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Educator's guide

A guide intended for use by educator's as a supplement to a lesson or unit plan.

  • actDEN (Digital Education Network): Software Tutorials and Online Courses
    High-quality software tutorials and online courses for educators, parents and students of all ages.
  • African Voices
    African Voices is an exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History that examines the diversity, dynamism, and global influence of Africa's peoples and cultures over time in the realms of family, work, community,and the natural environment.
  • ALPS: Active Learning Practice for Schools
    ALPS, Active Learning Practice for Schools, is an electronic community dedicated to the improvement and advancement of educational instruction and practice. The mission is to create an on-line collaborative between teachers and administrators from around the world with educational researchers, professors, and curriculum designers at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
  • America's Story from America's Library
    Find out about a time period, a state, a sport or famous American. Extensive information from the Library of Congress is organized in useful ways to integrate into curricula.
  • American Memory: Historical Collections
    American Memory is a gateway to rich primary source materials relating to the history and culture of the United States. The site offers more than 7 million digital items from more than 100 historical collections.
  • Amusement Park Physics
    This interactive exhibit, part of the Annenberg/CPB Exhibits Collection, explores how the laws of physics play a role in the design of amusement park rides. Activities in the exhibit invite visitors to design a roller coaster and determine the outcomes of bumper car collisions.
  • Appetizers and Lessons for Mathematics and Reason
    A huge collection of activities, study tips, video clips and on-line books designed to develop skills in mathematics and reasoning.
  • Artic Studies Center
    The Arctic Studies Center is the only U.S. government program with a special focus on northern cultural research and education.
  • AskA+ Locator
    AskA+ LocatorThis directory of online question answering services (AskA) is "designed to link students, teachers, parents and other K-12 community members with experts on the Internet." Each service listing includes identification information (e.g., publisher, e-mail address, contact name, and links), scope, target audience, and a general description of the service. Searchable and browsable.
  • AskAsia: Instructional Resources
    AskAsia's instructional resources section features a rich collection of readings, lesson plans, and many other teaching aids developed by educators and scholars. Interdisciplinary lessons are grouped by country.
  • Assessment Rubrics
    When using the Internet in the classroom to support instruction, it is important to address assessment. A usable method for teachers is to provide a rubric for student use and for both formative and summative assessment purposes.
  • Assessment, Assessment Rubrics and Evaluation Guidelines
    This website is a collection of assessment tips and tools, to help in developing, adapting, and adopting assessments that detail what teachers expect students to learn and evaluate what they have mastered for any given lesson.
  • Awesome Library - K-12 Education Directory
    Awesome Library organizes 16,000 carefully reviewed K-12 education resources, including the top 5 percent for teachers, students, parents, and librarians. It includes a search engine.
  • Beginning Teacher's Tool Box
    Website of the National Association for Beginning Teachers. The site is dedicated to helping new teachers with the tools they need such as interactive resources, books, links, tips, free webpages, and a newsletter.
  • Biography of America
    This comprehensive Website was designed as a companion to the video series and telecourse of the same title shown on PBS. Includes extensive U.S.
  • Building a Digital Workforce
    Taking action to close the IT skills gap in the current and future workforce is a critical challenge for business, labor, education, government, and the nonprofit sector that requires urgent attention by all stakeholders. This report sets out NPA's Digital Economic Opportunity Committee's recommendations for increasing the number of U.S.
  • Campus Weblines
    Campus Weblines has eight chapters covering topics for student newspaper staffs and advisors to start building school newspapers for the Internet.
  • Can Do!
    The Can Do! web site offers stories, activities, and resources to help create a better understanding and deeper appreciation of how people can overcome their challenges and reach their dreams by using their abilities and a "can-do" attitude.
  • CARET: Center for Applied Research in Education Technology
    CARET bridges education technology research to practice by offering research-based answers to critical questions.
  • Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology
    CARET bridges education technology research to practice by offering research-based answers to critical questions.
  • Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education(HI-CE)
    The Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education at the University of Michigan develops learner-centered technology and curriculum that addresses major needs of schools today - Enabling all students to learn and enabling students and teachers to engage in serious intellectual inquiry around authentic, meaningful, motivating, mindful-learning experiences.
  • Choosing a Classroom Digital Camera
    For the new-to-technology educator, some considerations when buying a digital camera for school use. This page is designed specifically with the new-to-technology educator in mind.
  • CIESE Online Classroom Projects
    CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum through compelling use of the Internet.
  • Circle of Stories
    Circle of Stories uses documentary film, photography, artwork and music to honor and explore Native American storytelling.
  • Classroom Support
    Classroom SupportThese resources help education professionals assess skill levels for both teachers and students, and set grade-appropriate goals for students. This section also includes links to education information, provides teachers with ideas for technology-based lesson plans, and includes the tools necessary for creating appropriate use policies for these new technologies.
  • Collapse: Why Do Civilizations Fall?
    Explore the fall of civilizations through four examples: the ancient Maya, Mesopotamia, the Anasazi, and the medieval African empires of Mali and Songhai. Learn about important concepts in archeology such as interpreting evidence and dating artifacts.
  • Consumer Jungle: Promoting Consumer Literacy for Young Adults
    Consumer Jungle is a web-based program that helps turn high school students into savvy consumers. Site includes student activities, unit plans for teachers and information for parents.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
    On-line version of ENC's Focus Magazine devoted to using data for educational decision making.
  • Dewey Browse
    The Dewey Browse contains web sites classified by the Dewey Decimal Classification System, for K-12 Curriculum Resources.
  • Digital Blackboard: History Matters
    Fifty-seven web-based assignments that are models for integrating new media into the classroom. Sample topics: Red Hot Jazz; Reservation Controversies; Watergate and the Constitution.
  • Digital Equity Tool Kit
    The Digil Equity Toolkit points educators to free, high quality resources that help address the digital divide in the classroom and community.
  • DNA from the beginning
    An animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes and heredity. Includes sections on classical genetics, molecules of genetics, and genetic organization and control.
  • EconEdLink
    EconEdLink is a program of the National Council on Economic Education. Centered on curriculum standards and based on the essential principles of economics, EconEdLink provides a premier source of classroom-tested, Internet-based economic lesson materials for K-12 teachers and their students.
  • EDSITEment: The Best of the Humanities on the Web
    The purpose of EDSITEment is to offer a gateway for teachers, students, and parents searching for high-quality material on the Internet in the subject areas of literature and language arts, foreign languages, art and culture, and history and social studies. EDSITEment is the product of a partnership of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council of the Great City Schools, WorldCom Foundation and the National Trust for the Humanities.
  • Education for All
    Education for All (EFA)The major focus of this searchable site are the findings of basic education assessments of 180 countries. The reports for each country contain funding; issues and goals; statistics on enrollment; literacy; educational levels of teachers; academic and vocational education; evaluation of early childhood, primary, and secondary instruction; and more.
  • Educational Resources on Asia
    Educational Resources on AsiaThis site provides resources and links to educational material relating to Asia. These include reference works, online periodicals, educational films and suppliers, K-12 curriculum materials and vendors, full-text of significant historical documents (primarily constitutional), as well as demographic, economic, educational, and political statistics.
  • EduHound.com
    Extensive collection of briefly annotated links for teachers, administrators, and parents, organized into categories, or browse an alphabetical subject/keyword list. Includes specific subjects (animals, science, etc.) as well as specialized educational resources (home schooling, standards&assessment, etc.).
  • EduPuppy.com - Everything for Early Childhood Education Preschool - Grade 2
    Designed to assist early childhood professionals, links to resources are grouped into categories that include subjects, software, projects, role groups, etc.
  • Edutopia On-line
    The Foundation documents and disseminates the most exciting classrooms where innovations are taking place. It is hoped that by spotlighting inspiring teachers and students, others will consider change.
  • Empowering 21st Century Teachers
    Home page for Milwaukee Public School's PT3 project. Includes project information, reports, activities and resources.
  • Federal Reserve Bank Education
    The Bank's mission in education is to promote economic and financial literacy and a greater understanding of the role of the Federal Reserve System through the development of educational programs and instructional materials which promote active learning. Site inlcudes resources for teachers, and programs for students.
  • Gallery of Interactive Geometry
    A collection of interactive geometry activities developed by the Geometry Center at the University of Minnesota.
  • Gender and Science Digital Library
    The Gender & Science Digital Library aims to provide high-quality digital resources to 1) help educators promote interest and engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics education by learners of all ages, particularly females, 2) encourage learners to pursue science education and future careers in science, 3) provide an inter-disciplinary examination of the role of gender in the creation, teaching and learning of science, and 4) build community among all interested users.
  • Getsmarter.org
    Getsmarter.org, an initiative of the Council on Competitiveness, gives students, parents and teachers a free and private way to compare science and math skills to students worldwide. It also provides warm-up practice quizzes in both math and science.
  • History Matters: The U.S. Survey Course
    Designed for high school and college teachers of U.S. History courses.
  • Intel Education: It's A Wild Ride
    Follow three successful teachers as they plan, implement and assess an effective, technology-rich project related to designing a roller coaster ride.
  • International Education and Resource Network - iEARN
    iEARN is a non-profit global network that enables young people to use the Internet and other new technologies to engage in collaborative educational projects that both enhance learning and make a difference in the world. Site contains student magazine and examples of projects.
  • Journey North:A Global Study of Wildlife Migration
    Project uses media and communications to improve math and science education. Journey North tracks a dozen migratory species each spring.
  • Jump$tart Coalition
    The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy seeks to improve the personal financial literacy of young adults. Jump$tart's purpose is to evaluate the financial literacy of young adults; develop, disseminate, and encourage the use of guidelines for grades K-12; and promote the teaching of personal finance.
  • Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators
    Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators is a categorized list of sites useful for enhancing curriculum and professional growth. It is updated often to include the best sites for teaching and learning.
  • Knowledge Loom: What Works In Teaching and Learning
    This database includes two parts. "The Collection" includes descriptions of best practices that can be sorted by theme,state,grade,setting,school type and design.
  • Lego Robolab
    The ROBOLAB software, jointly developed by National Instruments, Tufts University, and LEGO Dacta, is engineered for the classroom and teaches basic computer programming, robotics, and automation skills.
  • LeTUS Curricula
    Project-based science curricula for 4th - 9th grade.
  • Logo Foundation
    The Logo Foundation supports the teaching and learning of logo. Website contains history of logo,workshop schedule, articles and resources to assist teachers.
  • Maryland Teacher Technology Outcomes
    Technology competencies that all teacher candidates need to achieve prior to graduation.
  • Museum-School Connections in the Digital age
    Article describes different ways museums are enhancing classroom learning via virtual experiences.
  • NASA - MSU/Bozeman CERES Project
    Faculty at Montana State University and classroom teachers from across the nation have developed an extensive library of on-line and interactive K-12 science education materials for teaching astronomy.
  • National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers Project
    National Educational Technology Standards for teachers identifies what teachers should know about and be able to do with technology. Provides models for incorporating technology in teacher preparation programs and promising practices for preparing tomorrow's teachers to use technology effectively for improving learning.
  • National Institute for Community Innovations
    The mission of NICI is to foster local economic and social well-being through educational innovation. Contains resources related to equity, higher education, banks, business, K-12 schools, libraries, and technology.
  • Native American Indian Themes in Children's Books
    Managed by children's book author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this site offers original articles, bibliographies, interviews, publishing community news, an online quarterly newsletter, and curriculum information. Information deals with depictions of Native Americans in literature in user-friendly manner.
  • Native Nevada Classroom
    This site contains lesson plans on Indian culture, environment and history. Designed for K-6 teachers in Nevada, the lessons supplement most subject areas and focus on the Great Basin tribes: the Washoe, Paiute and Shoshone.
  • NCRTEC Teaching and Learning
    Specific strategies for infusing technology into teaching and learning. Resources and lesson plans.
  • NET Database
    A comprehensive database of Lessons and Units designed to help students learn how to find, access, and assess information to address issues, some of which are yet to be defined. Database can be searched by lesson title, grade level, subject area and key words.
  • NetDay Compass
    NetDayCompass is the first comprehensive education technology web site designed for technology decision-makers working in K-12 schools. The central feature of NetDayCompass is a directory of high-quality educational resources designed to help schools maximize technology investments.
  • NSC Teacher Resources
    Science education programs aligned with National Science Standards, and supported by multiple formats and resource files for use in classrooms.
  • Online and Electronic Research by Middle School Students
    A review of professional articles, reports,and dissertations related to initiating and improving students' use of technology.
  • Oregon Technology in Education Council (OTEC)
    A comprehensive site designed to improve Oregon's formal and informal education systems. Includes menu choices for news;ideas for integrating information technology into subject areas;preservice teacher education; continuing professional development; parents and children; school administrators;organizations;annotated references; and "Ask Dr.
  • Palm Pages
    Hi-CE (Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education at the University of Michigan)present a collection of Palm applications for the classroom along with instructions for each.
  • Paul Griffith's Middle School Math and Science Site
    Developed by a teacher, this site contains mathematics, science and technology resources and links for students, parents, teachers, and educators in general. All entries annotated.
  • Penguin Enrolls in U.S. Schools
    More and more schools are using Linux as the prefered operating system software because it is very low cost and can be downloaded free from the Internet. Statements from schools who are using Linux testify to its success.
  • Plants of the Lewis and Clark Journals
    A project developed by middle school students. Includes background information, list of plants, and images of Lewis and Clark.
  • Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers for Technology (PT3)
    Site of University of Arkansas at Little Rock's PT3 project, which is working to build strategies for improving the technology proficiency of future teachers.
  • Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
    Includes the full-text of "Principles and Standards"; examples of interactive activities that support standards; a search engine; and resources.
  • Project VIEW
    Project VIEW, a Federal Technology Innovation Challenge Grant is led by the Schenectady City School District. This program is designed to open the classroom door so that students and teachers can engage in an array of learning opportunities by utilizing interactive education technology which accesses content-rich resources, activities and the exchange of ideas.
  • Project WhistleStop - Harry S. Truman
    Project WhistleStop enables educators to work with the original source material of the Harry S Truman Presidential Library; to use technology and primary sources in project based learning experiences in the classroom; and to develop an on-line resource of original Truman Library documents, photographs, records, cartoons, and other archival material for student research projects.
  • Renaissance:What inspired this age of balance and order?
    Explore the Renaissance through reading and interactive activities. Historical topics include Ot of the Middle Ages; Exploration and Trade; Printing and Thinking; Symmetry,Shape and Size; Focus on Florence.
  • River of Song
    The Mississippi: River of Song is a Smithsonian series on contemporary music along the Mississipi River.
  • Science Is Fun
    The master of chemical demonstrations, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, shares the fun of science through home science activities, demonstration shows, videos, and books.
  • Science&Technology Education Program
    STEP is designed to be a resource to students and teachers by facilitating research interaction with Lab facilities and staff.
  • Secondary School Educators Homepage
    Your secondary school educational gateway. Find lesson plans, share teaching techniques, discuss reform issues, find out about learning strategies or read about the latest happenings in education.
  • Teacher's Lab
    Teachers Lab; a place for teachers to explore new ideas in learning Science, and Math.
  • Technology Education Research Center (TERC)
    TERC is a not-for-profit education research and development organization dedicated to improving mathematics, science, and technology teaching and learning.
  • Technology in American Schools: Seven Dimensions for Gauging Progress
    The seven dimensions provide a road map for using educational technology to maximum advantage in the classroom.
  • The Change Toolkit - Reinventing Education
    The Reinventing Education Change Toolkit, based on the work of Harvard Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter, is a Web site created by IBM to help education professionals be more effective at leading and implementing change. It is interactive and accessible to all educators.
  • The Dirksen Congressional Center's Web Suite
    The Dirksen Congressional Center conducts programming in four areas: historical collections, research, education, and community service. Select from the list on the left to learn more about specific programs.
  • The Global Schoolhouse
    Offers programs that help teachers integrate use of the Internet into their teaching. Intended for all levels of Internet use, and includes activities for students at all age levels.
  • The Middle Ages
    This interactive exhibit, part of the Exhibits Collection, focuses on life in the Middle Ages. The exhibit explores various aspects of the Middle Ages life- feudal life, homes, clothing, health, arts&entertainment, religion and town life.
  • The Teachers Internet Use Guide
    This Web site helps teachers design, develop, and implement Internet-based lessons that are aligned with Texas state standards.
  • West Georgia PT3 Grant
    Site describes State University of West Georgia's PT3 project. Includes "Background", "Partners" and links to related websites.
  • Wireless Networking in the Developing World: A Practical Guide to Planning and Building Low-cost Telecommunications Infrastructure
    A group of highly qualified activist "Geeks" has written a book entitled "Wireless Networking in the Developing World: A Practical Guide to Planning and Building Low-cost Telecommunications Infrastructure". They explain in their preface: "This book was created by a team of individuals who each, in their own field, are actively participating in the ever-expanding Internet by pushing its reach farther than ever before.
  • Women's History Workshop
    Web-based curricular modules on women's studies and United States history for use in history, English, and social studies courses, grades 3 through 12. Also includes workshops for teachers on Women's History topics.