| Laboratory | History | Geography | Art & Music | Science | Languages | Math | Skills and How-To | Just for Kids |
The Very Best of Dr. Brain 
Recommend a Site |
 Dr. Brain's Very Favorite Learning Sites As of 05 December 2002, 79 of the Learning Sites on Doctor Brain's Laboratory have earned 5 Brains! How we Rate Sites - the Brainpower Index
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Dr. Brain's Directory of Sites 
Free Downloads and Cool Sites |
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Site: The Lost Museum Author: The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and others |
Site: FamilyGames.com Author: Nick Sullivan |
Site: Shared Drawing Author: Randall Moss |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Science - Key Stage 3 Author: Learn.co.uk |
Site: Spanish Unlimited Author: Internet Education Services, SL |
Site: Learn.co.uk: Maths - Key Stage 3 Author: Learn.co.uk |
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Site: The Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy Author: Online Writing Workshops, LLC |
Site: Create Art Author: Sanford Corporation URL: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/create/create.html |
Site: GeoNet Author: Houghton Mifflin Company |
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Category -> Art More great Art sites here |
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Drawing Portraits |
Site: ArtWow Drawing Lessons: The Human Eye URL: http://www.art-wow.com/Lessons/eyes/eyesIntro.html More detailed and informative than ArtWow's Human Body tutorial listed below, The Human Eye gives lots of detailed tips on how to bring life and realism to your drawings of the eye. Highly recommended. Tip: Unless you have a really ancient browser, choose "Dynamic Lessons." If you're just beginning to draw, check out this page: http://www.art-wow.com/HTML/drawing.html Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Virtual Pose 2 The Ultimate Visual Reference Series for Drawing the Human Figure - CD ROM |
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The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression |
Site: ArtWow Drawing Lessons - the Face and Head URL: http://www.art-wow.com/Lessons/draw4.html Interactive Tutorial. Good, solid instruction on such vital points as facial proportions, facial geometry, and eye placement, topped with 16 rules for drawing faces. Highly Recommended. Tip: If you're just beginning to draw, check out this page: http://www.art-wow.com/HTML/drawing.html Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Careers in Art: an Illustrated Guide
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Site: Create Art Author: Sanford Corporation URL: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/create/create.html Sanford, the art supplies people, created this interactive art site with more art lesssons and technique demonstrations than can possibly be listed here. It's aimed at children, but useful for beginners of any age. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Animals
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Site: Shared Drawing Author: Randall Moss URL: http://www.shareddrawing.com/index.html Collaborate with others in real-time to create drawings and animation. Take a snapshot of your drawing and add it to the Gallery. Join an online community of artists to create a spectacular, ever evolving hand-drawn film. Tip: What you Need: 1)A Java enabled web browser. 2) Patience, if you have a 56k or slower connection to the Internet. At 56 kbps, it will take about 25 seconds to load the drawing applet. Tip: The gallery of snapshots shows 1) what's possible with this wonderful creative online tool, and 2) how much fun artists of all ages are having on this truly wonderful site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Timeline of Art Hisoty URL: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/splash.htm A beautiful and deeply interactive overview of world art history through chronology, maps, and themes, highlighting items in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Includes fabulous videos. Tip: Changes regularly. Extends to 1400 a.d. as of this review, but will eventually extend to the present day. Bookmark and visit often. Tip: Check out the Navigating the Timeline link at the bottom of the page. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern |
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Music Reading for Guitar
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Site: FamilyGames.com Author: Nick Sullivan Nick Sullivan, author of The Seventh Princess, presents the free NoteCard music reading tutorial. 12 levels of difficulty progressing until the entire musical staff has been mastered. Other great tutors and games available as well. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
How to Play Popular Guitar in 10 Easy Lessons
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Category -> Geography More great Geography sites here |
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Site: Everest: Roof of the World Author: The Museum of Science, Boston URL: http://www.mos.org/Everest/home.htm A stunning and unforgettable journey to the summit of Mt. Everest. Photos, text, animations, and lots of interactivity as you follow a team from base camp to summit and share their adventures, sorrows, and eventual triumph. Tip: Click the link "Interactive Tour" in the top center area of the page linked above to begin the tour. Tip: There's more than meets the eye on most pages, so watch for the "More ->" arrow to get the most out of this amazing tour. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: GeoNet Author: Houghton Mifflin Company URL: http://www.eduplace.com/geonet/ Don't let the cartoony look of this site fool you, the GeoNet quizzes at the "Hard" level will challenge most adults' geographical knowledge. All quizzes are on the U.S., with four regions and six categories to a region. Can you beat Dr. Brain's score of 4175 in the West? Tip: At the top right of the window is a link to useful reference maps of the U.S. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: FamilyGames.com Author: Nick Sullivan URL: http://familygames.com/free/agt.html Nick Sullivan, author of The Seventh Princess, presents the free African Geography Tutor, one of the programs that first inspired Doctor Brain to create the Laboratory. Even if you've always been...ahem..."geographically challenged," this tutorial/game can teach you the name and location of African countries and their capitals ina flash. A map to explore, and two types of quizzes to test your knowledge. Great for adults and kids, too. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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 Free NetFlix Trial! |
Site: Family Games: European Geography Tutor Author: Nick Sullivan Nick Sullivan, author of The Seventh Princess, presents the free European Geography Tutor, one of the programs that first inspired Doctor Brain to create the Laboratory. Even if you've always been...ahem..."geographically challenged," this tutorial/game can teach you the name and location of 39 European countries in as little as 30 minutes. A map to explore, and two types of quizzes to test your knowledge. Great for adults and kids, too. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Family Games: U.S. Geography Tutor Author: Nick Sullivan URL: http://familygames.com/free/ugt.html Nick Sullivan, author of The Seventh Princess, presents the free U.S. Geography Tutor, one of the programs that first inspired Doctor Brain to create the Laboratory. Even if you've always been...ahem..."geographically challenged," this tutorial/game can teach you the name and location of all 50 states in a flash. A map to explore, and two types of quizzes to test your knowledge. Great for adults and kids, too. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Category -> History More great History sites here |
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Site: Ancient Egypt Discovery Case Author: Royal Ontario Museum URL: http://www.rom.on.ca/egypt/case/ The "Discovery Case" of this site's title is an interactive treasure chest loaded with beautifully-presented information on dozens of subjects relating to Ancient Egypt. Aimed at older students and adults, with a teacher's area and links to resources. Dr. Brain says, "This one's a keeper!" Tip: During the school year, you can click the question mark icon at the bottom of the menu to "Ask an Egyptologist." Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Documenting a Democracy URL: http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/ A beautifully-presented and comprehensive site about the history of Australia through its documents. Dr. Brain is willing to bet that unless you actually are Australian you know very little about this fascinating, vital nation. Maybe it's time you learned. Explore via Places, Pathways (theme trails), a Timeline of events, or the Picture Album. There's a useful site directory, and a glossary of possibly unfamiliar words. Tip: Indigenous Australians are advised that this website may include images or names of people now deceased. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Ned Kelly: Australian Iron Outlaw Author: URL: http://www.ironoutlaw.com/ Ned Kelly (1854-1889) is Australia's most infamous folk hero, soon to be the subject of a major motion picture starring Australian actor Heath Ledger. This site unfolds the story and the legend of Ned and his gang in numerous well-designed and well-illustrated pages packed with information and entertainment. Dr. Brain says, "Don't miss this one!" Tip: The opening page, linked above, is not to be missed, but if the navigation confuses you, let us suggest this page for a clearer idea of the site structure. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Middle Ages Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/ 7 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. Medieval life at home, in towns, in the church, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Living Memory Author: National Archives of Canada URL: http://www.archives.ca/05/0509_e.html Explore the history of Canada by theme (First Peoples, New France, Women, etc.), by time period, or by media type. The site features links to historical art, maps, government records, manuscripts and more from the Canadian National Archives. Play games, unscramble puzzles, download a Canadian Treasures screensaver. Tip: Both broad and deep, this site's easy to get lost in, but well worth the trip. Pack a bag. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory Author: Chicago Historical Society and Northwestern University URL: http://www.chicagohs.org/fire/intro/ "an online exhibition produced by the Chicago Historical Society and Academic Technologies of Northwestern University to mark the 125th anniversary of one of the most famous events in American history, as well as the most formative event in the history of Chicago," this site views an event of monumental historic significance from many different viewpoints, including eyewitness acconts, contemporary newspaper accounts, fiction, poetry, and art. Stunning depth and breadth of information, well-presented. Dr. Brain says "You'll learn why you should have learned more about the Great Chicago Fire. This is a real WOW of a site." Tip: Be sure to check out both ends of the site: The Great Chicago Fire and The Web of Memory. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Lost Museum Author: The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and others URL: http://www.lostmuseum.cuny.edu An ongoing interactive project dedicated to Barnum's American Museum, one of the cultural wonders of 19th century America, which was destroyed by fire on 13 July 1865. A visual and auditory feast for those with fast internet connections (a 'slow connection version is also available from the link above). Explore the 3-D virtual reality museum; open doors and drawers and cabinets. See the actual contents of the museum reproduced (with numerous links to related reasources), and launch your own investigation into the causes of the mysterious fire that destroyed this amazing piece of American history. Dr. Brain would like to give this one six brains! Tip: Use the arrows to move around in each section of the museum, and don't neglect the "Archive" link when it appears, for fascinating additional information. You can also browse the entire museum archives from the "Browse the Archives" link at the bottom of each museum page. Tip: Explore, explore, explore. Click on everything. And come back again, as the project continues to grow. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery Author: WETA, Washington D.C. URL: http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/ Another of those wonderful PBS sites with lots of great information beautifully presented; a companion site to the Ken Burns series. 2003 marks the 200th anniversary of this daring and ambitious journey into the unknown. Site also includes classroom resources, and ever-changing content. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Renaissance Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/ 5 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. How the Renaissance affected exploration, trade, the arts, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Category -> Kids More great sites for Kids here |
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Site: Shared Drawing Author: Randall Moss URL: http://www.shareddrawing.com/index.html Collaborate with others in real-time to create drawings and animation. Take a snapshot of your drawing and add it to the Gallery. Join an online community of artists to create a spectacular, ever evolving hand-drawn film. Tip: What you Need: 1)A Java enabled web browser. 2) Patience, if you have a 56k or slower connection to the Internet. At 56-kbps, it will take about 25 seconds to load the drawing applet. Tip: The gallery of snapshots shows 1) what's possible with this wonderful creative online tool, and 2) how much fun artists of all ages are having on this site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Create Art URL: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/create/create.html Sanford, the art supplies people, created this site with art lesssons and technique demonstrations in Architecture, Drawing, Color, Perspective, Portrait and Figure Techniques, and more. Terrific content for kids or anyone interested in the basics of art techniques. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: ArtEdventures URL: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/play/play.html Sanford, the art supplies folks, present Carmine Chameleon in a series of wonderfullly interactive primary and intermediate grade games to teach children (and former children) about art. Tip: The games can be downloaded to play at home on either Windows or Macintosh systems. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Lissa Explains it All Author: Lissa URL: http://www.lissaexplains.com/intro.shtml Wow! This is really, really basic info on creating your own web page, from an explanation of HTML, through HTML tags, Frames, Tables, CSS, JavaScript, and more. Even if you're not a kid, but feel intimidated by most HTML learning sites, you might want to try this one first. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: IE5 in the Classroom Author: Act 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation URL: http://www.actden.com/IE5/index.htm Written for intermediate-grade kids, so easy for anyone to follow, no matter how little computer experience you may have. Dr. Brain says, "Surf on in, the water's fine." Tip: Quick explanations are in the screen on the right, links to detailed instructions are at the top. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Microsoft Office Tutorials Author: Act 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation URL: http://www.actden.com/o2k/ Join Agent Max Millennium on a humorous adventure to learn why Microsoft Office 2000 is a must-have for all your classroom projects. Expertise in Office 2000 will give you most of what you need to tackle any later versions of the product. Tip: If you have a 56.6 or better connection, a 3.0 or better browser, and the Flash plug-in, you might want to watch the Flash version. If you don't, an HTML version is available. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Outlook Express in the Classroom Author: Act 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation URL: http://www.actden.com/oe/index.htm Intergalactic traveler @Tom warps in to teach you everything you need to know about sending and receiving electronic mail with Microsoft Outlook Express. Clear and easy instructions, tips, and interactive quizes to reinforce what you've learned. It's so easy, even an adult can do it. Tip: Scroll down through the lesson bits to get to the tips, and links to the Quiz-Byte and the next lesson. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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The Endurance: Shackleton's Perilous Expedition in Antarctica
Four to the Pole!: The American Women's Expedition to Antarctica, 1992-93
Ice Continent: A Story of Antarctica
Seven Weeks on an Iceberg: A Journey to the Coldest Place on the Planet, Antarctica
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Site: Secrets of the Ice Author: The Museum of Science, Boston URL: http://www.secretsoftheice.org/explore/index.html Explore Antarctica from 200 million years ago to the present. Learn about current scientific research, and follow a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and students of The International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ITASE) as they undertake a four-year project of study and exploration. Tons of information, and a special Learning Resources section for students and teachers. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Romans Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/ This is the place to learn about Rome, whether you're a middle-grade student or an adult with an active sense of adventure. Lots and lots of content everywhere, with a timeline, fun facts, pop-up glossary definitions, printable activities galore, and a teachers and parents' area. Dr. Brain is impressed. Tip: At the bottom of each subject page are links to "More to Explore," with even more interesting stuff, and a quiz about the page's contents. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Middle Ages Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/ 7 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. Medieval life at home, in towns, in the church, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Modern World History Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/modern/ An interactive overview of the years between World Wars I and II, this site was designed for British secondary school students, but adult learners will find it a wonderful way to familiarize themselves with the period. Viewing the site at its best requires the Macromedia Shockwave Plug-in, which is free. There's also a non-Shockwave version, if you really insist. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Renaissance Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/ 5 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. How the Renaissance affected exploration, trade, the arts, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: America's Civil War: Teaching the Civil War URL: http://www.fredericksburg.com/CivilWar/Teaching/index_html This site for teaching the U.S. Civil War to 4th and 5th graders features a teacher's guide and glossary, as well as 5 learning units with numerous sub-units, and 7 interactive learning activities. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 7 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=8684 This delightful beginning French tutorial in 30 lessons was designed for elementary school children, but it's easy enough for adults, too. Lesson Objectives, Vocabulary, Listening practgive (every phrase has an audio component to practice proper pronunciation), speaking exercises have answers in pop-up windows. Writing exercises can be printed out. Tests gauge your progress. Doctor Brain loves this one! Tip: Click the audio button beside each speech balloon to hear the conversation in the listening exercises ("Ecoutez"). Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 8 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=8685 24 lessons to add to what you learned in Key Stage 3 - year 7, above. Easy, fun, and you can listen to each phrase being spoken. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Alice Au Pays Des Merveilles (Alice in Wonderland)
Babar En Amérique (Babar in America)
Charlie Et La Grand Ascenseur (Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 9 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=7037 31 lessons building on the French you learned in Key Stage 3 Year 8, above. A delightful way to learn a new language. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 4 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=3960 62 lessons to add to Key Stages 2 and 3, above, for a genuine proficiency in conversational French. Doctor Brain thinks these tutorials are some of the best interactive learning around. Tip: Following the 56 main lessons are grammar lessons on Verb, Articles, Nouns, Adjectives, and Pronouns, and a Useful Expressions list. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: CoolMath: Fractions URL: http://www.coolmath.com/lessons/index.html 17 colorful and easy-to-understand lessons covering every aspect of fractions. These people believe math should be fun, and they've created a great site to prove it. Tip: In the left-hand frame of each lesson are two important links: "Lesson" and "Try It." After reading the lesson, click the "Try It" link to try an interactive demonstration of that lesson's principles. Click "Lesson" to return to the lesson. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: CoolMath4Kids URL: http://www.coolmath4kids.com/ There are so many wonderful math learning games and activities on this site, there's no way for Dr. Brain to do them justice. Just go to the site and start clicking. These people believe math should be fun, and they've created a great site to prove it. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Pigs in the Pantry: Fun with Math and Cooking |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Maths - Key Stage 2 Author: The Manchester Guardian URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=6966 34 easy, interactive lessons take you through the basics of mathematics from numbers, through shapes and measurements, to probability. So easy, even adults can get it. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Every Buddy Counts: Level 1: Counting
A Fair Bear Share: Level 2: Regrouping
Give Me Half!: Level 2: Understanding Halves
The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Book
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Maths - Key Stage 3 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=3961 37 interactive lessons, slightly more advanced than Key Stage 2, above. Goes over Fractions and Decimals, introduces Algebra and Geometry. Lots of interactive tests let you see how you're doing. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Maths - Key Stage 4 (Foundation) Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=11090 30 Interactive lessons and tests to put basic maths knowledge gained in the tutorials above to practical use. Areas include Number and algebra, Shape, space and measurement, and Handling Data. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Category -> Languages More great Language sites here |
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Site: Crammer URL: http://www.korzh.com/crammer/ Author: Korzh.com Crammer is a tool that lets you learn on your computer while you do other things. A tiny text box displays, for example, English words and their Spanish, Russian, or German equivalents, while you browse, check email, etc. Lots of dictionaries available for download, including more languages, capitals, chemistry elements, and music terms. You can create your own dictionaries, or add onto existing ones. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learning English Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/index.shtml If your native language is Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, or Ukrainian, this British English learning site is for you. Using today's news and world events to teach English as a second language, the site is clean and clear and well-organized, and offers BBC news items in the languages above. Quizzes, questions, and chat. Sound files and a video series. Tip: There's also a teachers link toward the bottom left of the page linked above. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: French Steps URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/french/lj A self-contained online French course for beginners. Like its Spanish counterpart, Spanish Steps, it offers many different ways to learn - all interactive and fun. Tip: One level up, on this page, is a French game to play with the kids, French slang phrases, and lots more. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 7 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=8684 This delightful beginning French tutorial in 30 lessons was designed for elementary school children, making it perfect for rank beginners. Lesson Objectives, Vocabulary, Listening practgive (every phrase has an audio component to practice proper pronunciation), speaking exercises have answers in pop-up windows. Writing exercises can be printed out. Tests gauge your progress. Doctor Brain loves this one! Tip: Click the audio button beside each speech balloon to hear the conversation in the listening exercises ("Ecoutez"). Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 8 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=8685 24 lessons Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - French - Key Stage 3 - year 9 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=7037 31 lessons building on the French you learned in Key Stage 3 Year 8, above. A delightful way to learn a new language. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Beag air Bheag (Gaelic) Author: BBC Scotland URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/index.shtml/index.shtml "A taste of Scottish Gaelic for absolute beginners." 10 units with sub-units. flash or html. Conversations in written and audio form, self-tests, traditional Scottish songs, even a message board to help you communicate with other learners. There's an online phrase book, a Song Box, and links to other Gaelic resources. Tip: You'll have a choice between the Flash and HTML versions. Choose the Flash if you have a fairly modern system. The site will connect you to Macromedia if you don't already have the player. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Affordable DSL - Free installation, free modem |
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Site: Talk German Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/german/talk/ 10 Units with sub-units teach you beginning German through video, audio, text readings for key words and key language, and interactive tests. A great site for beginners. Tip: One level up, on this page, are more German language resources. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Giota Beag: A Little Bit (Irish) Author: BBC Northern Ireland URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/blas/learners/beag1.shtml An outstanding learning site. Learn Ulster-flavored Irish in 15 easy-to-absorb 5-minute audio lessons that you can play over and over with streaming audio, and reinforce with reading. Tip: Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Giota Beag Eile: Another Little Bit (Irish) Author: BBC Northern Ireland URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/blas/learners/beag2.shtml An outstanding learning site, and companion to Giota Beag, above. Learn even more Ulster-flavored Irish in 15 easy-to-absorb 5-minute audio lessons that you can play over and over with streaming audio, and reinforce with reading. Tip: Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Try Dish TV Free! |
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Site: Talk Italian Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/italian/talk/ A wonderful beginners' site, with 9 units of Italian language instruction, each with sub-units. Watch video, listen to audio clips, read texts reinforcing key words and key language, then test your knowledge with interactive tests. Dr. Brain loves it. Tip: Tip: One level up, on this page, are more Italian language resources. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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URL: http://members.aol.com/writejapan/ Site: The Japanese Writing Tutor Animated tutorials for practicing the three Japanese character sets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Watch and draw along with the animation to master the proper stroke order for each character. Tip: Scroll a third of the way down the page. If you have an older browser that doesn't support animated GIFs, the pink crane will not be flapping its wings, and it's time to download a newer browser if you want to use this excellent site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Spanish Steps Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/spanish/lj/ Wow! The first steps to learning basic tourist Spanish are right here. Sign up so that your progress through the course can be saved, and you'll also get on online progress chart and phrase-book. Then take a video lesson with your virtual guide, revisit the lesson's conversation with the 'snapshots.' Check out the activities, vocabulary builder, and speaking/listening practice. Dr. Brain thinks this site's a doozy. Tip: One level up, on this page, are more Spanish language resources. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Spanish Unlimited URL: http://www.spanishunlimited.com/su/ This site requires you to register in order to enjoy many of its benefits, but Dr. Brain hasn't found a site with more features for the serious Spanish learner. In additions to language lessons, there are articles on Spanish culture, Spanish jokes, recipes, horoscopes, and learning games. Take an online test to determine your learning level, send Spanish postcards, or meet up with a Spanish pen pal. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Catchprhase Lessons (Welsh) Author: BBC Wales URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/catchphrase/catchphrase1/all.shtml Wow! There are 72 interactive Welsh lessons on this wonderful learning site. Play audio or download it for later. Download and print lessons. This has got to be the Welsh learning site. Tip: At the bottom of this page is a link to a page with even more Welsh language learner resources. Tip: Subscribe to the newsletter to find out when new lessons are posted. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
Teach Yourself Welsh: A Complete Course
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Category -> Mathematics More great Mathematics sites here |
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Site: ExploreMath.com: Activities Author: ExploreLearning.com URL: http://exploremath.com/activities/index.cfm A site full of Shockwave™ activities that create real-time correlations between equations and graphs to help students visualize and experiment with many of the major concepts from Elementary Algebra through Pre-Calculus. Tip: To use an Activity you must first have the free Shockwave plugin. If you're unsure if you have it, click here to check. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - Maths - AS Level Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=5978 43 interactive lessons covering Pure Mathematics 1 and 2, Mechanics, Probability and statistics. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere.
Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Graphit: Online Scientific Calculator Author: Patrik Lundin URL: http://www.coolmath.com/graphit/index.html A Graphing scientific calculator applet with instructions and tips. Amazing. Tip: Instructions and tips for using Graphit with your mouse and keyboard are on the lower portion of the page below the applet itself. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Category -> Science More great Science sites here |
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Site: SciSquad Author: Discovery.com URL: http://kids.discovery.com/KIDS/scisquad/ Science learning activities for middle graders were never so much fun. Kids become SciSquad agents, and advance in rank by solving scientific mysteries. A companion activity to the Discovery Channel series. Be sure to sign up to get the full benefits of the site, including seeing your current SciSquad ranking appear at the top of the page whenever you log on. Click the link at the bottom of the page linked above, and off you go. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Science Monster URL: http://www.sciencemonster.com/ 7 terrific science lessons and learning games for kids. Dr. Brain particularly liked Virtual Mars, but the Gravity and Inertia game (anyone else old enough to remember Lunar Lander?) was cool, too. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Amazing Space Author: The Space Telescope Science Institute URL: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/ Lots and lots of space science activities for middle-graders on the Amazing Space site, "...a set of web-based activities primarily designed for classroom use, but made available for all to enjoy. 10 terrific interactive learning activities as of this review, and you can join First Contact to be notified of future additions. Tip: Requires Macromedia Shockwave plug-in. The site will automatically scan for this, and connect you to the free download if yo need it. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Scanning Electron Microscope Author: The Museum of Science, Boston URL: http://www.mos.org/sln/SEM/ An interactive site about how the scanning electron microscope works, how specimens are prepared and scanned. An image gallery of great SEM pictures (you get to guess what they are), and a special Resources section for teachers. Tip: Click the link "How it Works" in the center area of the page linked above. If you have a fast connection you might want to see the Quicktime movie. Otherwise, choose the self-paced tour. Be sure to visit the Gallery. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Science - Key Stage 3 Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=3964 17 interactive lessons on life sciences, complete with short self-tests, and 13 on physical sciences. Lots and lots of interactivity. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Science - Key Stage 4 (Foundation) Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=19152 26 interactive lessons on pysical, materials, and biological science. Written for middle-grade children, they're also a wonderful way to introduce yourself to science, or just brush up on all you've forgotten since school. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk: Science - Key Stage 4 (Higher) Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=34209 27 lessons on the biological and physical sciences, with tests. Uses knowledge gained in the three Learn.co.uk tutorials above. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - Biology: AS Level Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=15534 36 excellent interactive lessons, with numerous sub-units, illustrated with clear and sometimes interactive graphics. These were designed for upper-grade students, so they make an excellent introduction or brush-up course for adults, also. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Learn.co.uk - Physics: AS Level Author: Learn.co.uk URL: http://www.Learn.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=Topic&WCU=6060 26 excellent interactive lessons and sub-units for upper-grade students and adults in need of a quick physics fix, covering Physical Quantities and Units, Kinematics and Dynamics, Mechanics, Circular Motion, Phases of Matter, Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves, Elecricity and Magnetism, and Nuclear Physics. Animations illustrate various physical laws. Tip: Learn.co.uk tutorials were designed to prepare students for the U.K.'s National Curriculum tests, but are super learning tools for anyone, anywhere. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Category -> Skills & How-To More great Skills & How-To sites here |
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Site: Basic HTML Primer Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/primer_1.html If other HTML learning sites or books have intimidated you in the past, try this one. Every aspect of HTML for the nervous beginner is painstakingly explained, step-by-step. It's even set up so that you can do one lesson a day to master HTML basics in a week. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: HTML For Beginners Author: Fred Dekker and Donald St. John URL: http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/0-3881-8-5893399-1.html This excellent site will walk you through every aspect of building a website, no matter how little you know about the subject, and teach you the basics of site design at the same time you're learning HTML markup. Clean, clear, navigable, and easy to understand. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Banner Primers Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. and Andree Growney URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/bannerprimers.html 7 primers on designing ad banners from the ground up. Learn how to create them, animate them, and use them. Here's a web tutorial that's been needed for a long time. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: JAVAScript Primers Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. and Andree Growney URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/jsp/ 30 primers cover JAVAScript from Dates, Times, and Event Handlers to Loops and Arrays and beyond. Each learning unit is presented, deconstructed, and summarized, then there's an assignment you can do to put what you've learned to practical use. Dr. Brain was wowed by how well these primers were written and presented. Tip: Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: PERL Primers Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/perl/perltoc.html This is the place to come if you want to learn PERL and CGI, and you've been needlessly intimidated by other web tutorials. From an introduction to the principles of PERL, through guestbook scripting to a personal search engine and password-protection scripts. Tip: Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Renaissance Tailor Author: Tammie L. Dupuis URL: http://www.vertetsable.com/ If Renaissance costume is your thing, this site will definitely raise your heart rate. Articles, PDF printouts, demos, patterns, and so much more. It's not always easy to tell where you'll find what you want, but there's a lot of information, and it's frequently updated. Tip: Mouse-over the menu items on the left of the page linked above to see a description of that area. Tip: Frames-only site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Online Writing Workshop for Horror URL: http://horror.onlinewritingworkshop.com/ Like the companion Online Workshop for Science Ficiton, this site is the gateway to a true writing community of professionals and serious para-professional writers. One member writes: "This workshop has been more helpful with my writing than any class I've previously taken." If you're writing horror, you won't want to miss this site. Tip: Check out the latest newsletter Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: Science Fiction Writers Workshop I Author: Barry B. Longyear URL: http://www.sff.net/people/bblongyear/sfww1.html The Author of Sea of Glass and "Enemy Mine" presents the most extensive, wide-ranging, useful, and FREE science fiction writer's course available today. If you're serious about writing science fiction, there is absolutely no better place to start than right here. Tip: The Navigation on the site is a bit clunky, but the content more than makes up for any confusion. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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Site: The Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy URL: http://sff.onlinewritingworkshop.com/ The Online Writers Workshop is a marvel. Writers retain all rights to works posted on the site, which can be read and reviewed by other writers as well as several editors-in-residence. A true writing community with a very professional approach. One member writes: "I'm in a MFA creative writing program, and I find this workshop is superior to anything I am doing in my Master's-level workshops." Dr. Brain recommends this writer's resource very highly. Tip: There's also a Horror Writers' Workshop run by the same crew. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
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