Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 1/7//22

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

Blood, concrete, and dynamite: Building the Hoover Dam - “In the early 20th century, the US had expanded from coast to coast, but many cities in the southwest still lacked reliable water sources. The Colorado River's erratic flow and frequent floods made it unreliable for agriculture, and the region’s growing cities needed more energy. So the government decided to build a massive hydroelectric dam. Alex Gendler details the creation of the Hoover Dam.” (L:H;SA:S,SS)

Alice in Fractalland - interactive lesson on fractals (L:H;SA:M)

American Panorama - “American Panorama is an historical atlas of the United States for the twenty-first century. It combines cutting-edge research with innovative interactive mapping techniques, designed to appeal to anyone with an interest in American history or a love of maps.” (L:G;SA:S,SS)

The USPS Pen Pal Project - “The U.S. Postal Service and WeAreTeachers are proud to announce The USPS Pen Pal Project, a new, free educational program for grade 2-6 students. Twenty-five thousand U.S. elementary classes will each be matched with a partner class across the country with the goal of building friendships and understanding diverse perspectives. By participating in the program, students will improve their writing, communication, and collaboration skills.” (L:E;SA:LA)

Germ Science Investigation - “Complete all 4 levels by collecting life-saving germ facts and learning how to stop the spread.”(L:G;SA:S)

Original photo by Pat Hensley