Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 5/14/10

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my Personal Learning Network (PLN). As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Life on Minimum Wage – simulation game designed by Mr. Byrne; “is a simulation I designed for students to recognize how difficult it is to save money when your only job(s) pay minimum wage without benefits. To win (prize not determined yet) at Life on Minimum Wage the students have to reach five financial goals that they select. To earn money the students have to complete the tasks of their assigned jobs. The students then have to pay required bills before using money for their selected financial goals. As the game progresses students will be issued "surprise" cards which require them to spend money on things like speeding tickets, trips to a health clinic, and increases in rent. All of the jobs in Life on Minimum Wage are connected so that if one "business" slows production or closes, the workers of another business are also affected. The goal here is to demonstrate the effects of a business closing on a small town's economy.”

PayScale – offers a cost of living calculator; “Whether you’re planning for an upcoming move or just curious about the cost of living in other cities, the PayScale Cost of Living Calculator is the place to begin your research (or daydreaming). Just enter your salary and job title as well as your current location and the city where you’re considering a move. Not only will we show you the cost of living difference, but we’ll let you know how much you need to make in the new location to maintain your current standard of living. Get started!”

Canvas Mol - 3D, interactive, rotating models of simple and complex molecules.

Engineering Interact – “is a new and exciting free educational resource for primary school children aged 9 to 11. Information about real world applications and cutting edge research motivates children and introduces them to the exciting subject of engineering.”

Today’s Document - Every day, a primary source document is highlighted.  Supplemental materials are a click away.

Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com).

Original image: Tools by Pat Hensley