Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 01/13/23

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

Compound Interest Calculator - “This compound interest calculator is a tool that you can use to demonstrate how compounding can affect your monthly savings over a set period of time. You can run this calculator by setting the age, annual interest, and entering "Initial Investment" and/or "Monthly Savings." (L:H; SA:M)

Physics of Roller Coasters - “Students explore the physics exploited by engineers in designing today's roller coasters, including potential and kinetic energy, friction and gravity. First, they learn that all true roller coasters are completely driven by the force of gravity and that the conversion between potential and kinetic energy is essential to all roller coasters. Second, they consider the role of friction in slowing down cars in roller coasters. Finally, they examine the acceleration of roller coaster cars as they travel around the track. During the associated activity, students design, build and analyze model roller coasters they make using foam tubing and marbles (as the cars).” (L:H; SA:S)

The Mystery of Motion Sickness - “Although one third of the population suffers from motion sickness, scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes it. Like the common cold, it's a seemingly simple problem that's still without a cure. And if you think it's bad on a long family car ride, imagine being a motion sick astronaut! Rose Eveleth explains what’s happening in our bodies when we get the car sick blues.” (L:E; SA:S)

The WWII Rumor Project - “The World War II Rumor Project collection contains documentation compiled by the Office of War Information (OWI). Although the project was often described as a “rumor control” effort, the researchers were well aware that control of rumors and misinformation in a free society with a free press is extraordinarily difficult. The project was an opportunity to study the spread of rumors, to learn about rumors circulating that might have an impact on national security, and to create educational outreach to help head off rumors in the first place.

This collection includes documentation of the project administration as well as the rumors gathered in two different efforts -- from individuals and schools. Private individuals were enlisted to write down rumors in their communities and send them to federal agency field representatives. These individuals or "correspondents" included dentists, beauty shop operators, policemen, proprietors, and librarians who had access to rumors in their communities. The second rumor source was teachers who collected rumors, jokes, rhymes, and anecdotes about the war from high school and college students. Subjects include Adolf Hitler, Japan, rationing, and rhymes and stories composed or recorded by students.

Content Advisory: Because of potentially offensive and racist language and views, which reflect both their time and circumstances, this transcription project may not suitable for all volunteers.”(L:H; SA:SS)

AR and VR in the Classroom - “Resources and apps for AR & VR for immersive learning opportunities.”(L:T; SA:A)


Original photo by Pat Hensley