Regular readers of this blog know that I am a great fan of TED, which shares "Ideas Worth Spreading" by posting FREE videos of some of the leading thinkers and doers across the world as they give presentations on important topics--all in 10 minutes or less.
Today, TED launched a new initiative called TED-Ed that will bring the TED philosophy to education (although I've used plenty of TED videos in my lessons already). TED-ED is a TED You Tube video channel dedicated specifically to "Lessons Worth Spreading." That is, TED-Ed posts more FREE videos of some exemplary lessons that TED has enhanced by adding appropriate animations or other features (when necessary--some talks are fine on their own). Right now, TED-Ed has just a handfull of videos, but by next month, they plan to add lesson plans and tools that allow teachers to customized the videos to their own classes (such as embedding questions or comments, etc.). They are also accepting nominations for outstanding educators or animators to use in the project, as well as suggestions for desired lessons.
TED-Ed is geared to the high school level and above, but I think the videos I watched would be appropriate for mature middle school students as well. But check them out and judge for yourself. For example, in honor of my middle schooler who has been enthralled with the deep sea since he was 2 years old, watch the TED-Ed video below on "Deep Ocean Mysteries and Wonders:"
Showing posts with label free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free. Show all posts
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Yenka: 3-D Simulation Software to Create Interactive Models in Science, Math, and Technology
I've been teaching physics this semester, and in my search for resources, I stumbled upon this incredible resource. Yenka is some very powerful 3-D simulation software that allows you to model all sorts of topics related to science, technology, math, and computer programming. For example, in the area of physics I'm teaching (light and optics), Yenka has some pre-built virtual labs that allow you or a student to manipulate concave or convex lenses to see how the light rays travel through them and how near or far from the lens you must be for the picture to be clear and focused. They also have models for the colours of light (it was developed by a Scottish firm, so the spellings are British rather than American), for fiber optics, for light refraction, microscopes and telescopes, and several others. But they also have lots of other ones relating to electricity, sound, forces, and other physical concept, plus another whole load of models for chemistry.
Then there is math, which has over 200 models about numbers, geometry, measurements, and statistics. In the technology section...well, I can't even understand what their description of things you can do mean, but apparently you can "Design and test analogue and digital electronic circuits, convert them to PCB layouts, and program PIC or PICAXE microcontrollers." Whatever, it sounds like powerful stuff. Finally, in computing, they have what is supposed to be a simple programming technique for manipulating 3-D animated character using flowcharts (although more sophisticated program require an upgrade to some other software they have).
And the REALLY good news is that all this powerful software is FREE--BUT, only for using at home. For teachers to use the software at school, they must buy a personal or an institution license. However, for teachers who want to play with it at home to try out some ideas, or for parents who want to supplement what their children are learning at school, it is fantastic. Plus, it does say specifically that the free license is available to homeschoolers. Yippee!
So it really is a wonderful resource for creating all sorts of different simulations and interactive virtual exercises in lots of areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. To download your FREE at-home license to try it out, visit the Yenka website.
Then there is math, which has over 200 models about numbers, geometry, measurements, and statistics. In the technology section...well, I can't even understand what their description of things you can do mean, but apparently you can "Design and test analogue and digital electronic circuits, convert them to PCB layouts, and program PIC or PICAXE microcontrollers." Whatever, it sounds like powerful stuff. Finally, in computing, they have what is supposed to be a simple programming technique for manipulating 3-D animated character using flowcharts (although more sophisticated program require an upgrade to some other software they have).
And the REALLY good news is that all this powerful software is FREE--BUT, only for using at home. For teachers to use the software at school, they must buy a personal or an institution license. However, for teachers who want to play with it at home to try out some ideas, or for parents who want to supplement what their children are learning at school, it is fantastic. Plus, it does say specifically that the free license is available to homeschoolers. Yippee!
So it really is a wonderful resource for creating all sorts of different simulations and interactive virtual exercises in lots of areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. To download your FREE at-home license to try it out, visit the Yenka website.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Curriculum Resources: Presidents Day and Black History Month
Looking for a fun and educational way to celebrate Presidents Day this weekend? Check out some new interactive educational video games on American history produced by WNET, the public broadcasting channel for New York City, geared specifically for middle school students.
Entitled Mission US, these FREE games allow students to see pivotal periods in American history through the eyes of a young person at the time. In each chapter, the character has some tasks to perform, which cause him or her to interact with a number of other characters that provide contrasting viewpoints. However, there are multiple pathways through the game. What the character will experience will vary from game to game, based on the decisions made by the students directing the action.
The first game is entitled "For Crown or Colony?" In this game, students play the role of a young printer's apprentice in Boston during the rising conflicts between British authorities and American revolutionaries. The game provides the perspectives of people both for and against Independence, until the students are required to choose one side or the other.
The second mission is "Flight to Freedom." This time, students play as Lucy, a 14-year-old slave in Kentucky, as she attempts to escape to Ohio. Even if she makes it, there are plenty of challenges even in the supposedly "free" colonies. This game presents the ethical dilemnas and viewpoints from all around (such as, is it OK to steal from struggling farmers as you travel along the Underground Railroad?)
While these two missions are the only ones completed right now, there are two more that will be released in 20123 and 2014. Mission 3 covers the time of the transcontinental railroad and is entitled "The Race for the Golden Spike, while Mission 4, "The Sidewalks of New York," allows students to become muckraking journalists in early 20th Century New York.
While the first two games don't feature George Washington or Abraham Lincoln per se, they are great vehicles for a more nuanced exploration of their times than many curricular materials. Mission 2 is also a great tie in with Black History month. And there are some related games you can play, such as "Think Fast! About the Past," a timed historical knowledge game, and a music game.
Here are trailers for the first two missions:
The bottom line is, if your children enjoyed the "Liberty's Kids" PBS cartoon series on the American Revolution as much as my son did during his elementary school years, then you'll definitely want to check out Mission US. And if they didn't, maybe this will do the trick of turning them on to US history.
Entitled Mission US, these FREE games allow students to see pivotal periods in American history through the eyes of a young person at the time. In each chapter, the character has some tasks to perform, which cause him or her to interact with a number of other characters that provide contrasting viewpoints. However, there are multiple pathways through the game. What the character will experience will vary from game to game, based on the decisions made by the students directing the action.
The first game is entitled "For Crown or Colony?" In this game, students play the role of a young printer's apprentice in Boston during the rising conflicts between British authorities and American revolutionaries. The game provides the perspectives of people both for and against Independence, until the students are required to choose one side or the other.
The second mission is "Flight to Freedom." This time, students play as Lucy, a 14-year-old slave in Kentucky, as she attempts to escape to Ohio. Even if she makes it, there are plenty of challenges even in the supposedly "free" colonies. This game presents the ethical dilemnas and viewpoints from all around (such as, is it OK to steal from struggling farmers as you travel along the Underground Railroad?)
While these two missions are the only ones completed right now, there are two more that will be released in 20123 and 2014. Mission 3 covers the time of the transcontinental railroad and is entitled "The Race for the Golden Spike, while Mission 4, "The Sidewalks of New York," allows students to become muckraking journalists in early 20th Century New York.
While the first two games don't feature George Washington or Abraham Lincoln per se, they are great vehicles for a more nuanced exploration of their times than many curricular materials. Mission 2 is also a great tie in with Black History month. And there are some related games you can play, such as "Think Fast! About the Past," a timed historical knowledge game, and a music game.
Here are trailers for the first two missions:
The bottom line is, if your children enjoyed the "Liberty's Kids" PBS cartoon series on the American Revolution as much as my son did during his elementary school years, then you'll definitely want to check out Mission US. And if they didn't, maybe this will do the trick of turning them on to US history.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
FREE Physics Game Online: Steampunk
My son will be doing several physics classes this semester, so I'll be trying to supplement them with some additional physics at home. I recently found a fun game to practice some of Newton's laws, and with a stylish theme to boot! Plus, it's a FREE online game, so the price is right.
The game is called Steampunk, and so it has the Victorian-era-meets-high-technology look about it. The aim of the game is to break pieces of wood in such a way that they release balls, explode bombs, swing pendula and the like to move the GOOD pentagonal-shaped guy to safe ground and the BAD pentagonal-shaped guy to unsafe areas (like the water and gears, etc.) The components move in the ways predicted by Newton's law, so it is a good way to model concepts like momentum and such.
The game is not designed to teach physics, nor does it say anything or explain anything about Newton's laws or other concepts in physics. However, playing around with the movement puzzles presented does develop an intuitive feel for Newtonian physics. It also requires systematic thinking and the ability to plan ahead (if I blow up this, it will release that ball, but I have to wait until that board swings into place for the ball to move to the next level, ect.)
So it's not Victorian-era rocket science. But it is a fun game to model and test your physical predictions.
You can play the game by clicking here.
The game is called Steampunk, and so it has the Victorian-era-meets-high-technology look about it. The aim of the game is to break pieces of wood in such a way that they release balls, explode bombs, swing pendula and the like to move the GOOD pentagonal-shaped guy to safe ground and the BAD pentagonal-shaped guy to unsafe areas (like the water and gears, etc.) The components move in the ways predicted by Newton's law, so it is a good way to model concepts like momentum and such.
The game is not designed to teach physics, nor does it say anything or explain anything about Newton's laws or other concepts in physics. However, playing around with the movement puzzles presented does develop an intuitive feel for Newtonian physics. It also requires systematic thinking and the ability to plan ahead (if I blow up this, it will release that ball, but I have to wait until that board swings into place for the ball to move to the next level, ect.)
So it's not Victorian-era rocket science. But it is a fun game to model and test your physical predictions.
You can play the game by clicking here.
Monday, December 5, 2011
FREE Middle School Physics Kit Available
Here is another wonderful resource for middle school education. For the past several years, the American Physical Society (APS) has run a program called Physics Quest. In it, middle school students try to solve an applied physics problem, using a FREE curriculum and materials kits provided by APS.
The Physics Quests are presented as a problem within a story that is described in a comic book format. In the earlier years, the stories centered around early physics innovators, such as Ben Franklin and Nicola Tesla. For the past few years, the stories are set in modern settings, with a middle school student with extraordinary abilities (named Lucy Hene, AKA Spectra) as the protagonist.
Previous years have examined such physical topics as lasers and magnets, but this one relates to temperature and the weather/global warming issue. Students are led through four experiments that reveal clues to solve the puzzle of the extreme temperature/weather at Spectra's middle school. Best of all, if you register with APS before all the kits are gone, they will even send you a Physics Quest set with the storybook and the equipment you need to conduct the experiments.
We've done this for the past couple of years, and found it to be a fun addition to our other physics studies. While it can be done in school, the organizers also encourage other educators, including homeschoolers, Scout troops, and after school program coordinators, to participate as well.
To find out more about this year's Quest, see the APS website Physics Quest page. Or, click here to register to receive a kit to do this year's Quest.
The Physics Quests are presented as a problem within a story that is described in a comic book format. In the earlier years, the stories centered around early physics innovators, such as Ben Franklin and Nicola Tesla. For the past few years, the stories are set in modern settings, with a middle school student with extraordinary abilities (named Lucy Hene, AKA Spectra) as the protagonist.
Previous years have examined such physical topics as lasers and magnets, but this one relates to temperature and the weather/global warming issue. Students are led through four experiments that reveal clues to solve the puzzle of the extreme temperature/weather at Spectra's middle school. Best of all, if you register with APS before all the kits are gone, they will even send you a Physics Quest set with the storybook and the equipment you need to conduct the experiments.
We've done this for the past couple of years, and found it to be a fun addition to our other physics studies. While it can be done in school, the organizers also encourage other educators, including homeschoolers, Scout troops, and after school program coordinators, to participate as well.
To find out more about this year's Quest, see the APS website Physics Quest page. Or, click here to register to receive a kit to do this year's Quest.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Google's Thanksgiving Doodle Makes You a Turkey Designer
Google's Thanksgiving Doodle came early this year, and it's so much fun, I wanted to let people know about it. At least today (Tuesday, November 22), if you go to the Google Home Page, you will see a cartoon turkey. But if you click on the turkey's head, feet, and tail feathers, you can change them to your preference. If you click on the wing, it will rapidly cycle through all the choices simultaneously, which gives you some ideas about your options.
Once you have created your custom turkey, you can either share it through Google+ or through a weblink. So, for example, to see the turkey I designed, visit: http://g.co/doodle/d7bz39 .
If you create your own turkey, please share it in the comments below--I would love to see people's creative turkeys! It's a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit.
Once you have created your custom turkey, you can either share it through Google+ or through a weblink. So, for example, to see the turkey I designed, visit: http://g.co/doodle/d7bz39 .
If you create your own turkey, please share it in the comments below--I would love to see people's creative turkeys! It's a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Curriculum Resource: Math and Videogames
I've found what looks like an incredible resource. It is an online, multi-media, interactive, self-paced course on math concepts used in video games. It was developed by WNET, the public broadcasting network in New York City, for 7th-10th graders, although advanced younger middle schoolers could probably use it as well.
The lesson demonstrates how algebraic concepts, such as linear relationships, rate of change and slope, algebraic and numeric expressions and equations, and graphing transformations, underlie the design and playing of many video game challenges. Of course, it is interactive, so students are called upon to solve such problem to demonstrate some typical video game techniques.
You can access the entire lesson for FREE at the Teacher's Domain website (although students will have to create an account if they want the lesson to record their input for various challenges). You can also download a Teacher's Guide about how to support math learning through this lesson at the same location.
The lesson demonstrates how algebraic concepts, such as linear relationships, rate of change and slope, algebraic and numeric expressions and equations, and graphing transformations, underlie the design and playing of many video game challenges. Of course, it is interactive, so students are called upon to solve such problem to demonstrate some typical video game techniques.
You can access the entire lesson for FREE at the Teacher's Domain website (although students will have to create an account if they want the lesson to record their input for various challenges). You can also download a Teacher's Guide about how to support math learning through this lesson at the same location.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Free Music From Moby for Non-profit Film Makers
Personally, I believe that by the time students are in middle school, they should be making some of their presentations in a multi-media format, in addition to developing skills in writing the traditional essays and term papers. However, in my classes, I insist that they use music that is public domain or Creative Commons license (that is, available for non-profit use without payment), although they usually originally envision their projects with one of their favorite current hits as the background track.
But if your students are Moby fans, they may be able to do both.
Moby has just begun to offer some of his music at no charge to non-commercial video projects. Just create an account at MobyGratis.com to check it out.
But if your students are Moby fans, they may be able to do both.
Moby has just begun to offer some of his music at no charge to non-commercial video projects. Just create an account at MobyGratis.com to check it out.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
New Program Allows NC High Schoolers to Enroll at Community Colleges for Free
For your future planning about your middle schoolers' high school years, which will be here before you know it....
Today North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue announced a new program that will allow eligible high school students to take classes at local community colleges for free. The new Career & College Promise program, which consolidates and replaces previous dual enrollment programs, is designed to help students maximize their time in high school by taking community college courses that will give them a head start in either completing college or starting their careers after high school.
In the Career & College Promise programs, students are only eligible for the free community college enrollment if they maintain a B average, demonstrate capability for doing college-level work (largely determined by test scores), and continue to work towards their high school graduation requirements. They can choose one of three paths: (1) a college track that covers courses that will transfer to a four-year undergraduate institution; (2) a career track that includes classes and certifications in their designated profession, (3) for students enrolled in specified innovative high schools, students may be able to earn an associates degree at the same time as they complete their high school graduation requirements.
In the past, many homeschoolers have taken advantage of older free dual enrollment programs at community colleges. However, my friends with high schoolers have told me it has been harder to get such classes because of budget cuts. The official announcements from the Governor's office do not say specifically whether this program includes (or excludes) homeschooled students. However, this page on the website of Durham Tech says that the program is available for any public, private, or homeschooled student. So it appears that this program will include homeschoolers. However, Durham Tech also says this replaces previous programs, so homeschoolers or other student categories, such as gifted and talented, will have to follow the rules under this program, rather than the previous systems to which they may be accustomed.
For more information, visit the Career & College Promise website, and/or watch the video below:
Today North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue announced a new program that will allow eligible high school students to take classes at local community colleges for free. The new Career & College Promise program, which consolidates and replaces previous dual enrollment programs, is designed to help students maximize their time in high school by taking community college courses that will give them a head start in either completing college or starting their careers after high school.
In the Career & College Promise programs, students are only eligible for the free community college enrollment if they maintain a B average, demonstrate capability for doing college-level work (largely determined by test scores), and continue to work towards their high school graduation requirements. They can choose one of three paths: (1) a college track that covers courses that will transfer to a four-year undergraduate institution; (2) a career track that includes classes and certifications in their designated profession, (3) for students enrolled in specified innovative high schools, students may be able to earn an associates degree at the same time as they complete their high school graduation requirements.
In the past, many homeschoolers have taken advantage of older free dual enrollment programs at community colleges. However, my friends with high schoolers have told me it has been harder to get such classes because of budget cuts. The official announcements from the Governor's office do not say specifically whether this program includes (or excludes) homeschooled students. However, this page on the website of Durham Tech says that the program is available for any public, private, or homeschooled student. So it appears that this program will include homeschoolers. However, Durham Tech also says this replaces previous programs, so homeschoolers or other student categories, such as gifted and talented, will have to follow the rules under this program, rather than the previous systems to which they may be accustomed.
For more information, visit the Career & College Promise website, and/or watch the video below:
Friday, May 27, 2011
Math and Science Resources from NASA
There are some great new educational resources from NASA that are perfect for middle school students.
For all sorts of information about space science and technology, check out the website The Nasa Universe. It has lots of great NASA videos, such as the one below showing pictures from the Hubble Telescope:
For all sorts of information about space science and technology, check out the website The Nasa Universe. It has lots of great NASA videos, such as the one below showing pictures from the Hubble Telescope:
Hubble Space Telescope Ultra Deep Field 3-D Fly-Thru
There are also PowerPoint-like presentations, publications, additional videos, and more to help your students better understand the science behind sending someone to outer space!Then on a different site, NASA offers up its "Space Math" page here. This gives a variety of applied math problems, with the latest ones being developed on Astrobiology Math and Remote Sensing Math.All these resources are free, at least right now, so take advantage of them while you can.
There are also PowerPoint-like presentations, publications, additional videos, and more to help your students better understand the science behind sending someone to outer space!Then on a different site, NASA offers up its "Space Math" page here. This gives a variety of applied math problems, with the latest ones being developed on Astrobiology Math and Remote Sensing Math.All these resources are free, at least right now, so take advantage of them while you can.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Free Presidents' Day Package and Other American History Curricula at CurrClick
I've noticed that my most popular posts have been about a free curriculum, so here is one for our upcoming Presidents' Day holiday.
CurrClick, one of the most abundant resources for commercial (but low-cost) downloadable curricula, is having a Presidents' Day sale where most of their American history resources are 40% off regular prices. However, they are also offering a few packages for free.
One of the free resources is Living Books Curriculum Holiday Helper for Presidents' Weekend. It contains some stories, quotes, and famous pictures related to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. LBC is a company that sells Charlotte Mason educational materials, which emphasis classic literature, oral expression, copy work, and inspiring art (among other things). So if you are looking for some quotes, some artwork, or some stories about the lives of Washington or Lincoln, this resources might be what you are looking for.
There are a number of other free curricula during the sale, which ends February 24. Some of the other free resources are:
American Revolution: Time Line Game
Declaration of Independence Copywork Notebook
History Scribes-Bio-Presidents
Independence Day Skip Counting Cards
United States of America Notebook Pages
Not all of them are geared towards the middle school level, but I know some of you have younger children as well.
The catch is that the free titles are scattered among the titles for sale, so you have to page through the sale items to find them. But I thought I would give you a list of the free ones so you would know whether or not it was worth your time. And, of course, if you need some American history materials, this is a good time to buy them.
You can access the sale pages here.
CurrClick, one of the most abundant resources for commercial (but low-cost) downloadable curricula, is having a Presidents' Day sale where most of their American history resources are 40% off regular prices. However, they are also offering a few packages for free.
One of the free resources is Living Books Curriculum Holiday Helper for Presidents' Weekend. It contains some stories, quotes, and famous pictures related to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. LBC is a company that sells Charlotte Mason educational materials, which emphasis classic literature, oral expression, copy work, and inspiring art (among other things). So if you are looking for some quotes, some artwork, or some stories about the lives of Washington or Lincoln, this resources might be what you are looking for.
There are a number of other free curricula during the sale, which ends February 24. Some of the other free resources are:
American Revolution: Time Line Game
Declaration of Independence Copywork Notebook
History Scribes-Bio-Presidents
Independence Day Skip Counting Cards
United States of America Notebook Pages
Not all of them are geared towards the middle school level, but I know some of you have younger children as well.
The catch is that the free titles are scattered among the titles for sale, so you have to page through the sale items to find them. But I thought I would give you a list of the free ones so you would know whether or not it was worth your time. And, of course, if you need some American history materials, this is a good time to buy them.
You can access the sale pages here.
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