The Tech Savvy Teacher

The TECH-SAVVY Teacher Article of the Month

In our classroom we are studying the seasons! Since it is Winter, we decided to focus on that season first. For the kindergarten standard 3, objective 1 c, it states that "students will describe the information each of the five senses provides with the change of the seasons." Our goal was for students to observe winter and to collect and analyze the data they found.

For our activity, we had the students brainstorm connections to winter in their personal journals incorporating each of the five senses. We then had them go outside and observe the effects of winter on the world around them. To capture their findings they used digital cameras. They needed to capture a photo that would represent one of the five senses.

Using Kidsperation, students then organized their data into a cluster incorporating their photographs along with appropriate clip art provided by Kidsperation (see photo #1.)

Kidsperation helps students better understand and utilize the scientific process of observation, data collection, organization of data, analyzing data, and presenting data.

Here are a few example photos that students might collect during their digital camera portion of the science lesson.

Sight

Sight

Touch

Touch

To culminate our activity, students presented their findings in small groups and then their Kidsperation clusters were compiled into a class book entitled "Student Scientists in Winter." By including technology into this science unit, we made it a more engaging activity for learners of all types.

Science Write-up

In class we learned about science and technology through Stellarium and temperature probes, as well as looking through the digital microscopes. That was so much fun!!!

TPACK

I learned about TPACK which is the knowledge of how to use technology to support pedagogical content knowledge. It is helpful to explore technology in specific education content areas because it makes the subject a hands on learning experience. Student will retain more information longer because it is broadening their understanding of the subject.

Week 2

RSS saves time so that the children don't have to surf the web because I have found all the appropriate resources for them to use collectively onto one page.

Web 2.0 are very useful teaching resources because with Goodreads you can network with other people and share book information and parents can look on your websites and see if you have any books that are recommended for their child's reading abilities.  Delicious is similar to Goodreads except instead of books they have useful websites.

IPT 287

I don't know much about technology.