Explain Everything

What an amazing science lab! Students were to observe live specimens of three micro-organisms and then create their scientific drawings in their science notebooks. Specimens weren't going to arrive in time so I found clips on YouTube of each. They toggled between the clips and the Explain Everything app. The only instructions that they got from me was that they needed at least four observable traits associated with each specimen. The results were spectacular. 

Students had never used the app before but immediately discovered typing their text rather than using the stylus to write. They added color. They even saw what their peers were doing and went back to revise their own work, wanting to make theirs as high-quality as their classmates. 

The drawings themselves were superior to anything else my students had created in science labs so far, but it was the voice component of the app that put the assignment over the edge. Once they discovered it, students began to describe their observations, recording their ideas on the same page as their drawings. The integration of language standards with the science standards made this activity one of the most memorable of the year!

Collecting Data

As the year is coming to an end, I am working with a team to reflect on the literacy growth that our students have made in part due to use of iPads in the classroom. Using AIMSWeb and MAP data (depending on grade level), we are noticing great student progress in the realm of reading fluency and comprehension. While the occasional student's score decreased, the vast majority of students showed expected or more than expected growth.

I am already thinking of new ways to integrate technology and iPads in my instruction next year! Please share any ideas that have worked for you and your students!

Another Great Article

I read this article from the Washington Post about how teachers are using the Internet more now for planning and instruction. It explains briefly how some teachers are utilizing electronic resources in their classrooms and how the Common Core State Standards are going to make it easier to share materials.

Free Internet lessons challenge textbook market for public schools

Magazine Reviews

Check out the magazine reviews that we created! Students each read their own Time for Kids magazine and then reported back on the cover story in the way of an essay. They then presented their new-found knowledge as a magazine review, sharing non-fiction text features and highlights from the article! Watch our videos and then be sure to leave students comments back here on the blog!

Magazine Reviews

Article

Found this interesting and informative article! Enjoy!

Schools Across the Country Bring iPads to the Classroom

Year Book Take II

So the yearbook cover ended up only being created on laptops. While it was decided that the iPads would definitely work, since it is a contest we needed to have a level playing field. My students did some phenomenal work using wordart, inserting images, and the overall design. It was evident that some students may have a career in graphic design!

Year Book Cover

The fifth graders in our building have a tradition--a contest to design the cover of the year book. In years past, MS Word has been used. While I think that will continue to be successful, I am wondering if there is a way that my class can participate using the iPads instead. Maybe there is design app that will allow them to insert photos and edit fonts the same way that the word processing software does. I am interested to investigate before we attempt this project next week!

Stay tuned for samples of my students' designs!