Creating a Classroom Newspaper

Subjects:  Language Arts

Grade:  2

Technology tools:  Laptop(s), digital camera

Tools used:  Digital manipulative, Word processing

Activity type:  Project

I wanted students to combine word processing skills and digital photography to create a classroom newspaper about things that happen in our classroom.

I submitted a proposal to DonorsChoose asking for a netbook computer and digital camera to create a classroom newspaper called "Heckler's Happenings".  Students write articles about things we are currently working on in class.  They type the article using Microsoft Word and take pictures with the digital camera to accompany the article.  Right now I place the articles and pictures into the newsletter template, but as this project grows, I would like to show students how to do it themselves.

So far, we have published our first issue and are ready to publish our second.

The students are very excited to write their articles and have great ideas.  The first issue provided immediate feedback to them that they were proud to show to their parents.  I will continue with this activity and make improvements to the process with each issue.

Kim Heckler,  Southwest

Math at Grandview

Subject:  Math

Grade:  7

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector, digital cameras

Tools used:  Simulation, Digital manipulative, Digital text / ebook, Word processing, Communication tool, Collaboration tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Teacher presentation, Assessment, Research, Tutorial

Unit Topic: Math at Grandview

Learning Target: Create and present a presentation with peers showing math shapes and concepts  found at Grandview

Curriculum standards and objectives:

·         All 7th grade math standards and objectives were covered:  Goal 1...Number and Operations, Goal 2...Measurement, Goal 3...Geometry, Goal 4...Data Analysis, Goal 5...Algebra

·         Info and tech standards: Assimilate and evaluate information

 

Students were to create a PowerPoint presentation using shapes and measurements found at Grandview.

·        Step 1: Students were divided into groups and given the rubrics necessary for the project.

·        Step 2: The groups were  given a stop watch and digital camera. Following the rubric they were to take up to 15 pictures to use on their slides.

·        Step 3: Following the rubric they created a PowerPoint presentation to present to their class and parents at PTA night.

Students were assessed using a rubric that included  a group grade for content and presentation. The participation grade was for each individual (each group member graded the members of their group according to a rubric and I averaged these together to get the individual's participation grade).

This activity was extremely successful. The discussions that were generated when the projects were presented were amazing. Students asked each other probing questions and pointed out things that were in the slides that the presenters did not notice.  Students were also able to point out mistakes in a nonthreatening manner.

Changes for the future: The one change that I would make would be to I sign up for the computer lab for an extra day. (The students became so involved that they wanted to do the same project again but take different pictures.)

Ellie Wilson,  Grandview

Five Giant Steps Across the United States

Subject:  Social Studies

Grade:  5

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s)

Tools used:  Interactive website, Digital manipulative, Website design tool

Activity type:  Unit, Project, Research, Tutorial

Throughout the year the fifth grade students study the United States. In collaboration with the classroom teachers, during information skills classes (library), I employ a variety of ways to help students learn to pair the capital of each state. Each child "travels" to a specific state, completes online and print research, documents findings, and displays the results as stickers on a "suitcase" (shoe box). As students present their projects during class, all are introduced to a wide variety of facts about this nation.

While trying to memorize the capital of each state, the activity the students seem to enjoy and benefit from most is working through an electronic pathfinder that I created several years ago titled "Five Giant Steps Across the United States."  (There is a button on Oakwood's media center webpage with the link.) 

Uma finds the pathfinder.

Each footprint icon takes the user to a different type of activity.  The third "step" seems to be most popular because it offers several interactive maps with different requirements and three levels of difficulty.

Jackson chooses the third step.

 Some "feet" need to be edited to allow filter bypass.

Assessment:  quiz at the end of the unit

Most telling is my observational assessment and the students' engagement.

I feel using this activity is successful.  I will use it again and hope to edit so all links are recognized.

Alondra identifies the capital of Idaho on one of the interactive maps.

Beth Shoffner,  Oakwood

Exploring Music

Subject:  Music (Arts)

Grades:  K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Video, Video creator / editor, Digital manipulative, Audio, Word processing

Activity type:  Lesson

Objectives:

*Understand the relationships between music and concepts from other areas.

*Exemplify music representing the heritage, customs, and traditions of various cultures

Lesson utilizing Carnival of the Animals - involving student understanding of how a composer chooses instruments and other musical characteristics to depict specific animals. We also examine the film industry and the use of sound effects to convey mood. Lesson is presented in PowerPoint format and offers students opportunity for individual critical thinking as well as collaborative group work. Video and sound clips are imbedded throughout as well as still pictures.

Denise Prince, Music, Jenkins Elementary