As you might know, Thinkfinity from Verizon has some amazing content from a collection of outstanding content providers. You also might know that Thinkfinity changed its format in the summer of 2014. It now provides some outstanding services toward some new and exciting content for mobile learning. There are some great opportunities and it is worth a visit to their new site. Here you can learn about innovative learning schools, some inspirational success stories, and grant opportunities that will allow you to innovate
I have traveled many places where educators have stated how much they enjoyed the Thinkfinity Search Engine. Putting a curricular keyword into that search mechanism always turned up some great lessons and ideas from their wonderful content partners. With this in mind I thought I would create a very simple search engine that would search those same resources partners listed on the Verizon site last summer. These may have changed and you can still see who the current partners are at the Thinkfinity Site.
In this post, I also hope to help you learn more about some of these great content providers. You can visit them individually, or use the search engine that I have provided to do a search of these sites all at once. Please take a look and be sure to visit both the new Thinkfinity, the content providers below, and the short and simple search engine that I have also provided below.
The Lesson Search Engine
As stated earlier, I thought you just might want the opportunity to search those wonderful sites in one place that are listed below. This is not a fancy search engine. You may wish to be sure to use search terms that really identify what you are looking for. It is sometimes beneficial to start vague and then begin to drill down. I really do hope it will help you out. You will do the best searches individually at each specific site. Enjoy the quest for new resources!
Click: Link to Basic Lesson Search Engine
The 10 Sites Included in the Lesson Search
Wonderopolis – Explore this amazing collection of multi-disciplinary content. You will discover that it aligns to Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the STEM Educational Quality Framework, and Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. Take a look at the daily Wonder that encourages students’ critical thinking, or perhaps have your students discover a Wonder that connects to specific themes and student interests.
SI History Explorer – It is time for you to discover the Smithsonian’s History Explorer. This engaging site was developed by the National Museum of American History in partnership with the Verizon Foundation. You will find hundreds of free, innovative online resources for bringing American History into your K12 classroom. History Explorer’s resources focus engaging students with history content using “reading” objects. The learning activities include artifacts selected from over 3 million items in the Museum’s collections.
Science Netlinks – Are you looking for a great science site that connects the ideas of Next Generation Science Science and the literacy and even math components of CCSS. Then you may have just discovered a goldmine of Science possibilities. NetLinks is an outstanding K-12 science education resource created by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In just one visit and you will find teaching tools, interactives, podcasts, and hands-on activities.Best of all… it’s free. This could really be you link to some wonderful classroom science!
Change The Equation – At Change The Equation you will find that STEM is their business. Here you you will have the opportunity to allow your students to see STEM connections to the real world and possibly their future occupation. Don’y miss some of the STEMspirations which include Road Trip Nation, STEM is Cool, and iON Future! A click on resources will bring up a host of ideas including advocacy, programs, statistics, and STEM news. It really is a wonderful place to learn how to change you STEM equation!
ReadWriteThink – The mission of ReadWriteThink is to provide educators, parents, and after-school professionals with access to the highest quality practices in reading and language arts instruction by offering the very best in free materials. Not only have they accomplished this mission, they have gone well beyond. The resources at ReadWriteThink can be used beyond the Language Arts Classroom and in fact, can be used in a classroom of just about any discipline. Be sure to check out their outstanding collection of interactives and apps that are perfect for blending technology into the classroom. There are wonderful lessons, organizers, themed units, videos, and PD opportunities. A visit to this site sponsored by IRA, NCTE, and Verizon is a must do opportunity for all educators.
National Geographic Education – As you must be aware, the National Geographic Society has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. It is known to be one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. You will find resources that include geography, archaeology and natural science, along with the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.Be sure to look at their educational resources and programs that are a wonderful fit for the 21st century classroom. You will find activities, interactives, videos, lesson, programs, and valuable news. This is a wonderful resource that can serve any classroom and just might encourage a PBL idea.
Illuminations – Looking for a place that really can add up to new ideas in Math education? Then you may wish to visit Illuminations. Here you will find a project designed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and also supported by the Verizon Foundation. Discover the right formula that will connect students with math content and real world understanding. There are lessons, activities, and interactives. It is possible to search by grade level, subject, and CCSS along with NCTM standards.A visit to this site will definitely shine the light on new and powerful Math education possibilities.
STEMconnector – STEM education is a growing educational initiative across the country. Would you like to learn more about a one stop shop for STEM Resources? Then the STEMconnector could be a possibility, allowing you to link with current STEM ideas.Take a look at the STEM Directory which includes resources across the incredible STEMiverse. Perhaps a glimpse at the latest STEM daily will help any educators connect with the latest in STEM.
Edsitement – You will find that Edsitement really is one of the best places to visit for humanities on the web. This site from the National Endowment for the Humanities provides a wonderful opportunity to explore resources for teachers of social studies, language arts,foreign language, arts, and culture. There are wonderful readings, activities, and lessons. The searchable database provides an opportunity to find content by grade, subject area, and type. A visit to the features area will also provide a wonderful experience for educators looking for new ideas to awaken the humanities.
ISTE – If you are interested in educational technology, then you either are aware, or need to know about the International Society for Technology Educators (ISTE). In this organization you will find passionate educators, leaders and experts who are committed to expanding the horizons of education technology. This organization sponsors the ISTE Conference & Expo and the widely adopted ISTE Standards for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age. At ISTE you can learn and be a part of an association that represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide.
Enjoy your visit to these amazing educational sites and also be sure to visit the new Thinkfinity and learn about all the incredible opportunities it offers. Be on the look out for a New Search Page that will soon be part of this site allowing you to search a multitude of educational resource sites in specific content areas. It is just another reason to make sure you sign up for the RSS feed and also give this site a tweet.
cross-posted at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com
Michael Gorman oversees one-to-one laptop programs and digital professional development for Southwest Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a consultant for Discovery Education, ISTE, My Big Campus, and November Learning and is on the National Faculty for The Buck Institute for Education. His awards include district Teacher of the Year, Indiana STEM Educator of the Year and Microsoft’s 365 Global Education Hero. Read more at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com.
