TeachersFirst Special Topics Collections
TeachersFirst's Special Topics collections help you find just what you and your students need, just in time for an upcoming unit, a holiday, focused research, student-directed exploration, or projects on a curriculum topic or event. You can be comfortable sharing the Special Topic links with students or parents, knowing that TeachersFirst’s Thinking Teachers have selected and reviewed each resource. Find classroom and project suggestions within each review, use the collection to find just what you need for your lessons. Some teachers assign these lists as the core resources for a broader student assignment. Editor’s Choice collections offer "the best of the best" for topics of particular interest. TeachersFirst also offers collections on professional special topics to help you meet particular teaching challenges.
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Citizen Science Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Citizen science is a quickly growing way for regular people to participate in scientific research. Citizen scientists help move science forward by gathering and sharing data, making...more
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Citizen science is a quickly growing way for regular people to participate in scientific research. Citizen scientists help move science forward by gathering and sharing data, making observations, and teaming up with professional scientists. It also opens the scientific process to more people and helps everyone better understand and appreciate scientific discovery. Citizen science offers students many opportunities to participate in hands-on, real-world science projects. Students can observe wildlife, track weather patterns, and identify celestial bodies. Students learn that science is for everyone, not just scientists, as the students develop critical thinking and observation skills. Skim this collection of resources to learn how students can meaningfully contribute to community citizen science projects and activities.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about many citizen science opportunities. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons to encourage students to get involved in citizen science activities.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Brain Breaks for Students - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Regular brain breaks are a simple but powerful way to boost student focus, engagement, and retention in the classroom. These short periods of physical activity or mental rest re-energize...more
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Regular brain breaks are a simple but powerful way to boost student focus, engagement, and retention in the classroom. These short periods of physical activity or mental rest re-energize young minds when they start feeling tired or restless. Brain breaks improve how students think by increasing blood flow and brain connections. They also provide a much-needed reset when students feel overwhelmed or have checked out of the lesson. This collection highlights brain-break ideas, exercises, and activities that easily fit into lessons. Discover ways to get students moving, laughing, reflecting, and re-centering their attention. Using these resources will create a more active and focused learning environment in your classroom.
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom for brain breaks. Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will work for you and your students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Copyright and Fair Use Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12
9 Favorites
0 Comments
Understanding copyright is essential for students living in today's digital world. Copyright protects original creative works, allowing the creators to control how their material is...more
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Understanding copyright is essential for students living in today's digital world. Copyright protects original creative works, allowing the creators to control how their material is used and shared. In the classroom, respecting copyright shows students why intellectual property rights and using content ethically matter. By teaching copyright principles, educators prepare students with the necessary knowledge for future courses, careers, and participation in our copyright-respecting world. This collection provided valuable resources for teaching students and staff the basics of copyright. The resources allow for discussions around plagiarism, piracy, and Internet ethics. It includes guidelines on fair use, how to credit sources appropriately, and updated copyright laws and policies.
In the Classroom
Use these resources to model and teach ethical use of electronic media or to find copyright-safe raw materials for student projects. Be sure to share these resources with students for them to access any time they have a project to do.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Change Makers - Women in STEM - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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From laying the foundations of computer programming to making groundbreaking discoveries in physics and space exploration, women have left an indelible mark across STEM disciplines....more
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From laying the foundations of computer programming to making groundbreaking discoveries in physics and space exploration, women have left an indelible mark across STEM disciplines. Pioneers like Ada Lovelace wrote the first computer algorithm in the 1800s, while others like Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, advanced our understanding of radiation. Their breakthroughs and tireless pursuit of knowledge have profoundly impacted humanity. Use this curated list of reviewed resources to help your students see the vital role women have had in the past, present, and future in the field of STEM.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about many women in STEM who changed the world. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons to encourage girls to pursue learning paths in STEM and realize their potential.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Change Makers - Women for Freedom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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The decades-long battle for women's suffrage and the Civil Rights movement were both pivotal chapters in the broader struggle to extend equal rights to all Americans. Trailblazers like...more
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The decades-long battle for women's suffrage and the Civil Rights movement were both pivotal chapters in the broader struggle to extend equal rights to all Americans. Trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ida B. Wells traveled tirelessly, enduring harassment and jail to demand the ballot for women. Countless women played indispensable roles in fueling and sustaining the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Through her unshakable advocacy of nonviolent resistance, Diane Nash helped desegregate lunch counters and public spaces across the South. Share these true change-makers with your students through this collection of reviewed resources.
In the Classroom
Find new resources to share with your students during lessons on the Civil Rights movement, voting rights, and more. Read the details of each tool and the technology integration ideas. Find the ones that will make your students understand these true change-makers better.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Change Makers - Pioneering Women - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Women have blazed trails and opened doors for future generations through their pioneering achievements in science and medicine, politics, civil rights, media, sports, and countless...more
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Women have blazed trails and opened doors for future generations through their pioneering achievements in science and medicine, politics, civil rights, media, sports, and countless other areas. Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her pioneering work on radioactivity. Aviator Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Civil rights giants like Rosa Parks and Mary McLeod Bethune fought racial injustice and advanced equality at significant personal risk. From the frontlines of scientific exploration to the vanguard of human rights movements, these tenacious women defied societal conventions, overcame steep obstacles, and profoundly expanded opportunities for those who followed in their pioneering footsteps.
In the Classroom
Skim this collection of reviewed resources to find appropriate pioneers to share with your students. Don't miss the "In The Classroom" section for lesson stems and ideas to integrate the resources with your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Change Makers - Young Women Who Have Changed the World - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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From activism to invention, young women have boldly challenged injustice and advanced human knowledge at remarkably early ages. At just 15, Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg sparked...more
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From activism to invention, young women have boldly challenged injustice and advanced human knowledge at remarkably early ages. At just 15, Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg sparked a global youth movement demanding urgent action on climate change through her "Fridays for Future" school strikes. S.E Hinton wrote the critically acclaimed novel The Outsiders at the age of 17. These young women's moral courage, powerful voices, and innovative spirits have created change, raised awareness, and driven solutions to some of the most critical issues facing the world today. Share this curated list of reviewed resources to encourage your students that they, too, can be the change.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to learn about many young women who changed the world. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Juneteenth Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Dating back to June 19, 1865, it commemorates when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce...more
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Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Dating back to June 19, 1865, it commemorates when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were now free. For teachers, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to engage students in lessons about the history of slavery, the decades-long fight for emancipation, and the continual journey toward racial equality in America. Recognizing this day allows meaningful discussions about freedom, perseverance, and progress. Use this curated list to learn more about Juneteenth and find resources to share with your students.
In the Classroom
Help your students to learn more about Juneteenth. Find resources on this list for students to use in cooperative learning groups. Read each resource's Classroom Use section to learn ways to incorporate the information in your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Summer Specials - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Keep students engaged in fun, enriching activities this summer with the diverse learning opportunities showcased in this collection. From resources focused on robotics and coding to...more
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Keep students engaged in fun, enriching activities this summer with the diverse learning opportunities showcased in this collection. From resources focused on robotics and coding to reading incentives at local libraries and restaurants, these summer programs strive to prevent learning loss while still feeling like a vacation. Find audiobooks, online courses, exercise programs, and more to round out the compilation of vetted resources. Easily share these ideas for summer academic and physical engagement with colleagues, families, and students.
In the Classroom
Find new tools, activities, and more to share with your students for use during the summer break! Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will be useful to your students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Productivity - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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Learn about and explore artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and tools educators can use to automate administrative tasks and improve student learning outcomes using the resources...more
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Learn about and explore artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and tools educators can use to automate administrative tasks and improve student learning outcomes using the resources in this collection. These tools can help leverage AI's power to increase your productivity and efficiency in the classroom. Many tools can also allow AI to personalize student learning experiences and optimize lesson planning.
In the Classroom
Use this collection to save time doing many tasks, from creating assessments to writing prompts, rewriting your emails in a new tone, and much more. Bookmark this site to use to find new ways to increase your productivity and lower your time required using the power of AI!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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AI (Artificial Intelligence) Resources for Student Assessment - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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AI offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. View this collection to find education-specific AI tools to create engaging, practical, formative, and summative...more
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AI offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. View this collection to find education-specific AI tools to create engaging, practical, formative, and summative assessments for your students. Some examples of AI tools for assessment creation include tools to help develop rubrics, feedback, reports connected to your learning objectives and standards, quizzes, portfolios, and more.
In the Classroom
AI is ever-changing, and the tools evolve and change every day. Use the tools in this collection to stay informed and learn about new tools that you can use to assess students. AI assessment tools save you time and can allow you to personalize the assessment to differentiate for all needs. Share this collection with colleagues looking for ways to assess using AI.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Podcast Creators - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Engage and motivate your learners to create podcasts. Students can create podcasts to share with their peers and demonstrate content mastery. Podcasts are the perfect alternative for...more
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Engage and motivate your learners to create podcasts. Students can create podcasts to share with their peers and demonstrate content mastery. Podcasts are the perfect alternative for students who may have difficulty putting the word on paper, as they can share their information orally. In addition, students can record podcasts anytime a device is available, making this an ideal activity for multiple instructional scenarios, including in-person, remote, blended, and small group projects. In this collection, we share valuable tools for students to create educational podcasts.
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try in your classroom to create podcasts! Each review includes classroom use ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will work for you and your students,Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Author's Websites - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Introduce your students to some of their favorite authors (and some new ones). Learn and explore information about a variety of authors. Engage your students in learning about the life...more
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Introduce your students to some of their favorite authors (and some new ones). Learn and explore information about a variety of authors. Engage your students in learning about the life and works of authors and participate in the activities available on the websites. Share these resources with your students, families, and colleagues. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions give you ideas about using these resources in your classroom.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to use to learn about many authors. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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STEM - STEAM - STREAM Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
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If you are still getting familiar with STEM (STEAM or STREAM), learn all about them through the resources in this collection. What we once referred to as STEM (educational curriculum...more
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If you are still getting familiar with STEM (STEAM or STREAM), learn all about them through the resources in this collection. What we once referred to as STEM (educational curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering, and math) has evolved into STEAM and now STREAM. STEAM includes the original four areas and has integrated art into the mix. STREAM takes it further and adds a layer of reading and writing. You will find helpful information about STEM, STEAM, and STREAM in this collection. In addition, we have curated web resources for all grade levels to help as you plan your activities (lesson plans, interactives, and more).
In the Classroom
We have included resources for all grades. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions with each reviewed resource, give you ideas about using these tools in your classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Educational Podcasts for Students - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
In this collection, we share many educational podcasts for students of all ages in various subject areas. The act of listening to podcasts offers many benefits to our students. The...more
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In this collection, we share many educational podcasts for students of all ages in various subject areas. The act of listening to podcasts offers many benefits to our students. The podcasts are available anytime, making them ideal for in-person, remote, blended, and flipped instruction. Students can listen a second time to deepen their understanding.
In the Classroom
Share these podcasts with your students to use when learning related material. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find podcasts to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources related to Source Reliability/Checking Sources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and...more
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As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and determining if a source is reliable and credible.
In the Classroom
We have included resources for all grades. Remember, our "In the Classroom" suggestions with each reviewed resource, give you ideas about using these tools in your classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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If you are not familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learn about them through the resources in this collection. The SDGs are the 17 global goals adopted by the ...more
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If you are not familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learn about them through the resources in this collection. The SDGs are the 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations designed to be a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable future for all. In this collection, you will find helpful information about the SDGs and web resources to help you to teach the SDGs in your lessons. There are resources included for all grade levels.
In the Classroom
Help to deepen your students' understanding (and your own) of the Sustainable Development Goals. Share these resources with your colleagues and students by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter. Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Curation Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Discover resources in this collection for your students to use to curate resources. Curation means selecting, collecting, organizing, and presenting content. Curating is especially...more
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Discover resources in this collection for your students to use to curate resources. Curation means selecting, collecting, organizing, and presenting content. Curating is especially helpful when researching a topic but always useful to help students to keep information systematically arranged. We have included resources for all grades.
In the Classroom
Share these resources with your students to use when curating materials for projects and lessons. Share a link to this collection on your school web page and in your school newsletter (or email). Find resources to incorporate into your lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources for Student Knowledge Construction - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Student knowledge construction is what happens when students go beyond just reproducing what they have learned, but generate their own ideas and demonstrate understanding of what makes...more
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Student knowledge construction is what happens when students go beyond just reproducing what they have learned, but generate their own ideas and demonstrate understanding of what makes the information unique. The skills of knowledge construction range from inferring to analysis to interpretation to synthesis and evaluation. Many of these skills may also be considered "critical thinking." While teaching these skills can be a challenge, finding useful web resources can be simple. Peruse this collection to find resources to use in your lessons for all grade levels to encourage student knowledge construction.
In the Classroom
Find new tools to try to encourage student knowledge construction within your lessons. Each review includes technology integration ideas. Read the details of each tool and find the ones that will make your students become student knowledge constructors.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Resources related to the Science of Reading - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
1 Comments
The Science of Reading (or SOR) refers to an evidence-based reading Instructional strategy that addresses various areas of reading including oral language, phonological awareness, phonics,...more
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The Science of Reading (or SOR) refers to an evidence-based reading Instructional strategy that addresses various areas of reading including oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and more. In this collection, you will find helpful information to learn more about The Science of Reading and web resources to help you to teach using SOR in your lessons.
In the Classroom
Help to deepen your students' understanding (and your own) of the Science of Reading. Share these resources with your colleagues and students by emailing the page or sharing the link from your school web page and in your school newsletter. Find resources to incorporate into your reading lessons.Comments
Provided many resources and suggestions to use this to support instruction.Saundra, , Grades: 0 - 5
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