Looking for Free Educational Software?

I found a posting on K to 12 Geek dedicated to free online software for use in K to 12 Schools. I haven’t had a chance to check out all these programs myself, but am reposting them here for our convenience. :

(Page from K to 12 Geek)Everything on this page is FREE for use in K to12 public schools:

The Virtual Microscope – This program was developed for middle school students in an effort to provide a fun and educational reinforcement on how to use a microscope. It was made with Macromedia Director MX and is cross-platform. It is freeware and as long as all parts are kept together, it may be run on as many school or home computers as you wish. It may not be broken apart, sold, or used to make a profit in any way without the express, written consent of David Solon, © 2003.

Pythagorean Theorum Tutorial by Darren Kiehl of Carlisle Area School District

Blender 3D Modeling Software — it’s FREE!! (works on almost every platform)

Free ‘Office’ Suites:

Open Office – for Windows, Linux and Mac (This one I have used and so have many of my friends)

Neo Office – for Macs

2 Responses to “FREE K12 Software Tools”

1. Tim says: July 28, 2010 at 2:16 am

   Free cheat sheets and reference cards on DevCheatSheet.com

   Includes cheat sheets for Open Office, Blender, and hundreds more.

2. Crangle says:September 30, 2010 at 12:53 am

   Hi, I think a test software should also be add into your list of K-12 software. I mean the FREE Google Docs and ProProfs, as well as the shareware QuizCreator. http://www.sameshow.com/quiz-creator.html

Also found in comments on K to 12 Geek:

TenMarks a math practice and learning environment for grades 3-High School– FREE for teachers to use – in class or for their students to use at home. Just launched for teachers (as of Nov.3 2010)–  You can check it out at http://www.tenmarks.com/teachers

See my review HERE.

Math Practice- Repetitive? Frustrating? TenMarks to the Rescue!

A new free online math learning environment just launched! (Found in the comments on K to 12 Geek) posted by Andrew Joseph, Co-Founder & President of TenMarks Education, Inc. As with most free programs, TenMarks also has premium programs available-( parents and teachers can take the premium program for a free spin for one month, then $10 per month or schools can get a bulk rate.) Note: I have not received any compensation for posting this article. (If the company happens to see this post, I would love to be able to have my daughter gain free access to the premium program )Here’s a video from TenMarks about their program:

Summary
TenMarks is a U.S. curriculum-based math practice and learning environment for grades 3-High School– FREE for teachers to use – in class or for their students to use at home. Just launched for teachers (as of Nov.3 2010)–  Now if they would only hire a teacher to co-ordinate their program with the Canadian curriculum, it could be just about perfect! (Strong hint. LOL)  You can check it out at http://www.tenmarks.com/teachers
Details

All the World’s A Stage

Did you know Stratford is for kids too?

Visit Neverland as Peter Pan leads the gang of Lost Boys and battles the pirates on stage at the Avon Theatre at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival with a great offer – Tuesdays thru Thursdays in June, July and August kids are free when you buy an adult ticket. Call 1.800.567.1600 and quote promotion code 33731.*

Click HERE to see all the great Stratford Activities for Kids

Why is Acting so Important?

Recent cuts to the education system have seen many arts programs slashed as non-essentials.Drama is an essential. Dramatic skills are essential for job interviews, presentations,, fostering creativity, empathy,and more. Drama can be integrated into all subject areas . Did you know there are some math problems best solved using the strategy “Act it Out”?

IF you can’t get to Stratford, check out  a Little Theatre Production  close to you!Take a leaf from many famous authors, and put on plays yourselves, even if the only audience is a line up of teddy bear.

Here are some links you may find useful :

http://www.childdrama.com/Menu.html   Tons of FREE Lessons K-12

Drama Printables

L.M. Alcott comprehensive Biography

Math Work Sheet Act it Out

Authors on the Net

I just stumbled across Canadian Author MichaelIP Burke on Twitter!  He is a new author to me, but his site Flower and the Giant.com is very intriguing, so I can’t wait to read some of his books.

 

Some of my other favourite Canadian Author sites include: Robert Munsch, where you can listen to his books online.

 

Jan Brett, ( ton of FREE downloads)

 

 

and for the older crowd Gordon  Korman - (has an interactive message board ) Did you know he wrote his first book at age 12? What are your favourite Canadian author sites?