Content

Finding resources on the web can be quite time consuming and sometimes frustrating. Teachers may rely on the media specialist to help them locate resources related to their class content. The links below are good starting points for finding web resources.

General/Databases

• Virginia's Community of Learning: A database of teacher-reviewed websites as well as several moderated neighborhoods that offer timely information to educators.
• Blue Web'n: This site provides teacher-reviewed websites and uses a detailed matrix to help teachers locate good sites quickly. Sign up for their email list to get regular updates of new sites added.
• Smithsonian Education: Provides a searchable database of lesson plans and resources for educators in a variety of topics. It's like having the whole museum on your computer!
• PBS: Start at the homepage to find links to resources for kids that include activities and information related to their favorite educational programs as well as for parents and teache
• Scholastic: I loved ordering books from Scholastic when I was a kid. Now, they have a GREAT website with lots of news, information and resources. The site includes online chats and discussions with authors as well as links to other special projects. Don't miss the interactive weather maker.
• The Internet Public Library: Originally created by a group of librarians, this website is a great starting point for all kinds of information.
• Wikipedia: An online, collaborative encyclopedia written by users from all over the world.

Curriculum Resources

• Math
  • Illuminations: From Marcopolo and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a collection of free online tools.
  • Virtual Manipulatives: From Utah State University, an online collection of free virtual manipulatives to help support student learning in math.
• Science
  • Eisenhower National Clearinghouse: Someone called this the "ultimate" website for math and science educators. Go here and plan to spend some time.
• Social Studies
  • National Archives: The nation's filing cabinet with documents, audio and video files, and an extensive collection of images from throughout America's history. Don't miss this.
  • Library of Congress: The resources here are just amazing! Be sure to check out the Wise Guide, which keeps up with cultural and political events, and the section for kids.
  • History Channel: Includes video clips and audio files of some of history's greatest speeche
• Language Arts
  • Little Explorers Picture Dictionary: Designed for early elementary students, this dictionary includes hyperlinked entries with lots of pictures.
  • Children's Literature Web Guide: Organized and often updated by a librarian in Canada, this is the place to start for anything having to do with kiddie lit.
  • National Council of Teachers of English: Includes web resources for English teachers

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