Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 5/11/12

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my 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!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

WikipediaMaze - “Wikipedia maze is a game based on the popular Wikipedia website. The concept is simple; Starting with a particular topic try and navigate to the designated end topic in as few clicks as possible following only links to other topics. Users have the opportunity to earn points from either solving or creating puzzles. When certain benchmarks are reached users are awarded badges to show off their achievements.” (L:H; SA: G)

Cyberchase Math Games -“ CYBERCHASE, the award-winning, research-based adventure series and website, helps kids develop strong math and problem-solving skills. Explore this site for ways to help your favorite kids get the most out of math! Designed for kids ages 8 to 12 and packed with mystery, humor, and action.” (L:E; SA: M)

Cookie Learning Games - “At cookie, child experts and educators design interactive online games for kids. Our learning games for kids help in building skills needed for success in school. While playing our fun educational games, kids learn to read with phonics, build skills in math, language, social studies, science and much more. Our educational videos encourage children to keep learning, even after school hours.” (L:E; SA: G)

The Dino Database - “The database contains detailed information on hundreds of dinosaurs and dinosaur related topics. Beginners and experts alike will love the detail contained within…Learn which dinosaur was the heaviest, tallest, and shortest. See how many movies Hollywood has produced about dinosaurs over the years. Compare your theories with those of paleontologists on varied subjects including extinction, life spans, and intelligence. Dive on in and immerse yourself in a wealth of knowledge about these giants that roamed the earth so long ago!” (L:A; SA: S)

Piktochart - create your own infographic (L:A; SA: G)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley