Author: admin

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Seeking Support for Coding Project

I’m working on getting 5 Sphero robots for 4th and 5th grade students. Can you help me out? My project was just approved and posted on DonorsChoose.org. Here’s my classroom request: http://donorschoose.org/Sylvia.Anderson

To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the promo code LIFTOFF on the payment screen. This awesome match offer lasts through March 8, 2016. Your gift will help current students and future students tremendously. I would be very grateful if you would pass on this message to anyone else who could help.

Thank you, Ms. Anderson

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Bee Bots

bee botWhen you think of programmable robots you likely think of technology but did you know that Bee Bots are more than that?  Bee Bots are robots designed for young children grades K-2 that stimulate critical thinking and problem solving in cross curricular activities through the use of a bee bot gridgrids, graphs, or maps. The link below is an online example of how one would program the Bee Bot to move around a grid. Give it a try and see what you think.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/19685257/

 

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Snow Day Video Dedicated To Teachers

Mary Morris is a third grade teacher in Strawberry Plains, TN who wrote her own lyrics to her version of “Snow” originally “Hello” and performed by Adele. She sang her version at an assembly for teachers and students.

Check out her official music video for “Snow.”  Mary never dreamed it would explode like this, but is glad it could brighten up a few cold days!

Published on Jan 20, 2016

Mary Morris – “Snow” an Adele “Hello” Parody (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) – Third grade teacher in Strawberry Plains, TN!
PRODUCED BY: www.InnerDigital.com
MUSIC: Prosound Karaoke – Sing “Hello” originally performed by Adele

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Keywords for Internet Searching

keyword-search4th and 5th grade students are learning how to use KEYWORDS for Internet searching. A few students were asked to describe an object in their mind by giving the class one keyword at a time to see how broad their
guesses started out before narrowing down their guesses to the correct answer. Discussion on how to read a results page was covered when demonstrating an example of a search to the class. Students learned how to determine the validity of a website by the URL extension, see the total number of sites answering the call to their keyword search, and that companies pay to advertise their business to be at the top of the page.   Vocabulary consisted of: keyword, precise, synonyms, and results page.  Students also learned the difference between a web browser and a search engine.

After the lesson (part 1), students were paired with a partner and given 3 searches.  They listed their keywords, answer to the question, and 2 reputable websites that confirm the answer to the question given. Students were challenged to solve A Google A Day search at the end of class.

The lesson is in two parts whereas part 2 will cover more detailed search techniques.  Following up with KEYWORDS, students will be introduced to QR CODES where they will use iPads to scan codes for review in Virginia Studies and US Geography. Their activity is not multiple choice but rather open ended questions. If students don’t know the answer to what the QR Code is prompting, then they must use their KEYWORD skills to find it on the Internet.

 

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QR Code Ideas for the Classroom

magic of qr codes in classTeaching is both a science and an art, and many teachers around the world spend endless hours perfecting their professional practice. At TEDActive 2013, a few teachers from the United States offer some tricks of the trade
they’ve learned (and continue to hone) along the way. Karen Mensing gives some great ideas that are memorable for engaging students.