Ever since we had the opportunity to review KiwiCo’s entire line of educational subscription crates, we’ve been waiting to see what new product they would come up with for this holiday season. The wait has ended. The Atlas Crate has arrived. Is it as good a value as the other subscription boxes made by KiwiCo? More important, is it as fun? Read on to find out. I’ll begin by sharing some information about the Atlas Crate, but scroll down if […]
Category: Geography
The Four Components of a Student-Driven Classroom
All learners deserve the opportunity to own their learning. They take this ownership when they have input into the what or the how of instruction. The more choice you offer students, the more they will embrace the learning. With technology integration, we no longer need to rely on the teacher as the sole expert in the classroom. Now we can access experts around the world, including those sitting at the next desk over. Student-driven classrooms empower students to synthesize research […]
9 Solar System Projects for Astronomical Fun!
Shooting stars, colossal comets, and undiscovered UFOs—our universe is a mysterious place that inspires wonder in children and adults alike. Many children imagine futures as astronauts, traveling in a rocketship to explore the vast expanses of space. Whether or not this dream becomes a reality, you can bring the intangible aspects of space a little bit closer to home with the solar system projects we’ve compiled below. Is your child a budding artist or astronaut? Check out the yarn or […]
Empathy—Is It A Product of Our Upbringing?
First We Didn’t Exist Then came the first humans, barely scratching out a living in the world and surviving any way they could. Slowly they began to create and master tools and started to get the upper hand over other species. They learned to grow crops so small bands of basic family units became communities of various groups who intermarried and grew in number. Some became dominant while others simply followed to gain protection and sustenance. Then came the first […]
Top 10 Archaeology Kits For Curious Kids
Discovery toys are designed to not just to educate, but to entertain. Toys like archaeology kits encourage children to engage their minds and their hands as they play. They give children a fun opportunity to dig and discover artifacts, fossils, and gemstones. Keep in mind that some of the kits can get a little messy, so you may want to set it up outside or on an old sheet or papered table. A good archaeology kit should be challenging but […]
5 Ways for Students to Visualize Data and Create Infographics
Overview According to Glassdoor.com the ninth best job in 2015 is going to be that of the Data Scientist. This is a job that pays very well, is in high demand, has excellent career opportunities and… it hardly even existed just a few years ago. As we continue to collect more and more data about every possible facet of life on this planet (and beyond), the ability to decipher and understand the vast amounts of information is becoming more and more essential. So how do […]
Motivate the Makers in Your Class with SketchUp Make
Overview Making can take a number of fascinating and educationally valuable forms. From arts and crafts to coding and design, just about any interest can be used to spark a passion in creation and making. One form of making that has become increasingly simple, cheap and more and more popular in schools is that of 3D modelling. SketchUp is the most popular 3D modelling tool available, and with a featureful and free version (SketchUp Make) available to educators, it’s most certainly a great place for any class […]
Have a Sackful of Fun and Learning with Google Santa Tracker
Overview Maybe it’s the festive spirit in the air. Maybe it’s the eggnog they serve in the Google cafe. Whatever it is, Google Maps feels like the gift that just keeps on giving! For the past ten years Google has been helping children around the world track and follow Santa on his journey from the North Pole. And each year it just gets better and better. Students can play high quality Christmas themed games, watch fun videos and of course learn […]
Amazing Virtual Field Trip Ideas with Google Street Views
Overview We all know and love Google Maps. But did you know that the Street View Pegman has few more tricks up his sleeve? Google Street Views takes some of the most amazing Street View imagery, as well as user submitted photography, and turns it into a unique platform where students can explore every corner of the Earth in full panoramic glory. From the top of the world’s tallest buildings to the depths of the ocean floors, it really is an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. […]
Take your Class on a Virtual Field Trip around the World with GeoGuessr
GeoGuessr lets your students explore the world in a fun way, it’s just like taking your class on a virtual field trip. It is a nice tool for group activities with your class and it’ll definitely make geography fun and engaging. The concept is simple, yet pretty addictive and the name, GeoGuessr, tells you exactly what the site is all about. How GeoGuessr works The site uses Google Maps and Street View technologies and it is free to use. Once you […]