 Common Sense Education:
"50 Favorite Tools for Learning" Since 2013, Common Sense Education has been teachers’ trusted source for in-depth, independent, and unbiased ratings and reviews of edtech tools. We’ve rated over 3,000 products for learning, and the Common Sense Privacy Program has evaluated over 500 products for privacy. Common Sense continues to publish new learning ratings and privacy evaluations every week. This hand-picked list features our favorites: 50 tools we feel have stood the test of time. While they’re not all five-star tools, they all offer inventive, rich learning experiences we just flat-out love. Each tool also meets our basic privacy policy requirements, but make sure to do more research, since not all the tools meet our minimum requirements for privacy safeguards. Note: The above comes directly from their article. Click here to read more!
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 TKSST: Inside a Chrysalis: ‘Painting’ Butterfly Wings with CRISPR Butterfly metamorphosis is still a bit of a mystery. What happens inside a chrysalis to turn a caterpillar into a beautifully painted butterfly? Does it really turn to soup? I visited Dr. Arnaud Martin, who uses the CRISPR genetic modification technology to learn about how genes build bodies. Dr. Martin uses CRISPR to disrupt certain genes, and then looks for changes in butterfly wing patterns, creating designs we never see in nature. Note: The above comes directly from their website.  It's OK to Be Smart - YouTube Channel
This is a show about science. But it's probably not about science the way you're used to it. Hosted by Joe Hanson, author of the science blog, It's Okay to be Smart. Part of the PBS Digital Studios network. It's OK to Be Smart - YouTube Channel - Click Here Note: This is a YouTube Channel with fantastic videos explaining many science issues.  The Kid Should See This: Dude Perfect - Boomerang Trick Shots This impressive Boomerang Trick Shots video, led by World Champion Boomerang Thrower Logan Broadbent, keeps your eye on the boomerang with solid screen graphics and some surprising targets—giant powder-filled balloons, gongs, light bulbs, lit candles, and more. Reminder: Broadbent is a pro. Don’t try those last two at home. Frisco, Texas-based sports YouTubers Dude Perfect—Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert, Tyler Toney, and Coby and Cory Cotton—host the video and go for a few boomerang trick shots of their own. Bonus puppy moment included. Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to read and watch more.  How to Geek -
The Beginner’s Guide to Google Docs Written by Brady Gavin If you’re just getting started with Google Docs, its extensive features and add-ons can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get started with this powerful alternative to Microsoft Word. Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to read more.  Behind the News
Behind the News (more commonly known as BTN) is a long-running news program broadcast on the ABC made in Adelaide and aimed at school-aged children (8–13 years of age). BtN is aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students with the hope of helping them understand issues and events outside their own lives. Behind the News explores news using the current language, trendy music and popular culture of youths. The program explains the basic concepts that underpin the issues and events, while also providing background information in the hopes that children will take an interest. Note: The above summary comes directly from their website. Click here to explore their site.  Amazing Kid of the Month - November 2018
Campbell Remess A Bear a Day When Campbell started out, his goal was the make a bear a day, and he named his project “Project 365” for each day of the year. At first, he had wanted to buy bears to donate to children at the hospital during Christmas, but his parents were concerned about the cost. So, Campbell took up the challenge and started creating his own bears. The bears become a treasured companion during difficult times, and are something to cuddle with. Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to read more. Personal Note: There are some incredible stories about kids who are doing some amazing things.  How to Geek - Making Tri-Folds in PowerPoint
Written by Marshall Gunnell "Making Tri-Folds in PowerPointGood news—there are templates! This is the quickest and easiest way to accomplish your goal, as there are several different tri-fold templates available for download online. Browse through the template library, select the one you like, and download it. Once you’ve downloaded it, go ahead and open it up and you’ll be greeted by two slides." Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to read more.  Visme.co Timeline Maker
"A timeline maker made for non-designers" Use the timeline maker to create a visual story of your company or your business journey. Choose from one of many easy-to-customize templates. Change the icons, colors, backgrounds, and fonts to match your theme. Make the template longer or shorter at any time. Use animations and easily embed on your site. Download as an image to insert anywhere or share on social media." Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to learn more. Note: I have had 5th graders working with the free accounts. These students found this site easy and fun to use.  VISME
"We’re empowering everyone to communicate visually." 1 Get started fast - HUNDREDS OF TEMPLATES, MILLIONS OF PHOTOS/ICONS - Choose from hundreds of beautiful presentation, Infographic and other templates or use content blocks to quickly create custom designs from scratch. Tap into millions of icons, images and fonts. 2 Add and edit content - FULL CONTROL, ADD INTERACTIVITY - Add charts, maps, video, audio. Add links and interactivity to any object to create engaging infographics, reports and presentations. Change your design to match your specific needs. 3 Share or Download - CREATE ONCE, SHARE, DOWNLOAD FROM ANYWHERE - Share or download in one click. Publish online, or download for offline use. make private for internal use. Note: The above comes directly from their website. Click here to learn more. |
Tech Thoughts
"Less is More": Check out the new blog format and let me know if it better fits your needs as very busy educators!