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The National Academy of the Sciences has launched this new website that gives an overview of the U.S. energy system. It covers 4 main topics: energy uses, sources of energy, the cost of energy (in terms of the environment, national security, and sustainability), and energy efficiency. The site has easy to navigate content and links to source material, and it includes n energy quiz, a glossary, and a source library. The site's producers are also developing curriculum-based materials for high school and middle school classrooms. Two special features--Our Energy System and Understasnding Efficiency--are designed to actively engage visitors and enhance their understanding of energy, including what it is, h ow we use it, and ways to conserve it.

"The Best Resources For Learning Research & Citation Skills September 24, 2009 by Larry Ferlazzo | 8 Comments This "The Best…" list is sort of a combination of two lists I had been thinking of making to go along with The Best Online Resources To Teach About Plagiarism (Another list to keep in mind might be The Best Reference Websites For English Language Learners - 2008). The more I thought about it, though, the more I felt that a list of engaging (and even fun) sites to teach research skills and accessible citation resources would make a good combination. Since a graduation requirement in our district is that seniors need to develop a "Senior Project," I've spent some time finding these kinds of helpful sites that might be accessible to English Language Learners.  I have to say, though, that these sites (except for the first one) would probably only be accessible to more advanced ELL's. Here are my choices for The Best Resources For Learning Research And Citation Skills: LEARNING RESEARCH SKILLS:"

Upgrade the typical book report with a digital spin! Integrate reading, writing, and 21st century literacy skills into an interactive and engaging project. Participating teachers will be helping students meet the demands of the Common Core, which include requirements for students to present ideas with "multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes."

"To engage students in making design decisions that affect the transfer of energy between a building and the outside environment. To help students identify and consider the types of decisions involved in improving a building's energy profile. To analyze the green roof option in economic and community terms."

Thinkfinity resource

many educators are using technology to engage students in project-based learning exercises that build 21st-century skills and motivate students with practical and hands-on-activities. The nonprofit Buck Institute for Education and Boise State University have put together resources to help educators plan, design, and implement such leassons. Guides and planning tools are available, as are a handful of examples of project-based teaching and learning strategies that have been successful in the classroom.

This site links to the American Museum of Natural History. There are a number of topics to select and then learn about. It looks very engaging.

"Arcademic Skill Builders are free research-based and standards-aligned educational games! Engage and motivate students with our multiplayer and single-player games."

Sharing this again as there have been some additions to that that I think will be very helpful for teachers grades K-8.

"Educate your pupils using ARKive's many thousands of videos, images and fact files in a wide range of science, ICT, art and English projects. Use the ARKive multimedia materials to engage your class in key biology topics, such as variation and adaptation, habitats or life cycles, or use them as creative inspiration for art & design projects. All our photos, video clips and authenticated fact files are free and easy to use in your classroom activities and presentations."

"JumpStart is a magical online world packed with friends, games and adventures! From training dragons to exploring lost islands, JumpStart.com includes thousands of games and activities for kids ages 3-12. But what really sets JumpStart apart is our commitment to education. We believe that learning should be an adventure, not a chore. That's why the games at JumpStart.com are specially designed to make math, reading and critical thinking fun! After all, there's no stopping a kid with a JumpStart!"

Looks like a great virtural site for kids ages 3-12. One to share with parents.

Both of these presentations are excellent. If you have whiteboard or clickers in your school or use promethean software you will learn so much from Deb Pickerings presentation. I recommend that everyone take time to review these archived presentations.

Check out these two keynote presentations. Both would be well worth the time.

The easiest and most entertaining way to collect feedback from your audience: project polls or message boards on a large screen, have everyone send their input via their cell phones and see results instantly!