3 for Thursday
January 7, 2016
1. PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. Each simulation is extensively evaluated to ensure educational effectiveness. Each one can be run online or downloaded to your computer. There is also embed code supplied for each one allowing you to embed the simulations into a page, note, or assignment in itslearning. Some of the simulations are written in Flash so will not work on Apple devices, others are written in Java or HTML5. Pay attention to the icon at the bottom right of each simulation thumbnail. When using Chrome, it's likely that you will need to click the gray shield icon in the top right of your URL bar and select to load unsafe scripts before the embedded simulations will display in itslearning. These are super cool-be sure to check them out!
2. Keyboarding
Recently, several of you have asked about resources for helping students practice keyboarding. You can search the itslearning library for "Online Keyboarding Resources" to find a page of sites I've shared with you in the past. You will also find a nice list of resources in this article from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning.
3. Minecraft Writing Prompts
Chances are you have students in your class who are not fond of writing. There is also a good chance that these same students LOVE Minecraft. Why not try bridging the gap between the Minecraft world and the real world with these writing prompts found here and here. You may also want to take a look at 8 Reading and Writing Activities for Kids Who Love Minecraft. Happy Writing!
About 3 for Thursday
Tech tips and timely topics presented for the teachers of Mashburn Elementary (and anyone they'd like to share with.) At Mashburn Elementary, Our Mission is developing deep levels of Relationships, Engagement, and Rigor.
Email: klochbaum@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Phone: 770-889-1630
Twitter: @KimLochbaum