5 recommended resources for online learning
Tuesday, 26th January 2021
We know that remote teaching is not the best situation, and is out of the comfort zone of familiarity, as well as requiring lots of additional planning. There are lots of resources available online, but sometimes searching for them is even more time consuming, so here is the suggested list of our ‘top 5’ recommended resources for you to use for free!
GIS Iceland
What is this? This package is a multimedia resource that compiles an interactive GIS map of Iceland along with various short videos for different locations.
Who is it for? Suitable for any Key Stage, although particularly KS3 and 4, in terms of video content.
How can I use it? There are suggested teaching activities within the blog post here but for example this tool would be excellent for introducing Iceland as a place study, for demonstrating variety of landforms across the country, for introducing the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic case study, etc. Students can easily use the resource themselves for independent study.
Eyjafjallajökull case study
What is this? This resource package focuses on the 2010 eruption through videos and worksheets, along with suggested answers. The materials won a GA Silver Award and include tectonic theory, causes and impacts of the eruption, and subsequent management and recovery.
Who is it for? Suitable for Key Stage 3 and 4.
How can I use it? This resource includes an excellent 15 minute video which is followed up by worksheet activities. These could be great as stand-alone lessons, or for developing deeper knowledge of the case study as used in the GCSE specifications.
(For GCSE students there is also a free online Revision Session available on 1st March focusing on tectonic hazards and exam questions.)
Glaciology assessment mats
What is this? A simple assessment tool that takes the theme of glaciers and cold environments and tests student recall. The questions include a variety of command words, as would be expected in a GCSE examination. There are also suggested answers and a case study focus with further links.
Who is it for? Key Stage 4 GCSE, or for developing foundations with beginner A Level studies.
How can I use it? The assessment mats can be downloaded and sent to students for digital work, or they can print at home for off-screen work and answers provided.
Check out Glaciology assessment mats >
(There are also assessment mats for tectonic hazards/volcanoes available)
Speak like a volcanologist
What is this? The resource is a simple literacy keyword matching exercise to pair the appropriate term with a definition. There are two differentiated forms: ‘conversational’ and ‘professional’ for supporting and challenging your students, with answers included.
Who is it for? The ‘conversational’ resource would be appropriate for higher ability KS3 and GCSE, and the ‘professional’ resource would suit KS5 or higher ability KS4.
How can I use it? The resource can be downloaded as a PDF and either used for face-to-face sessions or online, for homework, for independent revision. You could even simply use the key terms as prompts for quizzes or bingo games as a class.
Whales of Iceland
What is this? A resource focusing on the cultural value and use of whales in Iceland, comparing the conflicting uses of whale-watching tours and commercial whaling and considering sustainability. There are suggested teaching activities including a decision-making exercise, and an informative pdf full of facts for curiosity.
Who is it for? Key Stage 3.
How can I use it? There are suggested activities in the resource, including comprehension tasks, threats and benefits, a comparison with the Turtles of Costa Rica sustainability resource, etc.
There are various other teaching materials and suggested activities available via our Classroom Resources. Don’t forget, it’s not too late to sign up for next month’s case study webinars!
We hope these help!