YouthPlay.org

A Computer: The Perfect Holiday Gift

2011-12-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tis' the holiday season and there are decision, decisions, decisions. The choices are unlimitless--teddy bears, game systems, bicycles, books, educational toys, toiletries, gift cards, travel and the list goes on. At the top of my list is a computer--preferably a laptop. If you have that staple, and an internet connection, then at the click of a finger you can do just about anything at the fraction of the cost. And then you can explore what to do next.

I am a lover of zoos, and mind you there is nothing like the real thing. But the next best thing is an hour at the online San Diego Zoo. I can actually watch Yun Zi and Gao Gao, the great pandas, live on the Panda Cam. Another favorite is the Honolu Zoo featuring an entire page of exciting zoo video shorts.

Online museums are another example of the ability of a computer to bring excitement, history, and relevence into our lives daily and at our convenience. My personal favorite is the online Smithsonian Institute--there is just so much at this site.

Looking for fun and games--there is plenty of that as well. I have a special liking for sites that combine fun with learning. Sites such as GameGoo, Who Wants to Win $1,000,000, and Puzzle Pixies provide hours of learning and fun. Nixing the educational slant and going fullblast fun, sites such as GameSloop.com and Yahoo Games provide plenty of entertainment. Another favorite place is You Tube--I have sat at my computer for hours watching old videos of Nat King Cole, Elvis, Sam Cook and others who died before I was talking. There are also the old Saturday Night Live clips. Of course, young folks will enjoy the likes of Justin Bieber and Beyonce.

Let us not forget the world of shopping. Its a great place to get deals and research items that you are thinking about purchasing in a brick and mortor establishment. I'm an avid Amazon.com and eBay Shopper, but the traditional retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target , Bloomingdales, FAO Schwarz and many more have an online presence as well.

The one thing the computer doesn't do is get you out in the fresh air and moving those body parts so by all means buy those bicycles and visit some of the places discussed but a computer certainly worth considering as a holiday purchase.

Lastly, if you're going to be online then do it safely. The FBI's "A Parent Guide to Interent Safety" provides tips on keeping you and all your loved ones safe with this wonderful toy.

Educational Gifting

2011-10-19T01:10:00.000-07:00

A birthday is looming, the holidays are coming, just got my bonus and I need to shop--there are so many reasons we find ourselves searching for that perfect gift for the young people in our lives. Consider a gift that will challenge their minds and expand their cognitive toolkit while providing hours of enjoyment. A search of the web will produce hundreds of marketing websites but if you comb through there are a few sites that offer some helpful ideas for that perfect educational gift:
Top 10 Educational Toys 2011--While likely not actually the best 10, there are some great choices on this list for all ages.
Family 5: Our Best Educational Toys for First Graders (Ages 4-7) --Good explanations of why these are good toys.
The Best Board Games for Every Age (Education.com) -- This one has to be our favorite!
Top 20 Educational Video Games -- Love this one too! Playstation and Nintendo can be educational too.
TeacherFirst: 100 Best Books -- It doesn't so matter if its on a savvy eReader or just plain old paper, nothing brightens the eyes like a wonderful book. Scholastic's article "How to Choose the Best Multi-Cultural Books" provides an essential facet to creating a comprehensive children's reading list.

Well, w think you get the gist. There are lots of educational gifts and learning does not have to be boring. Hopefully, we've primed you to the possibilities.

University of Idaho: Information Literacy

2011-07-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Regardless of age, all students need help navigating and evaluating the vast information available on the web. This University of Idaho literacy primer will quickly transform any novice or random searcher into a savvy Internet guru. The site guides visitors through a series of modules that teach them how to distinguish different kinds of information on the Internet, search databases and other collections, search for and select research topics, locate and cite sources, and evaluate the sources they find.

Grades 5th thru 12+

Shakespeare Online

2011-07-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

You will not find Gwyneth Paltrow on this website, but you will find plenty of William Shakespeare—young and old. On this aptly named site, visitors can read every play or sonnet from the world's most celebrated writer and, more importantly, make some sense of his works with study guides and essays, Old English language translations, quizzes and famous quotes.

Grades 8th thru 12

New York Times: 1-in-8 Million

2011-07-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

1-in-8 Million is a look into the lives of 54 not-so-ordinary New Yorkers, telling their own stories. It is an opportunity to go far outside of the conventional classroom without moving from one’s desk, an opportunity to hear, feel, touch, almost smell the people of New York. I found it to be a trip not just to New York—and I’ve traveled there many times—but a trip inside this city. I’d never seen it like this.

Grades 6 thru 12+

Thinkfinity.org

2011-06-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Although at first glance not the most inviting site, once you start digging in Thinkfinity you will find all kinds of nuggets. The site features lessons plans for educators and parents. It partners with several of the best educational resources on the web. Some are web powerhouses such as EDSITEment, the Smithsonian Institute and National Geographic. But there are also partnerships with smaller but very effective educational resources such as Wonderopolis, Illuminations, and the Kennedy Center’s ArtsEdge. And if you keep digging, there is more and more and more.

All Levels

BBC Nature

2011-06-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

The photos! The videos! The wildlife! Even dinosaurs! Breathtaking! This is a walk on the wild side at your fingertips. There is absolutely no excuse for not being exposed to the world of nature--even if you live in the center of New York City. Its right here. The BBC is the largest broadcasting agency in the world and a public broadcasting service to boot. BBC Nature is definitely one of its finest microsites.

1rst Grade - 12+

Mapping Your Future

2011-06-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mapping Your Future is a one stop for students and families providing information on financial strategies, career options and college planning. Features step-by-step interactive tools for middle and high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, prospective students and parents. The site is chock full of activities such as Show Me the Future, an exciting financial literacy and life skills game to help prepare for the future, and CareerShip an online career exploration adventure. In addition to information on loans, the site also provides access to several search resources for scholarships and grants.
8th Grade-12+

FreeRice

2009-10-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

FreeRice is a wonderful way to increase your knowledge while having fun and extending a helping hand. FreeRice has two goals:
--Provide education to everyone for free.
--Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

Perhaps even greater than the educational experience of this site is the investment your donated rice makes to fellow human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide.

FreeRice is a non-profit website run by the United Nations World Food Program. A partner is the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

Apple4theTeacher.com

2008-12-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Its not everyday that we find something wonderful and free for the little ones, but Apple4theTeacher is just that. The site features interactive learning games, quizzes, and worksheet generator tools by subject (creative arts, foreign languages, language arts, math, science, social studies), articles, literacy coloring pages and more.

Pre-K thru 6th Grade

Museum of Modern Art

2008-09-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Museum of Modern Art has developed four websites designed to tickle the artistic side:
Art Safari--An adventure in looking. Explore animals and art. (For Children and Adults)
Destination Modern Art:An Intergalactic Journey to MOMA and P.S.1--invites you to travel to MoMA and P.S.1 with an alien creature! Listen to a painting or create an online collage. Explore paintings, sculptures, and installations together through online activities and hands-on projects.(For children ages five to eight.)
Red Studio--Developed by MoMA in collaboration with high school students, explores issues and questions raised by teens about modern art, today's working artists, and what goes on behind the scenes at a museum. Modern Teachers Online --Connects educators with MoMA's resources and collection. Download PDFs of educators guides, browse images, or search lessons by subject, theme, medium, or text. Text and images can be printed, projected, or saved into a presentation.

PBS: American Masters

2008-09-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

This American Masters PBS site supports an ongoing series of award-winning primetime specials examining the lives, works, and creative processes of America’s most outstanding cultural artists. The site allows us to sit and absorb in our own time the thoughts of those from our past and how they looked upon the events of their time. A comparison of the thoughts written by author Zora Neale Hurston in 1943 and the posture of the contemporary Rev. Al Sharpton in one illustration of the historical significance for this website. The sight features the likes of James Baldwin, Lucille Ball, Pearl Bailey, Leonard Bernstein, Charlie Chaplin, Marvin Gaye and many more renowned artists. This a wonderful walk into the minds of some of the great cultural artists of our time.

Who Wants to Win $1,000,000?

2008-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Who Wants to Win $1,000,000 ? educational game is just plain old fun. You can spend hours in front of your computer with your kids playing this game. Test your knowledge of math and science as you work your way to the million dollar level! The questions you will answer are real. Unfortunately, the money, is not. Again, the money is not real! Curious of how other players are doing? Wondering if your high score is still a high score? Take a look at the list of previous winners and high scores. Grades 5 thru 12+

GeoGebra

2008-08-08T03:28:00.000-07:00

GeoGebra is a dynamic mathematics software for schools that joins geometry, algebra and calculus. And, its free! GeoGebra is an interactive geometry system. You can do constructions with points, vectors, segments, lines, conic sections as well as functions and change them dynamically afterwards. Equations and coordinates can be entered directly. Thus, GeoGebra has the ability to deal with variables for numbers, vectors and points, finds derivatives and integrals of functions.
Sound far out; we think it worth taking a look.

Thinkfinity

2008-06-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

Thinkfinity boasts free top-line educational resources to strengthen problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking skills for the 21st century. The site offers lesson plans, educational games, activities and more. The gateway page asks if you are a parent, educator or student and the resources are wonderful. Being that its summer, the Afterschool Resources section caught our eye and it is full of of great activities--the selected resources and activities are a must see.

Thinkfinity is a big, bold site. Don't go play if you have an old, slow computer. But if you have the technology, this a site you don't want to miss.

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

2008-06-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government. The site features more than 1,500 federally supported teaching and learning resources in the areas of science, math, history and language arts from dozens of federal agencies. New sites are added regularly. The website was originally conceived in 1997 by a federal working group and launched a year later. It was redesigned and relaunched in November 2006. FREE is among the most popular K-12 websites maintained by the U.S. Department of Education because of the many great resources being offered by participating federal agencies.

Amazing Space

2008-04-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

What a ride! Amazing Space provides a fun, interactive way to explore galaxies, black holes, comets, and other fascinating objects. Get to know our vast universe by exploring its planets, galaxies, comets, black holes, and more. Come and immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the universe while gaining an education on the world's greatest discoveries. Get the hottest space news and homework help too.

Grades K thru 12

CNN Student News

2008-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

We love student news. CNN Student News provides students a quick look into current affairs. In the Spotlight features daily headlines. The Most Popular section points to the what news is generating the most interest or search activity. Questions and Newsquiz allows students to test the knowledge they have gleaned from the news. Hone your abilities in the Learning Activities section and if that's not enough, search for our other "student news" blogs to expand your knowledge.

Congress.org

2008-03-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about telling your congressman just what's on you mind? Congess.org can help you contact your elected officials. If you can tolerate the political slant of this site, its a good resource for information and expressing your thoughts regarding the politics of the day.

A Bow of the Head: Religions of the World

2008-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

A Bow of the Head is designed to provide a general introduction to each of the five world religions with the largest following and to define some of their major concepts. It is a selection from the ThinkQuest Library and therefore an opportunity to see world religion through the eyes of the three young people who developed the website. The site is not intended to convert anyone to another way of belief or to another religion. It is an opportunity to gain some basic knowlege regarding the religions we are hearing about in the news. It is a concise and insightful approach to an often controversial subject.

ECOHEALTH

2008-02-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

ECOHEALTH is an excellent resource for middle and high school students, their teachers, or anyone interested in environmental and health issues. It delivers scientific information in a friendly, engaging, and visually-vibrant manner. The site provides the indepth analysis and context behind today's headline news. ECOHEALTH features a wealth of information to include: a glossary with terms and phrases that may be too new or specialized to appear in household dictionaries, photographs, charts, graphs, maps, animations, video clips, links to carefully-chosen sites, whose work constitutes the frontiers of science, lesson plans, Q & A's that delve more deeply into topics of special interest, and more.

Jump Into the Melting Pot

2008-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

The United States is often referred to as a "melting pot" -- a place where people of many different cultures and beliefs live together. Many contend that because of this mix of people, our country is more interesting than it would be if everyone were the same. Some think otherwise. But do most Americans know enough about the different cultures and beliefs of their co-workers and neighbors to ascertain if this is true or not? One thing is for sure, diversity has definitely added another dimension to the presidential election--from both a voter and a candidate perspective.

Having attended many Black History Month programs, I have observed most of them were full of other African Americans. I find these celebrations to be enjoyable and educational. However, it seems to me the programs would also benefit other cultures, other ethnicities.
And, I think it would be enlightening to know more about their history and culture.

The opportunity is certainly there. We celebrate Black History Month this month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, Hispanic Heritage Month in September and American Indian Heritage Month in November. That is just to name a few. If we look around us, there are many opportunities to learn more about the many peoples that comprise our America.

Carter G. Woodson is known as the Father of Black History. He founded Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month. His message was Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it. Taking Dr. Woodson’s assertion a step further, perhaps all Americans should be proud of their heritage and other Americans should also understand it. This would likely benefit race relations.

In addition to attending gatherings, many wonderful books and websites present the opportunity to explore different cultures. Many of the websites offer not only news and information but also interactive opportunities:

AsianAvenue.com Meet people in your community, express yourself, and find information that reflects Asian cultures and perspectives.
Asian Community Online Network Brings together Asian American and Pacific Islander non-profit organizations and concerned individuals to share news and information about the community.
BlackAmericaWeb.com An interactive, timely and credible source for news and information covering aspects of daily African American life, featuring a wide array of viewpoints and perspectives.
Black Voices America Online source for issues facing the African American community. News from the world of sports, entertainment, health and family.
CodeTalk Federal, interagency, Native American Web site designed specifically to deliver electronic information from government agencies and other organizations to Native American communities.
HispanicOnline.com An interactive, timely and credible source for news and information covering Hispanic issues.
Latino USA Provides diverse audiences with multiple perspectives on issues affecting Latinos while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
SisterPlay.com The melting pot of the worldwide web. The Race Relations section features a collection of the best ethnic websites on the web.

Academy of Achievement

2008-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

This interactive museum of living history brings you face-to-face with extraordinary individuals who have shaped our times. The Academy of Achievement is an amazing collection, not of mere artifacts, but of people and ideas that fill you with inspiration, encouragement and the will to achieve. The site features profiles, biographies and first-person interviews with its honorees . In addition to written interview transcripts, this online Virtual Museum also features a Gallery of Achievement that includes video footage of insightful discussions with Academy members. Visitors can also access the extensive online library and discover which books made a difference in the early lives of various achievers.

Grades 5 thru 12+

Why MLK Day Should Never Be a Just Day Off

2008-01-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Why It Should Always Be A Day To
Remember, Celebrate and Act, and Never Just a Day Off

A Collection of Websites Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s

Life and Legacy

Martin Luther King Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement

The Seattle Times

Martin Luther King, Jr....a nation remembers

Middle Tennessee State University

Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids and Teachers

skiddyhouse.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University Martin Luther King-Nobel Lecture

Nobel e-Museum

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

The Biology Project

2008-01-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Biology Project is an interactive online resource for learning biology . The Biology Project is fun, richly illustrated, and tested on 1000s of students. It has been designed for biology students at the college level, but is useful for high school students, medical students, physicians, science writers, and all types of interested people. Developed at The University of Arizona, the site offers resources for students and educators. If you are intrigued with science, you will enjoy this site.

9th Grade thru 12th+

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

2007-12-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids serves as the educational component of the Government Printing Office (GPO) Access, GPO's service to provide the official online version of legislative and regulatory information. This site provides print and online learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers. These resources teach how our government works, the use of the primary source materials of GPO Access, and how one can use GPO Access to carry out their civic responsibilities. And, just as GPO Access provides locator services to U.S. Government sites, Ben's Guide provides a similar service to U.S. Government Web sites developed for kids.

Grades K-12

Altapedia Online

2007-11-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

Once you get past the humongous horizontal ad on each page this site, there is a motherlode of geographical information. For each country A-to-Z, there is a profile detailing location, geography, climate, people, demographics, languages, religion, education, history, economy, and more. In addition, there are physical and political maps. These maps depict regions as well as countries. Great site to explore the world.

Bartleby.com

2007-11-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we tend to get so involved in the great not-so-popular finds that we forget we have some really wonderful well-know resources and we believe Bartleby.com falls into that category. Bartleby features literature, reference and verse. Users can buy the books online, or download free e-books. In addition to the Bartleby Bookstore, the site features famous quotations, authors, Harvard Classics, and daily biographies, definitions, quotations and poems. Bartleby.com also features a very good online encyclopedia, dictionary and thesaurus. It really is a site to add to your favorites, that is, if its not already there.

National Women's Hall of Fame

2007-10-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

The National Women's Hall of Fame features American women who have made significant national or global contributions in the fields of arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy, and science. I made my way to the list of inductees and just went down the list. Many of the names I've heard all of my life, and others I've never heard mentioned. What a learning experience. Wonderful, wonderful, absolutely wonderful!

The Nine Planets

2007-10-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Developed by Bill Arnett, The Nine Planets is an overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of the planets, moons and other objects in our solar system. Each page features text and NASA's images. Some have sounds and movies and most provide references to additional related information. Arnett's The Nine Planets is a delightful multimedia tour of the solar system:one star, eight planets, and more.

Grades 6th thru 12th

HowStuffWorks

2007-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

This site is what I would term "deep." HowStuffWorks features credible and easy-to-understand explanations of how the world actually works. Founded by North Carolina State University Professor Marshall Brain in 1998, the site has since grown to be an award-winning online resource for millions of people of all ages. From car engines to search engines, from cell phones to stem cells, and thousands of subjects in between, HowStuffWorks has it covered. In addition to comprehensive articles, helpful graphics and informative videos walk you through every topic clearly, simply and objectively. Its a wonderful place to get lost!

Grades 7-12+

Amazing Space

2007-10-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

GameGoo

2007-10-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

GameGoo features interactive educational games designed to develop early reading and language skills. The games are full of rich stories and characters to engage students in learning adventures. GameGoo is developed by Cognitive Concepts, a provider of language and literacy software, etc. This is an excellent site for practicing basic reading and language skills.

Grades Pre-K thru 3rd

Shelby County Schools' ESL Resource Page

2007-09-26T02:49:00.000-07:00

Its not a pretty site, but it has more English as a Second Language (ESL)resources than any other site I've viewed.The Shelby County Schools' ESL Resource Page is a no frills resource for ESL students, parents, and educators. Developed by Dianne Dogan for Shelby County Schools, it is an educational portal linking to hundreds of websites on the World Wide Web. The linked sites have been reviewed and selected by K-12 educators. The presence of a link on this website does not represent an endorsement of the site by Shelby County Schools. Some of the links are broken, some are advertisement heavy, and some are really good. If you can bear the bright yellow and sift through the debris, there are jewels to be found for ESL students or anyone attempting to master the English language.

Pre-K thru 12+

Puzzle Pixies

2007-09-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Puzzle Pixies provides fun and educational games, puzzles and activities young people in kindergarten thru high school and probably most adults. The activities are rated by previous users, so you can see very quickly the most well-liked. Certainly a favorite of parents with younger kids will be the no mess painting area, Pixie Paint--provides online drawing, painting and colouring-in with Pixie Paint! Delightful site!

K thru-12+

Christine Harris: Fun for Kids

2007-09-20T02:53:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of rules I usually play by--no advertising sites, and always link to the homepage. But this site is really, really good. So I am breaking the rules. Christine Harris writes books. The Christine Harris homepage is chock full of photos of those books and her pretty face, but it takes some of us quite a bit of time to load. They're probably pretty good books, but I haven't read any of them. What caught my eye was the Fun for Kids area and the Weblinks page. The Fun for Kids area has competitions, jokes, stories, and a wonderful page called Spy Girl. The Weblinks page features several really good websites. I was just tickled to no end by this site. Absolutely delightful.

English Online Writer's Window

2007-09-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Writers' Window is a site for school aged (ages 5-18) writers to publish their writing. Categories include short stories, poetry, research papers, and television, book and movie reviews. There are also continuous stories. This site is one more avenue for young people to practice their writing skills. It is an opportunity to critique and receive critique from their peers. It is a well monitored site with rules designed to focus on writing as well as to facilitate safety and the learning experience.

Grades K thru 12

Zigwhat!

2007-09-17T03:19:00.000-07:00

Zigawhat!--What is it? A web site for learning, connecting, growing, coping, and fun for young people with disabilities and their peers. This site provides resources connecting young people with information on their living with their challenges as well as opportunities to interact with other young people living with similar challenges. Zigawhat is maintained by the folks at the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.

Future State

2007-09-16T04:55:00.000-07:00

Future State provides insight into function of the the U.S. Department of State. Its a good starting point to explore career oppportunities in politics and civil service. Although most of the site is geared toward parents, educators and students in gradelevels 7 thru K-12+, there is an area dedidcated to K-6 grade students. It is a no frills site, but the content is very clear, concise and informational.

SuperThinkers

2007-09-10T03:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking is a process where we have to create new connections, look for meaning behind the facts and analyze in order to understand. These are the goals of SuperThinkers! This flash-driven website features a set of original games and interactive mysteries designed to foster literacy and problem-solving. It's a friendly, fun place to use logic and reasoning to solve problems. It is often helpful to have a team of thinkers collaborating. The creators encourage students to work together and talk aloud about their hypotheses, ideas and questions. Created by children's book author Peter H. Reynolds and his creative team at Emmy Award-winning FableVision. The site primarily targets learners in grades 5 through 8, but provides fun for learners at all levels.

Grades 5 thru 8+

Figure This!

2007-08-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

Figure This! demonstrates challenging middle school mathematics and emphasizes the importance of high-quality math education for all students. This site provides interesting mathematical challenges that middle-school students can do at home with their families. Although the site targets middle school students, it can certainly be used with younger students who are strong in math as well as high school students. Its a site that you have to play around with for a few moments to figure out the ins and outs. But after the initial learning curve, its a wonderful resource. Warning! The colors are a waker upper. Funding for the project was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education.

English Online Writer's Window

2007-08-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

"Practice makes perfect" and Writers' Window provides lots of practice for young writers. Writers' Window is a site for school aged young writers (aged from 5 to 18) to publish their writing. Writer's Window will publish all writing that complies with their guidelines. Categories include short stories, poetry, research papers, plays, and television, book and movie reviews. There are also continuous stories that young writers can add to. And, what better motivation than to see your work showcased on the web? Grades K thru 12

HubbleSite

2007-08-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

What's out there, where did it come from, and what does it mean? HubbleSite is the place to keep on the top of the latest findings to these questions about the universe. Although site centers around the Hubble Telescope it provides so much more information about our universe. It is not only informative but the images are spectacular. This is the site of all sites for those interested in astronomy and space. HubbleSite is produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute's Office of Public Outreach.

Smithsonian Institutution Online

2007-08-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

In 1826, James Smithson, a British scientist, drew up his last will and testament, naming his nephew as beneficiary. Smithson stipulated that, should the nephew die without heirs (as he would in 1835), the estate should go to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men. Thanks to Smithson we have this wonderful national resource. Visiting the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. remains as one of the most breathtaking ventures in my lifetime and I have traveled extensively. Today, looking at the wonderful online resources, although not as delightful as being there, is still an exciting and enlightening experience. The website designed for ease in finding resources for everyone with gateways, such as, the student section and frequently asked questions about the Smithsonian with links to resources on subjects from Art to Zoology.

Grades 5 thru 12+

The World's Greatest Places

2007-08-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

Pack a lunch, take a seat in front of a computer, and travel abroad to Madagascar, Greenland, Tibet, Namib, Okavanga, Iquazu, or the Amazon. Don't let your budget or time limitations stop you from seeing the the world's greatest locations. The World's Greatest Places enables you to take an online trip to seven of the most geographically diverse places on Earth. At first glance its not a fancy site, but with a few mouse clicks the world opens up to you.

Grades Pre-K thru 12+

AAA Math

2007-08-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Aside from the advertising, which is really pretty light, I really like this site. AAA Math features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. A wide range of lessons enables learning or review to occur at each individual's current level. Immediate feedback (simply the right answer)prevents practicing and learning incorrect methods, which is a common result of traditional homework and worksheets. Practice can continue as long as desired in a non-threatening format which helps build self-esteem and confidence. This is a really good tool for building a solid math foundation.

Kindergarten thru 8th Grade

HistoryNet.com

2007-08-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

You can lose yourself for hours in the wealth of resources at HistoryNet.com. The HistoryNet.com is brought to you by the Weider History Group, the world's largest publisher of history magazines. If you are interested in history you are bound on this website to find something to pique your interest. HistoryNet.com contains daily features, photo galleries and over 1,200 articles originally published in our various magazines. We generally don't recommend sites that require registration to get to the really good stuff or sites that have a lot of advertising. But this is an instance where the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. Once you register there is so much information and you can get loads of information without purchasing one thing--no pop-ups either. The Daily Quiz alone is worth the minute it takes to register, but the site features history quizzes, news, photos and so much more for those interested in history.

Number2.com

2007-07-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

Number2.com offers students access to comprehensive free online test preparation courses for the SAT, ACT, and GRE. The company was founded by professors and graduate students who wanted to make high quality test preparation universally accessible. In 2002 Number2.com was acquired by Xap Corporation. Xap Corporation’s comprehensive Mentor education and career websites efficiently guide students through the college and career preparation process. But more than just offering student-friendly college search tools and easy online applications, Xap delivers useful professional tools for high school counselors, post-secondary admissions officers, and partners to effectively level the playing field for prospective students and their families. Xap shares Number2.com's mission of making higher education more accessible to students of all backgrounds.

Extreme Science

2007-07-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Are you a science lover? Does trivia interest you? If you answered "yes" to one or both of those questions, then you'll enjoy Extreme Science. The site features the biggest, baddest, and the best in the world of science extremes, and explanations of why each is the most extreme example of its kind. You'll find world records in natural science, including earth science and the plant and animal kingdom. You'll also find a collection of science and technology information and resources available on the Internet, including resources for students working on science fair projects and teachers needing content for science lessons. Fun site!

My Hero

2007-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

What better subject to write about than one's hero. My Hero's mission is to enlighten and inspire people of all ages with hero stories from around the world. The website hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. These stories serve to remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes. While sharing the great stories of their heroes, young and old alike can develop their writing skills. Explore the thoughts of others by searching for your hero. Wonderful resource!

Grades 2-4

MuseumStuff.com

2007-07-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we have featured an online museum that has caught our eye. Some museum websites are so-so, some are middle-of-the-road,and some are awesome. Let's say, for instance, the Smithsonian Institution--now that's one impressive online museum. And, its really something to see if you should find yourself in the Washington D.C. area--and its all free (online and at the door). But the Smithsonian isn't the only wonderful online museum. MuseumStuff.com is the gateway to all of them. The site has a page linking to websites that feature a virtual component. At your fingertips is the ability to explore thousands of online museums worldwide and locate the brick and mortar museums that are in your area or your travels. Excellent resource!

TryScience

2007-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

TryScience.org is your gateway to experience the excitement of contemporary science and technology through on and offline interactivity with science and technology centers worldwide. In other words, its a place where science is exciting, and it's for everyone! Investigate, discover, and try science yourself. There is so much science on this website; there's earth science, biology, chemistry, social sciences, space science, technology and engineering and believe it or not--there's more. And, the website features activities for all ages.

Kid's Place Brain Teasers

2007-06-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

How do we make math fun? That's a math question that we have been tackling for years. But the Brain Teasers page of Kid's Place does just that--it generates a little fun while challenging the brain. The site asks weekly age-appropriate math questions for grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. The site also features a Wacky Web Tales for grades 3 and above, and a Current Event page with links to other kid-friendly current event sites. Cool place to visit.

Grades 3rd thru 8th

Geology.com

2007-06-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

What is Geology? Geology.com answers that question and many, many more. This is a great reference site for geology and earth science. It features current events, maps, articles, dictionaries, career exploration tools, etc. What does Geology have to do with Home Owner's Insurance? What are Blood Diamonds? Where are the highest points in the United States? If these questions pique your interest, then you'll love this site.

bugbios

2007-06-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Its summertime and this is a great place to explore our summer companions. Bugbios definitely hits its mark when aims to help you really see insects for the miniature marvels they represent and to understand how intertwined our cultures have become with these alien creatures. This is definitely not the site for bugaphobics. Its a close-up, down and dirty, look a fly straight in the eye kind of experience. Great bugs!

Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities: 2007

2007-05-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

We found this resource a couple of years ago after a father wrote inquiring if we knew of a summer camp for a child with autism. We didn't. We were able to find Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities. A publication of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, this 4-page guide links to directories and listings of summer camps--some of the directories are free, some not. Half of these resources identify camps specifically intended for children who have disabilities. The other half are simply directories listing camp opportunities available to all children. Your community is also likely to have summer camps or recreational opportunities available. The guide is updated annually.

getsmarter.org

2007-05-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

Getsmarter.org gives students, parents and teachers a free, fun and private way to compare science and math skills to students worldwide. Students can warm up first with math and science practice quizzes. Correct answers are available--with hints and some fun! You might also learn some geography along the way. When you're ready, try The REAL Challenge! When you finish, you can see your results compared to those of all the students around the world who answered the same questions in 1995-99 as part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). If you're one of the best in the world, we'll put you on The Top Ten. You can also go back to any test answer and learn more from the detailed explanations and links to other great web sites. Sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visit GetTech.org to explore exciting high-tech careers in math, science, and technology.

FactMonster.com

2007-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

When we ran across FactMonster.com from Information Please, our response was simply "Wow!" Its a great resource for young people. The site features an expanding atlas, a homework center , games and quizzes, age and gender-appropriate blogs and more. The site is geared toward 6-14 year olds but truly has something for every age group.

LiveScience.com

2007-05-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

LiveScience.com is one of those sites that has a little something wonderful for everyone--especially, science buffs. The site focuses on the innovative and intriguing in science and technology. LiveScience.com covers news, views and scientific inquiry from an original, provocative point of view. The site looks at new discoveries, intellectual adventures and the idiosyncrasies of the world that surrounds us. This colorful site is loaded with "Cool Stuff," such as, The Sciece Top 10s, Trivia & Quizzes, a Video Collection and more. Although this Imaginova site features an eCommerce website, the advertising is not intrusive.

JetStream--An Online School for Weather

2007-05-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

JetStream is a free online resource providing insight into the many weather occurences, such as, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes and more. Each major area is accompanied by a set of review questions. JetStream is designed for the web only, however, compressed files containing each section of JetStream are provided. Users can download any section or the entire website. The site also features an excellent glossary and a comprehensive list of acronyms. The site is sponsored by the National Weather Service, Southern Region Headquarters.

Lightening Bug

2007-05-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

This is a no nonsense website for aspiring writers. If you are serious about writing Lightning Bug is a great site; if you're not, its best to skip this one. Lightning Bug was conceived to help young adults engage with story writing. The designers contend that understanding how to write a good story is an extremely effective way to express a point of view. The site has been written with a focus on fostering inspiration, finding voice, developing structure and encouraging an interest in writing. The site is intended to be a writing companion, a resource to draw on as you craft a narrative. It is intended to be useful to confident literate young writers, and to those less sure of their writing abilities. In early 2007, Firefly was added to the site, a short story writing challenge to help young adults start writing regularly. Its not a fancy site, but it is a very, very good resource for anyone who aspires to be a writer.

Inner Learning Online

2007-04-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Study the anatomy of the human body. Inner Learning Online is fun, interactive, and an ideal reference site for students or those who want to know more about the human body. The site provides a closer look at systems, such as, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive and more. Each topic has animations, 100’s of graphics, and thousands of descriptive links.
Grades 9 thru 12+

Helping Children Succeed in School

2007-04-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

The average child spends about 1,000 hours per year in school. So, helping children enjoy learning and being successful in school is an important goal for parents, other family members, and schools. It takes the home and the school working together to successfully educate a child. Helping Children Succeed in School is a program written by University of Illinois Extension educators that gives successful strategies for parents and caregivers to help their children succeed in school.

GetSmarter.org

2007-04-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

Free, animated, interactive site for elementary, middle & high school students – privately assess math & science skills, compare performance with students worldwide, and access hints, tutorials & links to improve performance. The site also includes GetSmarter, a tool for exploring careers in math, science and technology. Tips for parents available!

Grades 3rd thru 12th

National Youth Violence Resource Center

2007-04-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

The events of the last few days have brought to the forefront of many of our minds the safety and protection of our young people. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center website was designed to serve as a user-friendly, single point of access to Federal information on youth violence. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other Federal partners, the Resource Center provides current information developed by Federal agencies or with Federal support pertaining to youth violence. A gateway for professionals, parents, youth and other interested individuals, the Resource Center offers the latest tools to facilitate discussion with our youth, to resolve conflicts nonviolently, to stop bullying, to prevent teen suicide, and to end violence committed by and against young people. Resources include fact sheets, best practices documents, funding and conference announcements, statistics, research bulletins, surveillance reports, and profiles of promising programs. The site also provides contact information to communicate with a specialist in the area of youth safety.

Earth Observatory

2007-04-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Are you a science buff? Then you have to take a look at this website. It doesn't matter if you love to delve into the details or just look at our beautiful earth, the Earth Observatory is worth a visit. The articles are excellent and the imagery is delightful. The purpose of NASA’s Earth Observatory is to provide a freely-accessible publication on the Internet where the public can obtain new satellite imagery and scientific information about our home planet. The focus is on Earth’s climate and environmental change.

Campus Tours: Virtual College Tours

2007-04-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

CampusTours.com provides virtual college tours of over 850 colleges and universities. Although not a substitute for an actual campus visit, CampusTours presents an online alternative to the college view book, and is one of the most popular online college guides with students. Used in conjunction with the College Exporation Exercise at YouthPlay.org, these tours can be an eye-opening experience for young people contemplating college.

Ology

2007-04-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ology means the "study of." The American Museum of Natural History presents Ology-an interactive website where you can explore the many "ologies" such as arachnology (the study of spiders) or volcanology (the study of volcanoes). The site map provides a quick overveiw of the scope of this colorful website. Put on your thinking cap before visiting this site.

Pre-K thru 12+

Who Wants to Win $1,000,000?

2007-04-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007

2007-04-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered about the diffence in pay for a veternarian and physician? The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals--young and old-- making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. Its the perfect starting place for those undertaking serious career exploration. This free resource is compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

ThinkQuest Library

2007-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since we have run across a powerhouse like this one. The ThinkQuest Library consists of over 6,ooo websites created by from around the world. The ThinkQuest competition inspires students ages 9-19 to think, connect, create, and share. Students work in teams to build innovative and educational websites to share with the world. The website is a showcase of the talent of our young people.

National Gallery of Art

2007-01-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

The National Gallery of Art has something for all ages!! Join Lizzy and Gordon on a musical art adventure and examine the work of several artists through activities and projects in the NGAkids section; take an online tour and explore painting, sculpture, decorative arts, or graphic arts collections; or visit the education section and find out about educational programs, internships and fellowships. At a time when school art programs are on the cutting board, the virtual exhibitions and online tours at this site are a godsend.
Grades Pre-K thru 12+

KidSpace @ The Internet Public Library

2006-12-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

This site could put me out of business, but its so wonderful I have to share. The Internet Public Library truly has something wonderful for visitors of all ages. I especially enjoy the enticing, colorful KidSpace section. In addition to KidSpace, the website features a TeenSpace section. The site is full of resources, such as, special collections, reference materiels, reading rooms and more. The Internet Public Library is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information.

Ask Dr. Universe

2006-12-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

This site boasts that you can ask Dr. Universe almost anything--and visitors to the site really make them meet that challenge. Dr. Universe is willing to go Washington State University's great team of researchers for her information. She'll follow them out to the field, or into the laboratory or library, to find your answers. If you'd like to contact any of the faculty members who have answered questions for Dr. Universe about their research, scholarship or creative work, just e-mail the Dr. and she'll put you in touch with the person behind the answer! Ask Dr. Universe also links to a great selection of favorite links; it is unusual for a site to actually link to sites that might provide real competition. That says a little something about the quality of the website--they're not worried. Ask Dr. Universe is brought to you by University Relations at Washington State University and is made possible through generous support from Microsoft Corporation.

The New York Times Learning Network

2006-11-29T03:35:00.000-08:00

Want to keep your young person informed? The New York Times Learning Network offers a news and information service for students in grades 3 thru 12, educators, and parents. The site features several activities for young minds, such as, News Summaries, Who's Who and What's What, On This Day, Word of the Day, Science Q & A and more. Rival newspaper, The Washington Post, also has a wonderful section for young people--KidsPost.
Grades 3 thru 12

Exploratorium

2006-11-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

Online since 1993, the Exploratorium was one of the first science museums to build a site on the World Wide Web. The site now contains over 18,000 award-winning Web pages exploring hundreds of different topics. Exploratorium is a collage of hundreds of science, art, and human perception exhibits. Our favorite area of the site is full of Snacks...but they're not the kind you eat. They're the kind you can learn from and have fun with. Exploratorium Science Snacks are miniature versions of some of the most popular exhibits at the Exploratorium--San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception. And for goodness sake, don't miss the 10 Cool Sites section. It's some kinda treat.

Online Games

2006-11-19T04:52:00.001-08:00

It is the holiday season and with all the fervor surrounding the PS3 I thought that rather than featuring a site today, it might be better to feature a genre--online games. The year before last I was bombarded with requests for the likes of PlayStation 2, XBox, and Game Cube. I bought a Toshiba M35X-51142 laptop and pointed my child to the worldwide web. So whether the need is to write or research a paper, email friends, download music, or play games, its covered. As a heads up, Bonus.com, the Zone, and Gameboredom are frequented game sites, and there are hundreds more. Well, let me go see if I can find a PlayStation 3. Just joking.

Decades of Discovery

2006-11-10T03:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a nut for the details. I hate to read an article and really not understand what it means. What was the significance of decoding the human genome--what did it mean for me and my child? For the past two-and-a-half decades, the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy has been at the forefront of scientific discovery. Staff and colleagues have identified 100 or so of the most important discoveries supported by the Office of Science. In addition, they have provided links to resources that help us to understand what those discoveries mean to the everyday person. Decades of Discoveries is a goldmine for those who of us that need just a little more detail.

BasketMath Interactive

2006-11-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

The newly upgraded Science Academy Software BasketMath InterActive is one of the first interactive math applications on the web. Math is one of those disciplines where mastering the basics is key to tackling the higher levels . The BasketMath InterActive tools provide the necessary practice for building a solid math foundation. And, it adds new twists and a bit of fun.
(Grades 4 thru 10)

SanDiegoZoo.org

2006-10-29T10:08:00.001-08:00

I am a zoo lover. And, I would not dare try to convince anyone that an online experience is anywhere near as wonderful as a day at a real zoo. But if a visit to a really nice zoo is not a feasible option, then there is probably no other experience as close to the real thing as the virtual experience at the San Diego Zoo online. You can look a baboon dead in the eye, which may not be the wisest thing to do at a real zoo. You'll find well-written descriptions of dozens of animals. Web cams and dozens of videos also can be viewed by visitors. The site allows visitors to send free e-postcards with images of some of the zoo's more famous residents. In Kid Territory you can print zoo-themed recipes, play nine different online games, read about a zookeeper's daily work, and view Q&As. Love this site--love it, love it, love it!

Prongo.com

2006-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Our slogan at YouthPlay.com is "How I Choose to Play is Serious Business." Prongo.com is in keeping with our belief that play can be just as beneficial as reading, writing and arithmetic. Prongo.com is an educational website for kids offering lots of free, fun, interactive, and educational games. For teachers, Prong.com also offers Quizstation, an tool for creating online quizzes (The Bronze Level is free to use). The site also offers kids clip art, e-cards, wall paper, jokes, screensavers and more. Its a wonderful place to find a little downtime. Prong.com provides hours hours of learning and fun for kids and resources for teachers and parents as well. This site also annotates the appropriate age levels for various activities.
Grades Pre-K thru 12

Cool Cosmos

2006-10-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

This California Institute of Technology/NASA site is oh so cool. The site explores the world of infrared astronomy as its main topic and explains the multi-wavelength universe. This Cool Cosmos portal is the main gateway of the Cool Cosmos Education and Public Outreach group at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center and the SIRTF Science Center. Interest piqued? Visit the site to decipher what all of this means.
Grades K thru 12+

The Mint

2006-10-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Mint is designed to help you teach 6-12 graders to manage money. There are games, tests of skill, illustrations, lots of information, and practical suggestions. All are concrete, and all are meant to treat a serious subject in a light and easy-to-understand way. This site has been designed primarily for families to help them work together and approach the topic of handling money wisely. However, there are also sections aimed exclusively at adults: teachers and parents. Ideas for Teachers contains supplemental activities to illustrate sound money management concepts. Tips for Parents provides tips for mentoring and nurturing in children financial responsibility. It is never too early to start if your child is interested in how money works. Ideas for Young Kids offers tips to explain the basics of handling money to children just starting school.

Grades 6-12

SuperThinkers

2006-10-09T03:44:00.000-07:00

College is Possible

2006-10-04T04:18:00.000-07:00

Yes indeed, college is possible! This is one no frills website--no animation, no flash, no awsome colors or riveting audio. But, the information is excellent! A resource guide for parents, students, and education professionals, it simply cuts to the chase with information on preparing for college, choosing the right college and paying for college. If you're thinking college, this is a great place to get the basics on getting there. The College Is Possible website is sponsored by the American Council on Education.

ClassBrain.com

2006-10-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

ClassBrain.com demostrates education can be interesting and fun for all ages. The PreK and Kindergarten section is designed for students who are new to the computer. The main sections are Play Time, How To, and School Time. The 1st to 3rd Grade Section is for more beginning elementary students; the main sections are also Play Time, How To, and School Time. The Teens Section is one of the largest sections on ClassBrain. The name is a bit misleading, because the materials address subjects all the way through college level and graduate courses. The site also has areas for teachers and families. The site features several informational areas such as Biographies, State Reports, Defining Documents and more. These can be very helpful to students working on special projects. ClassBrain brings you the best of the web in education.
Grades Pre-K thru 12+

Making It Count!

2006-10-02T03:21:00.000-07:00

Making It Count ! has great articles written for students, by students as well as articles written by career professionals. There are a couple of really informative blogs--one detailing the experience of a first-year college student. Making It Count! is a valuable tool for students transitioning into high school, into college and into their career. There are designated areas for students, parents and educators. As a parent, I have found the articles written by students, for students to be especially enlightening. The goal of Making It Count! is twofold: to teach students how to succeed in college and best prepare themselves to maximize their opportunities upon graduation, and to help parents make smart, proactive decisions on behalf of their students. The site also includes interactive games, tools, and e-newsletters.This site includes a little more advertising that I prefer for an education site, but the resources are so rich I had to put it on the list. The site also requires a simple registration in order to get to the really good items, but its worth it.
Grades 8-12+

KidSpace @ The Internet Public Library

2006-09-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

The Internet Public Library is just what it the moniker implies--a digital library. If you enjoy exploring new things or can't keep up with your young persons thirst for knowledge, you will love this resource. Resources, resources, so many resources at your fingertips. In addition to KidSpace, the website features a TeenSpace section. The Internet Public Library (IPL) is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information.
Pre-K thru 12

National Geographic

2006-09-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

We all remember the stacks of National Geographic magazines from our youth. They are as much a part of our childhood memories as Weekly Reader, Show 'n' Tell and Taco Day in the school cafeteria. This website features special sections for kids, educators and parents. Explore the animal kingdom, people and places, history, the arts; explore the world.
Grades K-12+

YouthPlay.org

2006-09-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

YouthPlay.org is a wonderful collection of annotated resources for young people and adults who are involved in the development of youth of all ages. YouthPlay links to hundreds of Internet resources (almost all free) targeting the development of young people. These resources include: math, science, reading, writing, language arts and social studies; skill development; homework assistance; career exploration; training and education; college resources; financial aid; learning exercises; good, safe, fun stuff; free email; guidance for adults; and more. The authors have done an excellent job of providing the target grade levels for many of the websites. Just a great all-around resource for everyone involved in the educational process.