Transparent Google
http://www.kokogiak.com/gmaps-transparencies.html
This is a very cool mashup. Normally, mashups are of one application to another. However, this one is "Google on Google", for lack of a better term.
The basic map is the satellite based Google maps. Select your city or just go ahead and give your coordinates. In addition to your satellite map, you now have an overlay map showing major streets. At the bottom, go ahead and adjust the transparency level.
Of course, there's also the nice features of zooming and panning that we've come to know from Google Maps.
Oh, and if you want to change what's on top, the "Toggle Views" button will shuttle the maps from the background to the foreground.
The Teacher's Desk
http://www.teachersdesk.org/lessons.html
It's always inspiring when educators share their best with others. At The Teacher's Desk, look for over 150 ideas that have been tried in the classroom.
The truly powerful thing about resources like this is that they're always a starting point for refining teaching in your own classroom. Even if you're not a Junior teacher, it's can always be a launchpad to something great.
Static Map Wizard
http://gmaps-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/simplewizard/makestaticmap.html
Now here's something that just might have a really practical use. With all of the road construction projects on the go, your standard GPS or printed instructions don't have a chance. With this wizard, you create an overlay simply by clicking on a mashup of Google maps. You have all of the functional things at your disposal including zoom in and out.
No more instructions from people like me that grew up in rural settings. "Turn left at the second stoplight." Say it with pictures. You can even generate a URL to embed the map in your website.
Infochimps
http://infochimps.org/
My friend Ross, the mathematician, sent me the link to this resource on my del.icio.us account. The premise is simple. If you're teaching data management, where do you get sets of data to use without creating your own?
Of course Statistics Canada is an awesome resource for all things Canadian. Infochimps takes the process another step further. I found that the search by tag feature lets you zero in quickly on a concept.
Stored in csv format, the data is perfect for analysis with StarOffice Calc, Fathom, or even Tinkerplots. Just a word of warning though, your standard unzipping program won't work here. Read their explanation about how to unarchive their data.
Poducate Me
http://poducateme.com/
If you can't get enough background information about podcasting or just want to learn so much more, head on over to Poducate me. You'll find more details and benefits for having your students podcast.
If you're looking for an index of step by step details, it's all covered here. Check out this page on the site. http://poducateme.com/guide/ If you can't find inspiration or ideas there, I'm not sure where else you'd turn!
Yahoo! Teachers
http://teachers.yahoo.com/
Want in on the ground floor? This hasn't gone live yet but you can sign up for notification when it does. What can Yahoo! bring to the education front?
