Adobe Digital Kids ClubThis resource is hosted by Adobe and it offers educators a wide variety of ways to bring the classroom to life through digital media. There is a lengthy section on training and tutorial programs for educators, as well as a plethora of lesson plan ideas for teachers of all grade levels. This site showcases great ideas about how to incorporate new technology, as well as foster creativity in the classroom.
AfterSchoolPro.net: Working TogetherAs technology becomes a central focus in every day life, it is even more crucial that youth understand and enjoy the field of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This website provides helpful resources to aid in the development and implementation of STEM subjects in schools.
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator FellowshipEinstein Fellows are brought to Washington, DC with the goal of improving communication between the K-12 STEM education community and those in federal offices working on education issues. Fellows must have 5 years of teaching experience as an elementary teacher or as a science, technology and/or math teacher at the middle or high school level. Apply by January 13, 2008. The application can be found online at
https://applicationlink.labworks.org/applicationlink/default.htm.
Apple Learning InterchangeThis resource is hosted by Apple Computers, and offers educators the chance to post and exchange new and innovative ideas to bring new life to their curriculum. There is also a variety of podcasts, as well as virtual field trips and lesson plans to help jump start new ideas for students to learn required material.
BioWorksU.comBioWorksU.com introduces young people to exciting careers in the life sciences industry.
Buddy2Buddy2 is an initiative to increase student achievement using technology and to enrich and extend learning in the classroom and at home. This site includes resources, such as "Family Literacy BackPacks," lesson plans, and "Computer Capers," for educators, students, and families.
CALM: Computer Assisted Learning Method
CALM is an IU-developed online homework systems that lets students interactively solve chemistry problems using the internet. Teachers will find additional practice tools and quizzes that the program will grade for you.
Camp PBLBuddy2 Teaching and Learning Center presents Camp PBL, a series of workshops that focus on how project-based learning (PBL) transforms teaching. Integrating technology throughout the experience, the curriculum address topics such as planning, implementing, and assessing PBL in the classroom. Participation grants are available.
CERIAS: Your Guide to Safe Surfing
CERIAS is a center based at Purdue University which focuses on research and education in the areas of information security and the protection of computing structures. One of the focuses of CERIAS is to educate people about the importance of internet safety. In result of this goal, CERIAS has created an instructional booklet geared towards middle school students in order to help them navigate the internet safely. The booklet includes interactive activities and examples to help students understand the importance of carefully surfing the web. In addition, the booklet breaks down commonly used internet terms, and provides helpful, safe websites for students to access for educational benefits.
CoffeeCup Software's K-12 Donation ProgramPublic schools can request CoffeeCup Software's Educational Software Package (ESP), which is free for classroom use to elementary and secondary public schools, and public libraries.
Crayon PhysicsCrayon Physics is an interactive site which allows particpants to create simple line drawings. Though simple in the nature, the site allows you to interact and create images which move and transform into real physical objects. Crayon Physics is fun for all ages, and is a great outlet for expanding imaginations!
Discovery EducationEnter for your chance to win one of five Grand Prize packages including a 21st Century Classroom and a $5,000 digital media grant from Discovery Education.
Discovery EducationThis resource is hosted by Discovery Education which is affiliated with Discovery Communications, LLC. This is a great resource which showcases lesson plans, fun starter activities such as brain teasers, clip art ideas, and deals on affordable software. There are also video clips that are available for a variety of different subjects that aim to show practical examples of the curriculum content being taught at all grade levels.
Experimental Game Play ProjectStarting with four graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University, the Experimental Game Play project has grown into a forum for creative thinkers to post their ingenius game ideas. This is a great tool to encourage students to develop new ideas!
Free Software ResourcesThis resource is hosted by the Center of Excellence For Instructional Technology Training, and it offers a wide variety of websites which help support classroom and student development. There are many sites detailing places to find free software, tutorials on website creation and resources for creating quizzes and other review games for students. This site really helps educators broaden their knowledge of technology without breaking their budgets.
Fujifilm Products for Learning programFujifilm's Products for Learning program rewards the creativity of individual educators who understand the value of integrating imaging and information technology into everyday classroom lessons. Check to see if your class qualifies for a Fujifilm product donation.
Haas Technical Education CouncilVisit the Haas Automation Inc in Oxnard, California in March, 2008. All expenses are paid for qualified educators who are involved with manufacturing programs at high schools, colleges, vocational centers, and universities. Deadline for online registration is Jan 15, 2008.
iEARNiEARN is the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and young people to use the Internet and other new technologies to collaborate on projects that both enhance learning and make a difference in the world.
Igniting Creative Energy (ICE)Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) is a national student challenge to motivate learning, ignite the imagination, and fuel the creative potential in youth.
Indiana Department of Education: Supporting Student SuccessThe Indiana Department of Education hosts a wide variety of resources for educators. This specific weblink is a portal for web resources updated monthly. The resources on the portal are meant to assist teachers in updating curriculums, as well as meant to promote employment opportunities and career development.
Informatics Summer CampThis camp, located at the Indiana University Bloomington campus, is designed to give high school students the chance to interact with IU faculty and staff and learn about the latest trends in information technology, the internet and Web design, networking, new media, databases, gaming, and more. June 15 - 19, 2008.
Innovative Science cirricula targeted at enhancing the interest of girlsThe Educational Equity Center at the Academy for Educational Development (EEC/AED) has developed an innovative program known as Great Science for Girls. Great Science for Girls is an initiative that aims to provide lesson plans and creative ideas for educators to encourage the STEM fields (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for girls. Even though many girls are interested in these types of topics, they are flooded with media messages that girls are not supposed to be good at the topics reserved for boys. Great Science for Girls attempts to break the barriers of gender norms and provides quality materials that are sure to spark the interest of any girl!
Invent NOWInvent Now is an organization sponsored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation. Have you ever had a great idea, but was not sure how to showcase it? Look no further! Invent Now is a website that allows students to share their innovative ideas and provides guidance on how to patent project ideas. This is a great way to encourage creative thinking! Who knows, the students idea may just be the next BIG thing!
I-STEM Resource NetworkThe I-STEM Resource Network is a partnership of Indiana’s public and private higher education institutions, K-12 schools, business, and government. It supports K–12 teachers and leaders working to implement high academic standards towards STEM literacy for all students. It also provides Indiana education leaders with new knowledge about teaching and learning.
IU Pervasive Technology Labs: Community OutreachWork with researchers at the Bloomington or Indianapolis labs to customize an age-appropriate tour or demo to your needs and interests.
MathMovesUMathMovesU is an interactive program which aims to keep middle schoolers engaged in math. The program is a laid out as a "virtual world" with plenty activities such as flashcards, word problems, and puzzles. Students learn immensely while being a led through a fun gaming environment!
Midwest Higher Education CompactThe Midwest Higher Education Compact is a program dedicated to improving access to postsecondary education opportunities. The program functions by partnering with The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) and public and private insitutions, to come up with a plan to help out-of-state students save money on tuition. By taking advantage of this program, students can save anywhere from $500-$3,000 annually. Check out this program to see how the MHEC can help you!
National Dropout Prevention Center/ Network-Radio WebcastThe National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is a network devoted to offering strategies to help America's schools increase graduation rates. In addition to research and publications promoting best practices, the network has a radio webcast. The radio webcast focuses on problems in drop out prevention, and also focuses on the success of a variety of dropout prevention strategies in schools all across the county.
Pew Internet and American Life ProjectThe Pew internet project is an initiative of the Pew Research Center. The goal of the website is to provide information and updates on the events impacting the world today. A main topic that the Pew Research Center focusses on is the impact of the internet on children and the workplace. This is a great site to brush up on current issues as well as explore how the ever changing technological world effects our society.
Quest AtlantisQuest Atlantis is an interactive, international learning project, which aims to engage students ages 9-15 in educational tasks. The project produces environments which allow students to explore and gain knowledge through commericial gaming designs. The project has had overwhelming success in improving the educational outcomes of students, and is a great resource for teachers looking to get students excited about learning!
Science Olympiad Seed Fund GrantsGrants are open to 6-12th Grade Schools currently participating in or interested in beginning to participate in Science Olympiad in Indiana.Grants will be awarded up to $500. Deadline to Apply: Oct 31, 2008.
For more information or questions please contact Mindy Hart at
1-800-320-6132 or mhart@cs.purdue.edu. This grant program is sponsored by the I-STEM Resource Network and Purdue University Office of Engagement.
Teaching Economics to High School StudentsThis exciting website offers free lesson plan ideas specifically based on high school economics. There are several modules going over introductory material regarding economics, as well as practical real world applications. One particular application includes economic musical chairs which allows students the chance to visually interpret the distribution of wealth in our economy. This is an excellent tool that allows educators to break down the abstract concepts of economics, and to teach the concepts in an interactive way!
The DuPont Challenge 2008 Science Essay CompetitionThe DuPont Challenge(c) offers students an opportunity to write a 700-1000-word essay discussing a scientific discovery, theory, event, or technological application that has captured their interest. More than $25,000 in awards PLUS expenses paid trip and more!
The Futures ChannelThe Futures Channel connects learning to the real world by using new media technologies to create a channel between the scientists, engineers, explorers and visionaries who are shaping the future, and today's learners who will one day succeed them. Features include videos, lesson plans, activities and more!
The Teachers Institute on Wireless TechnologyThe Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI) is a week long, in-residence learning opportunity designed for motivated teachers and other school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring that knowledge to their students.
U.S.A. LearnsU.S.A. Learns is an organization that was created by the Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education. The programs mission is to provide resources for adults to gain the fundamental skills that they need to be effective workers, family members, and U.S. citizens. The site provides interactive guides and self-tests to help improve basic language skills. This is a superb educational source that can really help increase language proficiency for all ESL learners!
Using Technology to Enhance Engaged Learning for At-Risk StudentsThis resource is hosted by the North Central Regional Education Library in affiliation with Learning Point Associates. This resource is set-up to showcase the problems school face with “at risk” kids when it comes to learning new technology. Along with the problems, this site offers helpful and constructive resources, including press releases, which aim to uncover new teaching methods which will benefit the “at risk” youth.
Webinar "Cellphones as Instructional Tools"
With new pieces of technology coming out every day, many educators find it difficult to keep students engaged in class material, with the added distraction of technology. Though technology can be distracting, this webinar focusses on how technology, cellphones in particular, can help connect students to important educational resources. Watch the webinar, and learn what it takes to help your school or district take a huge step in improving education through technology.