tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33870381178330603162024-03-05T02:39:29.951-05:00Drive Them to ThinkMy thoughts and ramblings on integrating technology and curriculum to help kids learn how to think, not what to think.Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-22050348982904745172016-12-21T11:42:00.002-05:002016-12-21T11:58:49.440-05:00Quick Links to Help you Ward off Classroom Insanity (yours and theirs)<div class="MsoNormal">
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It’s that time again!
Vacation countdown has begun and with that, the corresponding chaos that
occurs in all of our lives! I have a
recollection of years ago, kids coming in to class moaning “not another word
search!”- one of the special holiday lesson treats we had in line for them! Well, times have changed and there are lots of learning
activities and opportunities to get their attention this last week of school!</div>
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<b>Media Literacy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is the best time of year to examine how toy ads
influence children…why not watch some commercials with kids and dissect
them. Check out these lesson ideas and
resources from <a href="https://www.middleweb.com/4164/here-come-the-toy-ads/">Middle
Web</a> .<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of media literacy – is now a good time to delve
into the issue of fake news? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2016/11/do_educators_need_media_literacy_as_much_as_students_do.html?cmp=eml-enl-eu-news2">Some
say we, as teachers, might need a little help in this area</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try these activities out!</b></div>
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Looking for <a href="http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/december-holidays-6-12.html">Winter
Holiday Lesson Plans and activities</a>?
Try these from NEA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Want to get their attention?
Watch this <a href="http://viewpure.com/vJG698U2Mvo?ref=search">video about
dividing your attention</a> with your students…sure to amaze them. (Try it...takes just a couple of minutes).<o:p></o:p></div>
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See if your kids can <a href="http://viewpure.com/K8rpo9e7tvg?ref=bkmk&mc_cid=dbcde368df&mc_eid=7951b8ded6">identify
these objects that have been magnified? </a> Can they take their own close up pictures to
see if you can identify them? Your
perspective <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Some quick links to share with kids</b> to keep the learning
going!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cool Math Games! At <a href="http://www.coolmath-games.com/1-winter-holiday-games">http://www.coolmath-games.com/1-winter-holiday-games</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Multiplication game <a href="http://www.multiplication.com/games/play/holiday-fun">http://www.multiplication.com/games/play/holiday-fun</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Holiday Games <a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/holiday_games_for_kids.html">http://www.mathplayground.com/holiday_games_for_kids.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink">I just cannot get enough of the
website “<a href="http://thekidshouldseethis.com/">The Kids Should See This</a>”
– Smart Videos for Curious Minds of All Ages!
There are so many great categories – How things are made – Robots –
Orchestras – Poop – something for everyone.
Let them pick a category, show the video and ask what they are curious
about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>Take some deep breaths!</b></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink">Take some time for yourself this
holiday to laugh a little, read a juicy novel for fun, recharge with family and
show gratitude (yup…apparently <a href="http://happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/">that is good for your
health</a> in 31 different ways!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-13954627613486705562016-10-27T16:16:00.001-04:002016-10-27T16:17:18.269-04:00Top 5 Take-Aways for your MS Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m one of the lucky ones. I have been able to go to a couple of great national conferences over the years? What makes them so great? People! Sharing! More People! More Sharing! Yup, you can do all that on social media, but how cool is it to meet those people you connect with on social media and not be limited by the amount of characters you can write?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I do go, I am always on the lookout for creative ways to connect to kids and teach the standards. Assuming that you might “want some of that”…I will share my top 5 takeaways of this year’s findings with you: <o:p></o:p></div>
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1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Got a kid who is intellectually curious? Hook them up with a “<a href="http://puzzlements.co/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Weekly dose of Curiosities and Puzzlements!</a>” Check out <a href="http://www.byrdseed.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://www.byrdseed.com/</a> for some great resources to get them thinking! <o:p></o:p></div>
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2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Spaghetti Towers – you’ve probably been challenged to build a spaghetti tower in your lifetime. Simple materials, design challenge, etc. Who do you think are the most creative people working on this challenge? Check out this <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_wujec_build_a_tower?language=en" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Ted Talk</a> to find out! While accepting the challenge (and failing) during session at the conference, the leaders kept adding constraints like “oh no, you are now working with people who do not speak your language, no talking for the next 5 minutes). Fun, challenging, team building, design work, STEM principles, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Always looking for new tools! Check out the Student-driven Blended Learning Classroom <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/westerville.k12.oh.us/amle-2016/home" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">presentation page</a> from @Mr_Hallerman and @haydabeck to see some examples organized by use – Create tools, Save tool, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Play Like a Pirate – Yup Quinn Rollins (@jedikermit), Curriculum Specialist at Granite Public Schools uses toys to teach Language Arts, History, Science. Using us as his model classroom, we did some really great things with <a href="http://www.quinnrollins.com/2016/08/play-doh-on-first-day-of-school.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Playdough</a> and Toy Packaging – he has included <a href="http://www.quinnrollins.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">lots of templates</a> on the right side of his home page to get kids writing bibliographies, etc. Good stuff…funny guy, engaging activities…even Dave Burgess himself was participating!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>And then there’s S.N.O.T. – stuff not on the test (not the real name of her session but….) by Debbie Silver. Wow. So much powerful stuff in this workshop, I invited her to come to speak to us directly. Have you seen this video? Pretty powerful statement to get you thinking about how screen time is taking away from our ability to connect in person. Check it out. Great advisory topic. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRl8EIhrQjQ" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Can we auto-correct humanity?</a> Or How about this video “<a href="http://ed.ted.com/lessons/there-s-no-dishonor-in-having-a-disability-steven-claunch" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">There’s no Dishonor in having a Disability?”<o:p></o:p></a></div>
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Debbie’s workshop made me laugh, made me cry, gave me specific strategies and activities to connect to my kids and help them connect with the people aroud them. Check out her books <i>Deliberate Optimism (co-authored with Jack Berckmeyer) or Fall down 7 times Get up 8-Teaching Kids to Succeed. </i>Like a breath of fresh air, she will help you bring out the joy in your life and your teaching! Come see her in person at the NJAMLE Annual Conference on March </div>
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crossposted in Right in the Middle - the NJAMLE Blog</div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-15569673639909533642016-05-31T15:36:00.003-04:002016-12-07T10:00:19.133-05:00Challenging Minds and Imaginations to the Bittersweet End!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s that time of year – a time when our children’s
minds are most likely outside the great classroom doors. Why not capitalize on that feeling and help
them take a visual trip out into the world. Both you and your students
could easily get lost exploring these great sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Want to get kids thinking and wondering? </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Try these sites to find all kinds of
interesting videos that can launch a lesson or great discussion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> “<a href="http://www.thekidshouldseethis.com/">The Kids Should See This – Smart videos
for curious minds of all ages!</a>” – Great videos “not made for kids, but
perfect for kids” curated by Rion Nakaya and her children! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://wonderopolis.org/home">Wonderopolis</a>
– What are you wondering? Explore a huge bank of questions posed by children or
have your kids pose their own? I
searched for skin and found answers to Why do we have skin? Why does your skin wrinkle in water? Why do people have freckles? Why do snakes shed their skin? And more! Have
your students check out the wonder of the day or post their own wonders!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://puzzlements.co/">Puzzlements.co</a> Sign
up and Ian Byrd sends you a “weekly dose of curiosities and puzzlements.” This month’s links included:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Embroidery On Rackets- Love it!
An <a href="http://puzzlements.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9472abb9450f444d43670a5fb&id=04c8373f18&e=7951b8ded6" target="_blank">embroidery project</a> using tennis rackets in place of
fabric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. 3 Earths! - Astronomers detected <a href="http://puzzlements.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9472abb9450f444d43670a5fb&id=e2acbfea29&e=7951b8ded6" target="_blank">three Earth-sized planets</a> orbiting a red dwarf star
40 light-years away. They <i>may</i> be habitable, and are targets
for follow-up surveys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Largest Dive Coaster - From
Cedar Point, it’s <i>Valravn</i>, the <a href="http://puzzlements.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9472abb9450f444d43670a5fb&id=aed019e0a6&e=7951b8ded6" target="_blank">roller coaster with the largest straight drop</a>. From the
safety of my kitchen table, that drop is pretty thrilling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Building On Sand?-Reinforce loose dirt with some
stiff material and it can </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://puzzlements.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9472abb9450f444d43670a5fb&id=3602bf58ad&e=7951b8ded6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">hold a car</span></a>, </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">form a freeway on-ramp, or be the wall of
a building! Great engineering video. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5. Photos From Up High-Amazing photography of normal
scenes </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://puzzlements.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9472abb9450f444d43670a5fb&id=74714ac9a2&e=7951b8ded6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">from up high</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Love the shipping containers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="padding: 6.75pt 0in 0in 0in;" valign="top"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Google takes you there</b><br />Thanks to Rich Kiker who shared all kinds of great </span><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kikerlearning/google-dashboard" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Google
driven or related free adventures</a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> at the Garden State Summit - amazing for
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tour a museum without leaving your room at the <a href="https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/u/0/home">Google Cultural
Institute</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you remember playing where in the world is Carmen
Sandiego? Try this modern version called
<a href="https://geoguessr.com/">GeoGuesser</a> game that incorporates Google
maps with a game to guess the locations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://vr.google.com/cardboard/index.html">Google
Cardboard</a> – Got Google Cardboard? The
gizmo designed out of cardboard to work like the viewmasters of old! (I actually just ordered my viewer for free from a box of Frosted Flakes) Download an app on your phone insert it into
your cardboard and away you go on 3D adventures. Check out these apps - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/nytvr/">New York Times VR</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/">amazing expeditions</a>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking
of locations</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You have got to check out these <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/about/treks/#/grid">Google Street View Treks</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.google.com/maps/streetview/#oceans">Explore
the Oceans</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/treks/petra/">Petra</a>
– Explore the city carved out of stone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://insideabbeyroad.withgoogle.com/en">Abbey
Road Studios</a>- Did you know the Harry Potter movies were made here?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/treks/gombe-tanzania/">Gombe,
Tanzania</a> – Explore the area where Jane Goodall’s research on apes is based.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While
you’re at it, take a look at these apps.
Simply amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://elements4d.daqri.com/">Elements 4D</a>
– Part toy, part chemistry experiment….app<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/anatomy-4d/id555741707?mt=8">Anatomy 4D</a>
(note, must be 17 to download)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Take your mind on a visual vacation! Let your kids follow their passions! Explore all the coolness the web has to offer
and keep them thinking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-87672074422299454052016-04-12T14:25:00.000-04:002016-04-12T14:26:35.884-04:00Thinking Moves and Other Great Routines for Learning<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuJ-xQPiR7fCl_1MwWXQ1-CF2SVlH6j8LYcY3vbaZuMCVhR8ht4jJhcJQaM6VHcqTPt7v7pcmju0g-n-X-lxxtDJrSkHz4ILGfs618PzJTKVwd0AJMtCKkZawMXyYOs5GsR-kQ7Qjrqgk/s1600/too+much+info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuJ-xQPiR7fCl_1MwWXQ1-CF2SVlH6j8LYcY3vbaZuMCVhR8ht4jJhcJQaM6VHcqTPt7v7pcmju0g-n-X-lxxtDJrSkHz4ILGfs618PzJTKVwd0AJMtCKkZawMXyYOs5GsR-kQ7Qjrqgk/s200/too+much+info.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
We all know that learning doesn’t happen through the mere
delivery of information or we would all be geniuses, after all information is
coming at us a mile a minute these days.
Learning only occurs when we do something with that information. For our students, that might mean that they
can identify the parts, develop questions around, look at different
perspectives, reason, make connections and synthesize explanations with the
content they are given.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thinking Moves</b><br />
The people at <a href="http://www.pz.harvard.edu/">Harvard’s Project Zero</a> call these “thinking
moves” and have demonstrated that they are the activities that lead to learning. These folks have also substantiated what I
have been saying all along “When kids have structures for learning, better
learning emerges.” They assert that you can teach children learning routines,
give them a repertoire of “thinking moves” from a very young age, that will deepen
their qualitative and quantitative understanding of the world. <span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;">Learn more</span><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2K1A3UJHlRiVYqanQxQxmB_tRISmQ6SA9m8NrwNouvAahfkR1c4sHzwAbH4UScFdPib_LmNIY9unU3pPtu6L2CT4uRk8Qg_1FiE8Az_Sa5Xzi-U7fgK0VwG-Pfoo9iymjuEI_rToiqoM/s1600/understanding+map+circle+thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2K1A3UJHlRiVYqanQxQxmB_tRISmQ6SA9m8NrwNouvAahfkR1c4sHzwAbH4UScFdPib_LmNIY9unU3pPtu6L2CT4uRk8Qg_1FiE8Az_Sa5Xzi-U7fgK0VwG-Pfoo9iymjuEI_rToiqoM/s400/understanding+map+circle+thinking.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourced from: The Cultures of Thinking Project at Project Zero Harvard Graduate School of Education</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Now, that’s what I’m talking about! </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Teaching kids how to think, connect and use the information that they are getting is the whole gist of any classroom. So, what if you don’t get kids at a very young age? What if they come to you without a repertoire
of thinking moves? Well, it is never too
late to give them a “thinking routine” that can help them understand and
clarify the issues, develop arguments, assess what is important and name what
should happen next. SCAN is the perfect
thinking routine to introduce your middle school and above to a deeper understanding
of the issues, regardless of the content area that you teach. SCAN, explained in my <a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2016/03/smart-thinking-ideas-and-resources-to.html">last blog</a>, is a simple thinking routine that is easy enough for adolescents to use and
robust enough to be valuable for school leaders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Bottom Line</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Making good thinking processes routine for our students can
help them become better learners and is giving them a tool that they can use
for life. Teaching kids how to think,
not what to think, should be our ultimate goal. How do you promote thinking in your classroom?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><o:p></o:p><b>BTW: Free Tech Tool gets them started</b></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The SCAN online tool, a collaborative internet site due to go offline on June 30<sup>th</sup>, has got the SCAN critical thinking “routine” built into it. With its engaging online discussion style and library with a variety of topics (plus you can write your own), it is a great way to get kids to develop that thinking routine and incorporate it into their daily lives and your daily lessons. Check out this <a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">simple video</a> to see how the free SCAN tool works.</i></div>
</div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-56489687978761548042016-03-15T14:36:00.001-04:002016-03-16T08:49:20.853-04:00Smart Thinking: Ideas and Resources to Drive them to Think<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0XMg1-Dc-OwQhzS2z8a5KQS7-CT0ZrnQ-DkgBt8hFeOJM7EBEv7THbWln5wC_7Zbjis-xzpjXSfYplSMvX6uSOwRzMvTF6OCggc8Jtrej2aN-pjbf2MVIVbyXQiCDkZV68MKurJc-w7a/s1600/einstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0XMg1-Dc-OwQhzS2z8a5KQS7-CT0ZrnQ-DkgBt8hFeOJM7EBEv7THbWln5wC_7Zbjis-xzpjXSfYplSMvX6uSOwRzMvTF6OCggc8Jtrej2aN-pjbf2MVIVbyXQiCDkZV68MKurJc-w7a/s200/einstein.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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If you are a SCAN user, by now you have heard the bad news
that the SCAN technology tool at TregoED is going offline in June. The good news is that SCAN is more than an
online tool, SCAN is a process for helping your kids be better thinkers. You don’t need no stinkin’ computer for
that! Your brain is the best and most
complex piece of technology you will ever own.
And just like any technology, you can always learn to use it better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SCAN, simply put is an acronym for 4 questions that can help
take a complex problem with different perspectives and break it down into
manageable pieces:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--> Stop and
look at the situation….what are the most important issues? What are people
concerned about?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Clarify those issues – What do you mean by
that? When you ask a student to explain
themselves you make them dig deeper than the facts. What are the arguments for and against these
issues?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ask what is most important. Again, this step makes your students evaluate
arguments and prioritize issues, a process that requires critical thinking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Now what?
The last step of this critical thinking strategy asks students to determine
what should be done, synthesize a solution, make a plan. Use this<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5ITXnsgwPqLRGdPMTBhTzhyN2M/view?usp=sharing" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> graphic organizer to get them thinking with any scenario!</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
Drive them to think! </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
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So here are some recent hot topics (culled from Izzit.org
and Newsela) that just beg for some SCAN critical thinking:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Would it be a bad thing to wipe out a species…if it was a
mosquito? </b> <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/02/20/467094440/would-it-be-a-bad-thing-to-wipe-out-a-species-if-its-a-mosquito">http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/02/20/467094440/would-it-be-a-bad-thing-to-wipe-out-a-species-if-its-a-mosquito</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you think we should switch to Universal time? </b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/12/the-radical-plan-to-destroy-time-zones-2/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/12/the-radical-plan-to-destroy-time-zones-2/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you think we should stop having Daylight Savings Time?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><a href="http://www.standardtime.com/">http://www.standardtime.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/10/daylight-saving-time_n_4936224.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/10/daylight-saving-time_n_4936224.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://news.discovery.com/human/health/why-do-we-have-daylight-savings-time.htm">http://news.discovery.com/human/health/why-do-we-have-daylight-savings-time.htm</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><b>Should Apple have to give the government the code to open
their iphone? </b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-fbi-apple-20160220-story.html">http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-fbi-apple-20160220-story.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://newsela.com/articles/apple-encryption/id/15082/">https://newsela.com/articles/apple-encryption/id/15082/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Does google make us smarter or keep us from thinking? </b><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/02/05/465699380/ok-google-where-did-i-put-my-thinking-cap">http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/02/05/465699380/ok-google-where-did-i-put-my-thinking-cap</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Should we keep the $100 bill?</b> <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-plot-to-kill-the-100-bill-1455667926?mod=djem10point">http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-plot-to-kill-the-100-bill-1455667926?mod=djem10point</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<b>Should parents have their child's permission before they post their pictures online?</b><br />
<a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/dont-post-about-me-on-social-media-children-say/?_r=1">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/dont-post-about-me-on-social-media-children-say/?_r=1</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have students read the article, research a point of view, develop
an argument, determine which issues are most important and devise a plan of
action. Let them work in groups, debate,
collaborate and negotiate. Check out this easy <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5ITXnsgwPqLRGdPMTBhTzhyN2M/view?usp=sharing">SCAN graphic organizer</a> - smart
thinking!<o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-24782662966497219102016-03-10T15:16:00.001-05:002016-03-10T15:17:57.846-05:00Tech & UDL: Giving Students Voice and Choice<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TE4tOBB7_GfkqoOqApnyeZYi6SfSh51aGO1nN_WPwdnCPHFY7UGNyvrBa6gzkbd94t5djjhNtHSB9UjXgYRgdT1sc7iDdYrra7EaRrisr3fpqiHNxv2NVXChqxvwSsz5oZ20NlqFHR7A/s1600/equal-access-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TE4tOBB7_GfkqoOqApnyeZYi6SfSh51aGO1nN_WPwdnCPHFY7UGNyvrBa6gzkbd94t5djjhNtHSB9UjXgYRgdT1sc7iDdYrra7EaRrisr3fpqiHNxv2NVXChqxvwSsz5oZ20NlqFHR7A/s1600/equal-access-jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
Teachers are faced with the challenge of meeting the needs,
finding the spark, and moving a diverse group of students towards adulthood every
day. Designing your lessons so that they
address all the different learning styles, strengths and weaknesses of our
children seems like a daunting task. So how do we help every student succeed
without being overwhelmed? Universal
Design for Learning (UDL) helps by providing a framework that breaks this task
into manageable pieces. Technology provides
the resources and tools we need to design, deliver and assess those lessons. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4">UDL at
a Glance</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
UDL is a framework that can help you design and plan
accessible learning in your classroom. Essentially,
you examine your goals, materials, methods and assessments and provide a
variety of options to make sure that everyone has equal access to learning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology designers of UDL)
proposes we do these 3 things to design lessons for all our kids:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Present information (content) in different ways <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Allow students to approach learning tasks
(manipulate information) and demonstrate what they know (assessment) in
different ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Allow options that will engage students and keep
them interested. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While you can certainly design a UDL lesson without
technology, technology can help you find and organize great resources, to
accomplish the challenging task of offering students voice and choice in the
way they learn and the way they demonstrate that learning. Check out <a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/09735088828586482051">Karen Janowski</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">’s</span> comprehensive Wiki, the <a href="http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/">UDL Tech ToolKit</a> with great tools for multiple means of presenting information, expressing learning and engaging students to help you remove the barriers for all learners. Looking for more? Check out the resources in this livebinder,
<a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1957817">UDL Resources for
Middle Schools</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Implementation of the “Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)” is
right around the corner (Fall 2016). What better way to ensure that “Every
student succeeds” than designing lessons that encompass the diversity of
learning styles, interests and passions of our students. <o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-19662367199519910472015-11-20T16:12:00.000-05:002015-11-20T16:12:03.656-05:00Not Yo Momma's Current Events: Use the news to get them thinking<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfplfl77f6Sb-IWRBXKge4wetoMvLU5KzAs6LYEx7M-kRJ5GtHT86Ht5AOLoJmxEcYWaynoEDMufFuKtk9z_KzoihJloTxhbtG26kOltx5Z0H2f70G88crAB10B4vKGdsyROSD5OIe1rb/s1600/RED-Model-4C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfplfl77f6Sb-IWRBXKge4wetoMvLU5KzAs6LYEx7M-kRJ5GtHT86Ht5AOLoJmxEcYWaynoEDMufFuKtk9z_KzoihJloTxhbtG26kOltx5Z0H2f70G88crAB10B4vKGdsyROSD5OIe1rb/s1600/RED-Model-4C.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;"> </span><a href="http://thinkwatson.com/assess-interview.php" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #336699; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Watson Glaser Interview Report</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In my never ending quest for Truth, Justice and the
American way, oh wait, I mean teaching kids how to think, not what to think
(which should lead to truth, justice and the American way), and to provide
curriculum that is “challenging, exploratory, integrative (I had to look
‘integrative’ up, but now that I know what it means, I am in) and relevant,” I
am always in search of great new resources and topics to get kids thinking and
writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The focus of my search is to find hot topics that get
kids to debate, collaborate and negotiate.
Using their natural enthusiasm for arguing, and the SCAN critical
thinking strategy, my objectives are to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Make curriculum relevant by connecting
standards to real world events<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Use
the right questions to go beyond the standard who, what, where, when and why <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Provide
great resources for finding kid-friendly articles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Provide
a tool that pulls 1-3 together and allows students to share their work globally
(the <a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">SCAN tool at
TregoED.org</a> is free and does just that!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6Kftt9nkqIxKLbLbmitchFe7sL_1ENyMe2CjZCCy4JbO2bYo6GKt22Qqz_dhfKuYKO3SS_MVqTObHhEGkWg4hUhFV-0rmE85Z8T30FvIRIVW3VDOWI_EOCNup_rLnvYgKE-rLXqnGC5t/s1600/SCAN+Flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6Kftt9nkqIxKLbLbmitchFe7sL_1ENyMe2CjZCCy4JbO2bYo6GKt22Qqz_dhfKuYKO3SS_MVqTObHhEGkWg4hUhFV-0rmE85Z8T30FvIRIVW3VDOWI_EOCNup_rLnvYgKE-rLXqnGC5t/s320/SCAN+Flow.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently, I worked with a 6<sup>th</sup> grade class
at the Mt. Olive Middle school and helped them develop their own topics for
critical thinking (SCAN) scenarios. SCAN
is an acronym for four critical thinking questions that goes beyond the 5 W’s
and can help students take apart complex problems, look at other perspectives
and collaborate on viable solutions.
(Training our future world leaders – imagine if our leaders right now
worked on some of the very serious and complex issues with a visible strategy
and respect for different perspectives?
But I digress…..)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lesson
plan and resources to get them thinking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Groups of four students worked collaboratively on a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1otCZboRIyBTrEw41HRq26K1DUNodDHdkaJgL1ej7rbA/edit?usp=sharing">template</a>
shared through google docs. The template
asks for a summary of the scenario, four different perspectives and short
constructed paragraphs for each point of view.
While I was armed with some suggestions for hot topics in the news, they
preferred topics that were closer to home! (Funny, I tried to steer some
teachers this summer into doing a SCAN on The African Lion Hunt, and they, too,
preferred to write their own on a topic close to home – Blizzard Bags –or
Should Schools embrace Edays? Check the <a href="http://tregoed.org/login.html">SCAN
library</a> for the lesson they wrote). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>This was the plan: </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Copy this <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1otCZboRIyBTrEw41HRq26K1DUNodDHdkaJgL1ej7rbA/edit?usp=sharing">SCAN
Lesson template</a> in your google drive and share with the kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
groups of four, find a topic that people with different viewpoints were talking
about. This could be posed as a question
(ex. Should we have four day work
weeks?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Identify
four roles (stakeholders) with differing viewpoints.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Together,
write a short introductory paragraph for the scenario, including some of the
viewpoints.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Individually
research a point of view, find evidence that supports it and record the link.
(Sometimes, I provide articles, sometimes they have to find their own).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Individually,
write a short constructed response for each perspective. Each perspective should include 3 issues or
ideas that is important to them with supporting evidence or reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Provide
links to articles that provide evidence or reasoning for that point of view.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here are the topics that the students chose to
research and write for SCAN lessons along with links you can provide to kids as
informational text. You can have your
students work through the SCAN questions in an online discussion by setting up
the lessons from the SCAN library, or have them write their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Should
we have longer lunch?</span></b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-longer-school-lunch-more-fruit-vegetables-20150911-story.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In
School Cafeterias, a Longer Lunch is a more Healthful Lunch, Study say</a></li>
<li><a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2015%20blog/%E2%80%A2%09http:/www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/09/24/439487395/kids-who-are-time-crunched-at-school-lunch-toss-more-and-eat-less" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Kids
who are Time Crunched at School Lunch Toss More and Eat Less</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/longer-lunches-smarter-students-the-controversy-of-10-minute-or-1-hour-lunch-periods">Longer
Lunches, Smarter Students? The Controversy of 10 Minute or 1 Hour Lunch Periods</a></span></li>
<li><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/525829-pros-cons-of-longer-school-lunches/">The
Pros and Cons of Longer School Lunches</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Should
we have recess in Middle School? <span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Middle_School_Recess">Middle School Recess</a></span></li>
<li><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.localschooldirectory.com/k-12-articles/60">School’s out for Recess</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.startribune.com/support-seesaws-for-recess-consultant-at-2-edina-elementary-schools/330529851/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Structured Recess?</a></li>
<li><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.googobits.com/articles/p0-1316-recess-cuts-a-growing-trend-in-the-united-states.html">Recess
Cuts a Growing Trend in the United States</a> <span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin088.shtml" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Should
Schools take a break from Recess?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/why-kids-really-need-recess" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Why Kids
Really Need Recess</a></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do
we need a double period of Language Arts?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Organizing-a-school/Copy-of-Making-time-At-a-glance/Making-time-What-research-says-about-re-organizing-school-schedules.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Making
Time – What research says about re-organizing school schedules</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/education/02calhoun.html?_r=1" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At Elite
School – Longer Classes go Deeper</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/26/nyregion/longer-classroom-periods-test-tradition.html?pagewanted=all" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Longer
Classroom Periods test Tradition</a></li>
<li><a href="http://neatoday.org/2011/10/13/longer-school-days-that-work-2/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Longer
School Days that Work</a></li>
<li><a href="http://txcc.sedl.org/resources/briefs/number6/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Class Time and Student
Learning</a></li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
should we do about our aging technology?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/02/03/in-cash-strapped-schools-kids-bring-their-own-tech-devices/">In
Some Cash Strapped Schools Kids Bring their Own Devices</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2015%20blog/%C3%98%09http:/neatoday.org/2012/07/19/should-schools-embrace-bring-your-own-device/">Should
Schools Embrace Bring Your Own Device</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/cookbook-3/maintaining-and-sustaining-technology/replacing-and-upgrading-technology">Replacing
and Upgrading Technology</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.techlearning.com/news/0002/technology-refresh/57879">Technology
Refresh</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Should
MS students be allowed to select their own schedules?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/opinion/15engel.html" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let Kids rule
the School</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alternet.org/education/why-we-should-consider-letting-high-schoolers-pick-their-classes" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
we should consider letting High Schoolers pick their Classes</a></li>
<li><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1997/11/19/13prince.h17.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">District
might let Students pick Teachers</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><a href="http://capevikingventures.com/student-life/2013/06/17/how-electives-are-important-in-school/"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">H</span>ow Electives are Important in School</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2091267870" style="font-size: 7pt;"> </a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_10055178_importance-middle-school-electives.html">Importance of Middle School Electives</a></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Highly
motivated by the relevant topics and the knowledge that their work would be
shared with me and the rest of the world through the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">SCAN tool’s library</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the students worked diligently to complete their
scenarios, which were then posted in the SCAN tool. Why not have your students check out and
evaluate their lessons? Or better yet, challenge
them to write their own? Select topics
in your subject area and get them writing and thinking!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-27635884506196902192015-10-02T09:40:00.000-04:002015-10-07T08:58:27.579-04:00You Can't Beat Real Face Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwcFrU-XA_SY0AHGIkYsqHAkHrEi4Z3iAJAXafs_cGPNaxhdw-YaEIo1i85yWb0bl0AAKK1zlxWixfixubnEVt8VOVC8mS5BmfWMLcPqerkN3O_YHBG8BiteMsanDNi98SgxMkc1_eDxc/s1600/Face-to-Face-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwcFrU-XA_SY0AHGIkYsqHAkHrEi4Z3iAJAXafs_cGPNaxhdw-YaEIo1i85yWb0bl0AAKK1zlxWixfixubnEVt8VOVC8mS5BmfWMLcPqerkN3O_YHBG8BiteMsanDNi98SgxMkc1_eDxc/s200/Face-to-Face-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This morning on the news I saw a video, sure to go viral, of some <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25324213/look-sorority-girls-turn-diamondbacks-rockies-game-into-selfie-fest"><span style="color: blue;">college girls at a baseball game</span></a>, each one so
absorbed in their phones and taking selfies, not one looked up when the batter
had a hit and the crowd roared! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Looking up and around you,
interacting with each other, smiling face-to-face, can enrich your life and
improve your ability to reach your students, be they k-12, college or adult
learners. Last summer, I broadened my perspective by visiting
classrooms in the slums of Zambia, this summer, I broadened my horizons by
spending some quality time with quality educators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Real Face Time</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have to thank, ISTE, NJPAECET2,
and Boston CUE Rockstar Camp, NJAMLE Summer Skills Sharpening Event and of
course my sponsor, TregoED for giving me the opportunity to share and grow this
summer and fall, … but most of all, I have to thank those educators (check out
some of my PLC- those involved in #njamle #njpaecet #cuerockstar #njed
#edcampNJ) who dedicate their professional time (and a lot of their personal
time) sharing so we can offer kids and colleagues the very best we have to
give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bottom Line</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Twitter is a great place to
connect and share, but all the twitter chats in the world will never surpass
working face to face with people. Replacing semi-colons and parentheses
with real smiles and eye contact activates mind and soul– just <a href="http://news.sciencemag.org/brain-behavior/2015/04/how-dogs-stole-our-hearts"><span style="color: blue;">ask a dog</span></a>. In this day of political
ridiculousness, fault finding and mounds of paperwork- gathering with lots of
people that are passionate about their profession and the children they touch
is rejuvenating, exhilarating, and challenges you to improve on what you do
every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Head Out</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">These are just some of the
upcoming free or cheap opportunities (these are in my area, but are being
replicated all over the nation) to put your devices down and look each other in
the eye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conferences put on
by professional organizations: </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Edscape, October 17, 2015 </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://edscapeconference.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://edscapeconference.com/</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt;">Teacher’s
conventions: NJEA Convention – Are you going? Are you a
Middle Level Educator? Let’s do coffee! Follow @njamle
#coffeeEDU or visit njamle.org or the NJAMLE table for details!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Edcamps: <a href="http://edcampnj.org/"><span style="color: blue;">EdcampNJ</span></a>- keeps
getting better every year! Join us on November 21 at Jonathan Dayton
High School in Springfield for a day of great conversations, networking
opportunities and learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And easiest- <a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2013/03/give-your-teachers-hall-pass.html"><span style="color: blue;">Walk across the hall</span></a>, you will be amazed at what
your colleagues are doing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Okay…. so this one is not
face to face, but it is a great opportunity to connect in a unique way and
learn:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Book Talks: Edmodo
Book Talk: 17,000 Classroom Visits Can't Be Wrong by Antonetti and Garver </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/000-Classroom-Visits-Can-Wrong/dp/1416620087" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.amazon.com/000-Classroom-Visits-Can-Wrong/dp/1416620087</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Edmodo Group
code is 4thanw Hosted by Brad Currie and Robert Mullen</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where will you get
your next real “face time?”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-25363601657011771792015-08-21T14:14:00.000-04:002015-08-21T14:18:13.969-04:005 Great Back-to-School Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYWFMASUWaUOCwAL183GjgSVysB7nalVdS1Dem0kozfoI2H6kAvuYFScku6VzQ9EHryog6oFnRbGR9dUKd72neqrOfBNidzWCJ9QzKPgtibY6mUeBWlx0C-4C0WNqDX_bJndYzIh4evDL/s1600/go-ahead-and-panic-summer-s-almost-over.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYWFMASUWaUOCwAL183GjgSVysB7nalVdS1Dem0kozfoI2H6kAvuYFScku6VzQ9EHryog6oFnRbGR9dUKd72neqrOfBNidzWCJ9QzKPgtibY6mUeBWlx0C-4C0WNqDX_bJndYzIh4evDL/s200/go-ahead-and-panic-summer-s-almost-over.png" width="175" /></a></div>
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Have you been in calendar denial all summer? Being prepared helps you feel better about your transition back to work. Why not take a look at some of these great resources to give your students a jump start for a successful new year?</div>
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<b>Greetings! </b></div>
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Did you know that when teachers greeted students
at the door, on task behavior in the first ten minutes of class increased from
45% to 75%? (Journal of Applied Behavior
Analysis, 2007). Sounds like a great
simple tip to start the year (or class) off! Greet them with a smile!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Plan A, B or C? Do what's best for <i>your</i> kids</b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><o:p></o:p>Love this list of <a href="http://www.brilliant-insane.com/2015/08/14-things-teachers-should-never-do-on-the-first-day-of-school.html">14
Things teachers should never do on the first day</a>, not because I agree with
them, but because I like to hear other perspectives! Ask the kids for their perspective and go from there. (Sounds like a great <a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">SCAN</a> lesson to me!)</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Larry Ferlazzo has put together a whole
collection of <a href="http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2011/08/08/the-best-resources-for-planning-the-first-day-of-school/">Best
Resources for Planning the First Days of School</a> which includes everything
from icebreakers to developing relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Speaking of developing relationships – How do
you get off on the right foot <a href="http://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/392/Developing-Relationships-with-Difficult-Students.aspx">Developing
Relationships with Difficult Students?</a>
Check out these four simple strategies to help you forge a positive
teacher student relationship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->These activities will help you learn more about
your students and <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/helping-students-start-year-positive-mindset-maurice-elias">Help
your Students start off with a Positive Mindset</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->NEA provides some great resources from classroom
setup to working with parents in their <a href="http://www.nea.org/tools/back-to-school-guide.html">Back to School Guide</a></div>
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The first days of schools are an
exciting transition period for all of us! Unlike your new back-to-school outfit – it costs nothing to get a new first day of school
attitude that everyone will enjoy! </div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-52811302206355777692015-05-08T10:21:00.000-04:002015-05-08T10:21:43.399-04:00May Days! Engaging Students to the Bitter End!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_6nFegRL1DriJdUCaJ5Wwfh8-040sR_MHdUmAtIil3bmwyr_OQIdobZS4ctJ8CIT8RItcLnfNHxgcaoBk_3jTsK0oJ6DxwZb-DXJJhydgWDoeAlcS-HK9zPGvBWioXepTzr875L0Unmw/s1600/Mayday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_6nFegRL1DriJdUCaJ5Wwfh8-040sR_MHdUmAtIil3bmwyr_OQIdobZS4ctJ8CIT8RItcLnfNHxgcaoBk_3jTsK0oJ6DxwZb-DXJJhydgWDoeAlcS-HK9zPGvBWioXepTzr875L0Unmw/s200/Mayday1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">May Days! May Days! </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The most challenging part
of the year has begun. Time to get creative! I attended a webinar
the other day by @aaronquigley where he mentioned Fishbowl Debates as a
teaching strategy to get students engaged in problem based learning. Fishbowl
Debates turn out to be a great way to get kids thinking about different
perspectives, an important part of any higher level thinking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Fishbowl Debate Basics</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what is a Fishbowl
Debate? You arrange your seating in a circle with a small circle of
4-5 chairs in the center. Assign different points of view to groups
of students on issues or questions from history, the headlines, politics,
novels, etc. Each group discusses the question from their assigned
perspective in the center of a circle. After each group has shared,
students can discuss the issues with peers from other groups. Aaron’s
adaptation “the deep dive” – had representatives from each point of view in the
center and students on the outside researching support material and tagging in
when they had something to say. Check out some other great
variations of this teaching strategy from the site </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.facinghistory.org/for-educators/educator-resources/teaching-strategies/fishbowl"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Facing
History and Ourselves</span></a></span><span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Fishbowl Debate Resources</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So how do you pick a topic
for your debate? Why not look to the headlines? Newsela.com
is a great source of high interest articles offered in different reading Lexiles
to differentiate for your students. They also have great Pro/Con
articles like “<a href="https://newsela.com/articles/procon-ecigs/id/8083/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Are Federal Regulations
needed for E cigarettes?</span></a>” that provide an easy start to any
debate. Procon.org is also a great site that provides different
perspectives on many hot topics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to increase engagement and
participation? Hold an electronic Fishbowl debate. Did
you know the free <span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html"><span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">SCAN tool at TregoED</span></a></span> provides
scenarios with questions and different perspectives that students can discuss
in a private online discussion platform? Included are links to articles
or you can add your own. Check out the latest
lessons: “Vaccines: Should all School Children be
Required to get Them?” or “Should E Cigarettes be Regulated like
Tobacco?” (Both lessons use articles from Newsela.com that offers
them in different reading levels.) The SCAN tool has built in
critical thinking questions to keep the conversation going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either way, high tech or low tech,
teaching strategies that link to relevant and interesting topics, provide
different points of view and encourage students to consider different points of
view are a great way to get kids engaged and thinking any time of year! </span></div>
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More ideas for the end of the year:</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2012/05/keep-on-teaching-great-eoy-activities.html"><span style="color: blue;">Keep on Teaching: Great End of the Year
Activities</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2015%20blog/1.%09http:/www.edutopia.org/blog/end-of-year-engaging-projects-rebecca-alber"><span style="color: blue;">Engaging Projects for the End of the Year</span></a> from
Edutopia</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.middleweb.com/7320/ideas-the-last-weeks-of-school/"><span style="color: blue;">Looking Ahead to the Last Weeks of School</span></a> from
Middle Web</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2d2c; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>What activities have you found to keep them engaged and learning? Please share!</b></span></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-36714778421745174302015-04-06T16:19:00.000-04:002015-04-08T09:24:04.730-04:00New Roads to Learning-for This Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx3iAwe5V_ogSeAWU3PkypXV7fqks7u-RptjQGoZpdPbkNmTNp4EQu0O5kJOr9zTYsjojbbze26A7KMFtqxVrSMGMRPopSiDl-kJEwdAoYOrrVFlpcxPY7xxjUoRkvxEh4v_2tL9MSVf-/s1600/DSCN8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx3iAwe5V_ogSeAWU3PkypXV7fqks7u-RptjQGoZpdPbkNmTNp4EQu0O5kJOr9zTYsjojbbze26A7KMFtqxVrSMGMRPopSiDl-kJEwdAoYOrrVFlpcxPY7xxjUoRkvxEh4v_2tL9MSVf-/s1600/DSCN8772.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The overarching goal of our framework for K-12
science education is to ensure that by the end of 12th grade,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">all</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>students have some appreciation of the
beauty and wonder of science; possess sufficient knowledge of science and
engineering to engage in public discussions on related issues; are careful
consumers of scientific and technological information related to their everyday
lives; are able to continue to learn about science outside school; and have the
skills to enter careers of their choice, including (but not limited to) careers
in science, engineering, and technology</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">.”</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Next
Generation Science Standards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Wow! Doesn't that
sound nice? In fact, I am pretty sure
that that is exactly what I tried to do my whole career! Nothing new here. Or is there?
I was so lucky to have spent my career in a place where I was either
supported or encouraged to be creative and make all lessons “hands on” or at
least be left alone to my own devices!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Beyond Sharing Stories-Take Them with You<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">I have had some amazing opportunities over the years from joining
a group in the early 80’s that used something called the Electronic Information
Exchange System (EIES- pre-www, now called the “internet”) to connecting teachers
and students together to share data on local rivers to traveling with a team to
the Rain Forest in Hawaii on a Dodge Grant to visiting classrooms in Zambia to
recently being invited to watch a missile launch at NASA. The best thing about these opportunities is
that kids could come with me. The richness
of our lives always carries over into the classroom. However, the changes in technology have allowed us to go beyond “sharing stories” – now, with simple tools like Google Hangout, you can have the kids experience it with you in real time- if not literally, than digitally.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Sometimes there are Bumps in the Road- </span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">On my most recent journey, I attended the Launch of the MMS
mission and offered to connect with classrooms through Google Hangout, while we
were there. How cool is it that you can carry the class around with you, allowing
them to interact with professionals, other students, and actually see all the
artifacts in the museum, etc? Madelaine
Travaille, from High Point Regional HS in NJ, is one of those educators that
opens her classroom doors and windows wide when opportunities knock! Despite some glitches in our first attempts
at connecting, she was willing to try to make it work the following day to
offer her students a unique experience.
Great learning opportunities are not always as safe as having your notes
on the board or a pre-made PowerPoint, but staying in that safety zone of
scripted learning does not prepare your students for the imperfection of the
real world. (Nor does it teach them
persistence and problem solving!) Check
out our imperfect </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8tAGLTsVJrc">Google hangout video</a><span style="color: #333333;"> here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckgfzazLcJB0WGAs4MYi5yiuwSpajZvJMxzw_OmJunsNKhyToM7BCUSthUUXAhHK2Nl-wdBWeDyoAoqMXpmORUGsps-4nw_2d6OHEjKt1ae0ayR6BpiRbRsssdzreXSwNZbFcSNf7ASv-/s1600/DSCN8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckgfzazLcJB0WGAs4MYi5yiuwSpajZvJMxzw_OmJunsNKhyToM7BCUSthUUXAhHK2Nl-wdBWeDyoAoqMXpmORUGsps-4nw_2d6OHEjKt1ae0ayR6BpiRbRsssdzreXSwNZbFcSNf7ASv-/s1600/DSCN8765.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer Miller, Extraordinary Educator from TX, connects kids regularly with STEAM professionals, here she interviews Dr. Patricia Reiff, true Rocket Scientist, from Rice University</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TDWFf8QV43xQVDTQ5par9sl2c6mZmSIZYOms0ejLNblnyVBMo-5Y8Z-nx8IY35ZEeu32K5MOD-Lp-Rsj2_krfNvZ6MRYV0uzwRHhumqejt1wkagavuzioP4aRxmOzk3plAMrNko_6t1/s1600/high+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TDWFf8QV43xQVDTQ5par9sl2c6mZmSIZYOms0ejLNblnyVBMo-5Y8Z-nx8IY35ZEeu32K5MOD-Lp-Rsj2_krfNvZ6MRYV0uzwRHhumqejt1wkagavuzioP4aRxmOzk3plAMrNko_6t1/s1600/high+point.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students at High Point Regional High School listen to Troy Cline, MMS Outreach Specialist</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0c8SmEpU1L2z8EA2Fj5AwfkiIgJcrh9KGRtMlQbo2gdEIFubdns-C9aolfeRmB2PD19kMCUUQSpEZGZ2uroQVkJzETVPpC3RnWwZRYNp3MNPajyPJ9Xk1AdzmkKbQoX5wSc6IJxkjIKH/s1600/DSCN8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0c8SmEpU1L2z8EA2Fj5AwfkiIgJcrh9KGRtMlQbo2gdEIFubdns-C9aolfeRmB2PD19kMCUUQSpEZGZ2uroQVkJzETVPpC3RnWwZRYNp3MNPajyPJ9Xk1AdzmkKbQoX5wSc6IJxkjIKH/s1600/DSCN8794.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">Open
the Door to Next Generation Learning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif;">My point is…that it is now easier than ever before to reach
the overarching goals of the NGSS. Technology has flattened the walls of our
classrooms so that our students can witness the beauty and sometimes
devastation of the world, speak directly to experts in the field, connect their
learning to the real world, and have the skills and knowledge to enter the
profession of their choice. The barriers
are coming down, you just have to be willing to open the door when opportunity
knocks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-90648015694387751692015-03-09T17:24:00.001-04:002015-03-09T17:34:49.446-04:00Get Real! Check out the Science happening Right Now! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbujOSGAJv1b9qt2akKOgNQjt3xiA5-iv852Jabba4XAr52Iksg-jLtwR5WFjb8KO_LTjBw-yRSe4MznrADrD0nLgkti0RIan06TQrRW5r4sNv6SfKIE6Gg4WTrXsPmK5WBddsLguoQua9/s1600/512192main_mms-poster-orig_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbujOSGAJv1b9qt2akKOgNQjt3xiA5-iv852Jabba4XAr52Iksg-jLtwR5WFjb8KO_LTjBw-yRSe4MznrADrD0nLgkti0RIan06TQrRW5r4sNv6SfKIE6Gg4WTrXsPmK5WBddsLguoQua9/s1600/512192main_mms-poster-orig_full.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="hascaption"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This week
your students can become a part of history!
They can become part of a team made up of artists, social media, NASA
officials, and more to help celebrate the launch of the Magnetospheric
MultiScale (MMS) mission this week. What’s
that, you say? The MMS Mission is a set
of 4 satellites that will be launched this week to study magnetic reconnections
in the magnetosphere? Still not clear? These four satellites are going into space to
study the explosions that cause “space weather.” These explosions of energy can wreak havoc
with our electrical systems, astronauts, other expensive satellites and our
everyday tv, radio and phone transmissions.
</span></span><span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="hascaption"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>The first challenge</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A couple of years ago, I
was given the opportunity to help develop lessons around a new NASA Mission,
The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) a mssion that was not even going to launch for a couple of years.
Our mission (and we chose to accept it) was to design a lesson that
would teach kids around the world what the mission was all about and why it was
important AND we had to include a social media component. We decided to design a truly authentic
mission and turn that challenge around to our students. <a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=330317">The MMS Challenge</a> was
born. Students from all over participated and shared their videos, artwork, models and activities that would teach other children about the MMS Mission. Check out</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> </span><a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/330317?tabid=82ae45f7-e21d-c4e4-d9c4-1c13f0634517" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">what students have done</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> to meet the challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><b>A new challenge</b></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Fast forward to today….the
mission is launching this week and we are once again asking students to become an
integral part of the team. What better
way to demonstrate in a very real way, the wide variety of careers involved in
such an undertaking than to talk to some of the people that are directly
involved. We would love to have your
students meet our team, learn about the mission and share through social
media. Our team includes Father of
Digital Art Laurence Gartel, NASA MMS Education Outreach TEAM, NASA MMS Social
Media Team, students and teachers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Introduction to the
mission<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">There are a number of
great short videos that you can use to introduce your students to the mission.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://youtu.be/biItTLrz0cQ">NASA mms video</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/ne0810_talking_mms_1.mp4">NASA
Edge Part 1</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/nasa-edge/ne0810-talking-mms-part-1/#.VP2vqvnF-Ah">Transcript</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/ne0811_talking_mms_2.mp4">NASA
Edge MMS Video Part 2</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00110711_at33_mms.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00110711_at33_mms.html">Starting
the Mission</a></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/narrated-animation-of-mms-launch-and-deploy/#.VP20LPnF-Ag">How
it will deploy?</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mms/overview/index.html#.VP21EPnF-Ag">Mission
overview</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p><b>More Resources</b></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Another way to get your
students acquainted with the purpose of the mission is to use the SCAN tool at
TregoED to learn and discuss why the mission is important from different points
of view. SCAN is a free, private online
discussion tool. Teachers should
register at TregoED.org and set up the SCAN lesson,</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Space Exploration and You: SCAN the NASA MMS Mission to get a
unique URL for their class discussion.
Each step of the SCAN critical thinking strategy will allow students to See
the important issues, clarify them, Assess what is important and Name next
steps. Students discuss the issues from the
point of view of an astronaut, student, electric company owner, and satellite
company owner to determine how the MMS mission could have an impact on their
daily lives. An engaging way to get them talking about the mission in a real
time online classroom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="fcg"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Find <a href="http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov/education.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">l</span><span style="color: windowtext;">esson plans</span></a> and activities that your
students can do to learn about the mission.
</span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Make the
math-science connections by mapping out the size of one of the satellites in
your classroom with this <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NWfeqs12vJ8gqv2miuRa8JdoHUk8O6ucxkz0l0JcpBs/edit?usp=sharing">activity</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Get them involved</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Encourage
your students to participate as a journalist, scientist, artist or engineer and
share their knowledge of the launch through social media.</span><span class="hascaption"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="hascaption"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Details coming
soon</b> (email me at sanwoz@gmail.com if you want me to email you the details) on how you can join a student led team, on the afternoon of March 11 or
12. Meet the Father of Digital Art Laurence Gartel, NASA MMS Education Outreach
Team, NASA MMS Social Media Team, and other NASA MMS Officials and follow and
post on our social media channels (#magrecon):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Facebook:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MagMultiScale" style="background-position-x: 100%; background-position-y: 50%;">http://www.facebook.com/MagMultiScale</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">Twitter:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_MMS" style="background-position-x: 100%; background-position-y: 50%;">http</a><a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_MMS" style="background-position-x: 100%; background-position-y: 50%;">://twitter.com/NASA_MMS</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">YouTube:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/nasamms" style="background-position-x: 100%; background-position-y: 50%;">http://www.youtube.com/user/nasamms</a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-10953047450437370402015-01-29T16:20:00.001-05:002015-02-01T13:31:48.554-05:00How can you resist the (Science, LA, Character Ed) lessons of Deflate-gate?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Fbtun9X_bo_XJBdjUOc_6dVrGUSSogojRBHZ_YNLFFqoRtSozYcIc7_500erIj1dTCCA0ZXmMFJTl3WVvU6ohQnEeAnUHadKNrf7QMdEn14UEgR61RfO-VmrP5LMtWdMj6Wyy2kdIYSE/s1600/sb-ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Fbtun9X_bo_XJBdjUOc_6dVrGUSSogojRBHZ_YNLFFqoRtSozYcIc7_500erIj1dTCCA0ZXmMFJTl3WVvU6ohQnEeAnUHadKNrf7QMdEn14UEgR61RfO-VmrP5LMtWdMj6Wyy2kdIYSE/s1600/sb-ball.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
It’s that time of year…a long winter stretch where many of
us will need a recharge. Why not
re-energize your classroom with a topic that seems to have everyone
talking!</div>
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<b>Deflate Gate! </b> </div>
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Although there are probably a number of reasons why you might not want
to discuss deflated balls in the middle school classroom, the great tie-in to
the science curriculum, character education, sportsmanship, research and
writing may overcome them all! Deflate Gate is a STEM PBL waiting to happen! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Start with a little
research<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Have your students list all of the things that they “need to know” in order to investigate what happened.What are the facts? What are the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/22/us/nfl-patriots-deflategate-rules/">precise
rules</a> that are involved? <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/01/24/how-the-nfl-tom-brady-peyton-manning-and-other-qbs-created-deflategame/">How
did the rules come about</a>? </div>
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Listen to
the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/01/25/bill-nye-says-bill-belichick-made-no-sense-on-deflategate-explanation/">coach’s
scientific explanation</a>. List the
science vocabulary and determine if he was using it correctly. What do real scientists have to say?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Become a "PSI CSI"<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Get them experimenting!
This is a great opportunity to have students see if they can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxsXFX3tDpg">replicate this experiment</a>
done on some footballs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>or</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Have them design their own experiments to discover the effects
of temperature on air pressure using balloons. Have them measure the diameter of the balloon at room temperature, and
then after being in the refrigerator or the freezer. Collect data. Graph the results. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>or</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Have them bring in their own footballs to measure PSI and
see how much theirs differ from each other. Which ones are easiest to handle? Throw? Lots of good science here: measuring, graphing temperature
vs circumference, graphing temperature vs PSI (with a good bike pump), determining variables
(why weren't all the balls affected?).<br />
or<br />
Check out this "just released" Kahn Academy video on deflate-gate. Sal asks <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/gases-and-kinetic-molecular-theory/ideal-gas-laws/v/deflategate-ideal-gas-law?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Stuff%20you%20might%20like%20After%20Test%20Cohort%20Made&utm_campaign=Highlighted%20Content%20020115%20-%20List%202">"Does the Ideal Gas Law" show that there was no foul play?"</a></div>
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<b>What about the cheating aspect?</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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If it is discovered that the winning team’s footballs were
not properly inflated, on purpose, should there be consequences? Perhaps your students might be interested in w<a href="http://blogs.psychcentral.com/sports-couch/2015/01/deflate-gate-and-the-psychology-of-cheating/">hy some people cheat?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Some argue that the balls would not have made a difference
in the outcome of the game. Others argue
that the integrity of the game is at stake and the team should be punished. The team has been caught cheating before, but
at this time it is unclear exactly what happened. Should the team be held responsible? If you punish the team do you punish the
fans? What actions would be fair? Is it “just a game” or a billion dollar
business that is supported by fans who expect better? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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Why not let your students get in on the conversation and
collaborate on a solution using the free SCAN tool at Tregoed.org. Set up the lesson titled “Sports, Cheating,
and the Big Game” to get them talking and writing.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Deflate-gate has everyone talking? Will it be part of your classroom discussions?</div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-52917701480423954802014-12-05T10:27:00.000-05:002014-12-05T13:14:58.647-05:00Ebola? Ferguson? Immigration? Too Hot to Handle or Great Learning Opportunities?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lu8QcFxfEyiMX43JAPsjZ2ScLyj2S16BIKlOARYAOwCWw2gmstjIzOzqcKU67JODt5uFgR_8fhlsSnYe0iWxoeaFrk70npjfYuHNo9OJUdCevl99hMGSvbwcNp0MP2Q1ECYoHLQA2xUT/s1600/hot+topic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lu8QcFxfEyiMX43JAPsjZ2ScLyj2S16BIKlOARYAOwCWw2gmstjIzOzqcKU67JODt5uFgR_8fhlsSnYe0iWxoeaFrk70npjfYuHNo9OJUdCevl99hMGSvbwcNp0MP2Q1ECYoHLQA2xUT/s1600/hot+topic.gif" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
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In light of recent events there seems to be no better time
to teach children how to practice civil discourse and listen to and understand other
perspectives. However, it is often easy/wiser (and in fact
sometimes even mandated) to avoid polarizing and emotional topics in the
classroom. So, how do we teach kids
about them? OR what do we teach kids
about them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is difficult for any of us to get a clear understanding
of what is going on through the filter and sound bites of the media. One thing that has become clear (and is a
lesson in itself) is that violence does nothing to solve problems and in the
case of Ferguson, only clouds the issues or polarizes people even more. The lesson that we want our children to
understand can be taken right from the common core – to be able to develop
arguments backed by facts and evidence.
We want to teach our kids how to think, not what to think.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Critical Thinking</b></div>
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Our children need to see that clear thinking is the only
pathway to a solution to these complex problems and that there are ways to
promote that clear thinking. Once again,
the simple critical thinking strategy SCAN (based on asking the right
questions) can help you get kids to take apart complex issues, clarify them and
create solutions. A powerful way to get
our children to practice civil discourse!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YrhDnyGD3L5ATo9LBB8k_4ebaRvKYhG3eVnft-99BU34mSbdkJRXHEptfHUgzwm5VU3KX_oWRGm_bmLmVmqy6WIs0JC2GW1d9cPLykkAIky__Dd11rQoYvAHPxIJqIzSKKFgcmpnCRVx/s1600/SCAN+Flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YrhDnyGD3L5ATo9LBB8k_4ebaRvKYhG3eVnft-99BU34mSbdkJRXHEptfHUgzwm5VU3KX_oWRGm_bmLmVmqy6WIs0JC2GW1d9cPLykkAIky__Dd11rQoYvAHPxIJqIzSKKFgcmpnCRVx/s1600/SCAN+Flow.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a>It doesn't matter whether you use the 4 step SCAN strategy to
look at very tough emotional-ridden events like those in Ferguson (or desegregating
schools from a historical perspective) or use it on simple situation like having
cell phones in school (or should we be allowed to wear hats?) – The important
thing is that we teach the kids (and adults for that matter) a way to deal with
complex situations using a formula that helps them see different perspectives,
weigh them and create solutions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The <a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">SCAN
tool</a> (housed on the TregoED site) is an online discussion tool that has the
SCAN strategy built in. The advantage of
using this tool, rather than just asking the questions in class are many: kids find it engaging, roles and perspectives
are built in, students use screen names, all students contribute, etc. Students
read a scenario (write your own or use one from the library), select a point of
view and discuss it guided by the questions that make up the four steps of
SCAN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Some typical SCAN lessons in our library:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Who owns Egyptian Artifacts?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cyberbullying<o:p></o:p></div>
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Senior Pranks: Crime
or Tradition?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cell Phones in School<o:p></o:p></div>
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Should there be zoos?<br />
<o:p></o:p>Should we all get trophies?</div>
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<a href="http://news.sciencemag.org/africa/2014/10/tough-choices-ahead-ebola-vaccine-trials">Who
gets the Ebola Vaccine?</a> (NEW!)- Have your students look at the perspectives of ethicists, scientists, health care workers and vaccine makers and discuss how the Ebola Vaccine should be tested and distributed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Write your own!</b></div>
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In addition, you can write your own lessons to meet the
needs of your class. Some hot topics in
the media right now that are perfect for SCAN lessons:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/parents-brawl-costs-kids-football-teams-shot-at-championship/">Should
kids be punished for parent’s behavior?</a>
Parent’s brawl cancels children’s football championships. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-more-snow-days-technology-keeps-classes-going-during-bad-weather/">Should
students have to do school at home on snow days?</a> Using technology at home can replace lessons
in school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/supreme-court-case-tests-the-limits-of-free-speech-on-facebook-and-other-social-media/2014/11/23/9e54dbd8-6f67-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html?wpisrc=nl-headlines&wpmm=1">Supreme
Court tests the limits of free speech on social media</a>. Can you land in jail for something you said on
Facebook?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/12/16/regulating-e-cigarettes-could-have-unintended-consequences/">Should
we regulate E-cigarettes?</a> Should the
same rules apply as regular cigarettes?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/09/07/who-owns-fashion">Who
owns fashion?</a> Can you copy designs?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/07/29/336301660/should-kids-get-a-trophy-for-showing-up">Should
all Kids get a trophy?</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2014%20blogs/Are%20websites%20liable%20for%20user%20comments">Are
websites liable for user’s comments?</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Bottom Line</b></div>
<br />
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The bottom line is that you may be able to avoid topics that
you are uncomfortable with in the classroom, but you should never avoid the
opportunity to demonstrate that clear thinking- seeing other perspectives,
clarifying issues, evaluating importance and creating solutions- is a skill
that can be learned and transferred to any problem. <o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-11284054481758361672014-10-16T09:06:00.003-04:002014-10-16T09:11:43.147-04:00Drive them to Think! My Favorite STEM Challenges<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZv5c6LWcEAObuxc5pgFnhAComg1o1-_sCK4V7mtHUE09D1onSkiZ6VNeoY-o4ZC5BYIPZY2YkPXFB46qhNpVxQr1WpNaCglHd71mDrgy6av_bx2fR_8wOMDrtCSxsmzFT74_y9UDHQ9Z/s1600/driving+question2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZv5c6LWcEAObuxc5pgFnhAComg1o1-_sCK4V7mtHUE09D1onSkiZ6VNeoY-o4ZC5BYIPZY2YkPXFB46qhNpVxQr1WpNaCglHd71mDrgy6av_bx2fR_8wOMDrtCSxsmzFT74_y9UDHQ9Z/s1600/driving+question2.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
One of the key elements of a PBL is to provide a driving
question. That driving question provides
the open-ended challenge or problem that we want our children to work on. Bottom line, the question should be open-ended,
require collaboration, critical thinking and teach students new skills. These building blocks of inquiry are why STEM
education goes with problem-based learning like macaroni goes with cheese! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Driving Questions</b></div>
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Driving questions can, among other things, challenge
students to solve a problem, design a better way to do something, build
something useful or educate others.
Build, design, create and make are all verbs that bring the element of
engineering into your classroom. Adding
constraints to a problem (things that students may or may not use, size/weight
limitations, safety rules, etc.) not only adds to the challenge but reflects
the reality of every day problem solving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my all-time favorite examples of constraints in
problem solving is the square peg in a round hole problem that was given to the
Engineers at NASA to help Apollo 13 astronauts.
It has all the makings of a great problem: It’s real and has real constraints. I use this great <a href="http://youtu.be/C2YZnTL596Q"> video clip</a> from the movie to have students practice defining a problem and listing the constraints<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>My Favorite STEM Challenges</b></div>
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Here are some of my favorite STEM challenges that I have
used with kids to cover a variety of content:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Build a better ________________. Your students come across design flaws every
day. Ask them to listen to the
complaints of their peers or parents about something that “just doesn’t work
right” and develop a solution to the problem.
It could be a machine (like a mousetrap), law (like immigration), toy,
or whatever. They should gather
information about the product, propose a solution, build a prototype, and present
it to the class. Example: I recently had to use an airline travel
toothbrush for a week – it collapsed into two pieces every time I brushed. Surely
someone can come up with a better design!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rube Goldberg Contraptions. The best engineering programs in the world participate
in Rube Goldberg challenges. Share a few
<a href="http://rubegoldberg.com/gallery">Rube Goldberg cartoons</a>, a couple
of great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rube+goldberg+machine">YouTube
videos</a> and challenge your students to design and build a Rube Goldberg
contraption that can do any or all of the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Uses both a chemical change and a physical
change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Uses 4 different simple machines.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Uses both a mixture and a solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Uses 4 different energy transfers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->e.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There is a whole lot of physics and chemistry
that can be learned here. Video tape
their demonstrations and explanations to share with parents and post them to
share with the rest of the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Build a solar cooker with recyclable
materials. Food is a great
motivator! (and S’mores demonstrate both
chemical and physical changes -burnt marshmallow, melted chocolate, broken
graham crackers). Have students
research, design and <a href="http://climatekids.nasa.gov/smores/">build a
cooker</a> that will melt the chocolate for your s’more. (Just saw that they now sell flat square
marshmallows just for s’mores in the microwave-build a better marshmallow?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Build a SCALE Model of a large object (NASA’s
latest MMS satellite, the solar system, the continents) or a small object (a
life size lego man, cell, the Jolly Green Giant’s cell phone) using tape on the
floor or string outside. Lots of math
involved!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Make a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jules5759/dioramas-automatas-other-art-with-moving-parts/">model
with moving parts</a> using just paper (research paper engineering), Legos or
recyclables of any science concept:
life, water or nutrient cycles, mitosis, meiosis, laws of
thermodynamics, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Build, design, create, make, are
all words that are key to putting engineering in your STEM lesson and
developing problem solving, collaboration, creativity and communication. Put the learning in their hands! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
What are your favorite engaging
STEM Challenges?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-76303572852469876342014-09-15T13:00:00.003-04:002014-09-15T13:02:50.287-04:00Wall of Fame and other Award-Winning Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_D9nzpuLvh_WMN6chOcYGMwRJkH9V5NwJUznHla4imlE6tnOfdNvCuAyxzlKNu_TeqDmT7F0BUDduoU_Ts6f-1vmBYUuO4oge7N8-K3falmJpmD_WCkdvjEz4jB6rIToxOuQcSGCDg2u/s1600/bricks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_D9nzpuLvh_WMN6chOcYGMwRJkH9V5NwJUznHla4imlE6tnOfdNvCuAyxzlKNu_TeqDmT7F0BUDduoU_Ts6f-1vmBYUuO4oge7N8-K3falmJpmD_WCkdvjEz4jB6rIToxOuQcSGCDg2u/s1600/bricks.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I started back to school each year, one of my bulletin
boards (not my forte) was a blank brick wall.
(Google: brick wallpaper). I explained to my students (and parents at Back to School Night) that it was the <b>Wall of Fame</b>. I had straight-forward-hard-to-attain-academic
criteria which only a few students would reach in a marking period. Once you had earned Wall of Fame status, you
were allowed to design your own name to post on it (any font, size or colors.) The kids loved earning
that status (and designing their own names)!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Wall of Fame was based on academic criteria, but that does
not have to be the case, you could recognize all sorts of accomplishments. You could even have students develop their
own criteria. Imagine if your students
had to put together a portfolio to apply for the award? Just like using the <a href="http://www.middlegradesforum.org/images/STW_Rubric_Final_Oct_2012.pdf">Schools
to Watch Rating Rubric</a> as a great way to get your middle school to reflect on
and evaluate their work, a student created Wall of Fame Rubric could be great
way to get kids to reflect on their accomplishments in your class. You could even accept peer- nominations for
extraordinary leadership or citizenship.
Our school, like many, has a list of awards that we give out at
graduation. Why not share those awards and criteria at the beginning of the
school year and give them something to shoot for?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But wait, should all
students get an award?</b> (I remember
having to come up with a category for every child’s costume at a Halloween
party so they could all get an award – my own child’s award should have been
Best Working Mom’s Poor Attempt at Creativity, but I digress.) What a great critical thinking/writing opportunity to get
kids thinking and writing. Why not have students look at some of the issues from
different points of view and determine what should be done?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Here are some points of view and articles that go with them:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Parent 1:</b> She wants
her child to get a trophy for participating, the trophy is a reward for
fulfilling a commitment on the team, it is both motivational and a memento for
her participation. <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/22/my-loser-kid-should-get-a-trophy.html">My
Loser Kid should Get a Trophy</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Coach:</b> Not all
players should receive trophies- trophies should earned. You may earn a trophy for highest scorer,
most improved, best sportsmanship, but it should be earned and not given to
everyone. Besides, the trophies cost a lot
of money. <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/11/participation_trophies_should_kids_get_rewarded_just_for_showing_up.html">Participation
Trophies: Should Kids get Rewarded for
just showing up?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Player: </b> If everyone
has participated and worked hard, than everyone should be rewarded. However, it is not fair to give an award to
people who did not even show up for practice.
This award may be the only one some children will get. Working hard regardless of results should be
rewarded. <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/scopemagazine/pdfs/SCOPE-110113-Debate.pdf">Should
everyone get a trophy?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Parent 2:</b> “<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If children know
they will automatically get an award, what is the impetus for improvement? Why
bother learning problem-solving skills, when there are never obstacles to begin
with?</span>” Giving everyone an award gives children a sense of entitlement. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/opinion/losing-is-good-for-you.html?_r=1&">Losing
is Good for You</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-kids-get-participation-trophies">Should
Kids get Participation Trophies?</a> Debate.org presents different opinions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://reason.com/poll/2014/08/19/57-percent-of-americans-say-only-kids-wh">57%
of Americans say that Only Kids Who Win should get Trophies </a> Recent Poll with graphs and charts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What's your take on this issue? What would YOU do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to have your students discuss this situation online
using TregoED’s free SCAN tool? Just
register at <a href="http://www.tregoed.org/">www.tregoed.org</a> and set up the
“Should we all get Trophies?” lesson
complete with different points of view and links to readings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-6262789605674748012014-08-28T12:41:00.001-04:002014-09-08T09:51:35.656-04:00Education: Against all Odds<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine if you got ALL of your nourishment, for your mind,
body, and soul from one place. This
place is not in your home or kitchen, your computer, or in the palm of your
hand. It is not on your TV, radio, or other
electronic device. In fact, it is not
near-by; you will have to walk miles to get there. It is your school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkuejRydJCN9U0lH07gcOuET_l8CPIMJqR3hZzwewpx_PmkgANGk6ZRfHn1U9aMvhJOT-QrJ2IxGEVX98RQQvWmyO-GD1xTuG45ME_rdxO2WJ-p5aVr216pbdt_Ctm5z4VUgauBH6rUkg/s1600/outside+the+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkuejRydJCN9U0lH07gcOuET_l8CPIMJqR3hZzwewpx_PmkgANGk6ZRfHn1U9aMvhJOT-QrJ2IxGEVX98RQQvWmyO-GD1xTuG45ME_rdxO2WJ-p5aVr216pbdt_Ctm5z4VUgauBH6rUkg/s1600/outside+the+window.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out the school window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had the opportunity to travel to Zambia this summer to see
firsthand how education can drastically change lives. I have seen it many times
in the US, we give kids opportunities and choice and expose them to all kinds
of resources in the hope that they will solve the problems of the world. In Zambia, education is their one hope to
bring a large portion of their country out of poverty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We visited and worked in some of the poorest schools in the
country. These cement-block schools (many
were churches) were in the middle of a compound, surrounded by high walls,
locked behind gates – no electricity, no lights, no resources…and yet, the
benches were full of eager learners. Why
not? This is Zambian TV, as good as it gets, literally food for their mind,
body, and soul. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have made a living teaching kids how to think critically,
how to solve problems, and how to see things from different perspectives. “Seeing things from a different perspective”
has a whole new meaning for me. Cultural
differences are real, concrete, and amazing to experience. Even more amazing is the human factors that
we all have in common. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7v8d3yPX7RFkxazjlPc3hFE6ajEW_-b4Rfj_ZG19oN_ydv-ahS12JcqH9eIFMc4PPQz6YeomJulMB0p7xvkAN7l_wWC6iDXYVSvm_y9nuX1E2_770pxv4LKbcy-uGzTk4hRFWr8IyQ2X/s1600/boytruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7v8d3yPX7RFkxazjlPc3hFE6ajEW_-b4Rfj_ZG19oN_ydv-ahS12JcqH9eIFMc4PPQz6YeomJulMB0p7xvkAN7l_wWC6iDXYVSvm_y9nuX1E2_770pxv4LKbcy-uGzTk4hRFWr8IyQ2X/s1600/boytruck.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Child with imaginary truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kids are kids<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The kids that we visited lived in a city, they have seen TV,
video games, computers – they do not own them.
They play like our kids play- they use their imagination – a shoe is
filled with rocks and becomes a truck, a plastic bag on a string becomes a
kite, or two fingers are used as a loom to make a bracelet. They laugh, sing, recite, respond, and
participate just like our kids do. We
tried out some lessons before the trip with some kids from the Mt. Olive Middle
School – we made balloon rockets and trading cards. The kids in Zambia loved the activities (as
did their counterparts). They loved
reading the American’s kids trading cards (and true to Middle school kids, the
boys all wanted a girls card!) and took great care making the cards that we
were bringing back with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZaisHf7pPnnv6plA2ToAXfVe0VJasA4GPvvdOltIMMcSbBXN8g5cJdvOXQHFJwmhxHZuS4HQcg64ysVLsmgHNbfafQ_dQfCzoYxhQx-iJzVkfqgeah3BUbBZm93R2A6MCwVCPencOcCC/s1600/trading+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZaisHf7pPnnv6plA2ToAXfVe0VJasA4GPvvdOltIMMcSbBXN8g5cJdvOXQHFJwmhxHZuS4HQcg64ysVLsmgHNbfafQ_dQfCzoYxhQx-iJzVkfqgeah3BUbBZm93R2A6MCwVCPencOcCC/s1600/trading+cards.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding the trading cards sent to them by kids in the US</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97k1F6Og0JZpsUhLJdNlk76wUfciIQjwRE1drVDuFGCfjIVPjlVFoEq379qvBwDgBUc5_zYG4IrOEW1iOjyxc-P7tJkULYJis_piqCS77hy31nOfUmiEJIh9ij777kW6RRyS1QYhc2Sx2/s1600/math+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97k1F6Og0JZpsUhLJdNlk76wUfciIQjwRE1drVDuFGCfjIVPjlVFoEq379qvBwDgBUc5_zYG4IrOEW1iOjyxc-P7tJkULYJis_piqCS77hy31nOfUmiEJIh9ij777kW6RRyS1QYhc2Sx2/s1600/math+class.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the edge of their seats doing math factors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIQABYgBWVkEbWA0PWYLC1NOhYaw6KVX0mAm92xSdo2lzBzujVXsxtFmPLpCWQls9Tt6J7mdYiqwUhxn98DOGlZK0b0OTT9OtR51YXLhmsUUv6WoqvkNatgZyqiFkmM2N7CdqCqDX6A8N/s1600/board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIQABYgBWVkEbWA0PWYLC1NOhYaw6KVX0mAm92xSdo2lzBzujVXsxtFmPLpCWQls9Tt6J7mdYiqwUhxn98DOGlZK0b0OTT9OtR51YXLhmsUUv6WoqvkNatgZyqiFkmM2N7CdqCqDX6A8N/s1600/board.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-used blackboards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Teachers are teachers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite having just an old chalkboard, the teachers in
Zambia all had objectives on the board (btw almost all schools had a mission
statement painted on the outside of their walls), the lessons were rigorous and
relevant. Although English is the
official language of Zambia, children are taught their tribe’s language – one
of 72 different languages in the country, so essentially they all start out as
ESL students. Posters around the rooms
are handmade. Electricity is
optional. Despite the almost total lack
of resources, these teachers take their jobs seriously (after all, the children
have a National Exam to take!). They are
proud of their students, their accomplishments and what they can give to
them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like the teachers in Zambia, we take our jobs seriously, and work with what we have (sometimes an embarrassment of riches) everyday to maximize the opportunities to nourish the mind, body and soul of the kids that we serve! We recognize that for some of our kids, we are the soul source of stability and nurturing in their lives.<br />
<br />
For more details on our trip to Zambia go to: <a href="http://sangoestozambia.blogspot.com/">sangoestozambia.blogspot.com</a><br />
PS I was approached by a teacher with three computers - little to no internet...looking for educational games to use with his kids...must be downloadable....ideas?</div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-36476111012050596942014-05-28T11:31:00.003-04:002014-05-29T08:31:51.567-04:00Wrap up the School Year with Just in Time Learning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyVOLrD3OBfN_MWh-chZPrFpr3Jlch5e4rXa2AOev7WrVkxNrMTnJBbQKFSMmWQcjE4RJpP1WZxzPPLcU9J8vEBdtK9F_fNDQPN07TRFVGAKFc8J5qV9Ti38ugdyprR864nnvuZFOkbS5/s1600/senior+prank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyVOLrD3OBfN_MWh-chZPrFpr3Jlch5e4rXa2AOev7WrVkxNrMTnJBbQKFSMmWQcjE4RJpP1WZxzPPLcU9J8vEBdtK9F_fNDQPN07TRFVGAKFc8J5qV9Ti38ugdyprR864nnvuZFOkbS5/s1600/senior+prank.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
So many great lessons, so little time….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrapping up the school year is never easy. This time of year is filled with disruptions, testing, field trips, assemblies, yearbooks and general havoc. It is hard for both students and teachers to carry lessons on from one day to the next. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have found that students are always willing to get into a good argument if there is something they might feel passionate about. Kids are very interested in and passionate about, well, other kids. Why not use this natural enthusiasm to get them thinking?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Teachable Moment</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think that this local news story on a senior prank gone wrong is a great teachable moment to get students thinking and writing! Have students apply SCAN, the critical thinking strategy to determine the issues surrounding the prank and arrests, assess what is important and develop a plan on what the consequences should be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You could start showing the different perspectives using this news video:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/01/police-dozens-of-students-arrested-after-senior-prank-at-teaneck-high-school/">Police: 62 Students Arrested After Senior Prank at Teaneck High School</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have them select a perspective and read the following
articles:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Parent: </b><a href="http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2014/05/teaneck_students_react_to_prank_that_resulted_in_60_arrests.html">http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2014/05/teaneck_students_react_to_prank_that_resulted_in_60_arrests.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>Student: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2014/05/teaneck_students_react_to_prank_that_resulted_in_60_arrests.html">http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2014/05/teaneck_students_react_to_prank_that_resulted_in_60_arrests.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Principal: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/teaneck-high-school-senior-prank-leads-to-vandalism-arrest-of-62-students-1.1006861">http://www.northjersey.com/news/teaneck-high-school-senior-prank-leads-to-vandalism-arrest-of-62-students-1.1006861</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Police:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/senior-pranks-a-teen-tradition-that-can-get-out-of-hand-quickly-1.1007219">http://www.northjersey.com/news/senior-pranks-a-teen-tradition-that-can-get-out-of-hand-quickly-1.1007219</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have all students read this article to see what alternative
activities might be possible:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/05/messy_senior_pranks_at_western.html">http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/05/messy_senior_pranks_at_western.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have computer access, you could have students participate as individuals or in small groups in an online guided discussion using the SCAN tool at TregoED.org. The tool is free and the class discussion will be in a private URL (students will not be identified (except to the teacher) - no passwords, registration, or email addresses are necessary). Teachers can register at www. tregoed.org and learn more about this tool by watching this short video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxEdA-ADrUEIpa7WIzCXv7s3n-a-phqTekiyn5VCITKMhJfuniU1M6tSbcgRNWcOLyA3zzcg3nJcd0kEBjJNsUuNpqv853pyaJuEkK6OoHxk8Ts2tfz56F9qZGtJAMhlSAw9tzncCBr5/s1600/SCAN+Flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxEdA-ADrUEIpa7WIzCXv7s3n-a-phqTekiyn5VCITKMhJfuniU1M6tSbcgRNWcOLyA3zzcg3nJcd0kEBjJNsUuNpqv853pyaJuEkK6OoHxk8Ts2tfz56F9qZGtJAMhlSAw9tzncCBr5/s1600/SCAN+Flow.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If computers are not available, students can be put in groups with like roles, discuss the issue and then jigsaw into groups with 4 different perspectives. They should use the SCAN critical thinking strategy as their guide for discussion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are lots of great discussions going on right now that your students could and should get in on: NSA and privacy, year round school, hashtag activism (300 Girls go Missing), and more. Take advantage of these discussions and keep the learning going!</div>
</div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-26830762857412098602014-04-22T11:50:00.003-04:002014-04-22T11:52:42.107-04:00Earth Day-Bringing it Home Everyday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcR2nnnwUnc3xvpb0yg9lPV72HFZsArNKJ-2tCWGcRXhVvzTrnLhazbINECKWB_7oRRb4wbzU1cpYRIWD7D_1IPcRVdbeqvppCz7HE4lbdWzwogrbH92KBTOa_hkdXAJPMjbmrIdrj1dK/s1600/Kids-environment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcR2nnnwUnc3xvpb0yg9lPV72HFZsArNKJ-2tCWGcRXhVvzTrnLhazbINECKWB_7oRRb4wbzU1cpYRIWD7D_1IPcRVdbeqvppCz7HE4lbdWzwogrbH92KBTOa_hkdXAJPMjbmrIdrj1dK/s1600/Kids-environment.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>STEM?</b> The
objective is to not teach separate subjects, but to teach those subjects within
the context that they occur in the real world.
Earth Day reminds us that there are hundreds of environmental issues
that need to be resolved many of which are right in your own backyard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Earth Day is an everyday opportunity!</b></div>
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Looking at environmental issues any day
of the year is a great source of problems that need solving – ripe for an
authentic Problem Based Learning Unit.
Many times environmental issues are full of different perspectives (global
warming for example) that are perfect for helping students understand
perspectives, read informational texts, find evidence to support claims and
collaborate on solutions fitting perfectly with the Common Core. It is easy to hit Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics principles (STEM) if you are collecting data, graphing, problem
solving, engineering solutions and using technology to share results and
campaign for solutions all within a local habitat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>So what is in your
backyard? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Have students check out the local paper to see if there are
land use issues or other environmental issues going on around town:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Does your community have sound, noise, light, or air
pollution?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Does your community have water issues, too much, too little,
too polluted?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Does your community need sprucing up? Is graffiti or litter a problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How about your school building? Can you do a simple litter survey in the
halls? What types of litter did you find?
Who is responsible for it? How
could it be stopped? <o:p></o:p></div>
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How about the lunchroom?
How much garbage do you generate? Where does your garbage go? Can it be reduced? What can be re-used (we raised a pig at our
school to eat all of the leftovers!)? Recycled?
How can plants help the environment inside or outside your school
building? <o:p></o:p></div>
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How about doing an energy audit of your building or your
home? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Act Local, Think Global</b></div>
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You can help your students learn about and improve the world
around them with simple projects based on local problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Want to go global? <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/earth-day-global-learning-day-homa-tavangar">Edutopia</a>
has some great Earth day projects with global sharing opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Want to teach your students about activism? Check out this blog on <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-environmental-crisis-resources-models-mark-phillips">Teaching
and the Environmental Crisis</a>, which features schools that have taken action
to improve their environment and communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking for more great resources? Check out<a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2012/04/great-interactive-resources-for-earth.html"> Great Interactive Resources for Earth Day.</a></div>
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<b>What is in your backyard? </b>Have your students been involved in a community
environmental issue? Please share!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-11042867972651330042014-02-14T12:48:00.001-05:002014-02-18T15:10:38.745-05:00More Great Olympic Classroom Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u1sQilVP6XEvQFqMmEYSX1FzXSy4vbib7NWdsah2UIFKgAXKiCE8yu4u0P861rMM4WHDOrTBbSxzfybemnAr8KwTh1RGwD9BQ-Oj_qV0RRWBqwo_zN7fGSdiHI_N4Y40zoHYAntGDGm8/s1600/Russia_Sochi_2014_Winte2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u1sQilVP6XEvQFqMmEYSX1FzXSy4vbib7NWdsah2UIFKgAXKiCE8yu4u0P861rMM4WHDOrTBbSxzfybemnAr8KwTh1RGwD9BQ-Oj_qV0RRWBqwo_zN7fGSdiHI_N4Y40zoHYAntGDGm8/s1600/Russia_Sochi_2014_Winte2-3.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In my research for great activities linking the
Olympics to classroom content, I came across more great resources from the <a href="http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/teaching-the-sochi-olympics-history-geography-and-social-studies/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New York Times Learning
Network,</span></a> posted each day this week and divided by subject area. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved the suggestions that they had
for the <a href="http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/teaching-the-sochi-olympics-history-geography-and-social-studies/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"><span style="color: windowtext;">history, geography, and social studies lessons</span></a>
because they called for a debate on whether it is worth the expense to hold the
Olympics in your country. They developed
lessons around the financial realities and asked students to select a city near
their community and present a proposal. They
even supplied a link to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/02/04/sports/olympic-venues.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">great pictures</span></a> of where the Winter Olympic
events might be held in New York City!<o:p></o:p></div>
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That of course got me to
thinking! Who has bid on the 2022 Winter
Olympics? It turns out that there are
some interesting options! I set up a
SCAN lesson (free online discussion tool found at <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">TregoED.org</a>)</span>
and a <a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1248830"><span style="color: windowtext;">livebinder</span></a> with resources on the five
countries that have put in bids to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why not have your students select one
of the countries, do a little research, look at the criteria to support their
country’s bid and determine who should be selected?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sounds like some critical thinking,
that can be followed up with some great persuasive speech or writing!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Looking for more great ideas to tie the Olympics to your content? Math, Engineering, Language Arts, and more can be found<a href="http://bit.ly/1ixpw7O"> here</a>.</div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-85071264763980642712014-02-06T14:15:00.000-05:002014-02-14T12:51:22.600-05:00Sochi Lessons for Every Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRG75Q8DeLml1dWs-5-gY5GVKemNU6skutuAHh6M7md1VwzFTkSP1H_QT9W_8icMFAz1ci8jR6ckeAhvBAafckU6b86yFqeouzSOTXHtX_Vpqr6VBaHcoFTHlfx8mUopAcsOiQxmU3f61/s1600/sochi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRG75Q8DeLml1dWs-5-gY5GVKemNU6skutuAHh6M7md1VwzFTkSP1H_QT9W_8icMFAz1ci8jR6ckeAhvBAafckU6b86yFqeouzSOTXHtX_Vpqr6VBaHcoFTHlfx8mUopAcsOiQxmU3f61/s1600/sochi.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shoveling again! Between
our record breaking cold, 7 snow days and the winter Olympics approaching,
tying your lessons to snow seems like a no-brainer, no matter where you are! <o:p></o:p></div>
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lessons of
course are an excellent fit, but why not include art (STEAM) and Reading
(STREAM) and Social Studies (STREAMS)…there are lots of resources and
opportunities to take advantage of this global event in your classroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have snow in your backyard, there are lots of
questions you can explore: Why does it
form crystals (flakes) sometimes and other times it is just ice? How does salt help snow to melt? Are there environmental consequences of
salting the roads? Can you design a
better snow shovel? Why does some snow
make better snow balls than others? How
do ski areas make snow? <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you don’t have snow in your backyard (hard for me to
believe!), there is plenty of snow science going on in Sochi. I recently learned from an NBC (Orlando)
reporter,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stewart.moore.tvnews"> Stewart Moore</a>, on his way to cover the Olympics, that Sochi was a “tropical resort” in Russia, with
weather comparable to Atlanta (except for the nearby mountains!). Snow was actually
saved from last year under blankets just in case they need it! Imagine all of the logistics involved in
pulling off an event like this (science, technology, engineering, math, anyone?)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are lots of great resources to get students engaged in
relevant learning in your content area this month! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Science:</b> Check
out these great videos on the <a href="http://www.nbclearn.com/science-and-engineering-of-the-2014-olympic-winter-games">Science
and Engineering of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games</a> including the “Science of
Ice” “Science of Snow” and “Building Faster and Better Bobsleds” complete with in-depth
lesson plans! You can find more videos
on the <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/olympics/index.jsp">Science
of the Olympic Games 2010</a> related to individual sports and gear. Just for fun, check out this fascinating <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/26/sports/olympics/20100226-olysymphony.html?hp&_r=1&">sound
interactive</a> which illustrates in sound the fractions of a second separating
finishers in events at the Olympics.
This was found amongst the gems offered in <a href="http://www.teachersfirst.com/spectopics/sochiolympics.cfm">TeachersFirst’s
Resources for the Sochi Olympics</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Technology:</b> Yesterday, I witnessed a great <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c4l5g2ckf0s34e5u03mlemaaofk">Digital
Day Winter Olympic Challenge</a> going on between students in Indiana and
Lousiana. Hosted by William Krakower in
NJ, students met in a Google Hangout and answered challenge questions based on
the Olympics. The questions included “How
many miles from your school to Sochi?
How many kilometers? What is the time difference between your school and
Sochi?” These students were totally engaged and motivated by the hot (cold?)
topic of the Winter Olympics and the social capital built in. You can easily replicate this with your own set
of questions, set up game show style within your classroom, with a class across
the hall, a class across town, or a class across the globe. Kudos to those teachers who brought this cutting-edge
activity to their students despite some technical difficulties and weather
cancellations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Reading:</b> <a href="http://whyfiles.org/">WhyFiles.org</a>
has some great articles that feature different perspectives, ask great
questions and cover ethical issues that make for great reading and persuasive
writing. Some examples include “Sports
Doctors: Conflict of Interest?” or “Too
Much Training?” Find the articles by
searching for Olympics or Science Meets Sports.
Discover more ideas for Olympic-related reading and writing activities at
<a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/winter-olympics-begin-today-31068.html">ReadWriteThink</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Engineering</b>: There are lots of opportunities for
engineering research from the Olympic venue to the athlete’s gear. Check out this simple <a href="http://www.weareteachers.com/lessons-resources/details/physics-winter-games-the-bobsled">student
challenge</a> from We are Teachers which has students build their own bobsled
out of Popsicle sticks. Or use the video
on <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/winterolympics/bobsleds.jsp">Engineering
Faster and Safer Bobsleds</a> and the accompanying guide for STEAM activities
related to designing the bobsled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Math:</b> Have you seen <a href="http://www.yummymath.com/">Yummy Math</a>? This site provides “mathematics relevant to
our world today.” Their most recent post was on the lighting of the Olympic
Torch and one on how Olympic ski jumping is scored, both great math lessons
with authentic and timely connections. Check out the <a href="http://www.nbclearn.com/portal/site/learn/science-of-the-olympic-winter-games">Mathletes
video</a> and lesson for another activity on scoring in the Olympic Games. There are some very simple ideas on what you
can do with results (including fake result pages) that you can use for <a href="http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/themes/olympics/winterolympicsresults.htm">simple
math activities</a> involving reading and building tables. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Social Studies:</b> Delve into the history of the Olympics, geography
of Sochi or research an athlete to discover the culture and geography of their
country. There are lots of links for
the History of the Games, Olympic Games and Politics, and Ancient Olympic Games
on the <a href="https://www.teachervision.com/olympic-games/teacher-resources/6651.html">TeacherVision</a>
site. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Looking for more STEM
Activities?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Matt Davis provides some quality <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/winter-olympics-2014-learning-resources-matt-davis">links
and ideas incorporating STEM into Olympics</a> in the student engagement blog
on Edutopia. Highlights include mapping
the Olympic Torch Relay, math activities from Scholastic and great hands on
activities from <a href="http://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/2010/02/going-for-the-gold-the-science-of-winter-sports.php">Science
Buddies</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking for Debate topics? <a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2014/02/more-great-olympic-classroom-resources.html">Who should host the 2022 Winter Olympics? </a><br />
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The Olympic Games are an excellent opportunity to connect
the interdisciplinary dots in an engaging way!
How will you take advantage?<o:p></o:p><br />
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-40886328818035363712014-01-07T10:32:00.000-05:002014-01-09T15:06:01.492-05:008 New Resolutions to Feed Student Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WP9o4TNgpOQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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There is no doubt that sometimes it takes a little bit of motivation to get
back to work after a long holiday. Even with
goals and resolutions, it can be hard to get going. It’s funny, the business of learning doesn’t
seem like a chore at all to the very young.
They seem to be exploring every nook and cranny of their world, full of
questions (sometimes many, many questions, sometimes questions that can really
stump you). So what happens? Do we stifle those questions? How do they go from curious and excited to
bored and beleaguered? <o:p></o:p></div>
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How do we keep that intrinsic motivation to learn
alive? What do we need to feed student
motivation?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why not resolve to:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b> Develop curiosity</b>. How do you keep their curiosity going in the
classroom? Do you shut students down
when they ask questions that are “off topic” or do you allow them to be curious
and encourage them to find the answers and ask some more? Don’t stress over every minute of precious
instructional time that you won’t take time to smell <i>their</i> roses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Make connections </b>to their lives and the world
around them. To some, this may seem like
you are “getting off the track” but it actually is a great way to get kids
thinking. One minute you’re talking
about prohibition, the next minute you’re talking about the recent legalization
of marijuana in Colorado. It is just
that sort of “off the track” thinking that gets them juiced (could not resist
the urban dictionary pun) and wakes up their thinking. How do these two events relate to each other?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Share your enthusiasm!</b> How do you sell your lesson or activity? As
tough as outside forces make the teaching profession, there is just no time to
be an Eeyore in your classroom! Start every day, every year, and every class,
with boundless enthusiasm. “You would
not believe what we are going to do today!” “Wait until you see what this will
lead to…” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span><!--[endif]--><b>Aim high</b>—that is aim for higher order thinking
skills. Ask the right questions. Huh?
(explain that) Really? (do you know this to be true?) and So (why does
it matter? So what?)” I always told
parents at back to school night that their children were learning rigorous
material, and added “please don’t tell
them!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span><!--[endif]--><b>Infuse the magic of technology</b>- Many of our
students have infused the magic of technology in their everyday lives in a big
way. It should just be a matter of
course in the classroom. To quote George
Courso in <i>Inequity in BYOD</i>
“Technology should be at the point of instruction and be as accessible in
learning as a pencil; it shouldn’t be an event.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bzUPhbPLNboXaGaOU5kC3Kb3B9fGomjcm7XaMMzINROlvDsu6KVg6ELqXJHKhd9L81illpJ2MQXriR_jNbhaO1NV5fpSSzmzozq7TMLFmS890rp0VRqKNR8U2fz4B1IYVL2ugDojc5tr/s1600/pencil+lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bzUPhbPLNboXaGaOU5kC3Kb3B9fGomjcm7XaMMzINROlvDsu6KVg6ELqXJHKhd9L81illpJ2MQXriR_jNbhaO1NV5fpSSzmzozq7TMLFmS890rp0VRqKNR8U2fz4B1IYVL2ugDojc5tr/s1600/pencil+lab.jpg" height="236" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Provide opportunities for coopertition</b>- I think
the word coopertition was coined by someone involved in First Lego League. Our students should be involved in activities
where there is both competition (for some motivation on its own) and
cooperation (which makes it more or less risky depending on the student)…either
way, it is part of life and motivational.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span><!--[endif]--><b>Mix it up</b>- I know that classroom routines are a
must, but that doesn't mean that your class is routine. My classes were set up with a starter or a
grabber (maybe a question, maybe a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cdbusch9/discrepant-events-for-science/">discrepant
event</a>, a short video, a word or two from our sponsor (yes, I do like to say
a thing or two), and then a “cooperative exploration” – which was a fancy of
way of saying “the day’s activities…could have been simple or complex, 10
minutes or 40, whatever. Structure was routine, class was not!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span><!--[endif]--><b>Keep your sense of humor</b> – I had a principal who
started the year off with “if you’re not having fun, it’s time to get out” – of
course there was a large percentage of the staff who thought that was a
ridiculous statement, after all, education is a serious business. But, what can I say? Middle school is
fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-5091229260661052332013-12-16T10:23:00.000-05:002013-12-18T08:58:00.724-05:00'Twas 5 Days before Winter Break<div class="MsoNormal">
With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo68jFmLWLI5YT0HH-7sLv6olnnRdGFzfvuiuMKMzibavmjy99lhITe39GsbCYZzoWO9SP5qpKF7rJ3xdXR9Qptm7VP5h8qnbN0b_BEvAQ-hACdlou_ROITq7UBEeZEaH6IwSUwLodT8l/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo68jFmLWLI5YT0HH-7sLv6olnnRdGFzfvuiuMKMzibavmjy99lhITe39GsbCYZzoWO9SP5qpKF7rJ3xdXR9Qptm7VP5h8qnbN0b_BEvAQ-hACdlou_ROITq7UBEeZEaH6IwSUwLodT8l/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
'Twas 5 days before school break and all through the class<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not a brain cell was stirring, must think and think fast<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The objectives were posted on the board with care<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In hopes that good thinking, soon would be there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The children were dressed in bright blue, green and reds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As visions of vacation days danced in their heads<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Marie in her Ugg boots and Jon in his cap<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had just settled their brains for a short in-class nap<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They sprang from their chairs to see what was the matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Away to my laptop I flew like a flash<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turned on the projector and sent them to the hash (tag)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The look on the kid’s faces along the back row<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Showed a bit of a stirring, a glimmer, a glow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When what to my wondering eyes did appear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a live online chat and ideas to share<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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With hot topics the kids were so lively and quick<o:p></o:p></div>
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I knew in a moment that this was the trick.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More rapid than eagles their thinking it came<o:p></o:p></div>
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I whispered and smiled and called them by name<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now SCAN tool, Edmodo, Today’s Meet and Wiki<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On laptops, on Ipads, on mobiles with twitter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the top of Blooms Pyramid, to the top of the class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now think away, think away, think and think fast<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up to the tallest heights the ideas they flew<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With creativity, critical thinking, and communication so new<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, in a twinkling, I saw on the screen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The comments and thoughts of each one of those teens <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I stood there amazed my thoughts swirling around<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In came the principal with some thoughts profound<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was dressed all professional from her head to her foot<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And her tablet was open to observe something good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A bundle of energy we had in the class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was so impressed she got in on the task<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their work, how it sparkled, the ideas so fresh<o:p></o:p></div>
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The comments were helpful, their words start to mesh<o:p></o:p></div>
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They supported their arguments with evidence and more<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their writing more confident than ever before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I spoke not a word, let them go with their work<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And watched as they collaborated as I just did lurk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And after the bell rang, not one child rose<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Too engaged to hear it, I had to suppose<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sprang to the door as the kids cried out loud<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And assured them their work was saved to the cloud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard them exclaim as they moved out the door<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When can we come back and do this some more?<o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-10236599788242621762013-12-06T16:45:00.001-05:002013-12-06T16:55:17.281-05:00Changing the World, One Twitter Chat at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jaFXAscgRyZtwfvst0QMuMOH6_v7poGU2uT4c_AgRiUlN9xafSPTw5GHHGnLujk7kC9DHzsbPBSOFOF2d21x1w6ySD9N6cKZhPpQV4n_xjvFW2qz9BeyXd7SUK1Qs-x6nZ9raxXH__o/s1600/tweetchat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jaFXAscgRyZtwfvst0QMuMOH6_v7poGU2uT4c_AgRiUlN9xafSPTw5GHHGnLujk7kC9DHzsbPBSOFOF2d21x1w6ySD9N6cKZhPpQV4n_xjvFW2qz9BeyXd7SUK1Qs-x6nZ9raxXH__o/s1600/tweetchat.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, I admit it, I got caught up watching the Morning Show
and the discussion that Matt Lauer had with the Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter. While Matt recognized that
being able to use pseudonyms allowed for political speech where it is oppressed
and therefore had the potential to change the world, he was concerned about
nasty tweets and negativity (apparently he has had some hurtful ones). Doesn’t that sound like the fear that
teachers sometimes express regarding the use of technology, and particularly
social media in the classroom? I loved
Dick Costolo’s answer “it is incumbent on us, as operators of the platform to
make sure that everyone can come to Twitter feeling it is a clean, well-lit
place.” That is exactly what we have to do as educators, in our regular and our digital classrooms. It is incumbent on us to teach our children civil discourse
and digital citizenship. It is no
different than expecting them to be polite to each other face to face (except that
students cannot twist the truth when confronted with comments that are in black
and white).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Lauer and
Costolo’s conversation veered off to the entertainment industry (“Who does Costolo
wish would sign up?” “Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler”), my mind went in a different direction, to the
other side of Twitter. I have to admit,
I do not follow anyone famous (I do follow James Taylor on Facebook, I enjoy
seeing him pop up in my newsfeed between my teacher friends and my sister with
pictures of him baking pies on thanksgiving, etc….after all, years ago, he sang
“you got a friend” to me….of course there were a couple thousand people in the
room, but I am pretty sure he was singing to me…but I digress). The people I do follow share news, resources,
ideas, and laughs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Costolo admitted that the language of twitter (#, @, RT,
etc) can turn some people off, but the content is powerful – the media, photos,
and content that people share is what is important. Recent twitter chats on critical thinking via
the #njed group (headed up by @wkrakower) and #TXeduchat (led by @jennifermiller9)
are an example of this great content-content that I think can change the world. They were fast paced, fun, invigorating,
stimulating, and validating conversations. I have
never seen a nasty tweet amongst my colleagues (granted, I don’t have as many followers
as Matt Lauer, but he only has them because Justin Bieber asked his followers
to follow Lauer), and as Costolo stated “there is a certain creativity that
comes with being limited to 140 characters.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some examples:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGTOiZiJNShqkakYLiIapEYNaaDp_CUwVUIP5tzVTQFURqzSvO-VWL3dI0ETKH-FR2kSszP6LHziXGU_aIyaVwedg0OcqLB9Y849j_Gzxtqnp7TsjfJQWrpD7Hcz2t123UJ_6K6A6yjDz/s1600/tweet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGTOiZiJNShqkakYLiIapEYNaaDp_CUwVUIP5tzVTQFURqzSvO-VWL3dI0ETKH-FR2kSszP6LHziXGU_aIyaVwedg0OcqLB9Y849j_Gzxtqnp7TsjfJQWrpD7Hcz2t123UJ_6K6A6yjDz/s1600/tweet1.jpg" height="137" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6keincARbwHhdKPOX0Es_hPyigHazE1j3X5D5R96CmvEHad7dvRUZrloT39hNouKKTH2Nc-CDLaLeHN6fJuUoo-i3vn-chaIUuEiUBelt-VNdez3MbGmSy6huIKwh6_o-55NPAmRBX98/s1600/tweet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6keincARbwHhdKPOX0Es_hPyigHazE1j3X5D5R96CmvEHad7dvRUZrloT39hNouKKTH2Nc-CDLaLeHN6fJuUoo-i3vn-chaIUuEiUBelt-VNdez3MbGmSy6huIKwh6_o-55NPAmRBX98/s1600/tweet2.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSRVqvFbk5j1-qa69fjCxJ6VrWhvkDk3yRHlYlkqa_CuOCGnpF1Hc581DPfWJofeVKretschwI5eAbpOtl6C8t25n1BkecMY5h6whK8O_7moKTNoX3E7gIUL170OigTRgZTKGuHegmvEV/s1600/tweet3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSRVqvFbk5j1-qa69fjCxJ6VrWhvkDk3yRHlYlkqa_CuOCGnpF1Hc581DPfWJofeVKretschwI5eAbpOtl6C8t25n1BkecMY5h6whK8O_7moKTNoX3E7gIUL170OigTRgZTKGuHegmvEV/s1600/tweet3.png" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdG1osR6rfXsXM58lyd-LfFPkDF-wnxYf-0Nx1zyJF2HnKxgurVxoA9uoaX2dXKZG1kgFYIBzee8us4GzftP3BJAvK6FwESrjFWzjX5dIclUM7mShKoFhJUjVe7qLrnb-SnLQ_7paCcjI/s1600/tweet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdG1osR6rfXsXM58lyd-LfFPkDF-wnxYf-0Nx1zyJF2HnKxgurVxoA9uoaX2dXKZG1kgFYIBzee8us4GzftP3BJAvK6FwESrjFWzjX5dIclUM7mShKoFhJUjVe7qLrnb-SnLQ_7paCcjI/s1600/tweet4.jpg" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIHB-y6N7DYJc6X9sTJt8nN9uC_npttczV8LptWK4F60ZFp3OM44VHwm3rJ1peA1BpitPjO-RzyNu0vjGvoUZfJSVc_EwcZ1qBrSp3Q6J-iulRW1hmYHmh3lumk29I8i26wdZoU8E5o4/s1600/tweet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIHB-y6N7DYJc6X9sTJt8nN9uC_npttczV8LptWK4F60ZFp3OM44VHwm3rJ1peA1BpitPjO-RzyNu0vjGvoUZfJSVc_EwcZ1qBrSp3Q6J-iulRW1hmYHmh3lumk29I8i26wdZoU8E5o4/s1600/tweet5.jpg" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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So combine #greatminds, creativity and thought provoking
questions (after all, the conversation was about critical thinking) and you have
true learning, sharing of resources, practices and insights. How can you lose?Although I love Amy, Melissa, and Tina, I am pretty sure
that adding them to twitter will not change the world. Get the right educators on there, and I think
we have a shot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Join the #njed chat on Tuesday nights, 8:30 ET </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387038117833060316.post-56480210827597268282013-11-14T12:43:00.000-05:002013-11-23T19:49:55.448-05:00The Packet is Dead! (or at least it should be)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxQGwl8XdylrJ2QLpXCq96M_8WzA8f4sxMiD_3ZiwUGXswdaPT4oVOPd_GYT13CveZD3nBY4l2YpwsmlDYPSi8RoD0gMNyj6Z239YtQ9BWfjKNB8mzZVcEPQCxym6cc9oOJCTDBCGwYK5/s1600/007-theteacherscorner-test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxQGwl8XdylrJ2QLpXCq96M_8WzA8f4sxMiD_3ZiwUGXswdaPT4oVOPd_GYT13CveZD3nBY4l2YpwsmlDYPSi8RoD0gMNyj6Z239YtQ9BWfjKNB8mzZVcEPQCxym6cc9oOJCTDBCGwYK5/s200/007-theteacherscorner-test.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember the packet?
I mentioned “the packet” the other day in a workshop could see that
everyone knew exactly what I was talking about.
The packet – a number of “worksheets”
stapled together that students can work on independently -in theory, not so
bad, in practice, not so good. Not too
long ago, there was a Youtube video, of a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_55826&feature=iv&src_vid=Jo9WPkJsBLE&v=bKjqjpePhTc">student
ranting against the packet</a>- (warning – “strong language”). The video went viral, mostly because everyone
understood what this student was talking about!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, not all packets are created equal. Some very good project-, problem- and
challenge-based learning activities start with something like a packet, but questions,
challenges, and resources send students far beyond the packet. The thing is, there are simple ways to get students to work independently, creatively, collaboratively, and thinking critically. Why not avoid the packet all together? You can present interactive problems with links,
collaborative discussion areas, brainstorming centers and student workspaces using
simple technology tools. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a look of these sample projects and launch your project
with the same creativity and learning objectives you expect from your
students (and look like you are some kind of techno-geek in the process). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These simple tools offer
students (and parents) 24-7 access to the project that they can never lose:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2013%20blogs/Wiki">Wiki</a> – this wiki is a great example of
how a problem can be presented, resources linked and places provided where
students can work and share with other students. This problem was presented to teams of
teachers in the problem-based learning style.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=330317">Livebinders</a>-
I am a great fan of Livebinders because they are so simple to use. You can insert documents, provide links and
resources all in one nice neat package (note I did not say packet!)) This one presents a challenge to students,
provides links, resources, rubrics, and even a place for them to share their finished
products.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/TregoED-SW%2012813/Documents/2013%20blogs/Blendspace">Blendspace</a> provides a place for you to insert text to
present the challenge and then places that you can link websites, photos,
videos, etc. to give students different perspectives to study. This is a great way to share informational
text for common core standards. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ed.ted.com/on/2vuTO4RB">Ted-Ed</a> provides
a really simple interface where you can start students out with a challenge via
video (or just provide a video to get them thinking) and you can then supply “<a href="http://scan-werecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/2012/12/simple-question-lead-to-complex-learning.html">The
right questions</a>” to get them thinking and learning. You can provide links to information, and
collaborative sites to enrich the lesson or project. Here is my most recent <a href="http://ed.ted.com/on/EAsh024B">critical thinking problem on graffiti</a> presented
Ted-ED style. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/itsco.org/6th-grade-language-arts/language-arts">Google
web site and docs</a> – This is a great mock-up of a class web page made by the
people at ITSCO for their AMLE work session. They used a Google site with links to separate
Google docs for the students to work on in small groups. They provided a large group timeline for the
entire group to work on and an exit quiz using Google forms for
assessment. What a great way to leverage
all of these free Google tools to provide resources, a collaborative space and
assessment. The ITSCO people did a great
job with all of their mini workshops at AMLE, you can check out their other
workshops and<a href="http://itsco.org/AMLE"> resources</a> with this link. Top quality work!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.eastpennsd.org/teacherpages/rcooper/_Project%20Based%20Websites/Pinball%20Wizard.html?u=">Web
page</a> I attended a PBL workshop last year, where Mr. Cooper was kind enough
to share his website with us. He shared some
great examples of how a teacher might use a website to present students with a
project, provide resources, etc. (Note: he has a place where you can “print the packet”
for those of you that ask “<i>what if a
child does not have access to technology at home?</i>”) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want apps? Check out <a href="http://www.appitic.com/index.php/cbl/apps-for-cbl-challenge-based-learning">apps
for challenge based learning</a> which provides suggestions for apps for
launching and supporting a challenge based learning project from start to
finish. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Setting up a <a href="http://tregoed.org/teachers/new-to-scan.html">SCAN scenario</a> for
discussion can be a great way to launch a problem-based learning experience
with your students. You can attach links
customized to reading levels, and get them to see a problem from different
perspectives before they get started. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although, I might not express myself in the same way as Jeff
Bliss has in his viral youtube video (although, I am pretty sure I might have
in high school!) I agree that “if you want kids to come in here and get excited
for this, you gotta make ‘em excited!” PBL’s
and technology are a great way to achieve that goal. Ditch those packets, as Bliss says “you gotta
take this job serious, it is the future of the nation!”<o:p></o:p></div>
Israel 2023http://www.blogger.com/profile/05987585341030841727noreply@blogger.com0