This seems like a fun and interesting way to discuss/learn several different math topics. Here's a sample lesson plan that popped into my head when I saw this post:
1. Show to students a GoogleMap/GoogleEarth image similar to the one on the website, but more meaningful to you/them. For example, several different grocery stores around your house.
2. Ask the students, "Which one should I go to?" Have the students justify their answers using the image and mathematical topics that they have learned up to this point.
3. With appropriate questioning you could work in several mathematical topics here (I know I'm missing others as well…)
a. Overlay a grid on the GoogleMaps and have the students give each of the locations points on an x,y axis. Use this information to determine distance. Have a conversation if this is the best way to determine which location is easiest to access. When students start to bring up the fact that even though some points are technically closer, but could be slower to get to, bring in…
b. Rates, ratios, etc. Discuss how fast you could possibly travel on each route according to number of stop signs, streetlights, speed limit etc. Have students use this information to calculate the appropriate answer.
This article makes me rethink my current profession entirely. I wonder how much I can charge people to help them reset their passwords...
In all seriousness, I think this is the wrong article? :)
There are a lot of great problems here that could be used in math class. Starting class with one of these problems could be a great way to hook students into the lesson and have the students start generating their own questions and problem solving methods. Then, the math can be brought in appropriately. A lot of these problems seem to lend themselves to the "3 Act Task" model. A video/image representing the problem could go a long way in getting kids hooked.
We could use this to make TEI style testing items and some other interesting things. Keep in mind that images within these items ought to be sortable as well.
By viewing the page source here, you can now make multiple variable webpage generators. They might be useful for things like this which is a for refining project based questions or you could use as elements in a writing prompt. I have another one that randomizes images as well that works slightly differently.
"Freedom's Ring is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, animated. Here you can compare the written and spoken speech, explore multimedia images, listen to movement activists, and uncover historical context. "
"Mark talked about the idea of using Evidence-Based Arguments as a starting point. Every historical investigation needs to begin with a great question. Then they asked kids to do research and create videos. But what they got was disappointing. What they got was basically text with pictures, a script with a background. It wasn't a story, it wasn't engaging, and it often didn't really answer the question. They begin to realize that they needed to learn more about how to create high-quality documentaries, how to use images and video to actually tell a story.
And eventually they came up with a Four Step Process that students work through to create high-quality documentaries:"
4 Step Process for creating HST videos.
I don't necessarily agree with the author's thought that tech should not be introduced until step #4, as tech can enhance 1-3 just as well. The teacher just needs to model good behavior and help students develop structures for the work in these phases for it to be successful.
ThatQuiz is a free testing service for teachers to use with their classes. Multiple choice tests and math tests can be administered to students using this website. All grades are immediately reported to the students. Teachers receive complete record keeping of test results, including all grades and wrong answers.
Teachers can create math assessments with images and video. Students login with a username & password and a code for each assessment. There are some ready-made activities as well.
ThatQuiz is a free testing service for teachers to use with their classes. Multiple choice tests and math tests can be administered to students using this website. All grades are immediately reported to the students. Teachers receive complete record keeping of test results, including all grades and wrong answers.
Teachers can create math assessments with images and video. Students login with a username & password and a code for each assessment. There are some ready-made activities as well.
Digital History is a database of primary sources from America's past. The website contains images, videos, and written word that are easily searchable by era. In addition, there are pre-made lesson plans and activities that could be used or modified in order to meet your specific instructional goals.
"This could be an interesting tool for creative writing prompts and/or vocabulary work. Here are a couple thoughts on how you could use Endless Interestingness in the classroom:
Challenge the students to find a "string" of 5-10 photos in a row and connect those images by writing a creative story that incorporates the subjects, themes, moods, etc. of those photos.
Provide the students with a vocabulary word. Have the students go to the website and choose one photo that best represents that word. Students could explain and justify their choice to the rest of the class. A Padlet wall would be a great tool for this assignment, so that all students could quickly share their work and view their classmates' ideas."
I was reading a blog this morning and ran across this link to a search engine for pictures and graphics that let's you search in a variety of ways including creative commons and flickr. It's a little easier to use than searching there for me. Try it and see what you think.
Animated gif creators could be used for students to illustrate verbs. This is a simple one that allows you to upload pictures and automatically creates a gif.