Complete Curriculum is a new alternative to traditional textbooks. Digital textbooks contain interactive Web-based instructional programs and 180 daily lesson plans designed to take 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Teachers simply purchase a teachers manual and distribute the student manuals free. Visit Complete Curriculum to try it free and download a complete digital textbook. You may find that this cost-effective and highly-interactive alternative is just what you need to engage your students in reading.

http://www.pbs.org/teachers
PBS Teachers is an amazing new resource for pre-K-12 teachers. You will find thousands of lesson plans, videos, interactive games, and simulations to use in your classroom. You will also have access to PBS Teacherline which has 130 online professional development courses in Language Arts, Math, Instructional Technology, Instructional Strategies, and Science. Resources are organized by grade level and subject.

Thanks to a three year $1.95 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, a team of researchers and developers from the University of Kansas will design and develop a computer-based game intended to engage middle school students, and their teachers, in scientific argumentation. (more…)

Intel is currently accepting applications for its prestigious Intel Schools of Distinction awards. Awards are given to schools that demonstrate exemplary instruction and innovative learning environments in math and science. Eighteen finalists are chosen from the applications three in each grade group: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each finalist will receive $5000 from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington D.C. for the awards ceremony. (more…)

Have you ever been out and about and seen a flyer for an event you’d like to attend, needed to take down contact information but don’t have a pen, wanted to save a document you’re working on but don’t have your flash drive? Evernote was created to solve just that problem. With Evernote you can take a snapshot of a flyer or business card, save documents, texts, or notes from any computer or phone to be synced and accessed from any internet-connected computer or phone. The feature that makes Evernote unique from other similar applications is that if you upload an image that has printed or handwritten text, it becomes searchable by keyword or title within your Evernote account. A basic account is free and a premium account is just $5 a month or $45 per year. Visit Evernote to get started.

Byrdseed Gifted Classroom Ideas
http://www.byrdseed.com/
Looking for new ways to inspire and challenge your gifted students? This is a terrific blog dedicated to gifted education. Find everything from lesson plans, theory, timesaving online resources, and tips for meeting the unique needs of your gifted students.