Website Review: Sixty Symbols

SIXTY SYMBOLS is a website and YouTube channel exploring physics and astronomy symbols.

Sponsored by The University of Nottingham, the project began with sixty symbols and has expanded to include dozens more. In addition to the sixty original symbols, the website also has sections focusing on the planets, large hadron collider, and scientists. The project also links to related topics connected with chemistry, mathematics, and more.

Librarians will find that students enjoy both the topics and the approach. Rather than relying on humor or animation, most of the videos are simply straight-forward explanations of key science concept by professors and other scholars. Of particular note are the videos by Stephen Hawking.

To visit the website, go to http://www.sixtysymbols.com/.
To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/sixtysymbols.

Website Review: National Geographic Wild

NATGEOWILD is a YouTube Channel focusing on the animal kingdom.

Sponsored by National Geographic, the engaging animal videos will be of interest to all ages. Browse the playlists for video collections such as Dead by Dawn, Live Safaris. Dr. Oakley, Animal Fight Night, Untamed, Australia’s Deadly Monsters, and the Incredible Dr. Pol. The community section provides information about new and upcoming videos.

Librarians will find these videos to be a fun way to introduce a science or writing unit. Involve youth in selecting their favorite video to jumpstart an inquiry. Or, explore the playlists to connect videos to specific science units. Pair the videos with nonfiction books connected to specific topics such as “world’s weirdest” and “world’s deadliest”.

To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/NatGeoWild

Website Review: In a Nutshell

KURZGESAGT: IN A NUTSHELL is a YouTube channel featuring short animations focusing on science topics.

Publishing one video per month, the YouTube channel features dozens of earth, life, and physical science topics. Each video uses a unique, witty narrative style likely to appeal to all ages. The elaborate, bright colored animations bring each topic to life.

Use the playlist to identify multiple videos on topics such as genetic engineering, technology, immune system, and the universe. Of particular note is their “best stuff” section featuring a variety of topics. Based in Germany, the videos provide a useful global perspective on topics such as energy.

Librarians will find these beautifully produced animations to be effective in addressing popular how and why science questions. Use the videos to introduce concepts across the science curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/Kurzgesagt.

Website Review: C.G.P. Grey

C.G.P. GREY is a popular YouTube Channel featuring short, fast-paced animated videos on popular topics.

Each short video explores a specific problem or question such as who owns the state of liberty or how do machines learn?

Librarians will find youth enjoy the fast-paced style. Keep in mind that some videos contain humor and satire appropriate for older students. Of particular note is a video that explores the differences between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England. The fast-paced, humorous approach will be popular with sharp AP students.

To visit the youtube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/CGPGrey.

Website Review: Animated Math

ANIMATED MATH also known as 3BLUE1BROWN is a website and YouTube channel providing videos and math poetry on advanced mathematics topics.

Although too tough for most teens, this website is perfect for advanced math students looking for ways to enhance their learning. Created by Grant Sanderson, the video section introduces the latest videos and the math poetry area presents a dozen poems.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective way to promote advanced mathematics in a high school setting. Of particular interest is the math poetry section. Go directly to the YouTube channel to explore playlists connected with particular topics.

To visit the website, go to https://www.3blue1brown.com/.

Website: Series of the Week

SERIES OF THE WEEK is a website featuring the best of web video series.

The Education section focuses specifically on web-based videos of interest to educators and students. Videos are grouped into subcategories including science, history, nature, and literature.

Librarians will find this website to be a good place to begin an exploration of web-based videos for use across the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://www.seriesoftheweek.com/education-webseries.

Website: Simple History

SIMPLE HISTORY is a YouTube Channel providing animated history videos.

Each short video visualizes a different aspect of history including culture, technology, and key events. Playlists are available on world history and wonders of the world. Users will find multiple videos on topics such as World War I and World War II.

Librarians will find dozens of engaging history segments to jumpstart an interest in a wide range of history topics. Work with the history teacher to weave the videos into the curriculum.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC510QYlOlKNyhy_zdQxnGYw

Website: BBC

The BBC YouTube channels contain endless informational and educational video programming.

BBC supports dozens of YouTube channels. Best known is the BBC News channel, however there are many other channels useful for educational activities.

BBC Ideas is a channel contains short videos to “feed your curiosity.” CBBC is popular with youth. Check out their videos dealing with the issue of bullying. Students will find their “Horrible Histories” hilarious. CBeebie is a channel designed for young children. Finally Children in Need is focused on changing the lives of disadvantaged youth.

Librarians will want to mine the many BBC channels for short videos that can be woven into the curriculum. Use the news channel to provide a more global perspective on social issues.

To visit the channels, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/BBC/channels.

Website: Kapwing

KAPWING is an easy-to-use, online image and video production tool.

Users have access to dozens of online tools and editors to create simple graphics and videos. For instance, the meme maker allows users to create a simple online image with text overlay. Editors include a video montage maker, video collage, video filters, and video converter. Tools allows users to resize, loop, trim, and rotate videos. Users can apply templates or build projects from scratch. A blog provides useful news and information. Resources are provided for educators. Tutorials are also available.

Librarians will find this tool useful for working with students of all ages. Keep in mind that a Google or Facebook account is needed for the free account. A small watermark is placed on materials created with the free account.

To visit the website, go to https://www.kapwing.com/.

Website: The Great American Read

THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is a reading and video project from PBS.

This eight-part video series explores reading through America’s 100 best-loved novels. In addition to the videos, the website includes information about each book, details about the episodes, additional resources, blog postings, and stories submitted by readers.

Librarians will find the project to be a fun way to explore popular books with teens. Collaborate with the English department to build a unit revolving around the books, videos, and resources. Or, create your own library-based program to celebrate the books.

To visit the website, go to https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/home/.

Website: Maps from American Battlefield Trust

MAPS from American Battlefield Trust provides access to engaging maps, videos, and apps from American history.

The MAPS section is part of the larger battlefield website.

The animated maps are actually videos that bring to life the movement of troops and battles of American wars. The Revolutionary War Animated Map covers America’s war for independence from Lexington to Yorktown and beyond. The Civil War Animated Map includes everything from Fort Sumter to Appomattox and more. In addition to the overview videos, specific battles are also available.

Over 400 maps are currently available such as the Battle of Cedar Mountain in Virginia during the Civil War. Both historical maps and battle maps are available.

Users can access the maps by war (Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812), battle, or type of map (animated, battle, historical.

The American Battlefield Trust also have map apps available include the Civil War Battle Maps app.

Libraries will find these maps to be an excellent way to help students visualize the “big picture” related to these American wars. Work with the history teacher to weave these maps into the curriculum.

To learn more, go to https://www.battlefields.org/learn/maps.

Website: Bozeman Science

BOZEMAN SCIENCE is a website created by Paul Andersen featuring science videos.

This website contains hundreds of science videos on topics including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics. In addition, it includes videos on other science and math related topics. 

The website also includes videos and lessons associated with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

Follow Andersen’s blog for news and other interesting science information.

Librarians will find these short, focused videos integrate seamlessly into the science curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://www.bozemanscience.com/.

Website: American Experience

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE from PBS is a television series exploring the people and events that shaped American history.

With nearly thirty years of episodes, this long-running program contains a wide range of useful topics for students and teachers.

The film section features full-length episodes. Users can search by key word or topic. Searchers can also locate those currently available for viewing. Most of the episodes include links to additional information, video clips, image galleries, behind-the-scenes footage, and digital shorts.

The videos selection includes short (1-5 minute) video clips and digital shorts that are perfect for focused classroom activities.

The articles area features articles, collections, maps, and other resources that can be accessed by topic or media type.

Librarians will want to mine this website for programs that connect with specific curricular topics. Beyond history, many of the episodes can also be woven into lessons across the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience.

Website Review: Physics Girl

PHYSICS GIRL is a science video series produced by PBS Digital Studios.

Each episode in this popular YouTube series features a different topic related to physics, astronomy, or other science related topics. The programs include Do-It-Yourself projects, interviews, and cutting-edge research. Users can access playlists including everyday physics, space and the universe, experiments you can try, brainteasers and paradoxes, beyond physics 101, and interviews.

Librarians will find that students and teachers enjoy the humorous approach and real-world applications of science. Connect these short videos with the science curriculum. Or, use the videos to help promote nonfiction reading in the sciences.

To view the videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/physicswoman.

Website Review: Skunk Bear

SKUNK BEAR with Adam Cole is an NPR video series published on Facebook.

Each short episode explores a different scientific curiosity from around the world. This science series presents a dozen videos in each season. Three seasons are currently available.

Librarians will want to mine the video collection for topics that connect to the science curriculum. Brainstorm topics of interest and submit questions through the NPR website.

To visit the website, go to https://www.facebook.com/pg/nprskunkbear/episodes/.

To access the website through NPR, go tohttps://www.npr.org/series/462045954/skunk-bear.

Website Review: C-SPAN

C-SPAN is a public service providing audio and video access to proceedings related to public policy.

Providing over a quarter million hours of content, this free service includes regular series along with the proceedings of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the US Supreme Court. Series include American History TV, Book TV, and more. Viewers can check their regular schedule of events or search by key word. Users can also narrow their search by videos, clips, people, organizations, mentions, and bills.

Librarians will find this video library to be an excellent resource across the curriculum. Use videos to jumpstart questioning related to public policy and social issues. For classroom resources, go to C-SPAN Classroom for bell ringers, lesson plans, and more.

To visit the website, go to https://www.c-span.org/.
To vist C-SPAN classroom, go to https://www.c-span.org/classroom/.

Website Review: TED-Ed Series

TED-ED Series are connected videos exploring educational topic across the curriculum.

The TED-Ed Series provides a quick way to locate nearly 50 educational video collections. For instance, Periodic Videos contains 118 videos focusing on topics relating to science and the periodic table. Users click on an element for a lesson and video. The series titled The Way We Think explores nearly 100 topics related to psychology, sociology, thinking, and learning. The Mysteries of Vernacular explores dozens of odd and interesting words.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent way to seek out useful videos for the K-12 curriculum. Browse through the sets of videos and connect them with the communications, STEM, and social science curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://ed.ted.com/series.

Website Review: A Bear's Eye View of Yellowstone

A BEAR’S EYE VIEW OF YELLOWSTONE is an interactive exploration of the world of bears.

Created by National Geographic, this interactive project uses text, images, audio, video, maps, and infographics to provide insights into the life of bears living in Yellowstone National Park. After exploring one bear’s journey, users can follow other bears including both black bears and grizzly bears.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for reluctant learners. The mixture of audio, video, and images along with small text segments will draw interest. Use this interactive journey as a springboard to an inquiry-based learning experience focusing on animals.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nationalgeographic.com/…/yellowstone-national-…/.

Digital Spotlight: American Archive of Public Broadcasting

AMERICAN ARCHIVE OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING shares historic programs of publicly funded radio and television in the United States.

Contents: Users can browse the collection such as agriculture, dance, energy, fine art, or literature. Another option is to explore curated exhibits on topics such as climate change and the Civil Rights Movement. Students can also explore content by participating organization.

Classroom Connections: Librarians will find quality programs across the curriculum. Partner with teachers to identify audio and video segments that match specific curriculum needs.

Featured Digital Objects:
Protesting in America http://americanarchive.org/exhibits/first-amendment
Voice of Democracy http://americanarchive.org/exhibits/presidential-elections
Civil Rights Movement http://americanarchive.org/exhibits/civil-rights

To visit the collection, go to http://americanarchive.org.

Technology Review: Video Streaming Service

VIMEO is a video streaming service that stores and shares video files.

While most people are aware of YouTube, many web users are unfamiliar of a similar service called Vimeo. The website can be used two ways.

First, visitors can search for videos by topic or person. Millions of videos are available to view on a wide range of topics. Because many teachers use the website, it’s full of original, instructional content. Users can video videos, “like” productions, and add comments.

Second, users can create an account and upload videos. While limited storage is provided for free, advanced tools and features are available as part of their premium service. Similar to YouTube, users can organize their videos into playlists, follow friends, like videos, and create a personal profile.

Librarians will find this to be a useful alternative to YouTube. Consider creating an account for storing original productions such as how-to tutorials, student productions, and student-created book trailers.

To visit the website, go to https://vimeo.com.