This is a fabulous resource for both sides to any major argument. ProCon breaks down several issues (everything from social networks to alternative energy) into pro vs. con, and provides great background as well. It’s really easy to navigate and use, and it does a great job of showing the arguments side by side.
This cool site created by Utah State University has tons of math games and manipulatives organized by grade level and math subject area. You can play with a digital geo board, or try your hand at the “Circle 21” game. There’s a lot to do and look at here.
A few weeks ago, I told you about OurStory, a site where you can create an online timeline. Well, since it’s nice to have choices sometimes, Time Toast is another such program. This one is a bit more streamlined (no social networking going on here, just timelines!). The timelines you create are attractive and simple, and you can click on an event to expand it.
Ever wanted to tweak a photo, but have no idea how to use Photoshop? Try Picnik! It’s a free web-based application that requires NO sign-in (woo-hoo!). The basic version has some pretty great features: sharpen, crop, rotate, red-eye correction, and exposure. The interface is very simple and easy to use. Using the “Create” tab, you can add borders, stickers, and text, though many of the more fun features are available only for “premium” users (ie, those who pay for a subscription). If you just want the basics, without downloading any software, Picnik is great.
I know that Facebook privacy is a concern among faculty and staff, and it’s difficult to keep up with when Facebook changes so frequently. This is an excellent article filled with some of the latest tips to help you ensure that your Facebook is private. It includes screenshots, so you can see exactly what each step is referring to. This is a really valuable primer, not just for how to lock down your profile, but to help you understand how Facebook’s settings work, too.
Reading Rockets is a great site, chock full of resources for readers and struggling readers. Plus, they have a wonderful section of crafts, writing prompts, and activities just for Valentine’s Day! Learn about new poetry forms by writing Valentine’s poetry, make a pocket heart valentine, or just check out the list of Valentine’s Day themed books.
The National Gallery of Art has a beautiful, interactive, fun website for kids. Students can conduct research, interact with classic artwork, and even create their own art. It’s a great place to learn about the major art movements, or just have fun painting.
Here’s another great, free research database designed for students. Schmoop is a collection of study guides on many subjects, from Economics and Music to bestselling books like Harry Potter. Each study guide contains easy-to-navigate tabbed sections, providing an overall summary, quotes, study questions, and websites for further reading.
You can also find AP, SAT, and PSAT prep materials on Schmoop, but these products require a paid subscription ($19 for 6 months).
Museum Box is so cool! The site’s homepage describes it thusly: “This site provides the tools for you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box. What items, for example, would you put in a box to describe your life; the life of a Victorian Servant or Roman soldier; or to show that slavery was wrong and unnecessary? You can display anything from a text file to a movie. You can also view and comment on the museum boxes submitted by others.”
The design of each box is just like those special artifact drawers you can find in a museum. The interface for creating a new box is easy to use, and the resulting collection is such a fun way to present research.
Applewild Technology 