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I taught math for ten years after retiring from the Marines.  The main reason I left teaching was because I got so hard of hearing, I couldn't understand what the kids were saying anymore. Part of me is still in the classroom, so I have included some particularly useful or interesting resources I've  utilized.  I used all of them at some point and hope they might give you some ideas. Parents may be interested too. The 24 Game is almost as addicting as geocaching.

BTW, the Marine Corps was excellent training for the classroom. Schools like having ex-Marines on staff, especially at lunch time and dismissal.

Geocaching, letterboxing, orienteering and similar activities are great real time, real world exercises in problem solving, decision making and setting priorities in addition to the technical stuff involved. It is hands-on, interdisciplinary work that lends itself well to all student levels and learning styles. I based entire units on maps, compasses and related skills, then took the students out for orienteering and geocaching. The science, language arts and social studies teachers would do work to complement the unit. My replacement continues that little field experience to this day.  My wife and I still help with it every year.

Additionally, I spent about half my military career in intelligence, so I have included some resources from that area. The CIA World Factbook is worth a particular mention.  It's updated yearly, is free online and unclassified. It is a gold mine of information about every country in the world.   Don't let the name scare you.  It's good stuff.

I've got a couple other recommendations and then it's all yours.  Check out waymarking.com.  A waymark is like a geocache except it is something that is already there.  It could be a waterfall, a statue or a plaque on a building.  These things are everywhere.  If you are heading out on a field trip, this is a great activity to add on.  It provides real-world practice with research, reading and writing skills.

Want to see the Alamo, the Eiffel Tower or Loch Ness right now? The webcam link is your ticket.

Finally, Hands-on Equations and the 24 Game (no, not Jack Bauer) are THE BEST math teaching programs I have ever used. They are scalable to all grades, all levels and all learning styles and you can do it in the same room at the same time.  Not only that - the kids luv 'em.  One caveat I would add is that if you use Hands-On Equations, go to a one day seminar that they offer.  They really show you how to maximize its use.

If you are interested in trying to incorporate some of this stuff, I've included a bunch of links to get you started.

All resources are listed alphabetically.  We'll add more as we find them.

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