PLACE is following the CDC and UW–Madison campus guidelines related to COVID-19. We recommend that all of our program participants, collaborators, partners, and instructors follow them, too.
We are creating virtual communities for K-12 educator support and connection in the areas of instructional coaching, math, writing, and the arts. You can find new weekly events on our Facebook page or here on our website.
Learning Resources for Families, Educators, and Lifelong Learners
Interactive and Game-Based Learning
Lakeland
Build a town while you explore lake ecologies in Wisconsin and learn about complex systems.
Lost at the Forever Mine
This “lost in space” adventure introduces graphing and mathematical modeling.
Jo Wilder and the Capitol Case
This award-winning game turns kids into history detectives!
Siftr
Siftr is a free, citizen science app that allows you to create projects for any topic.
The Yard Games
A teacher-created series of 10–20 minute interactive science games for kids in grades five–seven to explore, play, and experiment with science.
At Play in the Cosmos
A first of its kind, mission-based online video game where students learn astronomy through space travel. It costs $35 to play through the W.W. Norton website.
iCivics
An award-winning collection of games about civic education developed under the leadership of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Fair Play
Experience the perspective of a Black graduate student at UW–Madison in this game about recognizing cultural biases in everyday interactions.
Home Schooling Resources
Online Home Schooling Resources
Websites, apps, printables, and more across subject matter and age ranges.
Non-Digital Learning Activities
PreK–Sixth Grade Learning Activities
Simple activities across a variety of subjects—and they don’t require a computer! From Assistant Professor Maxine McKinney De Royston in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank
An opportunity to help feed hungry neighbors. Second Harvest needs volunteers to assist in packing up to 100,000 boxes of food over the next six–eight weeks.
Online Arts Enrichment
Whoopensocker
An ensemble of teaching artists who bring creativity into the classroom are currently sharing the stories of Madison’s young people in digital formats.
“I Can’t Draw” by Lynda Barry
Drawing tips from renowned cartoonist and UW–Madison Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Creativity, Lynda Barry.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Coping with COVID-19
Healthy Minds Program
Cultivate and measure well-being with this free app inspired by the work of UW–Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds.
UW Psychiatry COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Guide
Offers expert tips, coping strategies, and a variety of tools to support the well-being of individuals, parents and families, as well as healthcare providers on the front-lines of this crisis.
Resources for Teachers
DPI ConnectEd
Education news: success stories from Wisconsin schools, DPI updates, student opportunities, and more.