Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 3/3/17

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

Builda Tiny Plant World – from SciShow Kids; “Jessi and Squeaks just learned about terrariums, and now they want to make one for themselves! Join them to learn all about these tiny gardens in a bottle and how you can make one of your own!” (L:E; SA:S) 

Radio Garden – live radio streams  (L:G; SA:A)

 Giving It Meaning (Math Skills) – “Iditarod Musher Jodi Bailey wrote a post in her kennel’s blog about the numbers in her drop bags for Iditarod. Drop bags are what mushers pack in advance of the race and send out to the race checkpoints so they have a supply of gear, dog food, and people food during the race. This post on Dew Claw Kennel’s site gives teachers real numbers for students to work with, showing them how math is used in real life. Jodi also writes about numbers having meanings, just as words have meanings for reading. That’s what teachers strive to teach their students, that numbers and words have meaning. They are not just numerals or words.

In this post, look for information for grades 4-6  to teach math skills which give meaning to numbers. The Common Core Standards addressed are stated for each grade level.

By the way, use the other numbers in Jodi’s post, too, This post should jump start your math sled!” (L:E; SA:M)

Open Secrets – “Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, the Center for Responsive Politics is the nation's premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. OUR VISION is for Americans, empowered by access to clear and unbiased information about money’s role in politics and policy, to use that knowledge to strengthen our democracy. OUR MISSION is to produce and disseminate peerless data and analysis on money in politics to inform and engage Americans, champion transparency, and expose disproportionate or undue influence on public policy.“ (L:H; SA:SS)

Algebra on Nudge – a free app; “An awesome app to practice, learn and master linear equations. Enjoy the unique personal tutor experience while solving problems. Ideal for grades 6 to 9” 

Original photo by Pat Hensley