. Check with your IT department to have the ability to download bookmarklets on your computer. Knowledge of embed codes are required to manage Livebinders in other sites. To get a better idea of Livebinder basics, watch the 90 second video tour before you "play."

To use: Click on "start a blank binder," enter a description, tags, category, and mark it private or public. Click yes to "use Google search to fill a binder" to find plenty of information fast. Your new binder will instantly be filled with a new tab for each site matching your search term. After entering "climate change," a new Livebinder was created with tabs that matched research I had previously spent a lot of time to find. Now it can be instantly shared. Click on "edit menu" in the upper right of your binder to change description, title, etc. as well as fonts, tabs, and other details. To share, click on share this binder along the bottom right to share by email, Facebook, Twitter, or embedding via link or embed code. Embed your Livebinder in a blog, wiki, or other site or provide the link for access by others.

Safety/Security: Users must be 13 years of age to create an account. Teachers can create an account and share Livebinders for student use at any age. Create a class account with a global login and password. Students use the same login to access the Livebinder and create tabs on various topics. As each collaborator would not be known, ask students to add initials to tabs they create so you know the source. Check your school policies on whether student work may be displayed online and what information is permitted, then enforce that policy with your students.

In the Classroom: Create a Livebinder to assemble information and requirements for a student project. Make the Livebinder the actual ASSIGNMENT sheet. Use a new tab in the binder for each type of resource or topic of information. In English classes, use to offer spelling, writing, or grammar hints for students. Create a binder for specific sports teams that showcase team accolades, resources for increasing skills, or to create snack lists and travel information. Create a Livebinder for groups of students to plan or report on vacation plans, learn about cultures or countries, or maintain information for student projects. Students can use Livebinders to assemble information for group projects that can be discussed with the teacher to track progress. Consider creating a binder for assignments for students that focus on the use of information versus just the searching for the information. Any content or subject area can be easily managed by creating a Livebinder for student learning. Create an art or music gallery easily with a Livebinder. Use each tab of a Livebinder for each cell part necessary for the functioning of a cell. Create tabs in a binder for each battle or campaign in a specific war. Create a tab for each candidate in a specific election. Have students or student groups (13 and over) create Livebinder "tours" or annotated collections on a topic such as the pros and cons of organic foods, a cultural tour of a country, or applications of geometry in architecture. Of course their student-written annotations and commentary will be key to make these collections into meaningful products. They might even create tasks and questions for other students to try to learn about the topic.

If you are simply looking for a way to share technology-infused project assignments with students from grade 2 and up, a teacher-made Livebinder is an easy way to do it, and you can share the assignment with parents and learning support teachers by simply providing the URL.

For similar resources, click the appropriate keyword: organization | binders | projects |

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