Teach with Tech
December 2023
Ad-Free Education: Tips for Teachers on Blocking YouTube Ads Effectively
YouTube has intensified its efforts against ad blockers, initiating measures to block users employing these tools rather than targeting the creators of such software. Users employing ad blockers like AdBlock for YouTube, Total Adblock, and similar tools may receive pop-up warnings from YouTube, potentially leading to an account ban. Notably, premium accounts priced at $13.99 per month are not accessible for teachers utilizing their school accounts. So, what can you do to get rid of those pesky, and sometimes inappropriate ads while trying to show videos to your class?
Option 1: Adjusting the URL When selecting a video on YouTube, modify the URL by inserting a dash (-) between the "t" and "u" in the word tube (tu-be) and then press enter. This action will enable a full-screen mode for the video without displaying ads.
Option 2: Post the Video to Google Classroom By incorporating the video into a Google Classroom assignment or as instructional material, teachers can share content without ads. Teachers can subsequently access the video from the materials or assignment section, enabling ad-free playback, either for themselves or for students watching independently.
Option 3: Insert the Video into Google Slides For those not utilizing Google Classroom, consider creating a Google Slides presentation for saved videos. Begin by selecting the desired video on YouTube, copying the URL, and then in Google Slides, choose the slide for the video. Click on "Insert" > "Video," paste the URL, and click "Select." The inserted videos will play within the presentation without displaying ads.
High-Adventure Science
There are several different ways to access the materials:
- Lessons: are meant for 5+ days of instruction and include several components of learning, analyzing models, and responding. Each module combines interactive computer-based systems models and real-world data on unanswered questions scientists are facing today.
- Interactives: explore earth systems models with stand-alone activities: movement of pollutants, factors affecting air quality, and ground water movement are just a few of the available activities.
The Concord Consortium
The Concord Consortium is a nonprofit educational research and development organization providing free STEM resources to educators. You are able to search their activities and resources by keywords, subject (Chemistry, Earth & Space, Engineering, Life Science, Mathematics, Physics), or grade level bands. The activities range from computerized models to lesson plans that can be used in the classroom.
Sample Activities:
- (K-6) Bridges- In this activity students will design, build, and test a bridge made with file folders to see which design is the strongest.
- (9-12) Adaptation is for Populations- Deer mice live in many different habitats across North America. In each subpopulation, their fur coloring is a good match to their habitat. How did this come to be? Students run simulated experiments controlling habitat, predators, and displays of data.
Frontiers for Young Minds
Frontiers for Young Minds brings cutting-edge science discoveries to young audiences through collaboration between scientists and students to create articles that are of high quality and exciting.
Each article includes a core concept (example: Earth Science), links to the authors with bios, and a link to the young reviewers (who are between 8 and 18 years of age). The articles are easy-to-read and include a variety of infographics and images to support learning. The original scientific article is linked as well.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a leader in a robotic space exploration, sending rovers to Mars, and proves into the farthest reaches of the solar system. The "Teach" section of the website has a variety of activities including games, units, labs, demonstrations, projects, and more. You can also search by subject, grade, and topic.
Sample Activities:
- Make moon Phases Calendar and Calculator (K-12): Students use their knowledge of the phases of the Moon to assemble a printable Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator. They can then use the tool to look up the phase of the Moon for any day of the year and predict when and where the Moon will be visible.
- Modeling an Asteroid (K-3): Students will shape their own asteroid models out of clay as a hands-on lesson in how asteroids form, what they are made of, and where they can be found in our Solar System.
Collaborate & Learn
The EdTech Huddle is for all educators who want to expand their knowledge and use of educational technology. Especially those who use technology in the classroom, actively work to integrate technology into their lessons and curriculum, and are willing to share/model instructional tech to others in their schools and districts. There will be three in-person EdTech Huddles at the Pendleton IMESD. This year there will also be three Virtual Tech Talks- these are shorter and are more presentation based.
- Virtual Tech Talks 4:30-5:15pm Link to Meeting
- September 20, 2023
- November 15, 2023
- February 21, 2024
- EdTech Huddles 4:30-5:30pm in Lodgepole/Ponderosa at the Pendleton IMESD
- October 25, 2023
- January 24, 2024
- April 24, 2024
Teach with Tech
If you would like more information EdTech tools, resources, or training, please contact:
Ayla Olson
Instructional Coach
Email: ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us
Phone: 541-966-4657
Website: sites.google.com/imesdapps.org/instructional-coaching