Archives: Resources

Major concepts and a history of time-keeping can be found at the NIST site.

There are a number of videos helping kids learn to tell time. This is one of our favorites.

This video looks at some of the world’s strangest time zones, including: China, Kiribati, Nepal, Australia and more.

A demonstration of gravity, featuring the “Spacetime Stretcher,” built mostly out of materials from the garage and hardware store. Click on the YouTube logo to view the About … learn more

Strangely, although we feel as if we sweep through time on the knife-edge between the fixed past and the open future, that edge – the present – appears … learn more

This site provides an overview of Time Zones, what are they and why we have so many of them. Who knew the International Date Line created 3 extra … learn more

This on-line essay on the history of timekeeping was conceived and written by Kent Higgins and illustrated by Darwin Miner, of the Program Information Office of the National … learn more

Thomas Kitching, a cosmologist and astrophysics lecturer, looks at questions like: Does time have a beginning? Time’s arrow? Will time end? Written in non-technical language, this post gives … learn more

The MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program and The Education Arcade focus on creating playful, powerful learning experiences using the affordances of new educational technologies. We leverage design-based research … learn more

Simulations have the potential to engage students in “deep learning” that empowers understanding as opposed to “surface learning” that requires only memorization. Simulations can be paused, giving time … learn more

Here’s an example of modeling a large, real world problem using a simple set up that can fit on a table. Erosion can occur in the subsurface as … learn more

Einstein – Image and Impact is another AIP exhibit that includes Einstein’s thoughtful philosophy, and his rise above a turbulent life. The exhibit contains many pictures, cartoons, voice … learn more

Werner Heisenberg was one of the greatest physicists of the twentieth century. He is best known as a founder of quantum mechanics, the new physics of the atomic … learn more

American Institute of Physics (AIP) has online biographies of famous physicists, such as Newton, Einstein, and Bohr, and the history of key developments, such as the discovery of … learn more

This was the original Phun video that started it all. Algodoo is the successor to Phun.

A series of short videos that teach you to use Algodoo, and how you can use it to teach physics.

A review of Algodoo by a 9th grade physics teacher in Atlanta. It shows how to get started and runs thru various demonstrations including videos. This review was … learn more

This video shows what you can do with Algodoo, a program that gives you the opportunity to play with physics. Apply a constructionists learning paradigm, learning by doing. … learn more

Algodoo is a unique 2D-simulation software from Algoryx Simulation AB. Algodoo is designed in a playful, cartoony manner, making it a perfect tool for creating interactive scenes. Explore physics, … learn more

In the Leidenfrost Effect, a water droplet will float on a layer of its own vapor. The physicists at the University of Bath used this effect to create … learn more

This video shows a simple way to create a compass. A great classroom demonstration project.

A string phone can be used to demonstrate critical concepts of physics.

A tone generator has a variety of uses. You can explore interference, waves, and the physics of music. Connect a bare speaker to your computer’s earphone jack and … learn more

Science4Fun from Abdul Wahab Malik in Pakistan includes an extensive section on simple Physics explanations. In addition, there a number of easy-to-do physics experiments in the Science Experiments … learn more

A true hand-on physics project appropriate for older, 6-8 grade kids.

Janet Hoekenga shows hot to build a simple steam engine, known as a aeolipile or Heron’s engine, using nothing more than a soda can, a needle and some … learn more

The Little Shop of Physics at Colorado State is not horrific at all. It contains 60 experiments which use hand-on materials and computers. Students can explore their “blind … learn more

Using a car to show the difference between mass and weight.

Here’s an examples of a Hewitt-Drew-it! lesson, the one involving rainbows. Each lesson video is about 6 to 10 minutes long.

Ask Eric (from the U.S. Department of Education) has a number of practical math lesson plans aimed at every class level from K thru 12! Add additional search … learn more

Mathematics is all around us. It can be seen in every aspect of our daily lives, from technology to art, engineering, finance, and even sports. This series explains … learn more

Monster Math is a fun K-5 math program designed to make your child love Math – no matter what proficiency she is at. Games with really fun characters … learn more

The Thinking Fountain in the Minnesota Science Museum offers a variety of brainteasers, not just in math.

Ever wonder why traffic jams appear when there is no accident or other apparent cause? The Mathematical Society in Japan used a test track to replicate traffic jams … learn more

According to most student’s perceptions, math is just the use of complicated formulas and calculations which won’t be ever applied in real life. But, math is the universal … learn more

What would happen if the typical math problems we learned in High School were actually used in real life? A great parody, with some real life lessons at … learn more

An “on-line” version of Zoombinis rendered as a series of YouTube videos. Play “full screen” so you can access the “go here next” links in the lower left … learn more

Zoombinis in the Classroom Zoombinis, with twelve math-based logic puzzles, each with four levels of difficulty, can help address and reinforce computational thinking skills such as: Problem decomposition: Breaking … learn more

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics “As we continue our journey following a year of disruption, we have an opportunity to rethink and reimagine PK–12 mathematics education to … learn more

Science Gems in Math covers 23 topics–something for most everyone.

Word Problems (Grades 5-12) is a collection of traditional “story” problems, wrapped in a “hip” context–a motivator for students who ask, “Why do we study this math stuff?”

Math Playground is filled with free (Grades 1-6) online math games, logic puzzles, step-by-step instructional videos, math practice, and a variety of problem-solving activities. Some of the logic … learn more

This is Storyofmathematics.com (SOM), the go-to website for all things math-related! With the click of a button, you’ll be able to access a wide selection of video tutorials … learn more

This site is as an easy-to-use summary of the major mathematicians and the developments of mathematical thought over the centuries. The author, Luke Mastin, introduces some of the … learn more

The life and times of Galileo is explored in-depth at the Rice University site. Of particular interest is the information about his own laboratory and instruments. Maps, timelines … learn more

The NewMoon ‘zine and magazine is written and edited by girls, mostly in middle school, and overseen by adult mediators. The subscription price is reasonable. Topics respond to … learn more

Nothing is worse than finding that perfect font, then finding out that it cannot be licensed or the costs are prohibitive. Google has indexed over 800 open source … learn more

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing the perfect font for an article or headline, and then not being able to identify it. This site uses a series of … learn more

To include flowcharts, graphs and other visual representations use Diagrams.net. It is free, open source software that can be used on-line (or downloaded onto your computer). It can … learn more

The National Endowment for the Humanities has a grant program for integrating technology into teaching literature and the fine arts.

joy2learn’s mission – to improve public education by creating and providing high quality, cross curricular, arts content to schools free of charge – matters Multiple research studies demonstrate … learn more

The California County Superintendents Arts Initiative focuses on theater,dance, music and visual arts.

If you are a fan of PBS’ Great Performances, look at their web site for links and background. Excerpts can be heard, too.

Here’s an introduction to opera for young children — the story of Little Red Riding Hood in 10 minutes. Check with your lour local opera company for programs … learn more

The Educational Theater Association introduces both teachers and students to theater programs on the Web. It is aimed primarily at the secondary level. A monthly magazine and links … learn more

You may not be in the same room right now, but your students can still perform together. Here’s an example of a dance number from High School Musical … learn more

H. Jon Benjamin and Jesse Benjamin created this animated adaptation of the famed McSweeney’s Internet Tendency piece, In Which I Fix My Girlfriend’s Grandparents’ WiFi and Am Hailed … learn more

This group from Copenhagen, Denmark shows what you can do with a few recycled items. Turn your students loose and see what sort of instruments they can come … learn more

If movies were written by our children… “Kid Snippets” is a weekly comedy series, in which adults act out stories written and narrated by children. In this episode, … learn more

StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a better world. At the same time, they are creating … learn more

StoryCenter creates spaces for transforming lives and communities, through the acts of listening to and sharing stories. Since 1993, they have partnered with organizations around the world on … learn more

MERLOT is a curated collection of free and open online teaching, learning, and faculty development services contributed and used by an international education community.

PBS’ 4 part series about the roots of American music contains links for a deeper explore of this subject. It contains some rare resources from the Library of … learn more

The Children’s Music Web showcases material, created by and for children. It includes everything from “Pickleberry Pie” to “Rug Bugs”.

This resource from the National Association for Music Education contains current information, news, tips, lessons, and networking opportunities you need as a music educator.

MakeMusic (with a special price for schools) helps teachers create lessons for vocal or instrumental ensembles and tools for site reading and singing. Useful for teaching instrumental or … learn more

Using a newspaper picture of birds sitting on telephone wires, Jarbas Agnelli was inspired to try making a song out of it. The results speak for themselves. Have … learn more

The site offers artistic, biographical, and contact information, along with upcoming performances of composers, conductors, performers, and ensembles. The directory also contains information on professional organizations and educators … learn more

Appropriate for older students, Audiotool is a free yet powerful online music production studio right you can access with a browser. It provides virtual versions of pro audio … learn more

Virtual Drums lets you play a wide variety of virtual drum sets right from your web browser. Virtual Drumming includes free drumming lessons, games, drum sheet music and … learn more

The Piano Education Page is a one-stop resource for teachers, students, parents of students, and fans of the piano with over 1000 pages of family-friendly information, upgraded regularly. … learn more

KMel Robotics created a team of flying hexrotor copters that create music in ways never seen before. Worth viewing “full screen”.

Pan flutes are easy to make, takes only minutes, and cheap – drinking straws and some tape. Figuring out how to hold your lips just right to get … learn more

Children’s Songs is another site providing both lyrics and playable MIDI music files. The actual number of songs which can be played via the computer is extensive. For … learn more

Physics and music have been related for millennia. The art and science of music acoustics are presented here, in musician-friendly format.

Fundamentals of matter and force. Particle Adventure demonstrates the connections between music and physics.

Jazz at PBS was created to accompany Ken Burns’ 10 part history of jazz. In addition to rich biographies with artists playing, site visitors can visit the Jazz … learn more

The Jazz Hall of Fame is jam-packed with Big Band and Jazz history, music samples, headlines etc. It is very comprehensive.

Our Education programs empower all listeners and creators to make their own connections to orchestral music. From games that introduce preschoolers to musical basics to activities that inspire … learn more

What happens when Mozart and James Bond collide? In addition to being great fun, Igudesman & Joo show how combining two styles or eras of music can lead … learn more

PRS plays classical music (post copyright). You can research composers, download MIDI files, and find instructional tips.

The Science of Music within the Exploratorium site answers questions like how opera singers can hold their breath so long and what music kitchen objects can generate. Graphically … learn more

How many times does the chorus repeat in your favorite song? Repetition in music isn’t just a feature of Western pop songs; it’s a global phenomenon. Why? Elizabeth … learn more

Music Theory, started by Ricci Adams while a HS Senior, has over twenty-five lessons and several on-line trainers and utilities. The site, more appropriate for older students, includes … learn more

Rhythmweb hosts sound files, among other resources in percussion, from around the world.

… by a 12 year old. A lighthearted, if not so helpful guide created by an unqualified individual. Enjoy! The video was assembled by Julian Cianciolo, who also … learn more

Wynita Harmon, elementary art teacher in Plano, TX, shows how your students can make nature-inspired art. Students can find natural items and create art with them or sketch … learn more

“Art takes nature as its model.” – Aristotle Jean Van’t Hul has assembled lots (and lots!) of interesting nature art activities for kids. Everything from drawing leaves to … learn more

Marghanita Hughes perspective on how nature and art can foster a deep love for the natural world. Nature art can be infused beautifully into all other subjects in … learn more

Draw3D is a simple site but fun, and includes on-line drawing lessons. Created by Mark Kistler, Public Television’s favorite drawing teacher.

Best Free Photo Editors A free online photo editor includes all the basic features as well as the extra bells and whistles that most people need to edit … learn more

Silk is hard to describe. It’s called an on-line interactive generative artwork. The easiest way to explain it is to just go to the site and start drawing … learn more

Similar to Tim’s Vermeer’s trick, this simple to make project can help your students, allowing them to easily draw something from their phone screen. The materials are usually … learn more

This tutorial from Jk Alombro shows you the steps to turn a photograph into an anime character. While using Photoshop, you should be able to replicate this method … learn more

The move Tim’s Vermeer shows how Tim Jenison duplicated Vermeer’s painting style using a mirror to monitor parts of the picture. By placing a small, fixed mirror above … learn more

Your students can create paper wallets from a normal piece of paper, with minimal cutting and one piece of tape. It creates a durable, seamless, useable, write-onable, minimalist … learn more

American Art at the Smithsonian offers am impressive collection of teacher guides, resources and videos. The guides are identified with corresponding standards and grade levels, and most are … learn more

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC illustrates major achievements in painting, sculpture, decorative arts and works on paper from the Middle Ages to the present. Learn … learn more