Posts Tagged ‘social studies’

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Geography and History Games & Activities

September 29th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Thursday, September 29, 2011 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Sheppard Software

Age Range: 4-18 (PreK-12 with adult supervision)

This ad-supported website is a ClickSchooling favorite.  And while I’ve featured it before, I want all of our new subscribers to know about this fabulous resource. It’s filled with hundreds of FREE multi-media learning games, activities, videos, articles, and quizzes on every subject for all grade levels including History, Geography, and Social Studies.

When you get to the site, you will see menu icons in the center of the screen. I recommend that you scroll 3/4 down the page (below the icons) to find the activities sorted by grade level including:

*Preschool and Kindergarten – Learn about numbers, colors, shapes, animals, U.S. States, countries, and more.

*Elementary School to Early Middle School – Do activities that teach about math, grammar, geography, science, health, and more.

*Middle School to High School – Discover chemistry, geography, life sciences, and improve vocabulary for the SAT.

*College – Exercise your advance skill level in geography, medical terminology, and challenging brain teasers.

Click on any topic and a new page opens with a menu of activities that relate to that topic. For example, under “Middle School – High School” click on the subject “Geography.”  A new page opens with an assortment of U.S. and World geography games that you can play to boost your knowledge of where places are located in the world.

I also want to draw your attention to a special section called “Kid’s Corner: U.S.A.” You’ll find a great selection of social science activities that include:

  • USA Landmark Puzzles
  • USA Government Games
  • USA Cities and State Word Games
  • USA Regions Games
  • USA History

You’ll want to bookmark this site to return often. Again, all of these activities are available for free on the ad-supported website. For those of you who would prefer to access the site without ads, you can get a family subscription for $36/year and enjoy the activities commercial free.

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Social Studies Through Inventions!

September 15th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Thursday, September 15, 2011 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
The Great Idea Finder

Age Range: 8-18 (with parental guidance)

This website was created by an Internet consulting company to inspire the “inventor” in everyone. It showcases the history of remarkable inventions, inventors, and great ideas throughout time.

When you get to the site click on “Enter” and a new page opens. In the center of the screen you’ll see some features. Use the vertical menu on the left side of the page to access:

*First Time Visitor – Get an indexed overview of what you’ll find on this content-rich website that features innovation information about the past, present, and future.
 
*History Facts & Myths – Explore an incredible archive of history’s most interesting inventions and the stories behind them including the Abacus, Car, Coca-Cola, Frisbee, Hair Dryer, Internet, Jell-O, Liquid Paper, Microwave Oven, Post-It Notes, Slinky, and many more. Each invention includes a bibliography for further reading as well as links to more sources of info on the Internet. Plus, you’ll find:

  • Inventor Biography – Read the biographies of notable inventors such as Steve Jobs (Apple Computer), Ed Johnson (Christmas Lights), Harvey Ball (Smiley Face), Alfred Butts (Scrabble), and many more.
  • Innovation Timeline – Search any era in history (from ancient BC to the modern 21st Century) to learn about the innovations that occurred during that time period. Includes photographs, quotations, and resources for further learning.
  • Innovation Games & Trivia – Don’t be afraid to take this test BEFORE you explore the site. The questions are intriguing, so if you don’t know the answers and your curiosity gets the better of you — find out instantly by clicking the “answer” button. A great way to introduce the topic of invention and segue to a history lesson. :)

*Idea Showcase – The point of innovation is to improve the quality of life.  That said, inventors like making income by selling their inventions. In this section you can check out award-winning inventions and purchase them as well.  

*Features – Find out how many inventions were the result of an accident. See how inventors improve upon the inventions of others to “build a better mousetrap.” Check out inventions that changed civilization and had an enduring effect on the world.

*Resource Center – Find resources for further learning and investigation including websites, books, movies, and a listing of contests, competitions, experiments, and projects for the young inventor.  (Some are available for free, others for a fee.) Find resources for invention mentors too.

*History Articles – Read in-depth articles on historical innovations, inventors, pioneers, and entrepreneurs. Find out about the Patent Act of 1790 and explore some patents that have become products.

Students will need good reading skills to explore this site independently, and non-readers of all ages will enjoy the pictures  and information with assistance.

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Free, Fun, Art Appreciation Lessons for K-12

September 10th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Saturday, September 10, 2011 and time for Art at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website: The Walters Art Museum: Integrating the Arts

Age Range: 5-18 (Grades K-12 with emphasis on Middle School; parental supervision advised.)

ClickScholar Meike of New Zealand suggested this website that offers online art exhibits and free interactive art appreciation activities and lessons for students in grades K-12.

The website is the online companion to The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.  You’ll find virtual exhibits that feature a collection of art that was amassed by two men, William and Henry Walters. The collection includes a sampling of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe including Greek sculpture, medieval Old Master paintings, Art Deco jewelry,
and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.

When you get to the “Integrating the Arts” page, you’ll find two, free, multi-media activities that use visual arts to teach concepts of social studies, science, language arts, and math.

They include:

1) Mummies, Manuscripts, and Madonnas – Assemble a life-sized version of a Roman sarcophagus, create a suit of armor, and restore an ancient Mesopotamian relief back to its original color!

2) China – Trace the evolution of Chinese writing, follow a red dragon through an ancient tale, and learn about Chinese symbolism.

Don’t Miss the “Lesson Plans” – Access an array of FREE art appreciation lesson plans for grade K-12 that cover topics such as:

  • Ancient World Storytelling
  • Egyptian Symbols
  • Interpretations of the Golden Rule
  • Personal Coat of Arms
  • Warhol Stained Glass
  • Clay Stories
  • Perspective on Pavimenti
  • Monsters
  • ~And Much More!

You can download a pdf with complete lesson instructions, links to the artwork discussed in the lesson (available on The Walters Art Museum website) and ideas for extension activities and further learning.

BONUS! This site also offer a fun interactive, multi-media adventure for kids called Waltee’s Quest: The Case of the Lost Art. Kids will have fun learning all about works of art while
trying to solve a mystery! 

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Free Elephant Science Curricula & Activities!

September 6th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, September 6, 2011 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Elephants.com

Age Range: 5-13 (Grades K-8)

This website is an online companion for the real world “Elephant Sanctuary” in Tennessee and provides free curricula and learning activities that include science, social sciences, math, literature and more! 

As the website explains, the Elephant Sanctuary “is the nation’s largest natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants. It operates on 2,700 acres in Hohenwald, Tennessee. The Elephant Sanctuary exists for two reasons:

1) To provide a haven for old, sick or needy elephants in a setting of green pastures, old-growth forests, spring-fed ponds and a heated barn for cold winter nights.

2) To provide education about the crisis facing these social, sensitive, passionately intense, playful, complex, exceedingly intelligent and endangered creatures.”

When you get to the site, just click on the download buttons for:

*Curriculum for Grades K-3 – Enjoy 39 pages of elephant information and fun educational activities.

*Curriculum for Grades 4-8 – Get 76 pages of cross-curricular learning activities including math, science, social studies, literature, and more.

Both of the printable curricula provide information about elephants along with dot-to-dot activities, mazes, word searches, puzzles, graphs, quizzes, and more. 

Be sure to explore the rest of the site that includes bios and videos of the elephants who live at the sanctuary. Meet the staff and veterinarians, explore their research, find out
about volunteer opportunities (if you live in the area), sign up to receive the newsletter and much, much more!

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Yo-Yo History & Curriculum!

August 11th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Thursday, August 11, 2011 and time for Social
Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Museum of Yo-Yo History

Age Range: 8 and up (with parental guidance)

Learn history through the world’s most treasured and enduring toy – the yo-yo!  This virtual museum contains yo-yo history, memorabilia, vintage and modern yo-yos, and articles about famous people in yo-yo history.

Note: Be sure to scroll down this page to find a link to yo-yo curriculum!

When you get to the site you’ll see an introduction.  Use the menu on the left of the page to explore:

*Exhibits – See the online collection of collectible yo-yos, yo-yo memorabilia, and related skill toys like diablos, paddleballs, tops and more!

*Profiles History – Read about yo-yo history and yo-yo hybrids. Learn about yo-yo manufacturers like Duncan, Fli-Back, Royal, and more.  Enjoy the bios of yo-yo masters Dale and Valerie Oliver. Send in your own yo-yo history!

*Patents & Resources – Read about yo-yo collecting as a hobby and see a list of yo-yo patents.

*Become A Curator! - This site hopes to document as many yo-yos and collectibles as possible – and they need your help! Get the details on how to become a virtual curator.

BONUS!  Yo-Yo Curriculum

At the Spintastics Yo-Yo company you’ll find free yo-yo curriculum used in school presentations. When you get to the site, scroll to the bottom of the home page to find free yo-yo curriculum that includes:

  • Social Studies (History)
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science

And you can download and print out yo-yo trick sheets in English and Spanish!

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Free Science with Watermelons Lessons for K-12!

July 26th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, July 26, 2011 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Watermelon.org

Age Range:  All (with parental guidance)

It’s watermelon season in the northern hemisphere! Use this refreshing summer treat to beat the heat and learn science!  At this website you’ll find a “Teacher Toolkit” with watermelon-themed science lessons for grades 3-12 (along with an activity for little learners too). 

When you get to the site click on “Lessons & Worksheets” on the menu on the left side of the page.  A new page opens where you’ll see a menu of lessons for a variety of subjects (language arts, math, social studies) and science.  The science lessons include:

  • An Edible Cell Activity
  • The Science of Watermelon Seeds
  • The Science of Seedless Watermelons
  • Watermelons and Weather
  • Will Watermelons Float?

Click on any lesson and a printable pdf file opens with the complete lesson, instructions, materials list, etc.

When you’re through exploring the lessons, use the same menu to access “Activities and Games” that includes info on how to grow a watermelon, watermelon-themed stories, and a wordsearch.  You can also access recipes, coloring sheets and even sing along to a watermelon song in English or Spanish!

Be sure to click on the menu on the right side of your screen to print out additional holiday-themed activity sheets, learn some interesting facts about watermelon, get some healthy eating tips, and find out how to host a “Watermelon Day” – a fun idea for a homeschool support group!   

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