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Jan. 1, 2001
Winter Web Tour: Hot Sites to Visit when it's Cold Outside
By Susan Silverman
Escape the winter chill by embarking on exciting, multi-disciplinary learning adventures with your class. From sled dogs to edible glaciers, here are some unique winter-themed projects to capture your students' imaginations and extend their academic skills. The best part is, you can do it all without leaving the warmth of your classroom. So explore these Web destinations, participate in the recommended activities, make new online friends, and before you know it, spring will be here!
Dan's Wild Weather
It has just started to snow and instead of concentrating on math, your students are looking out the window at the snowflakes. Well, you know the old saying: "If you can't beat them, join them!" Winter is the perfect time for a weather unit and Dan offers just the site to help. Bring in some thermometers and have your students measure away. They can convert Fahrenheit to Celsius or Celsius to Fahrenheit with the handy converter. "For Teachers" is a wonderful resource packed with units and information about where to get free materials.
Weather Gone Wild
Kids are fascinated by violent weather. Their ears perk up at the mention of snowstorms, avalanches, tornadoes or tidal waves. At this site, created by six fifth graders at the American Lincoln School in New Jersey, your students can learn about topics that will hold their interest for hours and hours. After absorbing all of this information, have your students re-enforce and share their expertise by giving a Power Point Presentation to another class.
Calendars
It's likely you'll receive more then one calendar as a holiday gift. Why not conduct a calendar unit! Encourage your students to utilize higher level thinking skills such as comparing and contrasting by researching calendars from different cultures and presenting their findings to the class. Did you know that there are about forty calendars used in the world today?
Snow Activities
Looking for a resource that combines science, literature, art and snow? Check out the Teel Family Web site. Students can read snow-themes literature and participate in wintry science experiments such as growing Borax crystal snowflakes. Be sure to try some of the snow recipes. Have you ever tasted an edible glacier?
Frosty Readers 2001
Back by popular demand, Frosty Readers is here again. This time, Pattie Knox and I are collaborating together to create a literature resource for lower elementary students. Children will love reading stories and poems written by students from around the world, and will be motivated to participate in art and writing activities of their own.
Dr. Martin Luther King
Introduce the concept of civil rights to young children in a way they will understand. Begin by reading "A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr." by David A. Adler. Then encourage your students to explore the historical time-line created by Mrs. Taverna's second graders using Kid Pix. You'll also find a Web Quest that's perfect for assessing student understanding.
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Spark meaningful discussions about slavery in our country by inviting your students to explore this Web resource. Participate in some of the suggested classroom activities. Be sure to e-mail Mrs. Taverna's class congratulatory letters for their wonderful site.
All About Glaciers
Did you know that glacial ice often appears blue? Or, that only 10 percent of an iceberg shows about water? You and your students will find this glacier education site fascinating. For an enriching interdisciplinary activity, have your students create crossword puzzles using the extensive glossary available at the site.
Sled Dogs: An Alaskan Epic
Most children would give anything to race teams of sled dogs in the Idiatarod. While some of your students are absorbed at this site, the rest of the class can read "Stone Fox" by John Gardiner. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy! Imagine all the creative writing opportunities: sledding stories, canine research projects, Alaskan poetry, etc. Don't miss this one!
Jump Into Snowboarding
Sure, your students groan when asked to do traditional dictionary work. But they'll smile when the assignment is to create a snowboarding dictionary. The beautiful photos of children snowboarding in Alaska will also encourage your students to learn more about this northern state.
Whether winter is your favorite season, or you hate the snow and ice, you'll find something at these sites to enjoy. So have your students pull on their imaginary snowshoes and arctic snowcaps; it's time to trek to a new peak of enriching education.
Email: Susan Silverman
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