Ideas And Inspiration For The K-12 Community
K12IRC.org is an entirely free & independent resource, cataloging over 2,300 web and video resources for the K-12 community.
No registration is needed – just dive in. Do a search, check out these suggestions, or scan our Table of Contents.
Tools
Everything from classroom automation and making a class web site to creating videos and 3D printing.
Today's Video...
Map Projections of The Earth
Cartographers face the "orange peel" problem when mapping the surface of Earth onto a flat piece of paper. The mathematician Euler proved that this can not be done without distortion – using an actual orange peal. (clip is from the PBS show "Life by the #s")
A video from: Math and Map Making
Today's Web Site...
How Much Student Loan Debt is Too Much?
Taking out any amount of student debt is a big decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. While a degree is still valuable when applying for jobs, the benefits of higher education or less cut-and-dry now than they've ever been.
This post looks at topics like...
- Estimate Your Starting Salary
- Consider Employment During College
- Types of Student Loans: Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized
- Repayment Plan Costs & Options
- Using Scholarships
From the post, "Make sure you read the fine print and nail down the numbers before you sign on the dotted line." Showing your students how to do this can be one of the best things you ever teach them.
From: Consumer Math
STEM Primer
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) is getting a lot of attention, but there are barriers. Check out our extensive STEM resources.
Minority Students
With the events of the last few years, the needs and safety of minority students have come into sharp focus. Many teachers are uncomfortable addressing these subjects or do not feel they have the cultural competency to speak to the issues. Here are some resources that can help.
Great Women Role Models
The best way to teach is thru examples. The earlier young women are encouraged that they too can make a difference, the better their chances for success.
Free Classroom Websites – A How To
Unlike this guy, teachers are finding that classroom web sites are great for communicating with students and parents. And students put in more effort when they know that their work might be displayed online.
Learn how a class website can help and how to easily set it up for free!
Dealing With Controversial Subjects
It is all but impossible to avoid controversial subjects or topics. Here are some ideas to cope.
Bullying
Bullying in school has become a national cause. Here's an index of resources for students and teachers to tackle this problem.
Are controversial subjects coming up in the classroom?
Analyses and Evaluation
Check out a wide range of assessment and evaluation tools, tutorials and resources.
3D Printing Primer
3D printing is both an art and a science. And it's one of those areas where spending a little extra money can save a lot of grief.
Come along as we explore the world of 3D Printing.
New Visualization Tools
The Internet and modern browsers allow students build and test bridges, view plane traffic in real time, change gravity and perform experiments – all from their browser. Check out simulation and visualization tools available now.
Student Subgroup Resources
Find resources to help all your students, from ESL and gifted students to Autism and mental health.
Diverse On-Line Exhibits
When you can not go to the exhibit, let the exhibit come to you. Free field trips available for the arts, science, paleontology, biology, history and more.
Google Docs For Education
Google Docs has generated a lot of buzz within the education community. We've indexed resources to get you started.
Copyrights & Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property rights arises frequently if you or your students conduct research, incorporate another's document (of any type) or publish on the Web.
Help Spread The Word
We have postcard flyers available free for the asking. Leave some in your break room or distribute them at meetings or professional development events.
Parental Support
Parents are a big part of the education equation. Here are some resources to help them cope.
100's of Classroom Resources
We've indexed 100's of classroom resources on everything from Astronomy to Zebras to interdisciplinary learning resources.
Refresh your lesson plans here.
Patterns and Art
Adding art into the curriculum can be as simple as showing how it incorporates everything from math to biology and physics.
Search Sites for Young Students
The Internet is a great resource, but many web sites are not appropriate for young students. Here are some search site options that allow them to explore.
Eyewitness Accounts
Nothing is the same as being there. These eyewitness accounts provide perspective and insight into recent and past events.
Mentor Networks
Help your students, and you, find mentors in your area. Or learn how to start a mentoring program of your own.
School Video Production
We have a whole section on how to get started and incorporate it into the classroom.
With the advent of inexpensive production tools and free video hosting like YouTube, the idea of the school film has been turned on its head.
Microsoft Office Alternatives
There are now good, no cost on-line and off-line alternatives to the cost and licensing issues of Microsoft Office.
Simulation & Modeling Tools
There is a wide range of simulation and modeling tools available at no cost, covering everything from physics to engineering, astronomy and more.
Computers in the Classroom
Check out videos and resources showing how computers have been successfully integrated into the classroom.
It's not as hard as these guys are making it.
Learn More About K12IRC
The K-12 Internet Resource Center was launched in the 1990's as one of the first web sites dedicated to indexing K-12 educational resources.
