8th Grade

8

You Decide: Challenge Your Assumptions

— WQED

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

How It Works

Does it sometimes seem as though students come to class with their minds already made up about so many complex subjects? You Decide is a site that guides students through a reasoned approach to making decisions about timely topics. Because this site is designed for the general public, not just for an educational setting, not all the questions will be relevant for students, however, there are plenty of engaging debates. Each question asks students to take a stand first, and then consider relevant information that may influence their opinions. Some of the topics at this time of this review included: Green Jobs, College Costs, Government Spending, Underwater Mortgages, Own or Rent, Spend or Save, and several others. There is a discussion forum and then a series of links to further information presented for each topic.

In the Classroom

Divide students into cooperative learning groups to explore the site. Have them choose a topic to explore and debate and then take turns using the resources provided to help build their arguments. A terrific component of this site is the ability to embed a widget into your classroom website that takes students directly to the site and one of its decision-making activities. You can also subscribe to an RSS feed that makes the widget update regularly. There is an archive of previous debates to explore. This site includes a forum/discussion board. Determine whether students may do this under your school’s policies and whether forum submissions may display student names or initials. Then spell out both permissible use and consequences before you send students to this site. Some teachers obtain parent permission for students to participate in such a site. You may want to participate in the forum/discussion board as a class, using your own login.

Technology Heads-up!
  • Find interactive ABC's, colors, etc.
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Tag(s): politics,

Maths is Fun

— Rod Pierce

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.mathisfun.com/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Math is Fun when you visit this website that is loaded with games, activities and much more! Math activities are divided into topics such as Algebra, Data, Games, Dictionaries, Worksheets, and more. After choosing a topic there are several choices for appropriate activities within the category. The teachers page has links to many virtual manipulatives, puzzles, speed math and other classroom activities. All activities contain an explanation and solution to the puzzle. Although this site may appear as another "drill and kill" site, is also has a lot of extra features and activities included. If you are a math teacher, this is definitely a site worth taking a look at.

In the Classroom

Use the teacher’s page on the interactive whiteboard or projector to demonstrate math concepts such as symmetry, tessellations, and basic algebra concepts. Assign activities and games to students and let them become the expert in one topic. Use the illustrated math dictionary provided on the site as an example and create a class math dictionary of concepts learned. Have students share their new math term on the class wiki. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries - check out the <a href="/content/wiki/">TeachersFirst’s Wiki Walk-Through</a>. This may also be a site that you want to include on your class website for students to use both in and out of the classroom.

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): logic, measurement, problem solving,

Lesson: Life After Trash

— Teach Engineering

5-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/life-after-trash/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Great for a foundations of science class or middle level environmental science class, use this activity to have students "get their hands dirty" solving real life problems with real life activities. <i>Life After Trash</i> is an excellent lesson for having students think beyond the obvious uses of everyday products. Concepts such as landfills, the three R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle), and basic environmental awareness are partnered with the skills of working in groups, critical thinking, and problem solving to create an interesting and fun classroom activity. There is little cost (if any) to doing the lab.

In the Classroom

A week or so before conducting this simulation activity, ask students to bring in recyclables and clean trash from home. This will cut down on the amount of trash you need to collect, and it will add variety to the supplies. Set up the activity by talking about trash, where it comes from and where it goes. Discuss better alternatives for trash "disposal" such as recycling and reusing. Have students think of obvious reuses for materials and then explain that there are other alternatives to obvious uses. Introduce the activity and basic rules and safety to the students. Arrange them in groups of three or four and then allow them to "shop" the classroom "landfill" to create new things out of old trash. Follow up with discussion of group products, uses, and real life applications of this idea such as recycled art.

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): problem solving, engineering, critical thinking,

Instapaper.com

— Marco Arment

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

How It Works

Create a Read Later bookmark to send to any device for reading later. Though this tool is a download all you need to do is drag the bookmarklet to your browser toolbar. As you find articles to read later, be sure to click on the bookmarklet to save. Create folders to organize your articles and even create an RSS feed for the folder. Send instapaper articles to an iPad or iPhone (use the app) or send to your Google Reader. Instapaper can also be connected with the Kindle (click on the Account tab for information including the cost from Amazon for doing so.)

In the Classroom

Users must be able to set up their free account and manage bookmarklets in their browser toolbar. Be sure to click on the Account tab to set a password or change your username. Be sure to check with your IT Department before adding on to your browser. (Some school computers may be locked down, preventing this capability.) When articles are out of sight, they are often forgotten. Decide where you plan to access articles later (iPhone app, Google Reader) to catch up on the articles you have found interesting. Download your articles in a printable file or export the entire list as a .csv or .html file. Archive your articles and easily retrieve them from the tab along the top. rn<br><br>rnSafety/security: If students are using Instapaper, plan ahead for classroom use. Be sure that students are aware of appropriate and inappropriate use, even if inappropriate articles are added to the account from home. Make sure that you have district and parent permission. Spell out consequences for inappropriate use. Students must have individual accounts (email required).

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): bookmarks,

Zero Bio

— Elliott Kimmel

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.execulink.com/~ekimmel/index.htm Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Find great high school science activities and resources for students with this interesting site. Visit the "Dissection Lab" for pictures of often dissected animals and others of interest (for example sheep brain.) Check out the games which are actually more like quizzes. Be sure to explore "Java Genetics" for a great drag and drop pedigree problem to check on an understanding of genetics. This page also features a tutorial video. Sort by subject by clicking on the "Student Centre" and choosing a grade level. Find links and resources on the Main Course page, Tips and Tricks, and also a variety of student projects. Find a video collection that highlights how to use various parts of the site. Be sure to follow the directions on the site on how to download and play flash activities. <i>This is a Canadian site so the subjects at each grade level may not correspond with the subjects for U.S. grade levels. Note: Some of these work with Internet Explorer only. Also, at the time of this review, the site was under construction and updating their standards. All activities were working, however, the site mentions new activities are being added frequently. So be sure to check back. </i>

In the Classroom

Use these resources as an introduction to concepts in Biology or as a great way to review specific concepts. For example, when teaching genetics, use the drag and drop pedigrees as practice for understanding the most basic of genetic foundations. Share the site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. If individual computers are available, allow students to explore on their own. Encourage students to create additional models as a class projects to share with the creator of the site or to place on your own class site.

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): genetics, cells, atoms,

Biology Online

— Biology-Online.org

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

How It Works

Find answers to your biology related questions on this free site. Type your question into the search bar, search the biology forum, or browse topics. Search through biology articles, tutorials, or the directory to find great information. Use the site without joining, however membership is required if you wish to reply or comment on information and articles.rnrnBe aware: this site does include advertisements.

In the Classroom

Use with other resources in order to demonstrate browsing a variety of sources for good information. Have cooperative learning groups investigate specific topics and create multimedia presentations. Challenge students to narrate a picture using a tool such as ThingLink, <a href="/single.cfm?id=8315">reviewed here</a>. Or have students create podcasts using a site such as PodOmatic (<a href="/single.cfm?id=8094">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): life cycles, cells,

Algebra in Simplest Terms

— Annenberg Media

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.learner.org/resources/series66.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site offers a video instructional series on algebra through 26 half-hour video programs. Host Sol Garfunkel explains how algebra is used for solving real-world problems and clearly explains concepts that may baffle many students. Graphic illustrations help students connect mathematics to daily life. rn<br><br>rnThe website is free, however the website does explain, “Due to licensing agreements, online viewing of the videos for this resource is restricted to network connections in the United States and Canada.”rn

In the Classroom

Use these videos with students to introduce, reinforce, or review algebraic concepts. Share the videos on you projector or interactive whiteboard. Ask your students to watch one of the video lessons and create a multimedia presentation from the information they learn there. Challenge students to create a video and share using a site such as SchoolTube (<a href="/single.cfm?id=9437">reviewed here</a>).

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): equations, exponents, polynomials, equations, exponents, polynomials,

Cybraryman Internet Catalogue - For Middle School

— Cybrary man

4-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://cybraryman.com/middleschool.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

An extremely comprehensive resource for teaching middle level students, this site provides information on how to understand and deal with middle level learners. It also provides curriculum links to science, social studies, language arts, and math. Although this site is rather "plain vanilla" in appearance, there is a lot of great stuff here for middle school teachers. Store this one in your favorites folks!

In the Classroom

If you are new to the middle level learning environment, check out the sections that are professional in nature such as motivations of the middle level learner. It is helpful, useful information. Use the curriculum links to find lesson plans and ideas in a pinch. Check out the links for students and share them on your interactive whiteboard or projector. You may want to provide this link for parents on your class website, although not all of the site relates to parenting, there are some articles of interest.

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): parents,

Amazing cells

— The University of Utah

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Find great materials about cells on this fabulous site. Find background information and worksheets as well as the amount of time required, learning objectives/benchmarks, and links to related materials. This site offers a preview or to download and print and go.

In the Classroom

Use any of their great activities such as "Inside a Cell," "Cell Communication," Build A Membrane," or "Coffee to Carbon." Bring cell concepts to life with these great activities and links to other materials. Begin by finding out what students know about cells using a tool like Dotstorming, <a href="/single.cfm?id=16997">reviewed here</a>, then continue with an introduction about cells using basic terminology or understanding of cell parts.

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): cells,

Learn and Think about Robots

— Rich Hooper

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

"Danger, Will Robinson!" When I hear robots that is what I think about. Move your students’ perception of robots being portrayed in TV and movies to one where the realization of their use in all facets of life prevails. Choose from a variety of topics such as Entertainment, Research, Military, and more to view pictures and read about the various robots and their jobs. Consult the glossary to understand the words used on the site.

In the Classroom

Allow groups of students to read about a specific type or application of robot. Create a class discussion over these uses to determine why robots are better at some tasks and why they would be chosen. Assign a task where students will choose a chore that a robot should replace for them, their family, or somewhere in society. What characteristics would the robot have? What needs to be considered in the design of it? Write a story about life in the future and the role that robots would play. Design a sketch and description of a robot and then create an ad that would be used to publicize its work and usefulness. Research various areas of the work forces (such as medicine) to determine how robots have been used both in the past and the present. Create a class wiki on robots for students to share their findings and opinions. Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries – check out the <a href="/content/wiki/">TeachersFirst’s Wiki Walk-Through</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): space,
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