In our final class we discussed different resources found online I thought I would add to that collection. Grooveshark.com streams all types of genre of music and no downloading is necessary. Music can be used in various ways throughout the classroom and is a great tool to spark student interest and the best part is it's FREE!

http://www.grooveshark.com

http://innovateonline.info/pdf/vol4_issue1/Using_Digital_Mapping_Programs_to_Augment_Student_Learning_in_Social_Studies.pdf

This article explores the use of Digital Mapping Programs in the Classroom. It suggests that the use of technology will help students better visualize community issues, learn collaboratively, and discover their role as agents for positive change. Using digital mapping systems in classrooms allow students to explore community issues by linking demographics and viewing elements spatially. Programs such as Google maps and Canadian Census data are available to the public free of charge, so such resources are highly accessible for teachers and students.

http://www.citejournal.org/vol1/iss1/currentissues/socialstudies/article1.htm

This article comes from Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, outlines best practices for using technology in social studies. It discusses the benefits and potential risks of integrating the use of technology into lessons. An emphasis is placed on it can be used to encourage inquiry and enhance social interaction with fellow students and experts, the importance of developing the skills and knowledge to participate as a good citizen and the opportunities to study the relationships between science, technology and society.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/_UNDEFINED_VALUE_/20071108/history_torch_071108/

This article talks about the use of monuments to help generations to "preserve" history once living examples have passed away. It discusses the push towards insuring that the sacrifice that was made for our country is not forgotten long after events have occurred. Commemoration of such historical events can aid in creating emotional responses that give interest to students and adults alike.

This link can be used to jump start classroom discussions about the use of monuments and their different uses. At my PDS site, a grade 8 class has had the assignment during the week to create a monument for either a historical figure or someone who has passed away that is close or monumental in their lives. It was a neat activity that emphasized the importance of "remembering".

http://canadashistory.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9f8132854db4c2a3b24732481&id=8145df6f6e

This link is an excellent resource that provides access to sign up for bi-weekly newsletters from the magazine Canada's History. There are eight different newsletters to choose from. Two of which include "Teaching Canada's History". One provides new research in education and history as well as student activities for intermediate and senior grade levels. The other provides k-6 lesson plans and student activities geared towards primary and junior grade levels.

Natural Resources Canada provides current statistical data pertaining to National Wildland Situation Report. It has information, current reports and graphs. It can be used in a variety of different ways and lends up to date information on natural phenomenon (such as forest fires) that our relevant to our country.

http://fire.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/firereport/report-rapport-eng.php

This article by James Owen for National Geographic news reported that one school girl's lesson on plate tectonics helped her to realize that the retreating ocean was a sign that an earthquake had happened under the sea and warned her family to get off the beach. Her knowledge gained from that lesson was applied to a real-life situation and may have possibly saved her and her family.

Approximately half the schools in Welland are participating in non-partisan votes on October 6th, the same day as the provincial election. This is a great way to encourage students to engage and spark interest in the democratic process. Students are responsible for researching party platforms and think critically about specific candidates and their political stance.

This blog comes from the UK. It is written in response to a post on SLN geography forum, pulling together all the interesting ideas posted on the forum. Using a powerpoint presentation, 101 creative ideas to teach geography are listed. Ideas range from addressing each other with country and its capital city to educational games to field trip ideas. Since the blog comes from the UK, ideas need to be modified to meet curriculum requirements but by sifting through the slides there are a number of different and captivating ways to teach geography.

http://sharegeography.co.uk/2009/05/03/101-creatively-simple-ways-to-teach-geography/