online
#36 Spending too much time online...
Sometimes it's hard to believe that there was homeschooling before the internet. Homeschoolers network with email-lists, we ask for advice on virtual bulletin boards, we buy and sell curriculum online, and we do LOTS of research on the web. Thanks to all the new devices available, we can be online and accessible 24/7, almost anywhere. However, if we let it go too far, it can have a big effect on our relationships. The New York Times recently reported on a study by Sherry Turkle th
Xtimeline.com- Create interactive timelines for free!
This is a free service that lets users create timelines online, and has plenty of timelines available for searching on a number of topics and time periods. When you create your timeline, you can choose whether or not to share it with the general public, and with whom to share editing.
The service is loading very slowly for me at the moment. Hopefully the issue will be corrected soon.
Regulating genes: an interactive genetic mutation game
From NOVA, this is an online game that lets you introduce mutations to the genetic code of a bug, and see the results. The game highlights why different cells express different genes, and how different mutations affect gene expression differently. Includes background information, a lesson plan (under teacher resources) and a student worksheet (under student resources). Be aware that an audio recording of an article titled "sexual canibilism" (about spiders) is highlighted in the sidebar of this page.
National Geographic Xpeditions: online & offline geography activities and lesson plans
There are 2 ways for homeschoolers to use this website: parents can use the included lesson plans (grades 1-12 are represented) to teach about specific topics, or students can explore the virtual "Xpedition Hall" independently and learn about mapping and geography. The lesson plans are creative and use materials from respected scholars and artists. The Xpedition Hall requires reading, and is best suited for middle school age or older. The tasks in the Xpedition Hall emphasize understanding and applying geographic techniques and information, not rote memorization.
Interactive US timeline
An interactive timeline from 1773 to 1997. A simple, low clutter graphic with links to information about every president and major events in US history. Includes audio, photos and other primary sources. It's a quick overview of US history, not a comprehensive curriculum, but could be useful as jumping off point, or a quick reference. Appropriate for upper elementary and older.
Virtual Historic Books and Manuscripts from the British Library
View the original, handwritten Alice in Wonderland or Da Vinci's notebook, or Captain R.F.
Children's Poetry Archive
The children's section of the Poetry Archive section, this site features wonderful poems either written for children, or appealing to children. Most include a recording of the poem recited by the poet, and are serchable by keyword, author and form. Also includes biographies of the poets.
A fun site to browse with your kids, and a great way for non-readers to get to experience poetry.
"The Mechanical Universe and Beyond" free online Physics course
This course was designed to provide the equivalent of a college freshman physics course, and was produced by CalTech in 1985.
Description from the website:
A video instructional series on physics for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 52 half-hour video programs and coordinated books
World Maths Day 2010
The annual free online math competition is back! World Maths Day is an international competition open to all children from age 5 to 18, and is a great way to get competition-oriented kids to work their math skills.
The official competition is during a 48 hour period that includes March 3 worldwide, but kids can play head-to-head with children from all over the world anytime.
A description of the contest from the official website:
Multiplication puzzle
A puzzle that helps kids work on their multiplication math facts, in a format similar to Sudoku. The puzzle can be customized to test the fact groups you choose, and can be large puzzles or smaller, ideal for kids who are inclined to feel overwhelmed. The graphics are simple and not flashy. Can be timed or not. A nice way to add some variety to your homeschooler's math lesson.
