Wonderopolis vs Instructables

Wonderopolis could be a useful tool for any inquiry-based elementary classroom. With a new question posed and answered every day, you'll have an engaging and relevant resource to spark students' curiosity. Just plan on scaffolding for your not-yet-proficient readers or for your kindergarten and first- and second-grade students, as the content is not differentiated. The Common Core search option mostly helps narrow the search of the 1000+ questions; the site might help teachers better by offering clearer connections to the standards and explanations. Each question and its response is accompanied by a variety of resources: video teasers, an audio option, comprehension checks (literal-level), vocabulary terms with linked definitions, and a word-match exercise. Also of note, there are some open-ended extension activities that are more experiential in nature, and bound to engage students.

- Amy Lauren B.

I love using this site because of the accessibility features. It allows all types of learners to understand the text. The images are rich and the content is engaging. Since it identifies the vocabulary it helps the students better understand the content. If you want a great science article this is it. Along with the article there is a section called try it out. This section explains to the students how they could work with family or friends to dive into the topic more.

- Melissa Z.

This is a great tool for research on many topics. It incorporates visuals, interactive quizzes, vocabulary, and much more. It could be used to study science or social studies type topics with literacy intertwined for presentations, writing, and reading. The video could have the option to be read aloud, but other than that, it is a great addition to the classroom.

- Meredith Portis

An active and supportive user community submits comments, asks and answers questions, and gives encouragement. Classroom interaction could be modeled after this supportive online environment: Kids could work together to tackle projects and then offer feedback on each other’s work. Those inspired to submit projects could form groups, brainstorm ideas, and break projects into steps. Groups could be broken down into multiple roles, such as photographer, instruction writer, inventor, and tester. The site challenges kids to work together, follow directions, and use their imaginations, making it worthwhile in itself.

- Victoria G.

I think this is a teaching tool that you could add to things that you already have. I liked that you can research by different categories instead of it all being thrown together. How I Use It I would let the students research whatever topic we were working on. This seems like it would be a good tool for a science fair project. You could find different instructions to create things.

- Alisha M.

This website contains contests on different crafting. I especially loved the homemade bracelets. Great for Families. There is so much to do on this one website.

- Cynthia E.