8th Grade

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Science Buzz

— Science Museum of Minnesota

4-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.sciencebuzz.org/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Brimming with color and current science information, this site is a great current happenings resource. To post to the blog, students must sign up, but the site promises no spamming from the sign up. The confirmation email does take some time to arrive, and the buzz requires verification before a user can participate. Read tips for safely managing email registrations <a href="/whats-hot/policy-tips.cfm#8">here</a>. rn<br><br>rnThe articles contained in this site are to the point, clear to understand, and in a large font. There are very few distractions going on in the site. It is easy to navigate and has a cool teacher tool in the buzz blog. Click on the Community tab, and the blogs are indexed by standards and grouped into topics such as earth science and physical science with subtopics.

In the Classroom

This site would be a great resource for current events projects. To augment the use of technology in your classroom, students could be assigned a specific article to read, and then post to a discussion board like Quick Topic, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17987">reviewed here</a>. Or transform technology use by having 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 for Education</a>, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17424">Animatron</a>, <a href="/single.cfm?id=16373">Sway</a>, and <a href="/single.cfm?id=18390">Beautiful.AI</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): animals, endangered species, nutrition, weather, news,

Microbes

— Microbes.info

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

How It Works

Find and read articles about bacteria on this text-based site. Choose from topics such as "Food Microbiology," "Industrial Microbiology," and "Medical Microbiology." Visit the image den to view photographs of various bacteria. Other sections with links include "Hot Germ News" and "Disease Watch." Submit questions or read answers to submitted FAQ’s. No registration is necessary, unless you wish to add comments to the forum. Registration does require an email address. Rather than using your personal email, consider creating a group Gmail account for your class.

In the Classroom

During discussion of the Kingdom Monera, learn more about bacteria and our health with these articles which many will find informative and interesting. Consider creating blog posts or newsletter articles that can be shared between classes. Identify the common misconceptions of the role of bacteria in our lives. Create a class bacteria wiki. Learn more about wikis at the <a href="/content/wiki/">TeachersFirst’s Wiki Walk-Through</a>. These text articles can also be copied easily to your interactive whiteboard software for practice with science notetaking, main idea, summarizing, and more as part of content area reading practice.

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): medicine, bacteria,

GeneBoy

— Dolan DNA Learning Center

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

How It Works

GeneBoy is the application creator’s genetic version of a "GameBoy." It is an interactive science tool of variations that can be made with gene sequencing. To use the site, select a sequence from the left side of the GeneBoy, or use the "your sequence" button to copy and paste your own sequence into the application. To copy the original sequence, press clone on the bottom of the screen. The sequence can then be analyzed or manipulated through the tools on the right.rn<br><br>rnNeed some help navigating this site? Check out the "How To" button to learn how to use Gene Boy.

In the Classroom

This web application would be useful in higher level to advanced biology courses and college level biology courses. The application could be used in the classroom with students working in pairs or independently on laptops. Be sure to demonstrate the site on your interactive whiteboard or projector.

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): dna, genetics, sequencing,

Scitable

— Nature Publishing Group

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

How It Works

This academic online resource offers free articles on genetics, registration to participate in online discussions with other high-school scholars and older students, and the opportunity to collaborate on projects related to genetics. Vetted by Science Magazine, the source is of the highest academic quality.

In the Classroom

Biology students can browse through the topics related to genetics to find research material or to determine how to focus a project. Teachers can create packets of materials to share with their class or with the other members of the Scitable community around the world. Check with your school to see about its policy for registering and creating a class community on such a site. This site is especially appropriate for AP science students.

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): genetics,

Glitter Globe

— Exploratorium

-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/glitter.html Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Create a Glitter Globe to teach Newton’s first law or density in your classroom! Looking for a great demonstration? Want a short activity your students can create within twenty minutes or less? The Glitter Globe activity uses inexpensive everyday materials and has clear instructions.

In the Classroom

This activity could be an introduction or reinforcement of Newton’s first law or as part of density discussions. Students will greatly enjoy playing with this science toy, but don’t forget to include the follow up discussion questions. This activity could also be used in art class! There is nothing better than learning through playing with most students. Take photos of the Glitter Globes and have students use ThingLink, <a href="/single.cfm?id=13216">reviewed here</a>, to narrate and explain how they created their Glitter Globe.

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): newton, density,

Eye on Idioms

— Read Write Think

3-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/idioms/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

For idiom review, try this site. ESL/ELL and some speech/language students will find it especially useful, as they often find idiomatic language confusing. The site has multiple approaches to idiom retention, including picking a definition, using it in a sentence, and writing a version of the "metaphorical" meaning. A disadvantage to this site is that it does not keep the student answers online. Instead, interested students must print out the page with their work on it.

In the Classroom

Save this site in your favorites or make it available on your class web page for your students to use for review. After students have gone through the exercises here, encourage them to make their own idiom pages and exercises using this format as a model. Challenge cooperative learning groups to create online books including a variety of idioms. Use a tool such as Bookemon <a href="/single.cfm?id=10404">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): idioms, idioms,

Advanced Algebra II

— Kenny M. Felder

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://cnx.org/content/col10686/latest/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Use this site for great content, activities, and worksheets for Algebra II. Choose a variety of resources in this module that can be downloaded. View various topics in the <i>Table of Contents</i>. When using any of the content, follow the directions for citing and attributing. Be sure to click on the links to uncover the philosophy of the coursework as well as how to use the coursework. Also use with the <a href="http://cnx.org/content/col10624/latest/">Conceptual Explanations content</a> and the <a href="http://cnx.org/content/col10687/latest/">Teacher’s Guide</a>. This site requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it from the <a href="/tools.cfm ">TeachersFirst Toolbox page.</a>

In the Classroom

Use the content in this course that does a great job of providing activities and homework for an algebra class. For example, click on the functions link in the content. Additional links to the "Function game," "Function game homework," and "Functions in the Real World" appear. Clicking on any of these links brings other related content links forward as well. Find great ideas and content resources here. Be sure to list this site on your class website or wiki for students to access 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.
  • 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): equations, inequalities, equations, inequalities,

How to Grow a Worm Farm

— Museum of Science and Industry

1-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.msichicago.org/online-science/activities/activity-detail/activities/construct-a-worm-farm/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site offers instructions on how to create a worm farm. The materials are everyday items that are inexpensive. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The project itself appeals to the "gross" factor that students love. Worms are easy to control and pose little threat in the classroom and observing them move through ground is entertaining for all.

In the Classroom

The worm farm could be created in class. For younger students, it could be a classroom project where students are in charge of care and making observations of the worms. Older students could be shown a teacher model of the worm farm, and discuss what conditions could be changed which would start an inquiry project. This could lead to students creating experiment plans and carrying out their own ideas in class or at home. Students could also discuss soil and the relationship between the living and non-living things in the soil or even in an ecosystem. Have students create videos of the worm farms and narrate the videos with what they learned through inquiry and investigation. Use a video sharing tool 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): inquiry, worms, inquiry, worms,

Grow a Garden in a Glove

— Museum of Science and Industry

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://www.msichicago.org/science-at-home/hands-on-science/garden-in-a-glove/#:~:text=Make%20sure%20the%20type%20of,start%20to%20notice%20something%20interesting! Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site provides instructions (on 6 simple slides) on how to grow seeds in a plastic glove. It is an awesome project. Seed varieties could be adjusted to suit classroom needs. A nice feature of this site is that the directions are printable so if computer access is limited, the lab can still take place.

In the Classroom

This site could be used to study photosynthesis, seed germinations, and the basic requirements of life. Share the slides on your projector or interactive whiteboard. The teacher could set this up and grow the seeds and then show them to the students to begin an inquiry. This could lead to discussions on oxygen and carbon dioxide, limiting factors, environment, and growth. It could be used as a long term project where students journal the daily or weekly changes of the seeds. Replace paper journals and engage students by using a digital blog like Penzu, <a href="/single.cfm?id=11465">reviewed here</a>; with Penzu you can add images or your own artwork as illustrations. Enhance student learning by having cooperative learning groups take digital pictures of their progress and narrate the photos. Challenge students upload a photo they have taken and add their voice to chronicle the progress using a tool such as Blabberize, <a href="/single.cfm?id=10380">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): photosynthesis, plants,

Data.gov

— USA.gov

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

How It Works

View data sets to determine trends in data. Enhance critical thinking skills and analysis by choosing "Raw data." See the "Tool Catalog" for access to widgets and data mining tools, or "GeoData" to determine trends, ask questions about these trends, and search for answers. As you teach about data manipulation in math class, use "real world" examples that students will find interesting. A tutorial on using the data is provided. Search the database by search term, file type, or category as well as the state and local level. Either view data or download for later analysis. Be sure to check the Data Policy on the site for citing and using data set information and the other sections including an FAQ section that is very helpful. Looking for data sets that you can’t find? Suggest them to Data.gov for consideration.

In the Classroom

Demonstrate this site (or the portions useful in your classroom) on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Use data related to population such as birth, death, marriage, etc. as well as other social data such as energy and utilities and education. As you teach about data manipulation in math class, use "real world" examples that students will find interesting. Geodata includes data sets such as Biology and Geology, political boundaries, and Atmosphere and climate. As a problem solving activity, allow students to access any data of interest, develop a useful graph, and create a statement or set of questions about the data. Looking for an online graphing tool? Check out Chartgo (<a href="/single.cfm?id=10211">reviewed here</a>). Students should develop reasonable hypotheses about the data, find relevant information that leads to further understanding, and potential solutions for understanding the problem. Class discussions can lead to the complexity of most problems and associated issues. Students can create elevator pitches that propose solutions or reasons to be concerned about issues or related blog posts that follow the conversations about the data. Create a dialogue with scientists, government officials, or other experts in understanding data, issues, and solutions. Use data as evidence for debates.

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): data, statistics, data, statistics,
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