Popular Science Partners with Google

"Popular Science has partnered with Google to offer its entire 140-year archive for free browsing. Each issue since 1862 appears just as it did at its original time of publication, complete with period advertisements. This resource encapsulates the ongoing fascination with the future, and science and technology’s potential to improve everyday life. Enter any keyword into the PopSci search box and dive in. As an alternative approach, you can use an online tool to plot how often any given word appeared in PopSci throughout the years: see the rise of “robots,” the decline of “aeroplanes” and the “wartime” booms." (Word Frequency Tool)

Access and Organize Digital Learning Activities

PowerMyLearning, created by the nonprofit CFY, is a free online platform for K-12 students, teachers, and parents, and includes digital games, tutorials and interactive simulations for K–12 students. The digital assets included are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Teachers can organize the digital learning activities into customizable playlists that can be assigned to specific classes or students. CFY has selected the websites with dozens of playlists that can be used “as is” or customized to suit educational needs. Educators and families can view students’ activity on the site. The K–3 assets are being expanded with the inclusion of more than 1,000 activities for lower elementary students.

"A free account grants access to a world of smart and engaging resources…
• 1,600+ thoroughly vetted academic games, interactive simulations, and videos
• Easy-to-find activities tagged by subject, grade, and Common Core Standards
• “Playlist” feature to sequence activities and individualize learning by student or class
• Lesson plans to incorporate activities into instruction
• Detailed reports for teachers, parents, and students
• Badges and Playpoints to reward student usage
• Flexible platform that can be used in school, after-school, at home, or anywhere in between
With PowerMyLearning, students and parents can discover fun and stimulating activities to reinforce classroom learning and spark new areas of interest. Teachers can take advantage of the free instructional resources and use this tool to help meet the specific learning needs of their students." PowerMyLearning.com

Why Edmodo in the Classroom?

"Of the 100 largest school districts in the country, about 86 of them are using Edmodo -- sometimes referred to as the Facebook of education -- in some official way. In this article, David F. Carr, editor of InformationWeek Education, writes about how educators are using the social media tool, including to upload lesson plans and to hold online class discussions. "It's probably the best resource a teacher could have," said Renee Setser, instructional technology coordinator for the Manor, Texas, school district." - SmartBrief
Read this article by David F. Carr: Edmodo: Social Collaboration for Teachers - excellent ideas