Fantastic Fridays: December 3

Fantastic Fridays: December 3

1. Classroom Spotlight Project: Extending Novels

The fact the 6th-8th grade students are reading novels should come as no surprise to most of us. Teachers are very familiar with the importance of "read and report" in literature classes. However, Maggie J's students are experiencing a "wrap-around" approach to novels as they explore online resources which complement their reading. Student access Edline at home and in class for maps, movies,websites, and historical references to provide an in-depth digital library to accompany their work. What a great use of Edline and digital resources to expand their perception of literature!

2. Student Websites: Travel the World

Although we would all love to take a world-wide field trip with our students, it's not always feasible. Consider the following resources for bringing the world to them through technology.

• Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/ . The satellite and street views provided in Google Maps give students the feeling of "being there" at historical landmarks and locations in your classroom curriculum. The accompanying program, Google Earth http://www.google.com/earth/index.html , is a free download, and I would be happy to add it to your computer to allow students to see some amazing features. Try going to Google Maps and looking up your favorite spot or historical destination-- it's like a mini-vacation!
• ePals: One of the ISTE standards for technology is that students learn to use technology to communicate and collaborate with students around the world. Consider using epals at http://www.epals.com to connect with another classroom around the world!
• The Iditarod: Looking forward to March, the Iditarod is a dogsled race in Alaska which some teachers have used as a learning  opportunity for their classrooms. Check out these two sites for lesson planning ideas: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/iditarod/ , http://iditarodblogs.com/teachers/
• Journey North: Right now, we're enjoying the approaching winter season, but it won't be long until crocuses are blooming! Plan now to integrate the online "Journey North" activities to give your students the opportunity to gather data as part of an enormous project! http://www.learner.org/jnorth/

3. Teacher Productivity Tools: Christmas Science

Sometimes, the last few days before Christmas can be a challenge for planning. Of course, we all teach right up until the last bell! Just in case your students are having trouble focusing, try using these "Christmas Science" sites to keep everyone "On Task, On Target"! Or, just enjoy them for yourselves...

Chemistry Carols: http://people.bu.edu/metalman/chemistry_xmas_carols.html 

Science Stunts for Parties: http://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/top-10-science-stunts-for-christmas-parties/

Glassblowing Christmas Tree: http://www.holdman.com/christmas/glasstree.asp

Super Christmas Lights: http://www.holdman.com/christmas/video.asp

The Audobon Society’s Christmas Bird Count: http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/

This weeks video: A tutorial on how to create the perfect Google Map for teaching in your classroom!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhAH53HZhxI&feature=player_embedded