Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 9/20/13

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

Charts Bin - “ChartsBin is a web-based data visualization tool that will allow everyone to quickly and easily create rich interactive visualizations with their own data.” (L:G; SA:A)

Global Bookshelf - “Ever wish you could find a story that would connect you to the trip you were planning? Maybe you’ve tried to find books and stories about your dream destination, but…

· You’re looking for a specific type of book, from a specific region, and just can’t find it…

· You don’t have time in your crazy schedule to sift through book after book after book that isn’t what you’re looking for…

· You can’t find a resource that lists books by country or region of the world…

· You want to read small, personal, stories and don’t know where to look to find them…

· Whenever you search for books about a place all that returns is guidebooks…

Then The Global Bookshelf is for you!” (L:G; SA:A)

Zoos and Animals - take a virtual tour of zoos through Google Maps Street View (L:G; SA:A)

Overcoming Obstacles - “When faced with a bump in the road, sometimes we forget we have a choice: overcome the obstacle or let it overcome you. Steven Claunch, who was born without fingers on his right hand and with one leg shorter than the other and has excelled in basketball nonetheless, explains why obstacles can provide an opportunity to both inspire others and develop character.” (L:G; SA:A)

DIY! - “DIY is a place for kids to share what they do, meet others who love the same skills, and be awesome. The big idea is that anyone can become anything just by trying – we all learn by doing. With skills each of us can build our world.” (L:G; SA:A)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley