Tech Tools for Teachers

In the final episode of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna and Fuzz reflect on eight seasons, 235 episodes, and how educational technology has changed since the show began in 2019. They discuss the shift from fun classroom websites to online learning, video tools, AI supports, and now a growing need to balance technology with unplugged time, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences. Fo...

In Episode 234 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares the tools she uses the most in her own classroom and coaching work. After covering hundreds of websites over the years, these are the go-to resources that have become part of her regular teaching routine: Classroomscreen for classroom management, Google Slides for flexible design and student supports, Google Vids for directions...

In Episode 233 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares two free science resources for the classroom. LabXchange offers standards-aligned science simulations, case studies, teaching guides, videos, and virtual labs for high school and upper middle school students. Little Alchemy 2 gives younger students a fun way to explore combinations, elements, vocabulary, and problem-solving thro...

In Episode 232 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares Boddle Learning , a game-based practice platform for K–6 students. Boddle supports math, ELA, and science practice with engaging characters, learning adventures, rewards, and teacher dashboards. Teachers can assign skills, track student progress, identify learning gaps, and use it for classroom practice or summer learning suppor...

In Episode 231 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , we explore Chalkie AI , a teacher-focused AI tool that helps create single lessons, lesson series, activity sheets, and quick review resources. Shanna shares how Chalkie can save time when you need a fast sub plan, station activity, or ready-to-go lesson support. With grade-level adjustments, reading-level options, and classroom-friendly layo...

In Episode 230 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , we talk about three free resources to help students prepare for testing season. Shanna shares how Khan Academy , ACT.org , and eSpark can support students with standardized test content, online question formats, and digital testing skills. These tools are useful for in-class practice, family support at home, and helping students feel more con...

In Episode 229, we share a big announcement: the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast will pause after Episode 235 at the end of this school year. Then we dive into March Book Madness , a bracket-style reading competition started by two Ohio teachers that brings excitement and engagement to reading for picture books, middle grade, and young adult levels. We also revisit Epic , a digital reading platfor...

The Olympics are here — and our middle schoolers are ALL IN. 🥇 In this episode, we’re sharing two free, student-friendly websites that make it easy to connect the Olympic Games (and Paralympics!) to every content area. From researching athletes and debating who deserves the gold… to mapping host countries and learning world geography… these tools help students make real-world connections in meani...

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , we’re tackling indoor recess and cold-weather creativity with two easy, no-friction tools. Tools Featured BoMoMo – Abstract art through motion and color Sketchpad (Sketch.io) – Simple digital drawing and design space Why We Love Them No logins or setup Works on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops Great for brain breaks and creative resets Flexible for...

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , we’re taking a fresh look at National Geographic Kids and all the updates that make it an even better classroom resource. We talk about: Using Nat Geo Kids for bell ringers and quick research Quizzes, games, puzzles, and “Weird But True” facts Easy-to-read articles with strong visuals Connections to science, social studies, geography, and current...

We're kicking off 2026 with two coding resources inspired by winter-break. This week, we feature Coddy.tech , a goal-based coding platform where students can choose a language (Python, JavaScript, HTML, and more) and a skill level, then follow a step-by-step learning path with built-in feedback and challenges. We also talk about projects.raspberrypi.org , a free project hub from the Raspberry Pi F...

In Episode 224, Shanna highlights Google Vids , a video creation tool inside Google Workspace that makes it easy for students and teachers to create polished videos quickly. Students can convert existing Google Slides into videos, record their own voiceovers, and create engaging presentations in less time than traditional slide talks. Shanna shares classroom examples (like research projects), disc...

In Episode 223 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares HelloKids.com , a free site full of creative classroom-friendly activities—step-by-step drawing guides, crafts, origami, masks, online coloring pages, and even reading resources. It’s a great pick for upper elementary and middle school students during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break, and it fits easily int...

In Episode 222 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna revisits Ducksters , a kid-friendly research site that’s perfect for elementary and middle school learners. She shares how Ducksters supports history, biography, geography, and science research with short, accessible articles, built-in audio read-alouds, quick quizzes, and clearly cited sources. Learn how to use Ducksters for biography...

In Episode 221, Shanna spotlights two free science gems you can use across grade levels. Science News Explores offers up-to-date articles with audio, Power Words vocabulary, explainers, experiments, comics, and STEM career spotlights. Exploratorium brings museum-quality activities to your classroom with “Science Snacks,” NGSS-tagged projects, and print-ready instructions for low-cost, hands-on lea...

In Episode 220, Shanna shares two of her favorite civics education resources:  iCivics.org , which offers free lessons, games, and simulations about government, and the  Center for Civic Education , which provides state-specific and national resources for teachers and communities. iCivics.org Center for Civic Education This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Po...

In Episode 219, we explore fun and free tools to help students practice and understand measurement. Try  RulerGame.net for ruler and temperature games,  Mr. Nussbaum Measurement Games  for hands-on math challenges, and  Marble Run for creative problem-solving with shapes and space. RulerGame.net Mr. Nussbaum Measurement Games Marble Run Related Episode: Episode 42 – Marble...

In Episode 218, we highlight two great poetry resources for teachers. Explore ShelSilverstein.com  for videos, activities, and lesson ideas tied to Silverstein’s classic books, and  Poetry4Kids.com  for funny poems, a rhyming dictionary, writing lessons, and audio recordings. Both sites are fantastic for making poetry engaging and accessible for students. Shel Silverstein Official S...

In Episode 217, we dive into  Pixar in a Box , a free collaboration between Pixar and Khan Academy that blends storytelling, math, computer science, and design. Explore educator guides, standards-aligned lessons, and interactive activities that help students understand how real animation pipelines work—from virtual cameras and rigging to lighting and rendering. Pixar in a Box (Pixar overview)...

In Episode 216, we highlight two fun content review sites that also support charitable causes. Students can practice math, vocabulary, science, and more with  BeanBeanBean  while donating to U.S. food banks, or try  Free Rice , which donates through the UN World Food Programme. Great for choice boards, stations, or quick classroom competitions! BeanBeanBean Free Rice This podcast us...

In Episode 215, we dig into  Khanmigo , Khan Academy’s free AI toolkit for teachers. Generate lesson hooks, chunk texts, build quizzes, write newsletters (with translation), create Blooket sets, review class snapshots, and adapt materials for UDL—all in one place and connected to your Khan Academy classes. Khanmigo Khan Academy Teacher Tools This podcast uses the following third-party service...

In Episode 214, we explore Hide & Seek World, a fun, interactive geography tool. Students use context clues and detailed visuals to identify global locations, boosting their observation skills, map knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Hide & Seek World This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.p...

Episode 213 introduces fun and mindful brain break tools perfect for end-of-year restlessness. Discover Pixel Thoughts for quick mindfulness, Patatap for interactive creativity, and Thisissand for calming digital sand art. Pixel Thoughts Patatap This is sand This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac....

In Episode 212, we're diving into Digipuzzle.net, a fantastic platform featuring educational games and puzzles for elementary and middle school students. Discover the huge variety of engaging activities perfect for learning reinforcement, summer practice, or fun brain breaks. Digipuzzle This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac...

In Episode 211, we dive into Science News Explores, a comprehensive resource packed with student-friendly science articles, engaging experiments, and STEM career connections. We also briefly touch on Technovation, a fantastic tool to inspire innovation and technology exploration in your classroom. Science News Explores Technovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:...