Posts Tagged ‘middle school’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Math Games Make Learning Fun!

February 21st, 2022

XP Math

(www.xpmath.com/)

Grades 2-10 (varies depending on skill level), with parental supervision

This website offers free math games, ebooks, and videos covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability.

The games were developed by the creator of the site – a middle school math teacher who enjoys integrating math and technology in the classroom.

When you get to the site, use the horizontal menu at the top of the screen to explore the Math Games Arcade:

Number & Operations

Algebra

Geometry

Measurement

Data Analysis & Probability

There are a lot of fun games here! Bookmark it to return often.

No comments »

Posted in math

Tags:

Art Lessons for All Levels

February 12th, 2022

Haringkids.com: Keith Haring Art Lessons for Kids

(www.haringkids.com/lesson_plans/)

All grades, with parental supervision

This website, sponsored by the Keith Haring Foundation, is a tribute to the artist Keith Haring, whose bold, vibrant work appeals to kids of all ages. Haring loved children, and through this website the foundation continues to inspire and encourage the artist in everyone.

The site contains a wide array of Haring-inspired, free art lesson plans using different art mediums including crayons, paint, clay, photography, and much more. The lessons were submitted by teachers and students worldwide.

When you get to the site you’ll see an introduction to the lesson plans. Use the horizontal menu (in black) at the top of the page to search by age/grade range that includes:

  • Early Childhood – One of the lessons is called “Colorful Dogs” and teaches students how to identify basic shapes and colors while assembling paper dogs.

  • Elementary 1 – Use these lessons to make holiday ornaments or paint a mural.

  • Elementary 2 – Learn to use oil pastels while creating spontaneous art similar to the subway paintings done by Keith Haring in New York.

  • Elementary 3 – Try your hand at “Drawing with Wire” and discover how to use mixed media such as wire, paper, and markers to create silhouette drawings.

  • Middle School – Haring’s artwork contains social commentary. One of his most famous murals was called “Crack is Wack.” This section contains an explanation of the meaning of it, and instructions for creating a Haring-inspired mural. You’ll find other lessons as well.

  • Above 14 – This section for older students also explores the messages in Haring’s work while providing lesson ideas for learning how to make clay portraits, animations, and mobiles.

I’ve focused on the HaringKids Lesson Plans for this review. There are many more interesting things to explore at the website. Parents, as always, should preview the content to determine suitability for their own children.

No comments »

Posted in art

Tags:

Chemistry Experiment Videos

February 8th, 2022

Chemistry Comes Alive: Chemistry Experiment Video Collection

(www.chemedx.org/page/video)

Ages 10 & up, with PARENTAL SUPERVISION. (See note in review.)

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to ClickScholar Deena Ortiz from Rancho Cucamonga who suggested this website that offers free video clips of various chemistry experiments along with explanations of the science behind them. This “Chemistry Video Collection” from the Journal of Chemical Education is entertaining and sure to ignite interest in this fascinating branch of science. The science explanations here are geared for middle school or high school level and up, but many of the experiments are fun to watch regardless of age.

NOTE: While the experiments in the videos are conducted in controlled and safe laboratories, they are dangerous and involve explosions. AS ALWAYS, parents should preview the videos to determine the suitability of content. If you watch the videos with your children be certain they know to NEVER try these experiments at home.

When you get to the site you’ll see the videos listed down the center of the screen. You can also choose the most popular videos in the lists on the right of the screen. Click on a video and click start to begin. Turn on your speakers to listen to the narration of the experiment. Some of

the experiments include:

  • Reaction of sodium and chlorine
  • The Chemistry of Outer Space
  • See An Explosion Caused by a Feather
  • Watch What Happens When You Mix Sodium with Acid
  • Electrolysis of silver nitrate
  • Dehydration of sucrose with sulfuric acid

Again, these are fascinating experiments to watch and may jumpstart interest in chemistry.

No comments »

Posted in science

Tags:

Bring Physics to Life Through Pictures!

February 1st, 2022

Physics Central: Physics In Pictures

(www.physicscentral.com/explore/pictures/)

Grade: Around middle school & up; younger children may enjoy as well. Parental supervision required.

Want to get your physics on? This is the place! The American Physical Society sponsors this exciting website that demonstrates through multi-media technology, how things work and the importance of physics to everyone. You’ll find free information on the physics of light, sound, matter and more in the form of articles, animations, and videos.

The site is massive, so I’m featuring one of the most engaging sections for this review called “Physics In Pictures.” It provides virtual “illustrations of nature’s infinite variety and humankind’s ingenuity.”

Each picture and title entices you to want to know more. You can explore the science content by reading a brief explanation and then further your learning with links to stories on related current physics research. Your brain can take a quick dip in the physics waters or dive in and soak it all up.

When you get to the site, you’ll see some featured “Physics Pictures” that include. Click on any one to learn more. Then, if you look at the menu on the right side of the screen, you’ll see a list of “Physics in Pictures by Topic” that includes:

  • Chaos
  • Compression Waves & Sound
  • Electricity & Magnetism
  • Force & Motion
  • Light & Optics
  • Material Science
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Space & the Universe
  • Thermodynamics & Heat

Click on a topic to explore more. When you’re through, use the menu at the top of the screen and click on “Experiment.” You’ll be rewarded with experiments to try at home along with other activities sponsored by this website.

No comments »

Posted in science

Tags:

Interesting Math Activities for Middle School & Up!

November 22nd, 2021

Cut-The-Knot

(www.cut-the-knot.org/content.shtml)

Grades 4-12, with parental supervision

This ad-supported website offers a vast array of interactive math puzzles, lessons, and activities geared to those who have mastered basic arithmetic and are studying algebra, geometry, probability, etc.

When you get to the site you will see a brief introduction in the center of the page. Scroll below it to a menu that includes links to activities in the following areas:

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Math Games & Puzzles
  • Logic
  • Fractals & Chaos
  • Calculus
  • Geometry
  • Probability
  • Computer Math Magic
  • Visual Illusions
  • And much more!

Click on any one of interest and a new page opens with instructions and interactives.

Students studying middle school math and beyond will have no problem navigating this site and enjoying the activities on their own.

Note: Because the site contains many randomly generated advertising banners and buttons, parents (as always) should preview the site and supervise Internet access.

No comments »

Posted in math

Tags:

Learn How To Make Art!

November 13th, 2021

Awesome Artists

(awesomeartists.com/ART/main.htm)

Grades 2-8, with parental supervision

Learn basic art skills and principles with the help of this colorful website.

All of the lessons are downloadable so you can use these anywhere. Lessons can include booklets, posters, games, PowerPoint slideshows, and project ideas.

Choose from the following:

  • The ABCs of Art – The Elements & Principles of Design made simple
  • Keys to Success – Say aloud poems to learn values: respect, kindness…
  • A Mindful of Art – Simple games to learn art terms & examine art works
  • My Materials & Me – Fun cartoon posters on care of art materials & tools
  • Fiber Art – (Still under construction)—
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – A few fun cartoon posters to teach recycling
  • Terrific, Tactile, Texture – A few lessons on combining texture with drawing
  • Collage & Mixed Media – Booklets, lessons & slide shows
  • Crafts & Construction – A few lessons
  • I Can’t Draw…Until I Practice! – Many step-by-step booklets. Drawing from life is best.
  • Getting Wired – Simple, basic wire sculpture techniques & lessons
  • Clay Creations – Booklet, lessons & examples to work with clay
  • Printmaking – A few simple lessons
  • Painting – A few simple lessons
  • Sculpture – Booklets on general technique and 1 lesson

When you arrive at your destination, simply find your desired lessons, click the link, download, and save the file to your computer. Then, when you are ready to use the activities, just print out what you need and away you go. While these lessons appear to be for upper elementary and middle school, they certainly can be modified for younger or older students.

No comments »

Posted in art

Tags:

css.php