Thinkfinity Links Curriculum and 21st Century Skills

Last year we began exploring the topic of 21st Century Skills. What are those skills that our students will need to meet the challenges of the future? In our conversations last year, we discussed finding ways to integrate content knowledge, technology and learning skills including research and information literacy, critical thinking, problem solving , decision making, innovation, and creativity.

With so many competing demands and limited time, teachers are seeking tools that enable them to quickly locate and access high quality online standards-based resources. Recently I came across an article that featured Thinkfinity as one such online resource that integrates 21st century learning skills.

Thinkfinity is a Verizon Foundation initiative to build a comprehensive digital platform that empowers teachers with the tools to integrate technology in core subject areas. Edutopia Magazine and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) rated Thinkfinity as a leading online source for finding and downloading lessons and resources including: printable materials and worksheets, multimedia, interactive lessons, reference material and primary sources. These lessons are designed by leaders in education and technology.

The site is easy to navigate using its powerful search engine. I was able to search lessons by subject area, key word, grade level or even by resource type. By clicking on each link, I quickly accessed the lesson plan, materials, and resources. Lessons are highly engaging and provide opportunities for students to make connections between their classrooms and the real world. Some examples are:

Your Town Past, Present, Future (Grades 3-5) Shows one way the study of geography can be applied to planning for the future. By studying the town of Bodie, California, an old gold mining town, students are encouraged to explore environmental issues in their own community and develop a plan to address them.

Amazon Interactive (Grades 1-5) Students explore the geography of the Ecuadorian Amazon and learn about the rainforest through interactive online games. Students can even try their hands at running an ecotourism business.

There are numerous interactive math lessons and activities for children K-8 designed to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. This site is also a great resource for activities that can be used at home to reinforce skills taught in school. For example, there are interactive math games that allow children to compete with themselves or against the computer. In addition there is a parent portal which includes resources and activities parents can utilize with their children at home.