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The periodic table of the elements by WebElements

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Explore the chemical elements through this periodic table

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Zooniverse citizen science projects. Find out more...

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Our objective is to teach programming principles in a fun and easy way making programming an accessible competence to every child in the world.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

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Kodu Game Lab is a 3D game development environment that is designed to teach kids basic programming principles. Kodu allows creators to build the world's terrain, populate it with characters and props, and then program their behaviors and games rules in a bespoke visual programming language.

Kodu originated as a project in Microsoft Research. The original target platform was the Xbox 360 using C#, XNA, and releasing via the Indie Games Channel. The choice of releasing on the Xbox informed much of the early UI development since everything needed to be done using a game controller. Since porting to the PC, support for keyboard, mouse, and touch have been added.

The goal for Kodu has always been to be as easy as possible for new users. Guided by this goal, we've tended to design new features so that they are simple and understandable rather than more complex and complete.

The heart of Kodu is the tile-based programming language. The language is high level in the sense that a lot can be accomplished in a very few lines of "kode" compared to traditional programming. The kode is continuously evaluated so that it immediately reacts to any changes in the state of the world. For instance, the sample below shows how to program a character to find and eat all the apples in the game world. Line 1 says that if the character sees an apple, it should move toward it. If there is more than one apple in the world, it automatically chooses the nearest to move toward. Line 2 says that when the character bumps into the apple, it should eat it. The bumped tile is Kodu's way of telling when two characters are close to each other. Once the apple is eaten, it no longer exists in the world, so the character will then go after the next one and so on until no more apples remain.

Having the tiles represent real-world events, actions, and objects helps bridge the gap between a new user's real-world experience and the often abstract nature of computer programming.

Featured Worlds

Questions?

For questions or any support issues, email KoduSupport@InfiniteInstant.com.

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Learn computer science. Change the world.

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Every student in every school deserves the opportunity to study computer science.

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Parent's guide to Minecraft

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MinecraftEdu Resources | Minecraft: Education Edition

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Reference materials for your questions about the transition from MinecraftEdu to Minecraft: Education Edition.

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Python is a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more effectively. Learn More

Fundraiser deal on now: Get a discount on PyCharm + all proceeds go to the Python Software Foundation. Ending soon! GET THE DEAL

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python programming language object oriented web free open source software license documentation download community

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The official home of the Python Programming Language

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The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research.

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Our Foundation is dedicated to transforming K-12 education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. Founded by innovative and award-winning filmmaker George Lucas in 1991, we take a strategic approach to improving K-12 education through two distinct areas of focus: Edutopia and Lucas Education Research.

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Our Foundation is dedicated to transforming pre-K-12 education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. Founded by innovative and award-winning filmmaker George Lucas in 1991, we take a strategic approach to improving education.

Edutopia is a trusted source shining a spotlight on what works in education. We show people how they can adopt or adapt best practices, and we tell stories of innovation and continuous learning in the real world.

Our Vision

We believe that improving education is the key to the survival of the human race.

We envision a new world of learning, one where students become lifelong learners and develop 21st-century skills. It's a world where innovation is the rule, not the exception. It's a world where schools provide rigorous project-based learning, social and emotional learning, and access to new technology. It's a world where students and parents, teachers and administrators, policymakers, and the people they serve are all empowered with a shared vision to change education for the better.

We call this place Edutopia, and we provide not just the vision for this new world of learning but the information, the evidence, and the community connections to make it a reality.
In particular, in the 21st century, we believe three skills are fundamental

Contact Us

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, an administrator, a student, or any one of the other millions of visitors to Edutopia each month, you are an essential part of our community, and we'd love to get to know you better.

The George Lucas Educational Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, private foundation that is operated for educational purposes, and, as such, we do not take positions on any legislation or ballot measures, nor do we endorse or oppose any candidates in elections to public office. We welcome all who are devoted to improving education.

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Our Foundation is dedicated to transforming pre-K-12 education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. Founded by innovative and award-winning filmmaker George Lucas in 1991, we take a strategic approach to improving education.

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Join the Millions Learning to Code with Codecademy

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Join the Millions Learning to Code with Codecademy

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Learn the technical skills to get the job you want. Join over 50 million people choosing Codecademy to start a new career (or advance in their current one).

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Online Computer Programming, Coding, and Business Courses

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Online Coding Courses | Learn to Code with One Month

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One Month brings you the best online coding courses designed specifically for beginners. Learn python, html, javascript and other programing languages with our fun online videos, coding bootcamps, and mentors.

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AN EVIDENCE-INFORMED BLOG FOR LEARNING PROFESSIONALS

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TeachThought is an idea and brand dedicated to innovation in K-12 education. This is pursued by growing teaching through thought leadership, professional development, resource curation, curriculum development, podcast publishing, and collaboration with organizations around the world.

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TeachThought – A Critical Thinking Classroom

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TeachThought promotes critical thinking and innovation in K-12 classrooms

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This blog focuses on ways to improve your ability to memorize. Dr. Bill Klemm is a neuroscientist, education consultant, and professor who chronicles some of his research on this personal blog.

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Many scientists, even physical scientists, assert that the Holy Grail of science is to understand human consciousness. This human state is even hard to define, but is characterized by a state in which we know what we believe, know, and imagine, know what we decide and plan, and feel what we feel. That explains nothing.

The problem in understanding is not only that the mechanisms must surely be complicated, but also that we don't have good non-invasive experimental tools. There are only two useful tools, a metabolic proxy of neural electrical activity (functional fMRI) and scalp monitoring of electrical activity (the electroencephalogram {EEG), or its magnetic field counterpart. Among the problems with fMRI are that it is only an indirect measure of the actual signaling within the brain that generates thought and feeling and enables consciousness. Its time resolution is about one-second or more, whereas signaling in the brain occurs on a millisecond scale. Although the EEG monitors activity on the appropriate time scale, it has very poor spatial resolution, inasmuch as voltage fields over various regions of cortex overlap, because the voltage extends in progressively diminished amplitude throughout the conductive medium of brain from its source of generation to other source generators. Although the EEG does monitor the appropriate target (electrical activity), that activity is an envelope of the algebraically summed signals from heterogeneous neuronal ensembles, which are nerve impulses and their associated postsynaptic potentials nearest the sensing electrodes.

By Davidboyashi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nonetheless, we do know many useful things about brain function that are surely involved in conscious functioning. Neuroscientists have discovered much of this in lower animals from invasive procedures that are not permissible in humans. In summary, we can list the following brain functions that are relevant to consciousness:

The brain is a network of richly inter-connected networks.

Functions are modular. Different networks have different and shifting primary functions, and some may be selectively recruited when their function is needed.

Some networks can perform multiple functions, depending on which other networks have recruited them into action.

Some aspects of functional connectivity of different networks differ in unconscious and conscious states.

Wakefulness and consciousness are not the same. Wakefulness is necessary but not sufficient for consciousness.

A great deal has been learned about the neural mechanisms causing wakefulness but that has not helped much in understanding consciousness.

The messaging signals of brain are nerve impulses and their neurotransmitter postsynaptic effects.

The summed voltages of the messaging have electrostatic effects that alter the excitability of the neurons within the voltage field.

The frequency of bursts of impulses and their EEG envelope impose important effects on gating and throughput of information as it propagates and is modified throughout the global workspace of networks.

There are multiple neural correlates of consciousness, but we have not identified with certainty which ones are necessary and sufficient for consciousness.

Oscillatory electrical activity is thought to have a key role in selective routing of information in the brain. Oscillations seem to modulate excitability, depending on phase relationships of linked neuronal ensembles. Two prominent hypotheses have been advanced as crucial for consciousness, and they are not mutually exclusive:

Phase-locked activity in two or more ensembles (coherence)

Inhibitory gating that directs pathways for propagation within networks.

The key to discovering mechanisms of consciousness is to identify all the neural correlates and then winnow the list to those that are both necessary and sufficient for consciousness. Sometimes, important discoveries occur when you study the opposite of what you want to study. This principle is manifest in studies on brain function during various states of unconsciousness (like anesthesia, coma, or non-dream sleep). A recent review of research compared the neural correlates of unconsciousness with those of consciousness. The evaluation showed disrupted connectivity in the brain and greater modularity during unconscious state, which inhibited the efficient integration of information required during consciousness. Additionally, the review made the key point that the neural correlates of consciousness that matter are the ones that occur in consciousness but not in unconscious states. Of particular relevance are the correlates related to functional connectivity among networks, because multiple lines of evidence reveal that this connectivity degrades during unconscious states and returns when consciousness resumes.

In rodents, multi-array recordings in visual cortex indicate that connectivity patterns are the same during anesthesia as in wakefulness. Perhaps this indicates that rodents do not have the needed network architecture to enable consciousness. They can be awake but not conscious. Being awake is clearly necessary for consciousness, but not sufficient. In addition (if you don't believe me, see the classical U-tube basketball-game video on inattentional blindness). At any given instant, we are only consciously aware of the specific cognitive targets to which we attend.

Statistical co-variation of activity in linked networks is a measure of functional connectivity. The activity in linked networks may randomly jitter or be in phase or locked at certain time lags. Operationally, the connectivity may enable one group of neurons to mediate or modulate activity in another for past, present, or future operations. The temporal dynamics of these processes differ depending on the state of consciousness.

A very popular view on consciousness among neuroscientists these days is that higher-order thinking, especially conscious thinking, is mediated by extracellular voltage fields that oscillate in the range of 12 to 60or more waves per second. Changes in oscillatory frequency and coherent coupling of the oscillations among various pools of neurons are thought to reflect the nature and intensity of thought.

The issue arises as to how these voltages, commonly called field potentials, can influence the underlying nerve impulse activity that causes the oscillation in the first place. The messages of thought are carried in patterns of nerve impulses flowing in neural networks. Field potentials are not signaling, at least not directly. They may well indirectly influence messaging by electrostatically biasing networks to be more or less able to generate and propagate nerve impulse traffic.

Neuroscientists attach much importance to the temporal dynamics of EEG voltage frequencies. For example, at one time neuroscientists believed that 40/sec synchrony was critical to consciousness, but later studies revealed that this synchrony can be maintained and even enhanced during anesthesia. Later, investigators thought they had found a crucial role for higher frequency gamma synchrony, but that too is now called into question. This gamma synchrony can be present or even enhanced during unconsciousness. However, the spatial extent of synchrony may be the meaningful correlate of consciousness. Widespread synchrony breaks down during unconsciousness, while more localized synchrony remains intact or even enhanced.

Numerous studies show a breakdown of functional connectivity during various states of unconsciousness. For example, fMRIs reveal cortico-cortical and thalamocortical disconnections during sleep, general anesthesia, and pathological states. EEG analysis shows similar connectivity breakdowns. Additionally, the repertoire of possible connectivity configurations that can be accessed diminishes during unconscious states and is restored as consciousness resumes. This obviously limits the robustness of information processing that can occur in unconsciousness. Conscious selective attentiveness likely requires a different repertoire of connectivity than inattentive consciousness.

Neuroscientists are also discovering the importance not only of multi-area coherence at a given frequency band, but also that the phase synchrony to two different frequencies can also modulate network communication. Cross-frequency coupling of the alpha and beta oscillations with higher frequency gamma oscillations can amplify, inhibit, or gate the flow of nerve impulses throughout circuitry.

Future advancements will surely include more emphasis on monitoring functional connectivity as the brain shifts into and out of various states of consciousness and unconsciousness. I think, however, that we will not make definitive progress in consciousness research until we make progress in one area of theory and another of tactical methodology.

The theory deficiency lies in models of neural networks. Computer models of man-made networks yield interesting results, but they are probably not relevant. Brains do not work with the same principles that computers do. Moreover, brain networks have intrinsic plasticity that cannot yet be duplicated by computers.

The method deficiency is that we have no non-invasive way to monitor the actually signaling in even a significant fraction of all the neurons in all the networks. Moreover, even if we had a way to monitor individual neurons noninvasively, it would likely be necessary to selectively monitor neurons in defined circuits. Ultimately, we may confirm that some things are just not knowable. Surely, however, we can learn more than we do now.

Bonnefond, Mathilde et al. (2017). Communication between brain areas base on nested oscillators. eNeuro. 10 March. 4(2) ENEURO.0153-16.2017. doi: https://doi.org/101523/ENEURO.0153-16.2017.

Mashour, George A., and Hudetz, Anthony G. (2018). Neural correlates of unconsciousness in large-scale brain networks. Trends in Neurosciences. 41(3), 150-160.

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This blog reflects my views on learning and memory. Typically, I write summaries of research reports that have practical application for everyday memory.I will post only when I find a relevant research paper, so don't expect several posts a week. I recommend that you use RSS feed to be notified of each new post.

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A blog written by Dr. Scott Mcleod that focuses on the problem between exploding technology and the educational system that cannot keep up. Rather than integrating technology into a classroom that is outdated and behind, he offers solutions to these incongruities.

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I am a Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver and the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the only university center in the U.S. dedicated to school leadership, innovation, deeper learning, and technology. I've worked with hundreds of schools, districts, universities, and other organizations and blog frequently here at Dangerously Irrelevant.

I am working in these key areas right now. Please get in touch if I can be of support to you!

April 9-10 - New Hampshire School Administrators Association, New Hampshire

April 12 - Fred Tjardes School of Innovation, Greeley, Colorado

April 16 - Sandwich Public Schools Deeper Learning Cohort, Sandwich, Massachusetts (VIRTUAL)

April 18-19 - Champlain Valley Educator Development Center, Colchester, Vermont

April 22 - Peak Expeditionary School, Wheat Ridge, Colorado

April 22 - Arvada High School, Arvada, Colorado

May 7 - Sandwich Public Schools Deeper Learning Cohort, Sandwich, Massachusetts (VIRTUAL)

June 7 - Durango Schools, Durango, Colorado

June 12 - Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky (VIRTUAL)

June 21-26 - ISTELive, Denver, Colorado

July 13-18 - UNITED National Principals Conference, Nashville, Tennessee

October 11 - ACTEM Annual Conference, Augusta, Maine

November 20-24 - University Council for Educational Administration Annual Convention, Los Angeles, California

December 8-11 - Learning Forward Conference, Denver, Colorado

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Technology, leadership, and the future of schools

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Ewan recently marked the tenth birthday of TeachMeet ( Ten years on from the very first unconference for educators: TeachMeet is 10) where he shared his memories of that first meeting in the Jolly Judge. Unfortunately, I was unable to join the birthday party... but it did start me thinking about my own memories (some of which I shared on his facebook post). It also started me thinking about the name "TeachMeet", how we came to choose it and the bullet (or bullets) we dodged not choosing a different name. I have not used this blog much in recent years abut it seemed right to post about naming TeachMeet in this blog since this is where it all started for me.

Ewan has described the proto-TeachMeet in the Jolly Judge. He claims he always had a "stick it to the man" agenda. That may be true for him. Me? I just thought it would be fun to go to the pub with Will Richardson. Ewan also explains that this meeting was called the "ScotEduBlogger Meetup" and states (as if it was obvious) that this name was limiting and that " TeachMeet was born..." (as if it was a painless birth). I remember the choice of the name emerging more slowly, I remember online and offline discussion, and I remember choosing just in time to get the word out for SETT (as SLF was then called).

The discussion about "What to call this thing" mostly took place on the Scotsedublog wiki. On 8 June 2006, Ewan created a page titled newtechmeet and posed the question:

We need a name. Not something too bloggy, not too techy. Suggestions?

Later that same day, John Johnston added this as the first suggestion:

How to stop worrying and love the blog.

On 10 June 2006, I responded with the following list:

Read/Write Roundtable
Read/Write Roundup
Read/Write Rammy
Classroom 2.0
SETT 2.0
ScotEduSlam
ScotEduBlog Bash
ScotEduBlog Mashup

...I made more suggestions that day (not all of them serious) and eventually posted TeachMeet as a possible name.​ Credit where credit's due. I explain on the wiki discussion page that I came up with the name after toying with variations on the newtechmeet page name. I commented, '...as a wise man once said, "It's not the tech, it's the teach."' For the record, the "wise man" was Ewan McIntosh. It is something he said while at Jordanhill. I ripped it off and have been using it without accreditation ever since!

Almost immediately after posting the TeachMeet suggestion, I edited it to turn it into "ScotEduBlog TeachMeet". I thought any meetup would be all about blogging. And in my defence, I wasn't the only one thinking this way. For example, on a number of occasions, John Johnston defended the inclusion of "blog" or "blogging" in the title. In retrospect, it was much better to lose the "blog" since it has allowed TeachMeet to grow and expand beyond its blogging origins.

The other mistake I made was to limit it to Scotland. I thought this was something for Scottish educators, hence my addition of the "ScotEdu" bit. I thought it was for my chums and friends of my chums. I was even more wrong about that! Thankfully, smarter people than me were in charge of picking the name!

I did have some vision though. I suggested: " What ever we call it, if we think it might become a regular event, we should stick a "2006" at the end." I thought this was something that had legs and that it would be repeated. OK, I thought it would be annual event, but nobody is perfect.

By the end of June, we had the following list of possible names and had started to vote for our favourites:

Read/Write Roundtable
Collaborative Communication Colloquium
Classroom 2.0
SETT 2.0
ScotEduSlam
ScotEduBlog Bash
ScotEduBlog Mashup
ScotEduBlog TeachMeet
TeachMeet
EduBarCamp
Bloggers Anon... and on and on
Blog on
How to stop worrying and love the blog
Mashup Impossible
You've Got eLearning
Lord of the Webrings
Hello Mr Chips/Mrs Chips

Ewan called us to order, drafted four possible logos based on the two most popular choices. (Both Ewan and I liked "EduSlam", but clearly we were outvoted!) It was down to "TeachMeet 06" and "ScotEduBlog 06". We then voted again to choose our favourite logo. On 29 June, the decision was made and this logo was added to the wikipage.

Clearly, the right name was chosen. We ended up with a name that didn't limit us to our Scottish roots. A name that allowed us to talk about more than blogging. A clear example of the wisdom of crowds! (And, it has to be said, the wisdom of Ewan, whose gentle prompting pushed us in the right direction.)

We had a name, we had a venue, all that was needed was to organise and deliver the event. As we made our plans on the wiki, I don't think any of us knew just how successful TeachMeet 06 was going to be. But that is a whole other story...

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Ewan recently marked the tenth birthday of TeachMeet ( Ten years on from the very first unconference for educators: TeachMeet is 10) where he shared his memories of that first meeting in the Jolly Judge. Unfortunately, I was unable to join the birthday party...

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Hey y'all! Google Slides are an amazing tool that can be used in soooooo many amazing ways. If you are able to embed in your Learner Management System...Google Slides make putting information out there in easy ways! Here is are some quick examples of how to use Google Slides in BrightSpace/D2L that I put together for my teachers.

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Do your students have intrinsic homework motivation? Or are you spending way too much time attempting to get their homework turned in on time and complete?

While there is much debate about whether homework is even beneficial, if you are required to assign it, I suggest encouraging parents to set up a designated spot for homework assignment work at home. Keep reading for some tips to pass along.

My own children are both two very different creatures. My oldest daughter, who is now a college graduate, was always really good about being self-motivated to come home after school, sit down, and get her homework finished before she did anything else. The only late nights spent studying were the ones where she had an after school extra curricular or a job which kept her from completing it earlier.

Somehow I lucked out in the high school teenager lottery for school motivation.

Now, let's talk about the opposite end of the spectrum: my 10-year son. He comes home after school, tosses his backpack (filled with crumpled up papers that never made it into his folder), tosses his coat on the floor, and immediately grabs a snack. If I'm not watching, he attempts to sneak upstairs and grab his video games. This would continue until either the world actually freezes over or I have to be the bad mom who needs him to put them away until homework is finished.

When this happens, it would appear that the world has ended and I'm the meanest person in the world.

Can anyone else relate? That is what happens to parents at home when their kids don't have motivation to do school work once they come home from school. {Is it summer break, yet?}

How do you get students motivated to do their homework?

While teachers have a toolbox for increasing school motivation during the school day, perhaps parents are able to help the process along at home too.

Having a dedicated homework station in the home is a good start. Even if it's not a desk or a separate room, children will be able to focus more, stop procrastinating as much, and get their homework done faster if they have a safe place with a specific purpose.

Options for homework completion locations:

At a dedicated desk just for the child - obvious, but not always available to most

Kitchen table - also obvious, but not as "exclusive" if there are tons of other distractions atop the table

An unused bunk bed - a "mini office" for completing the work

Secret homework tent under a table - I love this one! Place sheets on top of the table to create a homework fort. Child can use a chair as a makeshift desk

Cardboard box - No extra furniture? No problem. Find any box and have the student decorate it. It can be a large refrigerator box that can be used as a separate homework office, or even a small box that can be flipped over to be used as a writing surface.

Things to have prepared in this spot:

Small snack prepped on the "desk"

Coffee mug filled with pencils, scissors, glue, pencil sharpener, or any other school supply the child typically uses for his or her assigned homework

A child friendly playlist ready to go if the child prefers to work with background noise - the best music to have is instrumental because students aren't listening to the words (Gary Lamb is perfect)

Inviting decor: motivational posters, their favorite stuffed animal, fresh flowers, etc.

Routines to have set up:

When is the cue that it is time to start homework? When the child walks through the door, after dinner, after chores, at a certain specific time of the day, etc.

When the cue begins, what does the child do first? Eat a small snack in the homework location, take their folder out of their bookbag and get out the papers that need to be completed, make sure a pencil is sharpened, etc.

How will the child know when the homework session is complete? Break down the papers into mini sessions, a visual timer that is set on a clock or microwave, when the worked has been looked over by a parent, work is complete/accurate/neat, etc.

The routine should be set up as a parent/child team together. Give the student some say in this daily task and there will be less pullback. Once the routine has been set and agreed upon, it is to be repeated exactly the same way day after day. In the long run, it will become second nature for the student.

Find what works best for your child. Any routine should be flexible to meet those needs otherwise you aren't any better off than before.

One last tip: Set goals and rewards for completing the routine. At first, the the rewards will be given for completing the routine (or even one step of the routine) just once (today). As time progresses, rewards will be given in wider intervals. Eventually, rewards won't need to be given as the behavior will be a new habit.

Motivational Quotes for Homework

Here are some great motivational quotes to share with kids as they are starting or ending their homework routine for the day. All are from famous athletes or coaches:

-"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

-"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." - Babe Ruth

-"The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

-"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?
Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!
This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.
-"If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

-"Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." - Matt Biondi

-"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

-"Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period." - Lou Holtz

-"It's all about the journey, not the outcome." - Carl Lewis

-"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

-"To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift." - Steve Prefontaine

-"Make each day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

-"The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

-"It's not the will to win that matters - everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul "Bear" Bryant

-I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion'. - Muhammad Ali

-"I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

-"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." - Fred Devito

-"Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean King

-"Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won." - Billy Bowerman

-"If you can't outplay them, outwork them." - Ben Hogan

-"There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between." - Pat Riley

-"You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

-"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

-"The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

-"There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." - Derek Jeter

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?
Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!
This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.
How else can you help parents to overcome issues with student homework motivation? We would love to hear your thoughts in a comment below!

~Charity

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Homework Motivation | Organized Classroom

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Do your students have intrinsic homework motivation? Or are you spending way too much time attempting to get their homework turned in on time and complete? While there is much debate about whether homework is even beneficial, if you are required to assign it, I suggest encouraging parents to set up a designated spot for homework assignment work at home.

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These ocean subtraction match sets are designed to help you create subtraction centers for a range of subtraction skills. This collection of math centers is another free resource for teachers from The Curriculum Corner. We have created this set of ocean themed subtraction math sets to help you create math centers to fit your classroom theme or current ocean focus.

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Welcome to the place for teachers to share bright ideas, creative lesson plans and activities! Join in or take a look behind the scenes and see who is running this thing.

Go Behind the Scenes

I'm Leslie - the teacher behind TeachJunkie.com. I'm excited that you're a reader and wanted to welcome you. Like you, I find tons of inspiration from what other teachers share and that's the whole reason Teach Junkie exists!

I wanted to welcome you by letting you know who it is behind this community of authors I feature.

I'm a kindergarten teacher at heart and I have extreme love for teachers who teach any other grade level. I'll admit that I love you because I think it'd make me cry if I had to teach your grade - honestly. Since kindergarten is my wheel house, I share those fun stories on KindergartenWorks.com.

Right now, I am a work from home mom taking a break after 10+ years in the classroom to raise my own pack of readers. My husband (who is my high school sweetheart) and I have a kindergartener, preschooler and a toddler.

So, when you hear from me it's most likely me trying to jam as much of my love for teaching into nap time!

What I like to share

One of my favorite things to do is collect lots of ideas in one place so that you save time looking for the best stuff online. These collections are some of my most popular posts! I can't wait to share them with you.

Another favorite thing of mine is to showcase the work of other teachers. I think you're all fantastically creative and wonderful. Really! So, if you browse the website you'll see posts that feature other teachers too and lead you to their blogs.

Oh yes, and free stuff. I focus on sharing free stuff. That's cool with you, I presume?

Teaching isn't an easy profession. It's my hope that I can be here to encourage, inspire and save you time collecting ideas so that we can all have a life outside of teaching...

Welcome to Teach Junkie - I am excited to have you join us!

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I'd love to have you share with our grades k-5 audience. Get started with sharing your best free lesson, free activity, free teacher tip or free download anytime.

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It occurred to me that perhaps you haven't had a chance to scope out the over 500 posts that are currently on this blog so allow me to dig through and share the best ones with you!

That's the benefit of getting my emails {wink} - just let me send you the good stuff and you can always hop onto Teach Junkie when you're looking for something specific. You'll find a wide range of topics that stick mainly to grade levels K-5.

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Welcome to the place for teachers to share bright ideas, creative lesson plans and activities! Join in or take a look behind the scenes and see who is running this thing. I'm Leslie - the teacher behind TeachJunkie.com. I'm excited that you're a reader and wanted to welcome you.

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Dr. Lydia Gonzalez, author of "Bad at Math: Dismantling Harmful Beliefs That Hinder Equitable Mathematics Education," talks about the societal norms that make it acceptable to be "bad at math" and how these beliefs can be detrimental to learning. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of broadening our understanding of math and its relevance in everyday life. We also discuss the critical role of relationships and a growth mindset in effective teaching, particularly in math subjects that many find intimidating. Let's explore how to dismantle harmful beliefs in math education and create a more equitable learning environment. Snow notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e819 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. 00:00:00 - 00:00:33 : Introduction John D. int

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Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

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Blogger. 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. Teaching students with new tools, enthusiasm, and belief that teaching is a noble calling. This is an archive of my blogger blog since I started blogging here before I set up www.coolcatteacher.com

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Google Classroom simplifies the process to create, distribute and grade assignments. Free download the Google Classroom app on Desktop, Android & iOS. Download Google Classroom How it works?

1. Create a class.

2. Students can join class with a unique code.

3. Create an assignment and attach Docs, PDFs and Videos.

4. Assign it so can start the work from any devices (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad).

5. Submitted assignments are automatically saved in Google Drive.

6. Provide grades and feedback right from Classroom.

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Google Classroom simplifies the process to create, distribute and grade assignments. Free download the Google Classroom app on Desktop, Android & iOS. Download Google Classroom How it works? Create a class. Students can join class with a unique code. Create an assignment and attach Docs, PDFs and Videos.

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Pay less for domain names. Bulk pricing and private domain name registration options. Transfer domain names risk-free.

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Create interactive lessons, record video tutorials and collaborate real-time with your students.

Explain Everything, the leading digital whiteboard platform for delivering engaging lessons, is now joining Promethean.
Learn more ➜

Create interactive lessons, record video tutorials and collaborate real-time with your students.

Utilize the full power of an interactive whiteboard

Explain Everything is the leading interactive whiteboard for teaching.
Loved by 24+ M teachers and students across the globe. Check for yourself.

Create interactive presentations

Create or import an already existing presentation. Make it fun! Draw and add more slides to engage your students.

Record whiteboard videos & tutorials

Turn your teaching materials into quick tutorials and explanation videos. Share it instantly with anyone, anytime.

Collaborative projects with students

Create group assignments and let your students work on collaborative projects together. Teach them the value of teamwork.

We are on a mission to help educators provide engaging and effective learning experiences in any teaching scenario.

Meet the teacher template

Introduce yourself to your students and their parents in a warm and welcoming way. This customizable template allows you to share important information about yourself, your teaching philosophy, contact details, and classroom policies. Open template

Well-planned lessons enable teachers to make the most of the time they have with their students. Use this free template to focus on delivering meaningful content, engaging activities, and effective assessments to enhance student learning outcomes. Open template

Start off your lesson with a little icebreaker. Lesson plan templates bring structure, efficiency, and clarity to the lesson planning process, enabling teachers to deliver effective and engaging instruction that aligns with educational goals and standards. Open template

A multiplication chart is a versatile tool that can be used in various ways to support students' understanding and mastery of multiplication. Open template

Math axis template perfect for student assignments. Use this template to create visually appealing axes, and plot mathematical functions and data. Open template

This Pros and Cons template provides a straightforward structure to list the pros and cons of a specific topic without going into detailed explanations. Open template

Color theory is a fundamental concept in art, design, and various creative fields. Teach how colors interact, harmonize, and create different visual effects. Open template

Explain Everything explained in 4 minutes 🎉

Enhance your students' learning by making your
teaching materials interactive and fun. It's that easy.

Supercharge your teaching both
in the classroom and any hybrid model

Create presentations in minutes
Save a ton of time on lesson prep. Upload your already existing resources like PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, documents and files. Work on them paperlessly using an interactive whiteboard.

Whiteboard videos that stand out
Your presentation is ready? Perfect. Now turn it into a tutorial or instructional video. Just tap the Record button and start talking. Magic. Share it with students in seconds.

Online whiteboard for collaboration
Plan your lesson or assignment then collaborate in real-time with your students. Easily stay on the same page using collaborative sessions.

Explain Everything is your
all-in-one tool for engaging lessons

🧑🏼‍🏫 Tutoring

Explain any concept 1:1 or during group sessions. Use voice chat and collaborative editing to stay on the same page.

✏️ Assignments & lesson planning

Create activities that enhance students' learning. Provide personalized materials to help students understand concepts better.

⚙️ LMS & MDM Integrations

Adapt your teaching workflow to your preferences. Use your favorite integrations and share teaching materials with anyone, instantly.

You can be the next! Join 24 million of users!

Start free - upgrade anytime. No credit card required.
Joining as institution? Contact sales.

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Explain Everything | Interactive Whiteboard for Teaching

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Interactive whiteboard for teaching. Record video tutorials, create interactive presentations. Join 24+ million users of Explain Everything.

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QR code creator

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Step 1: Submit - Input a series of questions and answers

Step 2. Create - Get a QR code for each question

Step 3. Display - Put the QR codes around your school

Step 4. Begin - Students find and answer the questions

(Just cut and paste from a word processor or type directly)

(Automatically generated as text files to read via phones)

(Be creative - different sizes, different places!)

(The team with the most correct answers in the time available wins)

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QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator | ClassTools

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Produce a QR Code scavenger 'Treasure Hunt' - free and easy!

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Create QR codes

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TinyQR: Create dynamic and trackable QR codes

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Create, manage and track your own dynamic QR codes using TinyQR.com. View pricing details.

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QR code trail hunt for materials and their properties

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This Primary Science Teaching Trust sponsored resource allows teachers to create a Materials Trail within their own school to help young students explore the common materials that make up their environment.

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Start your VR journey with the official Cardboard app.
Available for Android and iOS.

Experience virtual reality in a simple,
fun, and affordable way.

Google Cardboard app is available on Android and iOS. Download it here:

Join the Fold

Get the Cardboard SDKs to start building immersive experiences of your own.

Start developing

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Turn your smartphone into a virtual reality viewer that's simple, fun, and affordable.

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Where do you want to go today?

Pick a subject

Field trips covering different subjects

Explore all the tours

Where do you want to start your adventure?

Make waves

Go underwater and find out what goes on below the surface

Be a globetrotter

See the world without a passport

Search for answers

Trying to answer life's questions through trial, error, invention and discovery

Get back to nature

Get to know the secrets of the world around us

Visit iconic sites

See the sights from the comfort of your chair

The 7 New Wonders of the World

Marvel at masterpieces

The creativity and beauty of art from different cultures around the world

Admire the architecture

Take a look around beautiful buildings from across the ages

Architecture Through Time

From the beginnings of humanity to today

Join the celebrations

Sing and dance along at home

Step into the spotlight

A behind-the-scenes look at performing arts around the world

This is just the beginning

There's so much more to explore

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Arts & Culture Expeditions - Google Arts & Culture

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Go on a virtual field trip with Google Arts & Culture

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Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content.

By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

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Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content. By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

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TeachersFirst Review - KidRex - Kid Safe Search Engine

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KidRex - Kid Safe Search Engine reviewed by TeachersFirst, KidRex is an engaging, safe search engine for students that is powered by Google Custom Search and Google SafeSearch technology. In addition to typical filters applied to searches, the site maintains its own database of inappropriate websites an

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Scratch Maths Quiz Selection

Age:

7-11 years

Concepts / Approaches:

Debugging, Collaborating, Selection, Programming

Curriculum Links:

Maths

Pupils create a maths quiz in Scratch and learn about selection which, in this activity, allows the flow of the program to be altered depending on the player's answers to questions. Initially pupils will use an 'If... then...' selection command, before moving on to using an 'If...then... else...' command.

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Supporting primary school teaching | Barefoot Computing

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DISCOVER how Barefoot Computing equips teachers with the confidence, knowledge, skills and resources to teach computer science in primary schools.

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Most primary schools have data logging equipment hidden in cupboards, but few use data logging as an everyday activity to support children's scientific enquiry.

Have a look around the science cupboard to see what datalogging equipment you can find, plug it into a laptop and install the software (if you can find it - otherwise it can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website). Most software has a 'dashboard' screen (see photo) where you can see the current readings of temperature, light and sound displayed in various ways. Have a play with the datalogger to see the effect on the readings. Then find the 'live graph' screen and start a log running to see a line graph of data being produced (you can usually choose which sensor to look at so you only have one line). Then try taking 'snapshots' to produce a bar chart. Unplug the data logger from the laptop and try logging remotely, then plug it back in and try uploading the data. You're now ready to use it with children!

Which datalogger?

There are several dataloggers on the market aimed at primary schools. They all have inbuilt sensors measuring temperature, light and sound, and most come with a plug in temperature probe for liquids. You can usually buy extra sensors (e.g. carbon monoxide). They can all be used in continuous or 'snapshot' mode, and have screens showing the readings they are taking. They all come with software so they can be plugged into a computer to download the data or record 'live', plotting line graphs (continuous mode) or bar charts (snapshot mode) on the computer screen. Some can show live graphs on their own small screen.
Roger Frost's reviews of different dataloggers
How do I introduce datalogging to my class?

Here are some suggestions:

Show two children how to use the datalogger, how to plug it in and upload data to the software on a laptop, and how to troubleshoot when things go wrong. Then they can train all the other children and be your 'technical support' team.

One Y5 class teacher on the Eco-monitoring project 'hid' a datalogger in the classroom for a day and then presented the resulting line graph of temperature, sound and light to the children to interpret in relation to the events of the day.

Play a game! Project the 'live log' line graph onto the interactive whiteboard, ready to plot sound levels. Split the class in two and challenge each half to make the sound level go as high as possible for 5 seconds. One side of the room has to make a noise from 5 to 10 seconds on the x-axis, the other half from 15 to 20 seconds. Then analyse the graph with the children: Which half made the graph go the highest? Could they sustain the same noise level for 5 seconds? Which half was most accurate in their timing?

The worksheets available for download on the right were prepared by Cara Cahill for children on the Hillingdon LA Eco-monitoring project to introduce them to the idea that the datalogger could be used to monitor the school environment:

Light sensor ideas

Here are some questions children could investigate:

Which is the shiniest/most reflective material?

Which is the most transparent material? The best for curtains etc.?

How many layers of paper do you need to stop light from a torch?

Do different colour filters let different amounts of light through? (see photo)

Which torch will last longest?

Which battery in this torch will last longest?

How does the light level in this room change over a day?

What time does it get light/dark?

Which sunglasses stop the most light?

Does a torch appear less bright from further away?

What light levels do different plants need to grow? (see photo)

Sound sensor ideas

Hi, I'm Dangerous Dave. I have just got a new job at a factory but I am a bit worried. When I went for my interview the machines where I will be working are really loud. I know that really loud sounds can damage my ears so I was wondering if you could help? Would you be able to conduct an investigation to help me work out the best way I can protect my ears? Your teacher told me you were sound experts so I hope you can help!

The sound sensor is the easiest to see big changes, but its sensitivity means that line graphs can be very 'wobbly' and taking snapshots of instantaneous sounds is not very reliable. Children need to find a constant source of sound (buzzer or alarm clock) if they want to test the effect of distance or sound insulating materials. Here are some ideas for questions to investigate:

Which musical instrument is quietest/loudest?

What is the best material for ear defenders (see below)?

What surfaces reflect/absorb most sound?

What is the noisiest/quietest room in the school?

How does the sound level change in our room during a lesson/day?

Are high notes louder or quieter than low notes (on the same instrument?)

Do sounds get quieter with distance?

Download our data
Temperature sensor ideas

Measuring pond temperature

The temperature sensor tends to be very slow to react, so you have to leave it for some time in a new environment before taking a reading. Use the plug-in probe sensor for taking readings in liquids - if they're heating or cooling slowly it should keep up. Here are some suggestions for questions children could investigate:

Which cup keeps the drink warm longest?

Which material will make the best hot water bottle cover?

Will a large or small animal/bowl of porridge stay warm longer in cold weather?

What will happen if I add salt to ice?

Who has the warmest hands in the room?

What happens to the temperature in this room overnight?

Is water at the top of the pond warmer or colder than at the bottom (see photo)?

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Most primary schools have data logging equipment hidden in cupboards, but few use data logging as an everyday activity to support children's scientific enquiry. Have a look around the science cupboard to see what datalogging equipment you can find, plug it into a laptop and install the software (if you can find it - otherwise it can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website).

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SciStarter connects people to citizen science projects, citizen scientists, and resources. Real science we can do together.

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A survey of Cepaea nemoralis and Cepaea hortensis Snails

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Home : iSpot Nature - Your place to share nature. iSpot is a website aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature. Once you've registered, you can add an observation to the website and suggest an identification yourself or see if anyone else can identify it for you.

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Home : iSpot Nature - Your place to share nature. iSpot is a website aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature. Once you’ve registered, you can add an observation to the website and suggest an identification yourself or see if anyone else can identify it for you.

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The Primary Science Teaching Trust helps improve the teaching and learning of science to children and young people in the UK.

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PDST Technology in Education promotes digital technologies in learning, teaching & assessment in primary and post primary schools in Ireland.

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Arbor Day is coming up April 28, 2023. Looking for ways to participate? Consider reading the new picture book,Â Rise to the Sky: How the World’s Tallest Trees Grow Up by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Mia Posada as part of your celebration.

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Science News Explores publishes news from all fields of science for students from middle school and up, with resources for parents and educators.

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Curiosity Machine

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Technovation Families - AI Education for Families

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Explore, play, and build with Artificial Intelligence as a family. Create AI-based solutions to problems in your community, together.

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The RSC is calling for long-term funding for research to tackle indoor air pollution, and is urging policymakers to take action to further develop policy options to improve the quality of air inside homes and public buildings.

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Advancing excellence, connecting chemical scientists and shaping the future of the chemical sciences for the benefit of humanity.

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The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers

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The offical website for NOVA. NOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on American television, reaching an average of five million viewers weekly.

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K2; Level 2; science; scientific method; scientific enquiry; working scientifically; year 3; year 4 year 5; year 6; year 7; fair test; experiments; investigations; primary science; primary school; scientific language

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A great tip from Jess. I plan to look into some of the free courses o help improve my knowledge

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Learn with 260+ world-class institutions and educators

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FutureLearn: Online Courses and Degrees from Top Universities

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Join millions of people learning on FutureLearn. Find online courses and degrees from leading universities or organisations and start learning online today.

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A useful website I have used regularly to check/improve knowledge

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Use BBC Bitesize to help with your homework, revision and learning. Find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes by level and subject.

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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work.

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Children's stories provide a great context for learning science. Explore our resource packages based around popular children's books and discover the science hidden in a book. Resources include book summaries, hints and tips for teaching the science and further stories on a similar theme.

They are organised into three age groups:

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Teaching science through stories - primary

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Explore our resource packages based around popular children’s books and discover the science hidden in a book.