8th Grade

8

Handsonscotland

— Playfield Institute

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

How It Works

This site, designed in Scotland, is primarily for use by adults who have concerns about the behavior or emotional well being of children and teens. There are many topics full of helpful advice and ways to respond to encourage children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. Find A-Z topics on the right side of the top menu; they include everything from Anger and Anxiety, Depression/Low Mood, to Temper Tantrums. All topics include additional resource links and a few have video clips and activities. This site could also be useful for a high school health class, psychology class, or child development course. The site also offers "Anxiety Resource for education staff" and "Virtual workshop for parents and carer." The site is notable for its straightforward and non-judgmental tone.

In the Classroom

Consider sharing the video clips (relevant to your class) on an interactive whiteboard or projector. In health (or psychology) class have students investigate one topic and present their findings to the class in a multimedia format: wiki, blog, podcast, or video. Extend learning by having students create a podcast using Podomatic, <a href="/single.cfm?id=8094">reviewed here</a>. They might even role-play some of the scenarios. Some may rather create a video (choice is good), share the videos using a site such as Teachertube, <a href=" /single.cfm?id=9419"> reviewed here</a>.rn<br><br>rnWhile this site might be useful as a resource for a high school health, psychology, or child development class, its main benefit is for teachers, parents, and other adults who care for and work with children and teens. Consider adding this link to your class web page as a resource for parents or sharing specific ideas with parents at conferences.

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): mental health, behavior,

Fold It

— UW Department of Computer Science and Engineering

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://fold.it/portal/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Use this (site) project to apply puzzle-solving skills to determine how proteins are folded. Proteins are fascinating, but their structures are difficult to comprehend. Why study the folding of proteins? The folding determines how they function and has implications for human health and how we live with materials and the environment. Bring out thinking processes with this downloadable interactive. Each protein becomes a puzzle. Players manipulate the protein into the form that provides the most efficiency. Researchers are tapping into the potential of the human brain to identify patterns. Understand the formation and breakdown of proteins through game play. Identify the four structures in proteins and their role in the functions and specificity of proteins. Download is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. <i>There is an option to "join" for a fee. However, this is necessary only if you wish to comment on the site</i>. As a "real world" connection showing the impact of this "game," see <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/09/foldit-gamers-help-u… article</a> about the discoveries about HIV/AIDS that resulted from Fold It.

In the Classroom

Allow students time to manipulate this site and learn the structures of proteins prior to the discussion of the content of the unit. Brainstorm what students have learned to develop notes or major content points. Identify the specific proteins and functions and determine why certain proteins have specific shapes. Identify the roles of proteins in the bodies of all living organisms. Connect these proteins with proteins in the diet and discuss the importance. Determine protein sources that are more beneficial for the human body. Think you have found the best way to fold the proteins? Register on the site and discuss the pattern.

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): hiv/aids, atoms, molecules,

Writer’s Digest-Writing Prompts

— F+W Media

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

How It Works

An offshoot of Writer’s Digest Magazine, this site is great for generating different ideas for focused writing. It presents writing tasks that are short (500 words or less), and therefore can be done in half a class period or as a homework assignment. There is a place on the site to actually post the writing, and there are some good examples there; however, you <b> WILL want to preview </b> and monitor what students see. At the time of this review, one of the prompts included discussion of drinking. You can register on the site (for free), but you don’t have to, to see the writing threads. This site also has random quotes by famous writers and others that are thought-provoking and might make good class writing starters.

In the Classroom

Tired of reading 30 responses to the same prompt? Here is the opportunity to choose a variety of prompts that are short and to the point. Have students choose their own prompts from the list, or randomly assign them to spice up the lesson. Having students share their writing is a great way to generate enthusiasm and teach peer editing at the same time. Use an electronic writing space, such as a class blog or wiki for students to share their responses and comment to each other, as well.

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): writing,

In Your Ear Shakespeare

— In Your Ear Shakespeare

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

How It Works

With today’s students plugged into their MP3 players, this site offers a great way to attract students. It has posted podcasts (visit the "Chop Bard" link) that explains Shakespeare in a way that students will find appealing and more realistic than reading it alone or aloud in class. Several of the podcasts are geared specifically to Romeo and Juliet, a play often read in 9th grade which makes it familiar and an easy listen for students. The site includes a list of the chronology of plays as well as a timeline of Shakespeare’s life. A section of the page also has "Interactive Shakespeare" which is really just a funny little Shakespeare picture. Clicking on it gives students a simple explanation of iambic pentameter and a measured beat of how it works.rnrnA caution that there is language slightly bawdy in the podcasts, so preview them first. However, listening to the "Chop Bard" either as a class or as individual students, gives students a lift and a laugh, creating a link with Shakespeare that they have never experienced. rn<b> The site loads slowly at certain high-traffic times. Be patient. </b>

In the Classroom

Share the podcasts at this site with your students on an interactive whiteboard or projector. You may want to make this site a class project, to ensure the podcasts are all appropriate for your students. After listening to the podcasts, have students write a blog entry from the perspective of Romeo, Juliet, or another character from the literature. Or ask students to create an image to illustrate a scene and then narrate it using UtellStory, <a href="/single.cfm?id=14414">reviewed here</a>, or 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.
  • 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): romeo & juliet, shakespeare,

SwitchZoo

— Tubehead, Inc.

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

How It Works

Use this free realistic virtual zoo to create hybrid and unique organisms, play sliding and jigsaw puzzles, or watch and listen to critters. Click on "Make and Play" to find engaging activities, games, and puzzles including building your own unique animal. In this section it is encouraged to "Please DO feed the animals," care for and learn what various animals eat. Build an online habitat by adding animals and taking clues from a compatibility meter and thermometer to determine whether they are a fit with the environment. (The animals will also complain if they do not fit.) Watch for clever animations when the environment is 100% compatible. "Watch and Listen" offers songs and sounds of nature and more. Visit the "Teach and Learn" section to find the profiles of different animals, lessons plans, and other resources.

In the Classroom

Use this site to teach habitats and animals. Create a short story or poem about a fictitious animal that you create using SwitchZoo. Use the characteristics and the environment of the animal to effectively communicate the information through writing. What would the environment for this organism look like? What would you call this animal? Compare adaptations and requirements of various animal creations and defend the reasoning for these adaptations. Find similarities and differences in animals through engagement in the many activities on the site. Have groups of students build online habitats and collaborate to make it completely compatible for all animals. Have the students share their new animals and stories on an interactive whiteboard. Or enhance learning by creating a class book exhibiting all of the animals at "Mr. Smith’s Zoo." Remember that PowerPoint, <a href="/single.cfm?id=18895">reviewed here</a>, slides make an easy way to write and incorporate clip art, then combine and print into a big book.

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): environment, animals, conservation, habitats,

Pirates

— myvocabulary.com

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/pirates-vocabulary/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

As part of their extensive site for vocabulary, roots, and more, MyVocabulary.com has added a themed area about Pirates. Find interactive vocabulary activities using Pirate-related vocabulary words. You will also find printable crosswords, fill in the blanks and more, all using the same theme words. This and other "themes" available on the site will make vocabulary development fun.

In the Classroom

Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work with a partner to try out the puzzles on their own. Have students (or groups) create their own word puzzles to share as a class challenge as a student-run interactive whiteboard activity or share them on a class wiki.

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): vocabulary,

Gardening/Spring Flowers

— Myvocabulary.com

3-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/gardening-flowers-vocabulary/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

As part of their extensive site for vocabulary, roots, and more, MyVocabulary.com has added a themed area for gardening. Find interactive vocabulary activities using gardening vocabulary words. You will also find printable crosswords, fill in the blanks and more, all using the same theme words. This and other "themes" available on the site will make vocabulary development fun.

In the Classroom

Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work with a partner to try out the puzzles on their own. Have students (or groups) create their own word puzzles to share as a class challenge as a student-run interactive whiteboard activity or share them on a class wiki.

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): vocabulary,

Vacations

— Myvocabulary.com

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/vacations-vocabulary/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

Explore vocabulary and word activities related to vacations on this extensive site for vocabulary, roots, and more. Find interactive vocabulary activities the same list of using vacation vocabulary words. There are printable crosswords, fill in the blanks and more, all using the same theme words. This and other "themes" available on the site will make vocabulary development fun.

In the Classroom

Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work with a partner to try out the puzzles on their own. Have students (or groups) create their own word puzzles to share as a class challenge as a student-run interactive whiteboard activity or share them on a class wiki.

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): back to school, vocabulary,

July 4th Vocabulary

— Myvocabulary.com

2-8 0 favorites 0 promising practices https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/july-4th-vocabulary/ Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

As part of their extensive site for vocabulary, roots, and more, MyVocabulary.com has added a themed area for the 4th of July. Find interactive vocabulary activities using July 4th vocabulary words. You will also find printable crosswords, fill in the blanks and more, all using the same theme words. This and other "themes" available on the site will make vocabulary development fun.

In the Classroom

Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector or make them available as links on your teacher public page. Have students (or groups) create their own illustrated dictionaries of terms using a tool such as Bookemon, <a href="/single.cfm?id=10404">reviewed here</a>. As you add more vocabulary lists during the year, have them select their favorite 6-10 terms from each list to add to their "book."

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): puzzles, july 4th,

Frankenstein Exhibit

— U.S. National Library of Medicine

8-11 0 favorites 0 promising practices http://www.nlm.nih.gov/news/franken.html#Images Last updated: Fri, 08/27/2021 - 11:49 share

How It Works

This site is a great source of information about the novel and character of <i>Frankenstein</i> by Mary Shelley. Although the site is not highly interactive, there is A LOT of information and interesting photos. rnrnDivided into four parts, "The Birth of Frankenstein," "The Celluloid Monster," "Promise and Peril," and "The Modern Prometheus," this offers photographs as well as passages from the book to correspond with the photos. The way it is presented makes dealing with the language of this interesting story easier for students to understand by coupling it with pictures.rnrnThis site goes well beyond the "story" and examines the history behind the novel, more recent history that is related to the novel (such as cloning), and the science behind many subjects. This interesting look at <i>Frankenstein</i> does a great job correlating literature, history, and science.

In the Classroom

Students could be divided into groups to explore the different parts of the website and then report and compare their findings. Why not have the groups prepare a multi-media presentation. For example, have students create or find (with permission) a photo of Frankenstein or a topic discussed at this site, and use UtellStory, <a href="/single.cfm?id=14414">reviewed here</a>, to narrate and add text the photo with what they have learned through researching this 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.
  • 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): literature,
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