Class 3- Free Web Resources for Your Classroom

      I really enjoyed the website, Free Web Resources for Your Classroom.  It suggested many resources that I would like to try in my classroom.  There were resources that I have seen and used before and then there were many that I have did not know that I am eager to try.  I particularly enjoyed the virtual field trips, EarthCam, and Google Earth.  These websites could be used as part of many subjects in our curriculum.  The field trips related directly to our science curriculum.  We will be studying next month the life cycle of butterflies.  On this website I found a virtual field trip that takes students to a butterfly conservatory where students can observe real live butterflies through cameras and exhibits.  There were many resources and activities offered to enhance learning.  The resources and activities also had a literacy base tied to the science curriculum, it covered multiple areas.  Reading was required for some descriptions and captions with also added a literacy component.  Schema and background knowledge would be utilized to help understand come concepts and ideas presented during this field trip.  I think this is a great way for students to get a hands-on approach to learning, literacy and science skills, as well as increase motivation and interest while staying right in the warmth of the classroom.  I would also like to use the EarthCam and Google Earth with my students.  I have used Google Earth with my students once during Social Studies when we learned about maps, directions, and locations, however, I would like to spend some more time using it as a resource in the future.  I found some similarities between EarthCam and Google Earth but personally found Google Earth to be easier to use.  Currently we are studying author's Lobel, Elhert, and Lewis as part of our reader's and writer's workshop.  I would like to use these two websites to allow students to see where the books were written and published as well learn more about the author's particularly where they lived.  I would also like to use the EarthCam in Science when teaching the weather unit as it shows the weather, temperature, and pictures of locations around the whole world.  I think this would add a more universal touch for students and make the world connection which is many times forgotten.
  Overall, I think this website offered many resources that I look forward to using in my classroom.