Let MarcoPolo Do the Exploring

The Internet can be a valuable classroom resource; the trouble is finding content in the endless web of information. An entire prep period can be spent searching websites for relevant and creditable resources. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had your own personal explorer who would search, review, and even develop integrated lesson plans for you? One of the most famous explorers in history is here to help… MarcoPolo.

MarcoPolo is a collection of seven content websites with lesson plans, student interactive content, downloadable worksheets, links to panel-reviewed websites and additional resources created by the nation's leading education organizations:

The Internet content organized by MarcoPolo is grade-specific, standards-based, and free of charge. Each page has been reviewed by content experts to assure the information is accurate, up-to-date, unbiased, and appropriate for students. For more information about searching for lesson plans and Internet content on MarcoPolo, download the tip sheet.

Still not convinced? The readers of Edutopia, a popular "best practices" magazine selected MarcoPolo as the "Best site to download free lessons and materials."

MarcoPolo, the beneficent behemoth of free lesson sites, took the clear lead in where to find educational gold on the Web. Its search engine scours the online lesson plans of MarcoPolo's partners, including the National Geographic Society, the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

If you are interested... next came DiscoverySchool.com, which features lesson plans, online seminars, and the savvy Kathy Schrock. Four sites shared a tie for third: Education World, the New York Times Learning Network, PBS, and Scholastic Teacher.