Computers in the Classroom

Judy Arzt, Ph.D., Saint Joseph College, CT

Sample Sites to Explore for Website Evaluation Project

General

· Fact Monster: From Information Please

www.factmonster.com

This is a free reference site that contains thousands of facts on the world, United States, math & money, science, and famous people. It includes a section titled “Reference Desk” that has a 2006 almanac, a dictionary, an atlas, and an encyclopedia for students to use. The site has activities for various grade levels and subject areas.

Math

· AAA Math

www.aaamath.com

Not a very flashy website but one that offers a lot of practice. This site can be used by students K to 8. When a specific grade level is selected, the user is automatically brought to grade-appropriate curriculum. Please click on the title “Subtracting Tens” for an example of how one part of the site.

· A Plus Math

http://www.aplusmath.com

Students can practice math skills with flashcards and interactive games; homework help and worksheets are available.

· Math Goodies

http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons

Sample lessons, worksheets, and puzzles, and comprehensive step-by-step directions on how to solve numerous types of math problems are offered.

Language Arts

· Word Games

http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/studentlinks/wordgames.htm

This link goes to a list of websites that deal with word games that reinforce grammar topics. Students can review their knowledge of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, synonyms, idioms, vocabulary terms, and spelling concepts. The games are interactive and provide students with necessary reinforcement. Once you access the list, you need to use the links to find sites appropriate to your curriculum.

· Authors, Illustrators, Books

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/virtualmedia/elementary/authors.htm

This is a website that provides students with a list of popular authors, illustrators, and books. Each author and illustrator contains a link to a webpage that provides students with a detailed biography and picture. The books that are listed also contain links to short summaries. You will need to explore the list to find websites appropriate to your curriculum.

· Starfall

http://www.starfall.com

This very interactive site is geared towards teaching reading to children in Pre-K and the lower elementary grades. It contains engaging phonics and comprehension activities.

Social Studies

Kids Web Japan

http://web-jpn.org/kidsweb/index.html

This website for elementary-age students will them research aspects of Japanese culture, including the clothing, food, government, sports, schools, and theater. Students can also participate in games and quizzes.

· Connecticut History Online

http://www.cthistoryonline.org

Resources on Connecticut’s history recommended for middle and high school students.

Science

· Africa, Information provided by the Oakland Zoo

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/africa.html

This is a website, designed for students studying Africa, contains a wealth of information on animals that can be found there. Information is provided on each animal’s appearance, habitat, diet, lifecycle, and adaptations. In addition, a list of references is provided for students.

· Rainforest, “Rain-tree Nutrition”

http://www.rain-tree.com

A detailed description of the Amazon Rainforest is provided on this site intended for students. The site offers links to rainforest articles, picture galleries, and information on how students can help to save the disappearing rainforests. The site also links to other rainforest-related websites.

· Eco Kids

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/energy/quiz/index.cfm

This link goes to a quiz on ecology. Students respond to multiple choice questions and receive responses based on their input. Responses provide students with facts about ecology. Graphics help to reinforce the lessons. Explore the rest of the Eco Kids site for other science-related lessons at

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/browse_topics/index.cfm

@Judy Arzt

jarzt@sjc.edu

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