Home Page for Thinkfinity (formerly Marco Polo)

Before we begin the actual training, there are a couple of things you need to do:

• Learn about the Partner Sites  (You will need to register if you have not already done so.)
• Click here to see the newest resources added to Thinkfinity
   

• At the Xpeditions site, click on "Lesson Plans" to see various lesson plans as per standard and/or grade level.
• HyperHistory Online--is an expanding scientific projecct presenting 3,000 years of world history with an interactive combination of lifelines, timelines, and maps.  (found under Recommended Links)
   
• TerraServer--contains high resolution aerial imagery and topographic maps.  Put in a search for your street address!  (found under Recommended Links)
   
• Explore the Xpedition Hall:  check out the "Environment and Society"--Living Landscapes.
• At the main site, click on Atlas Maps to get printer-friendly maps and/or make posters of maps.
• EconEdLink is a wonderful resource for economic education.
• Earth from Space--look at hurricanes, landforms, etc. from space. This site could be used for science and social studies.
   

• Index of Science Tools--by grade level and content area
  • Simple Machines--one example in this area is Simple Machines
     
• Coral Reef Connections--This resource explores Australia�s Great Barrier Reef, the largest structure on Earth built by living organisms.
• Mammoth Extinction--click on "Introduction" and then "Play Video"
• Danger to shark population--click on "Play video"
• Feature Bulletins--including one on West Nile
• Parts of the Body game--There are many Sesame Street activities and educational games. This is one on the parts of the body for grades K-2.
   

• WebLinks from Illuminations site--go to this site to choose the main math concept that you want to search for web resources.
• Online Math Activities--these resources are like free software!! Go to this site to search either by grade level or topic. You may need to wait a little bit for these to load!
  • Bobbie Bear--for PK-5 grade students.
     
  • Turtle Pond--for grades K-8.
     
  • Geometric Solids--PK-12
  • Light Bounce--grades 9-12

• Flip Book examples--variety of examples showcasing how flip books can be used. This is a good one for note taking.
• Student Materials--collection of online materials to support literacy
• Resources that assist with Marzano's 9 effective instructional strategies
  • compare and contrast
  • circle plot diagram--a pre-writing graphic organizer
  • graphic map--creates graphic representation of high and low points
  • persuasion map--interactive graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive essay or debate
  • ReadWriteThink Notetaker--This hierarchical outlining tool allows students to organize up to five levels of information for reading and writing activities.
  • ReadWriteThink Webbing Tool--A free-form graphic organizer allowing students to analyze readings as well as a prewriting activity and flowcharting tool.

• Literature and Language Arts
• Art and Culture
• Foreign Language
• History and Social Studies