Celebrate the many aspects of Jazz for International Jazz Day with Chuck Vanderchuck! This fun and interactive site teaches about jazz, jazz instruments, and writing jazz music. Includes games,videos, and lots of great sounds.
Summary: Individualized STEM career exploration targets students' values
Pros: Well organized and quickly exposes kids to a broad variety of STEM careers.
Cons: Videos and web quests cannot take the place of actual role models and mentors.
Bottom Line:Students identify career values and use them to evaluate STEM options.
What is Kevlar and how is it used? See Richard Engel discuss an invention that has saved many soldiers' lives. He tells the story of lab work done in 1965 by DuPont chemist Stephanie Kwolek that unexpectedly produced Kevlar, a lightweight fiber five times stronger than steel used in bulletproof vests.
Summary: Critical-reading program buoyed by high-interest texts, clear structure
Pros: High-interest texts can spark classroom discussions, and the critical-reading framework has the potential to foster deep, Common Core-aligned learning.
Cons: Further tools for collaboration and differentiation -- such as variable reading levels for each text -- would empower as well as create more opportunities for meaningful learning.
Bottom Line: A solid resource for CCSS-aligned critical-reading and writing -instruction serves as a potential springboard for in-class discussions, group work, and extension activities.
Ever wonder what it was like to be a Civil War nurse? Take a moment and check this site out to look back at experiences of a Civil War nurse. This site is an interactive exhibition that shows personal letters and diaries that document what nurses went through during the war. Explore the differences and similarities between a nurse’s job back then and now through this exhibition.
Title: Mystery Science
Summary: Big questions, kids' curiosity drive thoughtful science curriculum
Pros: Kids engage in inquiry as they puzzle through scientific phenomena.
Cons: Teachers may need to tweak the units to allow for more discussion and class participation.
Bottom Line: Powerful science units that capitalize on elementary students’ natural curiosity.
Earn EXTRA INCOME! Sign up for FREE:Teachers Pay Teachers
Valerie Bourbour is a certified educator and past Co-Director of The Academy of Ormond Beach. Ms. Bourbour has experience in online learning platforms and aims for student success.