Welcome to our resource page for Students, Teachers and Parents! Below is a mix of website links and activities to help you keep your mind and body active, curated by the School of Education. Be sure to check back frequently as this page will be updated weekly with new resources and links!
***Listing last revised December 2021***
To jump to a subject, please click the options below:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Indigenous Education
- Music
- Art
- Law
- Drama
- Language
- Social Studies
- Health & Physical Education
- Film
- History
- Fun Videos, Stream & Life Skills
MATHEMATICS
Math for Young Children
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 2
A set of lessons in 11 bundles, where each set is connected to a key idea in early math. Playful yet challenging. All the activities are field-tested and research-based by Ontario teachers in the Math for Young Children research project with Dr. Cathy Bruce and her research team in Ontario.
www.tmerc.ca/math-for-young-children
Mathology Little Books for Parents and Students
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 3
Pearson Canada has made these well-illustrated and math-specific books available for free access.
www.pearsoncanadaschool.com
TVO Games
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 6
Interactive math games that are engaging and linked to Ontario curriculum.
tvokids.com/school-age/mathematics
Fractions Learning Pathways
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 4 to 10
A dense resource of field-tested and researched activities based on a learning sequence that helps students make sense of fractions. Developed by Dr. Cathy Bruce, Shelley Yearley, Tara Flynn and Ontario teachers.
www.fractionslearningpathways.ca
Playing with Math Tools
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 12
A set of virtual games, tools and lessons for working on math ideas.
www.mathies.ca
And especially for grades 4-11 try the CLIPS section of the site that has virtual lessons and activities, on linear growing patterns, integers, and trigonometry.
www.mathies.ca/activities.html#CLIPS
Topology or Tomfoolery
Grade Level or Age Range: Grade 8 – 12 Family/friend involvement recommended
Subject Area: Recreational Math – topological activities and games
Suited for: Indoor
Estimated Length of Activity: Pick and choose from 15 minutes to days on end
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
» Contact Charles (charwysz@gmail.com) with any questions regarding this package
The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing
The University of Waterloo has some great math resources for teachers available!
www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/resources.html
Scratch (Coding)
Scratch is a great tool for all ages!
scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Which One Doesn't Belong?
Math talk-based picture groups to encourage discussion.
SCIENCE
TRACKS Online and Onland Resources for Families
Grade Level or Age Range: Elementary school aged students and beyond!
Includes Indigenous Education resources, online resources and onland activities across subject areas: Movies, Shows, and Documentaries; Virtual nature; Science experiments; Local Nature Connections; Arts and Crafts; Colouring Books; Indigenous Education; Physical Activities; Curriculum Based Resources
www.tracksprogram.ca/online-and-onland-resources-for-families-1
PhET Interactive Simulations
The University of Colorado host a wide range of science and math simulations covering a wide range of concepts. They graphics look a bit dated, but are a great way to explore each phenomenon.
All the Living Things on Earth
This site visually demonstrates how much weight different types of life form, on our planet occupy. It is amazing!
www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/5/29/17386112/all-life-on-earth-chart-weight-plants-animals-pnas
Which Way Will the Ruler Fall?
Support a ruler (1m length is ideal) or a similar piece of wood or plastic by holding out your forefingers in front of you, but with one end of the ruler sticking out further than the other. Slowly move your fingers together. Can you predict which way the ruler will fall?
Answer:
The ruler will always slide to the centre of gravity. The end that sticks out furthest presses with a greater force than the other end. The ruler will only slide at the point under less pressure and therefore experiencing less friction. Only when they are in equilibrium will both fingers slide. See if other members of your household can predict what will happen.
» For more information and ideas: www.youtube.com/watch?v=djmec-Bweeg
Giant Air Cannon
YOU WILL NEED
- A cardboard box that is roughly cube-shaped
- Strong tape
- A craft knife or similar (you may need help from an adult)
STEPS
Completely remove the flaps from one side of the box and cover the opening with a saggy polythene sheet, such as a garbage bag. Securely tape the bag in place so that you completely cover the opening but keep the sheet saggy. Cut a large circular hole in the opposite side of the box. Pinch the sheet and pull it out and then slam your palm into it to send a blast of air out of the box. Try it out on people in your home and see the look of surprise on their face. See if you can move a paper or plastic cup it out from across the room.
ASK
What is happening? When you suddenly push the polythene towards the box the air pressure rises and a vortex of air spins out of the opening. The vortex is a wave-like motion that travels across the room. The air that reaches the other side of the room is not the same molecules as left your air cannon!
» Watch Ellen having fun with a giant air cannon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VL0M0jmu7k
Cans of Static
YOU WILL NEED
- A ballon
- Empty pop can
STEPS
Inflate and tie a party balloon. Rub it on woollen or acrylic clothing to create static. Put an empty aluminium drink can on a flat surface and bring the balloon close to it. You will be able to make it roll using the charged up balloon.
ASK
What is happening? When you rub the balloon it collects electrons from the clothing, making it negatively charged. When you bring it near the can, the electrons on the balloon repel those in the metal of the can. The surface of the can nearest the balloon becomes momentarily positively charged and is attracted to it. As the can rolls towards the balloon the electrons in the can keep being repelled by the balloon, so it continues to roll.
» For a video explanation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7pcZIlbEx0
Nasa Materials for the Classroom
NASA has great tools for educators - a brilliant gallery of pictures that are a great stimulus for work across so many curriculum areas, together with videos, e-books and so much more.
www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/marshall/classroom/index.html
United Space in Europe
ESA has useful space-related resources for educators.
Elementary: esa.int/Education/Teachers_Corner/Primary_classroom_resources
Secondary: esa.int/Education/Teachers_Corner/Secondary_classroom_resources
The Science Museum Group
Explore over 325,000 objects and archives from the Science Museum, Science and Industry Museum, National Science and Media Museum, National Railway Museum and Locomotion.
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/
Making Ice Cream
Learn about the chemistry of ice, salt and endothermic reactions.
YOU WILL NEED
- ½ tablespoon of sugar
- ¼ cup of milk (dairy, soy, almond etc.)
- 1 drop of vanilla
- 6 tablespoons salt
- Lots of ice or freshly fallen snow
- Medium ziplock plastic bags
- Large ziplock plastic bags
- Spoons
- Small cups or bowls
- Thermometer
STEPS
- Fill the large bag half full of ice or fresh snow. Measure the temperature in the bag and record it.
- Add the salt to the large bag.
- Place the milk, vanilla (Do not add vanilla to chocolate milk) and sugar into the small bag and SEAL IT.
- Place the small bag inside the large bag.
- Seal the large bag.
- Vigorously shake the bag for 5 minutes (until mixture turns into ice cream).
- After 5 minutes of shaking, let the bag sit for a few minutes. Now take the temperature inside the larger bag. Has it changed?
- Wipe off the top of the small bag
- Open carefully and transfer the ice cream to the cup or bowl.
- ENJOY!
ASK
What does the salt do?
Ice has to absorb energy to melt. The arrangement of the water molecules becomes less ordered and the phase goes from a solid to a liquid. When you use ice to cool the ingredients for ice cream, energy is absorbed by the ice from the ingredients and from the outside environment. When you add salt to the ice, it lowers the freezing point of the ice, so even more energy has to be absorbed from the environment for the ice to melt. This makes the ice colder than it was before, which is how your ice cream freezes.
Who invented ice cream?
Legend has it that the Roman emperor, Nero, discovered ice cream, but it may even date back to the 4th century BCE. Runners brought snow from the mountains to make the first Roman ice cream. In 1846, Nancy Johnson invented the hand-cranked churn and ice cream surged in popularity. Then, in 1904, ice cream cones were invented at the St. Louis World Exposition. An ice cream vendor ran out of dishes and improvised by rolling up some waffles to make cones.
Exploring Water
Check out the below links to learn more about the varying facets of water!
A U.S. website has lots of STEM ideas on a watery theme:
savethewater.org/education-resources/stem-and-water-science-education/
Planet H2O is another U.S. website with some useful ideas:
thirteen.org/h2o/index.html
Find out about the Watershed Stewardship Program here:
campkawartha.ca/environmental-education-centre/be-a-water-steward-program/
Find out about shadufs here:
islandsky.com/products/
Exploring Paper Helicopters
- Make a paper helicopter using the template below.
- Investigate the way the helicopter falls. What factors affect its rate of falling? Can you make it slower or faster?
- Make one or more modifications to your helicopter and see how it falls. You may use scissors to change the helicopter or use paper clips to change its mass.
- How did your modification(s) affect the helicopter’s fall?
NEXT
- Describe the modifications you made and why.
- What variables were you testing?
- How did you make the helicopter fall faster or slower?
- Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) that summarizes at least two pieces of information that you learned about your paper helicopters.
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION
Indigenous Education: The National Centre for Collaboration
Diverse array of Indigenous resources for teachers, parents, students, youth and families. Also visit the youtube channel Think Indigenous for additional videos.
www.nccie.ca
Natural Curiosity
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 12
Natural Curiosity is a website and resource for teachers. Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition was revised and addresses environmental learning through an indigenous lens.
www.facebook.com/naturalcuriositypage/
The Secret Path: Lessons and Activities
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 5 - 8
Together with his 1st Year Teacher Candidates (2017) and Intermediate students from PVNCCDSB (2017), Instructor Mitch Champagne lead a project to develop a resource inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack. This resource is free to download and is widely used by educators across the province.
www.trentu.ca/education/resources/secret-path-lesson-plans-and-artwork
MUSIC
Music Play Online
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 6
- Includes activities by musical concepts
- Supporting resources and instructions for teaching/completing on your own
Note Flight
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 4 - 12
- Options to create your own music using traditional notation
- Open platform to practice playin popular music that others in the community have uploaded
- You will need an e-mail to sign-up, but it is free
Tone Savvy
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 7 - 12
- Practice ear training, chords, and other aural exercises
tonesavvy.com/music-practice-exercises/
Incredibox
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 8
- Free software as an introduction to working with loops and beats
- Electronic composition and songwriting
Sound Trap
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 6 - 12
- Digital Audio Workstations for creating electronic music
- Free versions available, some school boards have purchased accounts to unlock additional features
Myleene’s Music Klass
Myleene Klass is a great musician who has some online sessions now for children.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ/featured
ART
Creating Spring Gardens by Chalking Our Sidewalks (or Laneways)
Grade Level or Age Range: Primary/Junior
Subject Area: Art/Science/Literacy
Suited for: Outdoor hands on activities. Weather permitting.
Estimated Length of Activity: Varies depending on age and supply of sidewalk chalk.
Can be a start, stop, and continue process. Chalk gardens can be added to day after day.
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
Supplies Needed
- Chalk that is designed for outdoor pavement use. (Dollar stores/Wal-Mart/Michaels)
- Pail with warm soapy water and towel for cleaning hands.
- Take a broom and sweep the pavement area for any sand or mud on the surface.
- Adults can draw outlines of flowers/leaves/trees for younger children to colour with chalk.
Before beginning the activity a springtime story could be shared, pictures of flowers and signs of spring could be talked about. [5 minutes]
If there is a good supply of chalk, let the children select their colours and begin chalking flowers. If there is only a small supply then discuss the sharing process so colour choice is fair. Encourage the children to make flowers, birds, little creatures, nests, sun and other signs of spring. Have them print any words that they describe their art work.
As the chalk garden grows take some snap shots to capture their artwork and memory.
This activity was inspired by walking in our community and seeing the incredible chalk art that people are creating on the sidewalk and laneways.
Alternative
Math Questions chalked on the pavement can be a fun way for children to do some basic math tasks. Inspirational quotes can be chalked on the pavement too.
Supporting Links
https://www.pinterest.ca/rachelmaser/sidewalk-chalk-art/?autologin=true
Art Projects for Kids
Projects for kids: easy art and craft lessons.
artprojectsforkids.org
LAW
Values of the Justice System
Grade Level or Age Range: Grade 10
Subject Area: Law (Grade 10 Civics)
Suited for: Indoor
Estimated Length of Activity: 12 - 13 hours
The resource was developed in 2005 by a team of teachers, and is based on discussions with Ontario’s then Chief Justices who identified key values underlying our justice system. The material is intended to assist in stimulating discussion, debate, criticism, study and analysis of principles underlying our legal system, recognizing that the teacher is entitled to use any or all of the resource as considered appropriate for the discussion of what may be controversial issues.
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
The activity clusters represent but a small portion of the entire course, estimated at about 20%, or 12-13 hours. Therefore, it is not necessarily intended that the classroom teacher utilize every activity found within the numerous appendices. Wherever possible, the activity packages were designed so that the classroom teacher could meet the expectations while engaging the students. Culminating activities, particularly in Section 5, enable students to delve into the nature and implications of legal rights and responsibilities. Beyond the immediate framework of the Grade 10 Civics course, it is anticipated that students will gain a greater, more nuanced understanding of their roles as citizens of local, national and international communities.
Supporting Links
ojen.ca/en/resources/classroom
Law and the Ontario Curriculum: Secondary Version
Grade Level or Age Range: Grade 9 - 12
Subject Area: Law
Suited for: Indoor
Estimated Length of Activity: Open
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
These grade-specific guides provide law-related curriculum expectations and suggested discussion points to engage students. Additional resources, including summaries of recent significant cases, The Values of the Justice System (a resource for Gr. 10 Civics), and proceedings from the Summer Law Institutes for High School Teachers, are available online at www.ojen.ca. Although intended for use by volunteers from the justice sector, teachers may wish to refer to this resource while planning for the Courtrooms & Classrooms visit.
Supporting Links
ojen.ca/en/resource/law-and-the-ontario-curriculum-secondary-version-grades-9-to-12
DRAMA
The Young People’s Theatre
Grade Level or Age Range: Families with young children.
In this first video Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre highlights a storytelling activity that I’ve tried around the campfire but your family can try at home at any time throughout the day. It is based on the book “Fortunately, Unfortunately” by Michael Foreman.
youngpeoplestheatre.org/dramaschool/front-page/inside-with-imagination/
LANGUAGE
The World of David Walliams
Some super audiobooks for children from the wonderful David Walliams
www.worldofdavidwalliams.com
Social Distancing Matters (But Why?)
Grade Level or Age Range: Intermediate/Senior (Grades 7 - 12)
Subject Area: Math/Language/Media
Suited for: Social media interactions. Email, messenger, twitter, facebook.....
Estimated Length of Activity: Varies depending on time of responses
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
Begin by research COVID19 and the need to stay home and also practice ‘social distancing’ when out in public.
- Create a simple survey with a question around ‘social distancing’ and the challenges.
- Send out the message to gather opinions on how your peers feel about the need to be 6 to 10 feet apart. What number of your peers are following this directive and what number are challenged to follow the Social Distancing request/rule?
- After you have sufficient feedback write an opinion piece that reflects the information your peers provided. What is your position on this one element that has become necessary to the COVID19?
- If you see the value in what you have learned, make it know to others. Share it.
Supporting Links
toronto.citynews.ca/2020/03/25/next-few-days-critical-for-social-distancing-ontario-health-officials/
The Critical Thinking Consortium
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 12
Parents can play a role in nurturing their children’s ability to think critically, creatively and collaboratively.
The following resources provide useful suggestions for actions that parents can take at home.
- Critical Discussions
- Simply READ
- Simply WRITE
- Thoughtful Books
Supporting Links
tc2.ca/en/creative-collaborative-critical-thinking/professional-learning/parents/what-to-do-at-home/
Hansel & Gretal Opera
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 3 - 6
Subject Area: Language & Arts
Estimated Length of Activity: 1 Hour
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
* All activities are provided on the Westben website below.
- Read or listen to the synopsis of the opera Hansel & Gretal (3:22 minutes)
- Watch the video and learn the dance the children do in the opera.
- Follow-up activities provided.
- Have fun!
https://www.westben.ca/blog/2020/3/30/westben-kids-3-hansel-and-gretel?rq=Hansel
Harry Potter at Home
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 4 - 6
Subject Area: Language
Estimated Length of Activity: A broad range of activities of varying lengths
Great website for Harry Potter fans and those who are new to the books! The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is available at no cost from Audible. There are many readings and activities related to the world of Harry Potter.
www.wizardingworld.com/news/introducing-hp-at-home
Aga Khan Museum
Grade Level or Age Range: Primary/Junior
Subject Area: Arts, History, Language
Estimated Length of Activity: 10 minutes to several hours
A variety of creative activities related to the museum collection are provided: storytelling, puzzles, art, history.
www.agakhanmuseum.org/programs/play-and-learn
Audible
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 7 - 12
Subject Area: Language
Audible’s collection, including classics and YA lit, is now free!
Write/Film a Digital Story
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 7 - 12
Subject Area: Language
Write and then film a digital story. Here are some resources:
edtechteacher.org/8-steps-to-great-digital-storytelling-from-samantha-on-edudemic/
resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/digital-storytelling/
Set a Reading Goal!
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 7 - 12
Subject Area: Language
Set yourself a reading goal: one new book a week? Write a journal page a day? Get through a whole novel? Finish the Harry Potter series? What would be a great accomplishment for you?
Write...
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 7 - 12
Subject Area: Language
Write a song, poem, play, film, or short story about “love in the time of Coronavirus” or how you are spending time during the pandemic.
Forest of Reading
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 12
Subject Area: Literacy
Canadian curated award winning book lists for all grade levels K-12 including current year reading list.
Starfall
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
Plays, fiction, non-fiction, comics, tongue twisters etc. Designed for Grade One and Two learners.
Reading A-Z
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
Downloadable levelled readers, alphabet books, poetry, non-fiction, and fiction that can be printed and assembled; Read along texts. (7-day free trial)
Tumble Book Library
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
www.tumblebooks.com/library
(30-day free trial)
International Children’s Digital Library
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
Nearly 1000 animated talking books that can be downloaded.
Jan Brett Dolch Word List
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
11 Dolch bingo card games using 220 most common sight words.
www.janbrett.com/games/jan_brett_dolch_word_list_main.htm
Word Families
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
Variety of word families (onsets and rimes) activities using Fry’s Instant Hundred Words.
www.candohelperpage.com/sightvocab_1.html#anchor_386
Word Family Sort
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 5
Subject Area: Literacy
Variety of interactive word family (onsets and rimes) sorts presented by short vowels.
https://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/word-family-sort
ABC Teach
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
This site contains forms of writing, writing prompts and writing skills. There are free printable pages and activities for young children.
Education Place
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
There are examples of children’s writing for a variety of genres.
CanTeach
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
This contains a variety of writing prompts, journal topics and writing activities.
www.canteach.ca/elementary/englangarts.html
Mother Goose Caboose
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 6
Subject Area: Literacy
You will find writing themes and poetry related to writing, as well as, games and activities.
www.mothergoosecaboose.com/main.html
Read. Write. Think.
Our mission is to provide educators, parents, and afterschool professionals with access to the highest quality practices in reading and language arts instruction by offering the very best in free materials.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Ontario Elementary Social Studies Teachers Association
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 8
Subject Area: Social Studies
Canada History & Geography Sites
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 12
Subject Area: Social Studies, Geography, History
www.canadashistory.ca/
www.craigmarlatt.com/canada/
onlineclassroom.cangeoeducation.ca/
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
P.E. with Joe
Grade Level or Age Range: K - 12
Subject Area: Physical Education
Suited for: Indoor
Estimated Length of Activity: 30 minutes with breaks included
OUTLINE OF ACTIVITY
Warm up, physical education, with breaks
Supporting Links
m.youtube.com/watch?v=-8o8wMgAT-Y
FILM
My Life with Rainbows
Grade Level or Age Range: Grades K - 12
In this film, a girl explains how her life works with two moms.
vimeo.com/398930022 |. Password to view: rainbowlife
Discussion Questions (Pick Three)
- Who is in your family?
- Who are your friends?
- What does each family member love to do?
- What are your favourite things to do with your friends? What can you still do with them while we’re in isolation?
- Why do you think Elena asks, “Is it though, is it really though?” after another character says that it is “impossible to have two moms,”? How do you think Elena is feeling when she asks?
- How can you learn about different family experiences without asking the kids in each kind of family?
- Does anyone tease you for who is in your family or who your friends are? How do you respond?
- Why do you think people tease others for who are in their families?
- Can you name all of the different kind of images used in Elena’s film? For example, drawings, live video, photos...
- What digital media do you know how to use and what would you like to learn?
Activities (pick one)
- Draw a picture of your family. Show in the picture what each person loves to do.
- What things does your friend do that you like about them? Write them down, or draw them, or record them, and send them to your friend.
- Build the perfect home for you and your family with Lego or on Minecraft.
- What is your response to people who tease others because of their family or friends? Respond by writing a letter, or drawing a picture, or making a comic book, or making a podcast, or making a video, etc.
- With your parents’ permission and supervision, find a Youtube video tutorial that teaches you how to use a digital medium (messenger kids, iMovie, garage band, tick tock, windows movie maker, Instagram, discord, audacity, etc.) and try to learn the medium.
HISTORY
The Imperial War Museum
Explore around 800,000 items that tell the story of modern war and conflict, collected by the museum since 1917.
www.iwm.org.uk/collections
The Royal Museums Greenwich
Search our collections, discover epic stories of sea, space and exploration, and get expert insight from our museum curators and specialists. There's a whole universe to discover online at Royal Museums Greenwich.
www.rmg.co.uk/discover
The Natural History Museum
Find answers to your big nature questions. Delve into stories about the Museum's collections, scientists and research. Uncover the history of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.
www.nhm.ac.uk/discover.html
FUN VIDEOS, STREAMS & LIFE SKILLS
Explore (Live cams of wild life)
You can watch the puppy playroom webcam - there are links to kittens and other animals too!
explore.org/livecams/currently-live/service-puppy-cam
The Kid Should See This
A source bank of so many kid-friendly and fascinating videos on a variety of topics.
thekidshouldseethis.com
The Edinburgh Zoo
You can watch the penguins at the Edinburgh zoo; links to other cams, koalas, pandas, tigers, etc.
www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/penguin-cam
Jamie Oliver - Get Kids Cooking
Jamie Oliver offers recipes for all ages that could be considered both applied math, health, and many other things!
www.jamieoliver.com/features/category/get-kids-cooking/?fbclid=IwAR0AaR0HSIojweMHjCW4v2jkyRnoVzMNU_oEsJ8xkz2_lcb5SdnDD2qRWrA
The Museum of the World
The British Museum has a virtual tour, covering ancient history to modern day
britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/
www.youtube.com/user/britishmuseum/videos