Here’s a great collection of cheat sheets for those using Google Apps. There are several other resources on this site as well that you might want to check out. These cheat sheets would be suitable for professional development or classroom use.—
The URL: http://www.shakeuplearning.com/google-cheat-sheets.html ]]>
What happens when you combine classic arcade game movements with painting action? This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Andy Phelps. Among other titles, he is the founder and director of the RIT Center for Media, Arts, Games, Interaction and Creativity (MAGIC). Andy asked this question and had the skills and resources to explore the answers, resulting in Splattershmup. Splattershmup is a game that allows players to “reflect on their in-game actions and strategy through visual reflection, and to approach the creation of art as an arena of action.” The art that is created in the game can then be shared and discussed. It’s a really cool concept and perfect for a Friday recommendation.—
The URL: http://splattershmup.rit.edu/ ]]>
Just how big is the Solar System in which we reside? This 7 minute film by Wylie Overstreet and Alex Gorosh will put it in perspective. Without giving away all of the surprising details, using a marble as a scale representation of Earth, they needed over 7 miles of dry lakebed to fit it all in.—
The URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR3Igc3Rhfg ]]>
Gayle Grass contacted me the other day to let me know that you can download a collection of no-cost ebooks featuring Iris The Dragon. From the site: “One dragon, four seasons, and lots of drama and challenges down by the riverbank. Download your reader format and start the discussion. All books are medically vetted, endorsed, and represent a superb resource for kids, parents, teachers, and health care practitioners to discuss mental health issues.”—
The URL: http://www.iristhedragon.com/bookstore.html ]]>
Welcome back for another year of TheTeacherList.ca — the 18th year, that is! Let’s start off with this suggestion from List Member, Joan McNeil, who told me about WunderMap. She thought the site is pretty cool with the layers that you can select to overlay data to your map. You can access weather information, webcams and more. There’s a Trip Calculator that has some possibilities too.—
The URL: http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/ ]]>
For the last recommendation of the school year, have a look at this quick video clip that shows how sound waves make polystyrene balls appear to defy gravity. It’s a great discussion on sound waves, frequency and standing waves.
The URL: http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/outrageous-acts-of-science/hi-fi-2/
—
And with that, we conclude the 17th year of The Teacher List! I want to thank everyone who has signed up, sent in recommendations and passed on the recommendations to your friends and colleagues. Have a safe and relaxing summer. We’ll catch up again after Labour Day in September.
-Pete
My work pals, Noel Taylor and Karly Kulpa, passed this one on. The Polona Typo project, based on the new Polona API, (Polona.pl is a National Library of Poland website) makes it possible to type, share and print your own sentences using thousands of letters from the books, posters and maps created over more than six centuries.—
The URL: http://typo.polona.pl/en/ ]]>
Teacher List Member, Charlie Gerancher, suggested a look at GCF Learn Free. Says Charlie, “GCF Learn Free is a fantastic resource. It has a wealth of videos and interactive tutorials. I just used one of the videos this week to discuss the parts of a computer system.” From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers 125 tutorials, including more than 1,100 lessons, videos, and interactives, at no cost to the user.—
The URL: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ ]]>
Did you know there are more than a million different insect species in the world? When you see that crawly in your house or your picnic is invaded or you want to identify-before-you-squash, check out InsectIdentification.org. Students may browse by category or use the simple form to narrow down their options. The content is user-generated and donated, so it’s really just a best guess, not a scientifically sound identification – but fun nonetheless!—
The URL: http://www.insectidentification.org ]]>
Back in January, I recommended a site that talked about shortcuts and thinking about a few math concepts in a different way. My thanks goes out to Edmonton teacher, Stephanie Gower, who offered me some conversation and a look at another resource that addresses why math shortcuts out of context can be troublesome. Nix the Tricks is a no-cost download pdf book that looks at common math tricks and remedies for teaching them in class. At first glance, the site uses phrases like ‘buy the book’ but know that the download is a Creative Commons licenced, no-cost one.—
The URL: http://nixthetricks.com/ ]]>