First Graders Fascinated with Google Earth

As a wrap up to their unit on space, first grade students had the opportunity to explore the online tool Google Earth. Learning about the concept of "birds eye view," students took a virtual field trip around the Earth from Shorecrest to their houses. In addition, students explored the Moon, the constellations in Sky mode, and some physical features of Mars. The first graders will continue to explore the program in their classrooms, and in a few weeks will take a tour of famous landmarks around the United States during their America unit.

Color Scavenger Hunt in Kindergarten

On Monday, the kindergarten students were introduced to using the web browser Firefox. While many students are online at home visiting sites like Webkinz, Club Penguin, and PBS Kids, the purpose of the lesson was to demonstrate that the Internet can be used as a learning tool. In addition, I wanted to make sure every student could launch the browser, navigate multiple web sites using hyperlinks, use the back and forward buttons, and use the scroll bar.

Here is the link to the color scavenger hunt they completed today. Students used the individual color pages to identify an object, record the object on their scavenger hunt paper, and label their picture. This was a fun way to practice reading color words and a great way to introduce the children to the concept of reading for information.

Here is the link to the recording sheet.

The Monsters Are Back in Second Grade

I am so happy the second graders will again participate in The Monster Project. It is one of my favorite projects as students learn about adjectives and the important role they play in helping writers "paint pictures with words." Using monsters as a vehicle, students exchange written descriptions via a wiki, and then recreate their partner's monster without ever looking at the "real thing". The project is a bit involved, requiring coordination with forty schools, but it is well worth the effort.

The kids have been partnered with the following schools: Mrs. Cameron - Miss Thaggard's 2nd graders - Calvary Day School, Savannah, GA Ms. Graham - Mrs. Aspaas's 3rd graders - Lewis and Clark Elementary, Minot, ND Mrs. McKenzie - Mrs. Mattes 2nd graders - Lincoln Elementary, Ottawa, IL Mrs. O'Mullane - Mrs. Oro's 2nd graders - Saint Michael School, Cranford, NJ

Here is a general time line of the project.

During week one, students listened to the story If You Were an Adjective by Michael Dahl. Next, they picked their favorite food and brainstormed at least ten adjectives to describe that food. They were challenged to move beyond simple adjectives such as good, fine, great, etc.

During week two, students were introduced to the project by viewing samples from last year's classes. We compared the original and redrawn monsters, focusing on the writing sent from our students. We looked at the different types of monsters drawn and discussed the importance of drawing monsters that could be described. Adding too many details may make writing the description very difficult. The students used Early Learning Toolkit to create their monsters and give them a name.

During week three (this week), students will create a Kidspiration web to brainstorm adjectives for their monsters. Back in the classroom, students will exchange webs and monsters with a classmate for additional adjective suggestions.

During weeks four, five and six, students will use Microsoft Word to type their written descriptions. The paragraphs will be reviewed by a peer as well as the teachers. These will then be sent to the partner school.

During week seven our students will recreate monsters from their partner school. These recreations will be added to the project wiki.

And then we wait. Hopefully, our partner schools will have our monsters back some time in early April. It will all depend on when their Spring Break falls. Stay tuned to future posts for project updates!

Lego Programming in Third Grade

I am very excited to introduce a new addition to the third grade technology curriculum - WeDo Programming through Lego Education. The program allows students to work as scientists, engineers, mathematicians and writers while engaging in hands-on building projects. Science themes emphasized through this project-based program include motors and gears, levers, pulleys, motion, friction and sensors.

The WeDo Program enables students to:

• Think creatively to make a working model.
• Develop vocabulary and communication skills to explain how a model works.
• Establish links between cause and effect.
• Reflect on the building and learning process by keeping a journal.
  
• Make systematic observations and measurements.
• Make fair tests by changing one factor and observing or measuring the effect.
• Display and communicate data using tables.
• Follow 2D drawings to build a 3D model.
  
• Think logically and create a program to produce a specific behavior.
• Work cooperatively and in collaboration with a team.

Each class is organized into six teams, with members of each team acting in one of three roles. Students will rotate roles each class period to ensure all members of the team have equal opportunities.

1. Builder - The builder is responsible for using the bricks and other supplies to build the model.
   
2. Designer - The designer is responsible for reading the blueprint and guiding the builder. This person also finds the needed materials for each step of the process and controls the mouse when programming the model.
3. Recorder - The recorder takes careful notes documenting all steps of the project in the group journal including progress, findings, challenges and triumphs. The recorder also uses a digital camera to record the building process.

The first project in which the students are engaged is called "Dancing Birds". The first objective is to build and program two mechanical birds to move in the same direction using a pulley and belt drive system. The second objective will challenge students to change pulley and belt positions, reprogram the birds, and observe the effect on the speed and direction of the dancing birds. Results of this second observation will be recorded in a data table and group reflections will be added to the journal.

Here are a few short videos showing the students at work so far!

Lego Animation #3 from Anna Baralt on Vimeo.

Lego Animation Video #2 from Anna Baralt on Vimeo.

Lego Animation Video #1 from Anna Baralt on Vimeo.