Website Review: Math Antics

MATH ANTICS is a website and YouTube channel teaching basic math concepts.

Designed for grades 3 through 8, the videos are intended to supplement the math curriculum. The videos are organized by math concept such as arithmetic, fractions, geometry, algebra and percents rather than by grade level. The engaging format may be useful for learners seeking alternative ways of thinking about a math concept.

Librarians will find these fast-paced, math videos to be popular with teachers seeking short tutorials to review or enhance learning. Although the videos are free, additional materials can be purchased at the website.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/mathantics.
Go to http://www.mathantics.com/.

Website Review: Rockalingua

ROCKALINGUA is a music-based Spanish learning program for children.

The website is divided into five sections: videos, games, songs, worksheets, and picture dictionaries. Although a subscription-based option is available, many learning materials are available for free. The activities encourage repetition and include listening, speaking, reading, and writing elements.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to get elementary children started with Spanish language learning. Combine the website with picture books written in Spanish as well as language learning books.

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

Website Review: Scholastic: Librarians

LIBRARIANS from Scholastic is a website specifically designed for school and public librarians.

The librarians section of Scholastic’s website features specific resources of interest to those working with children. In addition to featuring new books, the website provides direct links to major services such as Go!, TrueFlix, ScienceFlix, FreedomFlix, and BookFlix. Dozens of videos feature author interviews. Of particular note is the Idea Share section featuring resources and discussions related to holding book fairs. Be sure to download the “Scholastic Supports Librarians” PDF containing research about the importance of libraries and librarians.

Librarians will find this website to be useful in collection development, lesson planning, and book fair planning. Although it’s focused on works by Scholastic, it contains useful ideas connected all types of materials. Their research on libraries is also useful in preparing to meet with school boards.

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

Technology Review: Pixabay

PIXABAY provides access to over a million free images and videos available online.

Providing access to images and videos labeled with the Creative Commons CC0 license, this resource makes it easy to locate and use a wide range of resources.

Users can locate photos, vector graphics, illustrations, and videos. An advanced search option provides more detailed searching. Although the search results display sponsored images in addition to free materials, the sponsored images don’t distract from the free materials. Images can also be accessed by category such as animals or sports.

Students can access the visual resources through the website or download the app through the App Store or Google Play.

Librarians will find this to be an effective tool for students working on class projects. Although Google offers a similar search for free images, this resource provides different and additional results.

To explore the website, go to https://pixabay.com/.

Digital Collection: National Library of Medicine

U.S. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

Contents: The National Library of Medicine’s online resources include biomedical books, still images, videos, and more. The resources can be accessed by collection, subject, author, title, format, language, genre, or date.

Classroom Connections: From posters to videos, digital objects can bring science topics to life. Connecting medicine and history is an effective way to draw student interest to both science and history. Ask students to create a timeline of primary source documents tracing a topic such as cholera through history. Or, search for posters on a particular topic such as AIDS, malaria, or yellow fever and trace how the medical communications change over time.

Featured Digital Objects:
Cholera - https://goo.gl/yICgJn
Tropical Disease - https://goo.gl/OVW1G9
Public Health & War - https://goo.gl/A3xif8
Moving Pictures - https://goo.gl/FtFHgM

To visit the collection, https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/.

Digital Collection: AMNH Science Bulletins

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SCIENCE BULLETINS

Contents: The American Museum of Natural History maintains a collection of their monthly science bulletins. These may include documentaries, visualizations, and news videos. The bulletins are organization by type and subject including astronomy, earth science, biology, and human science. Fifteen years of bulletins are currently available. Unfortunately there’s not a search tool specifically for the bulletins, so be sure to use “science bulletin” in your search for a topic such as “gravitational waves science bulletin”.

Classroom Connections: This collection would be a useful resource for jumpstarting science units for intermediate through high school students. The videos can be streamed through YouTube or downloaded and placed in PowerPoint presentations.

To visit the collection, http://www.amnh.org/explore/science-bulletins

Website Review: NBC Learn: Science of Innovation

NBC LEARN is a website contains educational resources for teachers and learners.

The free resources section contains videos and activities on topics related to language arts, humanities, social sciences, stem, innovation, and others.

Topics of particular interest include 20 videos related to the changing planet and a six part series on nanotechnology.

Librarians will find this to be a valuable resource to use with both teachers and students. Consider building a learning center around one of the themes such as the Science of Innovation. This section contains 17 videos exploring the process of innovations with accompanying lessons. Build in books and makerspace activities.

To explore the resources, go tohttp://www.nbclearn.com/portal/site/learn/resources.

Technology Review: How Stuff Works

HOWSTUFFWORKS is both a website and app that shares information about how the world works.

Website users can either search the database of articles or go directly to topics of interest such as animals, culture, entertainment, or health. The short articles generally include a photograph along with content. Suggested readings are also provided. Unfortunately, the advertising may be distracting for students.

The app includes articles, videos, podcasts, quizzes and other elements found at the website in an easy-to-use format. With less advertising, students are less likely to get lost in unrelated content.

Librarians will find this resource to be a popular quick reference. The resource provides short overviews of topics that can be woven into the curriculum. Pair the website with books on related topics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.howstuffworks.com/.
To download the app, go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/howstuffworks/id401986544

Technology Review: PBS Digital Studios

PBS DIGITAL STUDIOS is a YouTube Channel containing educational programming on a wide range of topics.

This video channel features short-form videos showcasing the best of Internet and PBS. From philosophy and technology to history and science, the programming incorporates topics across the curriculum. The project features content housed at a number of YouTube channels including Deep Look, PHS Idea Channel, The Art Assignment, It’s Okay to be Smart, CrashCourse, Space Time, Physics Girl, BrainCraft, Cross Science, and more.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful starting point for locating educational videos. Spend some time aligning videos across the curriculum. Or, feature selected videos in a showcase along with selected books and other resources.

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

Website Review: Bystander Revolution

BYSTANDER REVOLUTION is a website offering advice about things individuals can do to defuse bullying and help change cultural attitudes.

The website explores “simple acts of kindness, courage, and inclusion anyone can use to take the power out of bullying.”

The Videos section features short, informational videos by well-known public figures like author John Green and access Lily Collins. Be sure to start with the overview video featuring thoughts from 28 contributors. Videos are categorized by types of advice, problems, and solutions. A search tool provides access to the video content.

Three sections of the website are designed to help users get started. The Find Solutions area focuses on written advice and tips. The Start a Discussion area provides video playlists and discussion questions. The Weekly Stand area shares how one action each week can have an impact. The Challenges area focuses on using social media for change.

The Help section provides immediate assistance along with other resources to help answer questions.

Social media links including Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information and resources. Downloads and merchandise are available for those that would like to extend the campaign.

Librarians will find this website useful in planning anti-bullying campaigns. Consider using the videos to jumpstart classroom discussions. Create an interactive display featuring a video playlist or feature the weekly stand ideas in your school.

To visit the website, go to http://www.bystanderrevolution.org/.

Website Review: Ancient History Encyclopedia

ANCIENT HISTORY ENCYCLOPEDIA is an online encyclopedia with an educational mission.

Focusing on all aspects of the Ancient World, the nonprofit website provides short, interactive articles similar to Wikipedia. Articles contain a bibliography, legal notice, and additional resources to explore. There are many ways to access information. Users can use their search tool or index to locate people, places, and objects. The timeline allows users to search by date or keyword in particular categories such as “Arts & Culture” or “Rulers & Politics”. Interactive maps of the Ancient World, Roman Empire and others help youth explore areas of interest by time period. The Explore option lets students to explore regions of the world. Users can also search the video and image indexes.

Beyond the encyclopedia, the website also provides engaging articles related to travel and culture. Interviews provide interesting insights into people and places. Articles about exhibitions and education are also available.

Librarians will find the website to be an exciting way to engage youth in topics related to Ancient History. Although the website contains ads, they can be removed with a membership that supports the non-profit.

The website’s collaboration feature is a great way to get teachers and students involved with making contributions. Users can submit definitions, illustrations, articles, book reviews, timeline entries, videos, and web links.

Consider the interdisciplinary possibilities of the website. For instance, a Latin dictionary would be useful for language students. The Measurement Conversions page allows users to convert modern measures to Egyptian, Roman, or Greek measures. Think about ways to connect history with mathematics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.ancient.eu/.

App Review: Sound Uncovered

SOUND UNCOVERED from the Exploratorium is a learning app that explores a wide range of topics related to the science of sound.

A table of contents provides access to fifteen interactives, articles, and videos focusing on different aspects of sound. Each item presents an activity along with background information explaining the science concepts behind the activity.

Librarians will find that students enjoy the short, focused activities. Create a display that combines this app with books and hands-on science activities related to the science of sound. As a class, ask students to work in pairs with one of the activities, then share what they learned.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sound-uncovered/id598835017.

Website Review: MinutePhysics YouTube Channel

The MINUTEPHYSICS YouTube Channel website provides fascinating, focused science videos.

Each fast-paced, one-minute video introduces a topic and provides lots of examples. The illustrator uses simple marker drawings mixed with interesting photographs to bring each concept to life.

By weaving in facts with humor, even the most reluctant student will enjoy the experience. Because the videos move very quickly, most students will need to view the clips multiple times to catch all the details.

Librarians will want to mine the YouTube channel and match the videos with the science curriculum. Use the search tool to find specific topics of interest.

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

Website Review: American Museum of Natural History YouTube Channel

The AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY YouTube channel contains hundreds of fascinating videos on a wide range of topics.

Dozens of playlists feature video collections of interest to students such as Kid Science, Nature’s Fury, Bison, Dinosaurs, Space, and more.

The videos range from very short clips to longer viewing experiences. Some of the videos provide an inside looking into how museum exhibits are created and the science behind the exhibits.

Use the search tool to seek out topics of interest within the AMNH YouTube channel.

Librarians will want to mine the channel for videos that can be directly connected to the science curriculum. Also, seek out STEAM related videos such as those related to science, math and origami.

To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/AMNHorg.

Technology Review: Sesame Street

The SESAME STREET website, apps, and ebooks contain endless learning resources for preschool and primary children.

The website contains sections focusing on games, videos, art, and muppets. The games section provides age-appropriate games for young children including life skills such as a getting dresses and academic games such as letters and numbers. The videos section features short 2-3 minute videos on a variety of topics. Again, the interface is easy enough for small children to use. The Art Maker section provides easy-to-use interactive tools for creating everything from a cookie or pizza to a Jack-O-Lantern. The Muppets section allows users to explore resources related to their favorite character including games, videos, and art projects. Playlists are available based on specific topics and ages.

The bookstore area contains access to eBooks, audio eBooks, animated eBooks, and interactive eBooks. A subscription is required to access most of these books.

Dozens of apps are available including game apps, story apps, and ebooks. Educational bundles are available for sets of apps. Many of the apps contain the same resources found online.

Librarians will find a wealth of resources for preschool and primary children. Keep in mind that while the general website is free, access to the ebook website and many of the apps requires a license.

To visit the website, go to http://www.sesamestreet.org/.

To visit the ebook area, go to http://ebooks.sesamestreet.org/.

To download apps, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/develo…/sesame-street/id339077104.

Website Review: TED-Ed

The TED-ED website is TED’s education initiative focusing on short video lessons for students and educators.

As a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) has covered many educational issues in the past. However, they have recently developed a growing library of lessons aimed specifically at sparking curiosity in learners around the world.

The TED-Ed project contains a number of different elements.

The Lessons area provides access to thousands of lessons. Users can search for topics of interest. Educators are also encouraged to build and contribute a lesson around a TED-Ed Original, TED Talk, or YouTube video. The lessons have a standard format including a title, introduction, embedded video, and creator area. They also contains watch, think, dig deeper, and discussion elements. The Customize This Lesson option allows users to add context, questions, discussion items, and follow-up suggestions to any lesson.

The Series area provides organized access to thematic topics such as superhero science, inventions that shaped history, or playing with language.

TED-Ed Clubs supports students in presenting their big ideas through TED-style talks. Information is provided about how to start and facilitate a club.

The Get Involved area encourages learners and educators to nominate an exceptional educator or animator to produce a video.

The TED-Ed blog provides information about what’s happening at TED-Ed including new lessons, suggestions, and teaching strategies.

Librarians will find a wealth of high quality resources at TED-Ed. Consider collaborating with a teacher to create your own TED-Ed Club!

To explore the website, go to http://ed.ted.com/.

Website Review: The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake

THE WAR OF 1812 IN THE CHESAPEAKE is an amazing interactive battlefield map website.

Users can choose to enter one of four battles including the Battle of St. Leonard Creek, the Battle of Bladensburg, the Battle of North Point, or the Battle of Baltimore.

Each experience begins will a short video that presents background information. Then, users explore an interactive map that provides information about the “big picture” of war, clickable dates that feature key events, and map extras that give users access to battle map PDFs and other information. Clicking on a particular event or location presents videos, images, maps, and additional information.

The maps provide users the option to view a historic, modern, or overview map. Tools also allow users to zoom in and out of the map scene.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent way to engage learners in American history.

To explore the resource, go to http://1812battles.org.

Website Review: Science Bob

SCIENCE BOB is an newly revised website providing excellent science information, videos, and activities.

The Experiments section contains nearly 40 science experiments with simple instructions. Each page contains a list of materials, directions, and a description of the science behind the experiment. Additional images and videos are provided depending on the experiment. Users can also download and print a PDF version.

The Science Q&A area contains answers to over a dozen common science questions and the opportunity to send in a question. Links are also provided to help with answering science questions. These FAQs would be great on the science bulletin board in the library.

The Science Fair Ideas page discusses the difference between a demonstration and an experiment. It then provides science fair project ideas, a discussion of the scientific method, science fair resources, and some useful advice.

The Research Help area contains links to science websites in the areas of space/planets, earth science/weather, animals/nature, physical science, human body, and other links.

The Video section accesses Bob’s YouTube channel with dozens of fascinating videos.

The Experiment blog keeps users up-to-date on the latest website additions including videos, experiments, and other information.

Use the Science Bob website as the kickoff for a library science club or science fair promotion. Science Bob (Bob Pflugfelder) is also the author of the Nick and Tesla science mystery book series. Connect these books to a science display.

To extend the experience, users can follow Science Book on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

For lots of science resources, go to the Science Bob Store.

To learn more, go to http://sciencebob.com/.

Website & App Review: Professor Garfield

PROFESSOR GARFIELD is a free website containing interactives that allow students to explore, create, read, and play. 

The READ! section includes a wonderful selection of e-comics such as theaward winning THE BIG NO-NO!, the 2010 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner. These e-books are available in five languages. The Storyline Online section contains dozens of videos featured celebrities reading favorite picture books aloud.

The CREATE! section provides a variety of online tools children can use to create their own comics.

Of particular interest to teacher librarians are the many interactives in the EXPLORE! section focusing on topics related Cyberbullying, Forms of Media, Fact or Opinion, and Online Safety. Many of these lessons are also available at the iTunes App Store as apps.

To learn more, go to PROFESSOR GARFIELD at http://www.professorgarfield.org/