Exploratorium -- "Science Snacks"
The exploratorium is not only a museum in San Francisco, it also is a great online resource for science educators. My favorite part of the website is the "science snacks" section, which houses several "hands-on," "low-cost," "teacher-tested" activities. |
Steve Spangler Science
Steve Spangler often has entertaining demonstrations that get students engaged. His website offers many experiments that can be done with household materials in addition to some "nifty" gizmos and gadgets for sale. Many experiments come with short videos that I have also given for optional "at home" experiments. |
PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET interactive simulations provide a way for students to explore topics that might be difficult to re-create in the classroom. Not only does the website provide the free simulations, but it also has severals resources that can be used to go along with them. Some of my favorites are the Energy Skatepark and Gravity and Orbits. |
Sparkfun
This site does have some information that is too complex for a middle school science course, but there are some great articles for general information about electricity, and we have also used it as a resource for activities in the classroom, like the light-up cards tutorial. |
Science Bob
Similar to Steve Spangler, Science Bob has some hidden gems of experiments. You might have seen him exploding things on Jimmy Kimmel, and though those demonstrations are usually on a very large scale, there are some great ideas on this site for activities that can be used in the classroom. |
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
As a member, I have access to thousands of articles and lesson plans. This association also hosts several valuable conferences and puts out many publications. Many of their resources are available to non-members too. |
Free Technology for Teachers
This site is FULL of practical technology tools that can be easily implemented in the classroom. Many of the articles are for Google apps, but many would be helpful for anyone. Richard Byrne also provides many professional development opportunities, and I also subscribe to the weekly email, which has provided me with some terrific resources. |
USA Field Hockey
USA Field Hockey offers access to many drills, clinics, and courses for field hockey coaches. Many of the resources are restricted to members, but there is also some valuable free information available. As a member, the mobile coach app can be downloaded, which is an easy way to have instant access to drills that can be very helpful when planning a practice. |
The Coaching Toolbox
There are tons of sites available with basketball drills, but I like this one a lot because of the way it breaks them down into several categories. This site has been great for me when I quickly need a drill for a specific skill when planning a practice (ex. shooting, rebounding, etc.) |
US Lacrosse
The drills archive on this site is quite impressive, and the mobile coach app is an incredibly useful tool. There are more resources available to members, but there are some great free tools available too. US Lacrosse has a terrific coach education program and offers several clinics and courses. |