Why just answer a math question on a worksheet when you can explain every step to solving any given math problem using an app on the iPad? Our thoughts exactly! This week we created videos, on the Explain Everything app, of the step by step process that we take to answer fraction, integer, and algebra questions. Not only was this an amazing assessment tool from a teacher's standpoint but the students were extremely engaged! Check it out!
Students learned how to use Google apps for education today! Specifically, they collaborated on a Google Doc that could be shared between every student in the classroom. The benefits of this application are endless. Students are now able to work on their documents on any device, anywhere in the world! Not only this but they can now work together on the same doc AT THE SAME TIME! Today the students learned the appropriate way to use a Google Doc and they even had time to create a silly doc together. Here they are working away on their silly doc. For more information on Google Apps for Education please ask myself or your children.
We are currently wrapping up our science unit on Chemistry. Students have learned about how various matter can be classified. We have touched on concepts including pure substances, mechanical mixtures, suspensions, solutions, methods use to separate mixtures, concentration, solubility and acidity. Today students participated in a science experiment where they used litmus paper to determine whether 4 mystery solutions were an acid or a base. They also observed a mystery mixture and had to classify the type of mixture, as well as, how they would separate the mixture. Check out the students hard at work!
The Dennis siblings sneakily played a practical joke on me this morning during math. They hid this lovely rubber snake on my chair which surprised me when I went back to my desk. Apparently this was well planned before school! Some people may see this as a negative thing to do to a teacher, however, it is amazing to know that the students feel comfortable enough in our relationships to play practical jokes on me. Building relationships with students is essential in creating a learning environment that is truly effective. Hopefully this prank war doesn't get too carried away!
Students spent time practising adding and subtracting with integers today on a website called ixl. This website allows students to work through math problems that are directly related to the BC curriculum. The website gives students goals to work towards that helps encourage and engage them in their learning. It even helps explain where students are making errors throughout their practice. This website was a great practice tool and students seemed to really enjoy using it for mathematics.
Division one has started a novel study on the book The Giver by Lois Lowry. Each student was handed a workbook with assignments to work on as they read through the book. They have all created their own schedules and should be referring back to these schedules in order to stay up to date and not fall behind. The novel study is due on Dec 6th.
Today we started our Halloween iMovie trailers. Students were shown the different genres of trailers and how to input photos and videos. They were then put into groups where they created storyboards for their trailers! Check it out!
This afternoon we spent time working on our 3D art unit. Having already discussed how we can use the curvature of lines to create a 3D effect (see our earlier post on hand art), today we learnt how technology can really help our designs 'POP'. Students designed their own sneakers and then brought them to life using an APP on the iPads called ColorMix. The students were amazed to see their creations 'come to life'. Very cool art! Here are some pictures of the students creating and exploring their art.