3rd Grade Learns About Reliable Websites

Today’s post was written by Cristian and Alexa was our photographer. Based on Cristian’s 1st sentence it looks like I need to add some zest to our algebra time! 😉

Today in class we did yet another algebra worksheet. We also looked up websites that were reliable on recycling. Then we shared what website we went to and what we learned from that website. We even played an app called “Algebalance.” Which was a game where you have to even the weight of a monster with something else. And you have to do this on a balance. We then tested some robots.

Photo Mar 17, 2 08 47 PM

 

1st Grade Begins Country Research

The 1st graders chose different countries to research this week.  After picking a library book, they learned about some of the basic parts of their non-fiction book, and browsed through them to find some interesting facts about their countries.  Then they looked at the map page and tried to identify the continents where their countries were located.  They “put a pin” on the countries on a map on the interactive board.

On Friday, the students saw a short video that is actually a commercial for Android.  The simple message at the end is “Be together. Not the Same.”  I asked the students to write what the message was without using those words.  You can see their responses below! One clever student observed that I was showing them the video because I wanted them to realize that the people in other countries may be different in some ways but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t like them.

They also had to find their countries on the wall-sized World Map.  They are getting a lot of practice with compass directions and basic geography!

2nd Grade Begins Research of Man-Made Structures

The students investigated some new creation apps (Toontastic and Telestory) today to see if they want to use them for their Biomimicry projects. They will be recording their “commercials” next class, and can choose from the two new apps, Puppet Pals, ChatterPix, or Green Screen. If they want to bring any props or costumes for filming, they are welcome to do so!

The students then did some “detective work.” Each pair had a laptop and an iPad. On the laptop, the students investigated the “Building Big” website by PBS. On the iPads, they filled out a form as they tried to identify famous world structures that started with each letter of the alphabet. They got to see their contributions live on the screen as they added them. You can see the picture below!

We also continued to work at problem-solving stations. You can see some of the Hopscotch valentines we have so far below.

2nd Grade Codes Ant Farms

To follow up on last week’s Hour of Code, I challenged the 2nd graders to design ant farms using the Hopscotch app. I didn’t give them a lot of parameters, and I was happy to see that each group approached it in a completely different way. Some tried to be realistic, while others were more interested in creativity. The conversations I heard while they worked together were serious and full of technical coding jargon (“Should we use the x-axis or y-axis?” “How many degrees should we put for the turn?”). Most people listening would not think these were second graders!

When time was up, the students shared what they had done so far by using Reflector to mirror their iPads on our big screen.

Here is a link to a new Hopscotch tutorial on making a snowflake in case any of the students want to try it at home.

We also did some more research, comparing ants to other bugs. The students got to select the bugs they wanted to research, which ranged from cicadas to the Black Widow Spider.

We ended class with a creative activity, where the students could design their own holidays by combining two other holidays. The details were amazing in their drawings (a turkey with a jetpack!) and we had fun sharing them.

 

5th Grade Researches on the Chromebooks

Here is this week’s fabulous blog post from Billy with another set of awesome photographs from Aya!

Today we watched a video by Kid President. He was talking about inspiring gifts, and that Christmas is not all about presents, that it was about spreading love and helping the children in need. We also researched charity drives and we have to present our work. Then we got some photos of the wolf hybrids we sponsored, they were so cute and looked happy to be in the wild! Now, let me tell you about the Giver. What a GREAT two chapters we read today. We finally found out what job Jonas will have for the rest of his life.(Receiver of Memory)! This one isn’t that big but, we learned how to use the research tool when writing on the Chromebooks. We did problem solving stations. It was really hard and challenging for me but in the GT classroom, you have to learn to solve difficult problems. And last but certainly not least, the robotics club finished their robots! And that was our day, but remember, always come prepared and ready to learn so that you can enjoy being here.

1st Grade Works on Tellagami

The 1st graders are wrapping up their research projects by creating short videos using the Tellagami app.  This app allows them to choose an avatar and use a picture of the country they are researching in the background.  They can then choose to type a script and have their character narrate (with several voices and accents to choose from) or they can record themselves speaking.  Almost all of them are done, and we hope to share the finished products next week!  In the meantime, here are some pics of a couple of the videos.

alps meteora

2nd Grade Works on Puppet Pals Creations

The 2nd graders recorded their Puppet Pals videos today – but most of them agreed that they would like to make some changes to make them even better. So, we won’t be sharing them just yet!  In the videos, the students are tour guides for the structure they are researching.  I’ve included some still shots from their videos below.

While each group recorded next door, the other students worked on some Perplexers and Do-Riddles.  Both of these activities were pretty challenging, but no one gave up! Even I decided to try one of the Perplexer puzzles myself, and had to erase and start all over.

So, I would say that our theme for today was to learn from our mistakes and move forward with a positive attitude 🙂

1st Grade Creates Landmark Postcards

The first graders have been working on creating postcards for particular landmarks in the countries they are researching.  They have been using an iPad app called Photo Mapo to do this.  Last week, they were able to finish their postcards, and this week they will be creating short videos to go along with their work.

In addition to their research, the students worked in stations – including doing some math on the interactive board and and interactive iPad tangram game. They also participated in a “Squiggle” contest, and presented their creative ideas to the class using the document camera.

2nd Grade Continues to Research Structures

The 2nd graders are still using the Depth and Complexity icons to research their chosen structures.  Today they worked on “Perspective” and “Trends.”  They looked for information on who might have wanted their structure to be built, and who might have been against the construction.  In addition, they tried to find the initial reason for the structure, and why the particular materials that were used were chosen.

They also had some time to tear down their K’Nex Bridges, and to decide what they would like to build.  Some preferred to stick to the instruction booklet that came with the kit, while others wanted to make their own creations.  It was interesting to see the wide range of new K’Nex structures – from Olaf and cupcakes to robot bugs and fireworks!

2nd Grade Begins Depth and Complexity Research

The 2nd grade students chose different structures to work on for the rest of the year. They are going to find information about them using the Depth and Complexity icons from Kaplan. For example, we discussed the ethics of building some of the structures, as there were sacrifices made for many of them both financially and in lives lost. We looked at the details of the structures to find out what made them so notable and unique.

All of the groups have completed their K’nex bridges. Next week, we will take the bridges apart, and the students will have the opportunity to use the K’nex to build something using their own imaginations.