Favorite Website: Science4Us

What is Science4Us?

Science4Us is an exciting and interactive online science curriculum for grades K-2. Science4Us is standards-based and inclusive of the Common Core State standards in Math and Language Arts. It also inclusive of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teachers and students are guided through animated lessons, songs, games and cross-curricular activities in a sequence developed using the 5E Instructional Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Embedded professional development provides teachers with the opportunity to review content, common student misconceptions, math and literature integration, and best practices as needed. Implementation is easy; there are no materials to order or software to download. All of the lessons, games, hands-on activities and teacher support materials are accessed digitally. Delivery of Science4Us is flexible. The curriculum can be delivered as a whole class using a single computer and projector, in small groups at centers, or individually with students logging in at school or home. The Science4Us curriculum covers traditional physical, life, Earth and space science content in a way that is designed to keep today’s digital natives engaged.  

For more information, visit http://www.science4us.com/.

~Cara

I have used VocabularySpellingCity with the students in my classroom for over six years. In fact, my entire school now has premium memberships for every teacher. Students take their weekly spelling tests online after practicing their words by playing the games at home and at school. They love the iPad app. Each child has his/her own username and password, so he/she has direct access to the site from any Internet-enabled device. I was so impressed with the site and how it affected student learning that I shared it through various social media platforms. I am now compensated to work with VocabularySpellingCity after school as a social media consultant.  Science4Us is a sister site to VocabularySpellingCity.

Science4Us Review and VocabularySpellingCity GIVEAWAY

Science4Us is an interactive, standards-based science curriculum from the developers of VocabularySpellingCity.  Built on the 5E Model of Learning (engage, explore, explain, extend/elaborate, evaluate), kindergarten through 2nd grade students are provided with the foundational skills needed to be successful in science.  The online lessons are based on your state standards for science and integrate technology, engineering, math, literacy and the arts.  There is even embedded content training to increase teacher comfort in teaching science.

Researchers found the content and activities to be appropriate for K-2 students stating, “It provides a foundational understanding that is needed as students progress through their learning.” Not only did researchers find the content and activities engaging for K-2 students, they also measured student achievement. Students receiving Science4Us significantly outperformed those students engaged in science instruction as usual. Researchers also noted the inquiry opportunities included in Science4Us are supportive of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) approach to inquiry-based learning. (Read the full article {here}.)

I am holding a giveaway of a Premium Membership to VocabularySpellingCity.  You can enter in multiple ways.  The more entries, the more chances you have to win.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Cara

I have used VocabularySpellingCity with the students in my classroom for over five years.  In fact, my entire school now has premium memberships for every teacher.  I was so impressed with the site and how it affected student learning that I shared it through various social media platforms.  I am now compensated to work with VocabularySpellingCity after school as a social media consultant.

VocabularySpellingCity Premium Membership

We are always looking for ways to make our school day run smoother, quicker, easier.  That is what a Premium Membership from VocabuarlySpellingCity will do for you!

VocabularySpellingCity offers online games, printable worksheets, flashcards, and more using your spelling and vocabulary lists.  They have precreated lists available, or you can create your own.  Be sure to browse the Teaching Resources section of the site to see what all is available.  I use the site in my literacy centers, math centers, to create vocabulary tests in curriculum areas, to provide flash cards as study guides and games, extension activities in science, etc.

As a Premium Member, your students have access to things such as exclusive games, online tests where the scores are recorded for you, individual student logins, writing practice where students can resume in their own time (Be sure they click "Resume Writing Practice," or their previous work will be overwritten.), and individualized assignments which are great for differentiated instruction. The cost for a classroom Premium Membership is only $49.99 for a year.  What a great idea for class donation money!

Although, I am a paid consultant for VocabularySpellingCity, I was under no obligation to create this post.  I have used VocabularySpellingCity for years before my relationship with their company.  I can vouch that a Premium Membership is well worth the cost.

~Cara

Saturday Sit-Down-Soccer

"You don't teach soccer on a chalkboard." This statement was recently posted on Twitter by @thetechtiger. When I read it, the wheels in my mind started turning.

Do I try to teach my students without them ever being engaged and involved in the process? Sadly, I must admit that it does happen.  I praise myself on having an active classroom. My students are a part of reading and math small groups. They work through centers that they must manage themselves. I turn the pen over to our Promethean ActivBoard. Data is assessed to determine students individual needs. My classroom is arranged in groups because engaged learning doesn't happen in rows. Then, science and social studies time arrives. 


I don't know why I choose the "read the textbook" approach in two critical areas of instruction. Maybe, I am worn out by that time. Is it that so much time and effort are put into reading and math that I have almost shoved those subjects under the doormat? I need to be refreshed! I may have the one who will cure cancer or discover unknown historical treasures in my classroom, and I am doing them a huge disservice. This is a call and challenge to myself to be a soccer coach in science and social studies. I will get my kids "on the field."

~Cara