Periodic Table Game

This game is simple:  as element names cascade down your screen, choose that element's correct symbol on the periodic table before the element disappears from your screen.  When you succeed, the element symbol is green.  You can use this activity to test students' knowledge of element symbols, or you can encourage them to use this at home for a study tool before a test or quiz over the elements.  The game also allows you to select your difficulty level.  Test your knowledge here.

image: microsoft

Simply Fun Simple Machines Game

The Museum of Science and Industry has a fun online game to help students explore simple machines.  The graphics on this game are expertly done!

The object of the game is to help the diminutive Twitch reach needed items, a task only accomplished through the use of simple machines.  Players help Twitch navigate different levels as he discovers inclined planes, levers, pulleys, etc.  They get to choose which of the simple machines he uses, and the site helps show students which simple machines require less work to perform a task.  One of the goals is to preserve as much energy or effort as possible, so selecting different options allows students to evaluate which machines are better for specific goals.

This is a good resource to have to supplement your lesson on simple machines, or to use as a computer station activity for science.

image:  Microsoft

Free, Printable Science Board Game

If you need a science center activity, Ology may have just what you need.  They have a free, printable science board game that's centered around endangered species.  The game, Endangered!, can be printed, taped together, laminated and played using only dice and simple place-markers.  Here are instructions on how to put the game board together.


The game teaches students about different animal species, their habitats, and the factors that threaten these species, placing them on the path to extinction.


Students play in small groups and use the game board to learn the facts they need to answer questions.  You can extend the activity by having them write about some things they learned during the game, or having them research some of the species that are featured on the board.


Laminating the board offers repeated classroom use.  Best of all, it's perfectly free!


This great find comes courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History.

Teaching Tips of the Week (October 4-10)

1. Help students practice their math skills with a deck of cards instead of paper and pencil.  Here is a list of several math games to play simply using a deck of cards (via letsplaymath).
2. iCivics' Argument Wars is a great place for your students to practice applying their knowledge about the US legal system and the Constitution.  The online game gives them the chance to choose a character and argue actual Supreme Court cases.  Use the cases and information provided as a backdrop for some lively classroom debates, such as whether or not it should be Constitutional for schools to search students' belongings.  It's good practice for them to do what lawyers do:  build support for their arguments.  You can also listen to actual oral arguments in the cases.
3. TryScience's Extreme Challenge combines students' interest in extreme sports with science.  By exploring the site, they can learn why traveling on a snowboard in a crouched position is more aerodynamic for faster movement, or how fiber typing different muscles is important for athletes.  Then, they apply their science knowledge to compete in the online games!  Try the Quick Games to practice the challenges without registering.
4. Addition MATHO is an online game which allows students to practice basic addition to win a BINGO challenge.
5. StudentTreasures Publishing offers an exciting way to get your class motivated about writing.  Through their publishing service, you can guide your students in a writing process that culminates in an actual published, hardbound book!  The program offers a couple of free packages:  a class book where students can contribute a page, or a school-wide deal that offers $2,000 in free books.  See the site for more details and examples, like the ones shown below.