8th Grade

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Teaching Tree

— teachingtree.co

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.teachingtree.co/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Teaching Tree is a free resource for learning about computer science. View videos organized into five categories with dozens of topics inside each category. Main categories include Algorithms and Data Structures, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Databases, Graphics and Animation, and Programming Languages. Most topics have 10+ specific lessons. University professors provide most videos that are a mix of short and long tutorials. Find tags within the longer videos to key concepts that they contain. Clicking on a tag jumps you to the spot in the lecture that addresses the concept you want to learn about.

In the Classroom

Use Teaching Tree as a great resource for students who want to learn about computer science on their own. This is a great tool to share with students considering a major in computer science in college or wondering about computer careers. If you teach computer science courses, Teaching Tree could be useful for locating review materials to share with your students. You may also consider having your students search for or create videos to share on Teaching Tree and then tag them to help other people learn from their work. Use a tool such as SchoolTube <a href="/single.cfm?id=9437">reviewed here</a>.

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  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): computers, data,

From Cave Paintings to the Internet

— Jeremy Norman and Co., Inc.

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.historyofinformation.com/index.php Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This amazing online project documents the history of information and media. The project covers a huge scope of time, starting with entries from 2,500,000 BC up to the present time. Use the Google Maps based interface (Map View) to explore the records geographically. Select from a large number of themes including archaeology, writing, or paleontology. You can also explore this tool by historical era or regions. Search the tool using the tabs Outline View, Expanded View, or Map View. Explore the Narrative and Analysis tab for valuable information.

In the Classroom

Use this tool to research the history of writing, communication, and technology through the ages. Connect each of these discoveries with other events including political, religious, or social changes also occurring at the time. Assign cooperative learning groups different areas of this website to explore. Challenge students to use a mapping tool such as Click2Map, <a href="/single.cfm?id=16308">reviewed here</a>, to create a map of their own (display markers featuring text, photos, and videos!).

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): maps, art history, geologic time, geology, genealogy, genetics, sculpture, 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, 1900s, animals, caves,

Outbreaks

— globalincidentmap.com

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://outbreaks.globalincidentmap.com/home.php Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This map tool displays worldwide outbreaks, cases, and deaths caused by viruses and bacteria. You can even see Anthrax threats/hoaxes. Click on the map to view the various diseases. If you prefer, scroll through the various diseases below the map using the chart to identify specific outbreaks.

In the Classroom

Use the various types of diseases to learn more about bacteria, viruses, and epidemiology. Students can create a presentation to teach others about a various disease. Create a multimedia presentation or create a blog or wiki post that shows information as well as current outbreaks around the world. Have students research how the disease is transmitted and factors that lead to outbreaks in certain places. Have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools <a href="/content/edge.cfm?c=18">reviewed here</a>. Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): <a href="/single.cfm?id=18378">Adobe Spark in K-12</a>, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17166">Zeetings</a>, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17424">Animatron</a>, <a href="/single.cfm?id=18291">Renderforest</a>, and <a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">Canva Inforgraphic Maker</a>.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): bacteria, diseases,

Google Cultural Institute

— Google

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/?hl=en#!home Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Google has assembled a series of multimedia presentations focused on historical themes. It begins in 1905 and the influence of colonial and imperial power on East Asia and finishes in 2008 and Nelson Mandela’s impact on young people. Each theme contains photographs, video clips, text and other media that provide context for a discussion of the theme. Other themes include the Holocaust, Apartheid and South African history, and the Spanish Civil War. The content here is visually rich, relying on the impact of the photographs and video much more than any textual descriptions, and is therefore a great companion to the study of these issues, rather than being an in-depth examination of any one topic. Don’t miss the search tool to find content related to a place or event (try Vietnam, for example).

In the Classroom

Because of the visual impact of this resource, it’s perfect for use on an interactive whiteboard (or projector) as a complement to a study of the historical period or issue serving as the focus for each theme. Students can hear the voices of children who were affected by the Holocaust, see photographs of Apartheid era South Africa, and view primary source documents related to the life of activist Steve Biko. Allow yourself a little time to play with the site before you use it, as it may not be immediately intuitive. Overall, however, the impact of the images and video found here will add real power to your lessons. Challenge your students to use the search tool to find visual media related to events or topics you are studying and to explain the relationships. Even world language teachers will find the media available here a way to share a rich nuances of another culture.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): spain, jews, civil rights, holocaust, asia, africa, cross cultural understanding, south africa, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 20th century,

25 Language Arts Graphic Organizers

— Daily Teaching Tools

-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.dailyteachingtools.com/language-arts-graphic-organizers.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Find ready-made graphic organizers for Language Arts at this site. View organizers through the quick links containing titles such as 3 column notes, main idea web, or character map. Scroll down a bit further to see images of each of the organizers. Right click and save each image or choose the link provided at the very end of the page under "Free Download" to access and easily print the files in PDF format for all of the graphic organizers listed. The permissions say you can use them for one teacher. Tell your teaching colleagues to download for themselves.

In the Classroom

Many of these organizers are useful for Common Core standards. Print and save the graphic organizers for use throughout the year. These organizers should be especially helpful when teaching different text structures found in informational text as required in Common Core. Use as part of your writer’s workshop or guided reading instruction. Share organizers when preparing for standardized tests to help students organize and understanding test materials.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
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  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): process writing, writers workshop, writing, graphic organizers,

Coursera

— Coursera.org

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://www.coursera.org/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Take the world’s best courses online for free! Choose courses from 33 universities in 20 different topics ranging from science, business, music and film, and the social sciences. Course information displays start date, length of class, and the source offering the course. View a description/biography of the course instructor, a video explanation of each course, and information on the course format at the homepage for each class. Most courses offer a certificate of completion for successful completion of course requirements.

In the Classroom

Allow gifted students to enroll in courses that interest them or that provide enrichment beyond classroom content. Share with others in your building as a resource for professional development. Explore the topics yourself for some new, engaging topics to round out your own expertise. Allow students to enroll in a course that would fit into their career goals as an exploratory opportunity in that field.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): gamification, engineering, data, solar energy, energy, space, china, climate change, scientific method, immigrants, immigration, sports, greeks, nutrition, sociology, psychology, financial literacy, computers, professional development,

Futurity

— Futurity.org

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.futurity.org/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site features the latest discoveries by the scientists of top research universities throughout the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. There is a huge selection of topics to explore. Find current findings and research in the topics of Earth and Environment, Health and Medicine, Science and Technology, and Society and Culture. This free site is funded by the universities partnered in the project solely to share research news directly with the public.

In the Classroom

Enter an email address to receive daily e-news. Use these articles as a way to connect current research to material being studied in class. If you are looking for informational texts to use for Common Core practice, this is a great place to start! Use to highlight the use of the scientific method and the importance of publishing findings. Critique the presentation of data and graphs. Determine if raw data could be presented in a different way. Assign students to choose a research topic from this site and research background information to present as a poster or a multimedia project. Have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools <a href="/content/edge.cfm?c=16">reviewed here</a>. Include this site in resources for career explorations or science fair inspiration.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): scientific method, environment, medicine, nutrition, earth,

True Tube

— TrueTube

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.truetube.co.uk/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Find videos related to social education, health, citizenship, religions, the environment, crime, and countless eclectic topics at this UK-based site. Though some are controversial, this is a great set of resources for the introduction of difficult subjects to a class. Choose from subjects on the left margin, including Body and Health, Crime, Culture, and more. Many of the videos deal with worldwide issues from a non-U.S. point of view, offering a different perspective. Several videos have lesson plans. <b>Be sure to preview videos before you share. Some do deal with rather controversial topics. If necessary, check with your administration about the appropriate use of these videos before sharing withe the class OR sharing the link on your class website.</b>

In the Classroom

Share specific videos on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use a video to introduce a debate topic or as a prompt for persuasive writing. As a media literacy exercise, ask students to find another video (perhaps on YouTube) that presents an opposing viewpoint on the same topic as one here. Then challenge cooperative learning groups to create their own videos on this or another controversial topic being discussed in class. Share the videos using a tool such as TeacherTube <a href="/single.cfm?id=9419">reviewed here</a>.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): architecture, poetry, mental health, diseases, sexuality, social skills, religions, digital citizenship, environment, persuasive writing, writing prompts, media literacy,

JPL Infographics

— Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/infographics/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Discover great Infographics from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Use this tool to create your own Infographics or upload ones already created. Easy directions are provided. Grab data from NASA to create your Infographic. Downloadable data includes images, data sets, and more. Share using social media. Be sure to view the gallery for very interesting uses of the data. You can download full resolution pdf files of the infographics (large files).

In the Classroom

Use Infographics from the gallery to begin a new unit or lesson. Share the infographics on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Annotate them on the whiteboard to "dig deeply" into the information. Engage students in brainstorming, critical thinking, or asking questions. Create Infographics to share with others by choosing relevant information from the NASA archives. Connect information learned in class to real world space information. Use this information as part of a project to report upon an aspect of space.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
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Tag(s): space, infographics, nasa,

The Science Spot

— Mrs. Tomm

3-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.sciencespot.net/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This tool is a wonderful resource for both middle school teachers and students. Find lessons in any physical or biological content area. Find ideas for activities to use as part of your school’s Science Club or interesting trivia to use as starters for your classroom. Other resources available include ideas for nature Centers, Puzzles, and links to other resources. This site has quite a few distracting advertisements.

In the Classroom

Use the information on this site to find interesting demonstrations or facts to use when planning your lessons. Use these ideas as part of an inquiry lesson that encourages the students to be investigators and ask the questions. Students can also be the demonstrators in class. Encourage them to find an interesting idea or demonstration to perform in front of the class and "teach" the other students. Alternately, students can videotape or podcast their demonstration for viewing later on your class website. For podcasts use a site such as podOmatic, <a href="/single.cfm?id=8094">reviewed here</a>. To share videos, use a site such as SchoolTube, <a href="/single.cfm?id=9437">reviewed here</a>.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
  • Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur aliquet quam id dui posuere blandit. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a.
Tag(s): measurement, earth, ecology, insects, forensics, atoms, motion, cells,
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