Hour of Code 2016

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, all classes at Spofford Pond participated in an Hour of Code.  Teachers and students had opportunity to try coding activities from the Hour of Code website and apps like Lightbot and Lightbot, Jr. Check out our video of future software engineers, developers and designers!

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.CT.b, 3-5.CT.d, 6-8.CT.b, 6-8.CT.d

Hour of Code 2016 - What did you think?

Thank you for participating in the Hour of Code this week!

Hour of Code Lesson Essential Question:
How can we use software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Your Final Challenge:
Post your thoughts on our Hour of Code 2016 Padlet!

Grade 3 Nature Stories

Recently, in Mrs. Gibson's third grade class, students were challenged with finding "props" in nature to inspire their story writing.  Students brought in their items, created a nature scene and wrote a short story.  They then used Explain Everything to bring their story to life.  Check it out: The Four Things of Nature by Blaise Apple Picking for Happiness by Katherine Grade 3 Common Core Standards:  W.3.3, W.3.6

Technology Essential Question:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.2, 3-5.DTC.a.3, 3-5.DTC.b.1

Polar VorTechs Investigation

Throughout the school year, the Spofford community will be discussing themes based on the book Life is Good, by Bert and John Jacobs:

The Polar VorTechs video crew recently conducted playground interviews to find out about how students have been discussing the Life is Good themes of openness, creativity and gratitude.  Enjoy! Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 3-5.DTC.a.3, 3-5.DTC.b.1, 6-8.DTC.a.3, 6-8.DTC.a.4, 6-8.DTC.b.1

Grade 4 in the D.I.Y. Den

Recently, students in Ms. Davis' 4th grade book club groups finished reading four different books.  As a final project each group was challenged with constructing something that represents the story they read.  Students came down to the SPS D.I.Y Den and worked together to create some interesting projects:

(Sometimes it's great to go low tech!)

Grade 4 Explains Everything!

Students in Ms. Davis' math class recently used the app, Explain Everything, to demonstrate a math standard.  Students were challenged with the task of creating a video tutorial (Khan Academy-style) for a 4th math standard.  Check it out!!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.3,3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CT.e.3

Polar VorTechs & Green Team

Last month the Polar VorTechs video crew and the Green Team worked together to create this public service message. Enjoy! Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CS.a.1, 3-5.CS.a.3, 3-5.CS.a.5

Global Read Aloud Tableau

Third graders in Mrs. Holt's class are reading Roald Dahl's The BFG as part of the Global Read Aloud.  As part of their reading comprehension assessment, the class created tableaus.  A tableau is a play where you don't move.  Students freeze in poses that show what characters in the story are doing in a particular scene.  It's like a living photograph from the book! If you have read The BFG, can you guess what scenes these tableaus are depicting? Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CS.a.1

Grade 5 Interactive Timelines

Students in Mrs. Bouffard's 5th grade recently worked on creating interactive timelines depicting important scientific finds and events.  Students gathered data from online research, input the data into a spreadsheet and with the help of Timerliner JS,  published their data by embedding code into the website's timeline generator. Check out this timeline of events in Physics throughout time....it's awesome!! Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework: 3-5.CAS.b, 3-5.DTC.a, 3-5.DTC.c

Grade 5 Explains Everything!

Students' in Mrs. Cummings Grade 5 math class recently had opportunity to use the app Explain Everything.  Explain Everything is an interactive whiteboard and screencasting app.  Students were challenged with writing a word problem and then explaining how they came up with their solutions. Check it out!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.3,3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CT.e.3

Grade 3 Going Google!

Throughout the Fall, some third grade classrooms have set up and accessed their Google Accounts.  For many, this is their first experience in working "in the cloud".  Please enjoy these pictures as this was quite an event!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.a, 3-5.DTC.a, 3-5.CS.a

Grade 3 Boxford Timeline

Students in Mrs. Cronin's 3rd grade class recently finished a project on Boxford.  Students found out when and why they moved to Boxford, drew a picture of their house and added their image and information to a group slides presentation, which they also formatted.  WOW! - Grade three discovering about Boxford and Google Slides! Way to go Mrs. Cronin and class! Enjoy! Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create innovative and meaningful projects?

MakerSpace Coming Soon!

An exciting new change is happening at Spofford Pond School!  Throughout the fall we will be re-purposing our school's computer lab.  In the near future, the lab will not only house computers for teacher and student use, but it will also house a MakerSpace!  A MakerSpace is a place where teachers and their students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials.  Teachers will be able to reserve time in our MakerSpace via sign up to fit their classroom needs.

In order to make this happen, we need your help.  I am looking for donations of tools and materials (new or excellent used condition) to complete the space.  Please, follow this link to see a list of items needed. If you would like to donate, you may drop items off at school, labeled with my name or "MakerSpace".  If you have an item you think might be useful in our MakerSpace, but is not on the list, please email me (skosakowski@boxfordschools.org) a description before you drop it off.

With appreciation,

Reflection

As the warm weather begins to cool and the Spofford Community adjusts to being back at school, I can't help but re-visit the many terrific projects classrooms completed last year as they continued to integrate technology into their curriculum.  Each project was a great accomplishment.  Students and teachers learned how to use the technology and the necessary technical skills, but, there was so much more than that involved!
Here are just a few factors that influence digital project creation: Classroom teachers instruct their students within a variety of grade level content. Technology-integrated projects allow students a means for demonstrating their new knowledge.
Art and music classes encourage students to create and perform. Digital projects are further enhanced with original artistry and sound.
Physical education classes give students a chance to discover self-confidence as well as the power of teamwork. Green Screen creations require both of these skills.
Library/Media and STEaM classes teach the importance of using your resources, innovation and being a good digital citizen, skills that all digital projects rely on.
Best of luck to all for another happy and successful school year.
It takes a village to raise a child. -African Proverb

Grade 3 Poetry Slam

Students in Ms. Holt's Third Grade recently hosted a Poetry Slam. Styled in Beatnik tradition, Hipsters, dressed in cool rags, took turns at the mic sharing their poetry.  It was a real hootenanny! Hope you dig our groovy flick! Technology Essential Question How can we use this software to create original and innovative projects?

Southwest Bingo!

4th grade students in Ms. Viviani's Social Studies classes had the distinct pleasure of challenging Ms. Murphy's 4th grade from Proctor Elementary School in Topsfield to a game of Southwest Bingo this week. The classes met in a Google Hangout and used the Smartboard to see each other.  Students took turns asking questions about the Southwest.  Southwest Bingo cards were filled with the answers. In order to get "Southwest Bingo!" you really had to know your facts! It was a lot of fun:
Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

Specialists' Night 2016

Spofford Pond Specialists held an open house on May 31, 2016 for families to see all the great projects students have been working on during the school year. In the Green Screen Studio participants got a chance to try Green Screening live. Finished grade level projects from the school year were available for viewing too!

Green Screen 2016

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Ms. Viviani's Social Studies Classes

Digital Postcards from the USA Students in grade 4 created digital postcards to tell their friends and family back home all about their virtual trip to a U.S State. Check it out! Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Common Core Standards:  RI.4.10; SL.4.4; SL.4.5

Grade 4: Visiting the Titanic

Students in Ms. Viviani's social studies class had the pleasure of reenacting the early moments of the 1912 voyage of the RMS Titanic, prior to its impending fate. Historical costumes, a fancy dinner and music from that time period set the mood in Room 17b. Enjoy this quick video of voyagers on Titanic as it leaves the port: Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

The Polar VorTechs interview the Green Team

The Polar VorTechs recently interviewed the Spofford Pond School Green Team. Enjoy!
Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

The American Southwest - Grade 4

Mrs. Viviani's Social Studies Classes Students have been studying the American Southwest.  As a culminating project, they were tasked with creating an "Explain Everything" screencast to show what they have learned about this incredible region of our country.  Students used print and digital sources to research the topic and presented their findings digitally.  Check it out!



Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Common Core Standards:  RI.4.10; SL.4.4; SL.4.5

Grade 4 Explain Everything

Students in Mrs. Macelhiney's grade 4 class were tasked with creating screencasts to explain everything they know about the United States.  Each student researched a U.S. State and created their tutorials using the iPads and the app, Explain Everything. Check it out:
Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Common Core Standards:  RI.4.10; SL.4.4; SL.4.5; 

Polar VorTechs

The Polar VorTechs are Spofford Pond School's Student led IT crew. Twelve students from Grades 5 & 6 meet weekly during their lunch/recess block to learn about our school's technology. They also use technology to gather information on school happenings and to highlight Spofford community members and groups.
Their first episode includes an ad about the crew members, an interview with the Principal and even some messages from "Mom".
Enjoy!
Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Technology Demo Slam for Parents

Thank you to those who attended and a big thanks to the Polar VorTechs for helping!

Presentation:

Green Screen in Grade 5

Technology Integration with Mrs. Wiles-Stasko's Social Studies Classes Students have been studying explorers during social studies over the past few weeks.  As a culminating project, they were asked to "interview" a famous explorer. Here is the assignment criteria:

  

Next students spent time creating and memorizing their skits:

 

Then it was time to enter the Green Screen Studio and tape their skits.  We had camera operators, directors, set managers and talent working collaboratively to make it happen!  "Quiet on set!"

Finally, we took our segments to the editing room and used Green Screen and iMovie to put on the final touches.
Enjoy!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Chromebooks in Grade 6

Thanks to a generous grant from BEST, students in Mrs. Sierpina's homeroom and science classes are piloting a class set of Chromebooks.

Chromebooks are used on a daily basis during ELA, for conducting research, creating collaborative projects (like study guides and presentations) and taking online quizzes. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 3 Penguins

Students in Mrs. Estella's 3rd grade have been studying and researching penguins. They have been reading books about penguins and doing online research using Kids InfoBits They recently used the app "Book Creator" to create eBooks to show what they know. Enjoy!

Click to view: Technology Essential Question: How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

Grade 5 Explorer Holiday Proposals

Grade 5 Social Studies Students use Explain Everything

 Students in Mrs. Medugno's and Mrs. Bouffard's social studies classes have recently finished creating Explain Everything screencasts explaining why certain

explorers of the past deserve a holiday.

Students researched an explorer and then presented their facts and gave reasons why they believe their explorer should have a holiday in their honor and how it will be celebrated. Check it out: Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 3 Google Slides

Grade 3 Students: Discovering How to Collaborate Digitally Using Google Slides...
Students in Mrs. Holt's third grade have been studying weather. Recently, they were tasked with reading books about various weather subjects and then working in collaborative groups to share what they learned. Student groups each created a Google Slides project and presented it to their classmates.  Students were able to work individually on their own laptop on a shared digital presentation, in real time. Wow!  Google Slides and The Power of Collaboration!

Finished Slide Presentation:
Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

States of Matter - Grade 3

Grade 3 Students in Mrs. Gibson's Class Topic:  The States of Matter

Grade 3 working hard!

Students used the App Explain Everything to explain the three states of matter.
Check out their finished projects:
Massachusetts Physical Science (Chemistry - Physics) Standards, Grades 3 - 5: Standard 2:  Compare and contrast solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter. Technology Essential Question: How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

Radical Readers Recommend: Grade 3

Mrs. Holt's Grade Three Students have been very busy!

Here are some highlights from their most recent technology-integrated project. All students were asked to read a book of their choice and write a review. Students then turned their review into a script and memorized it. Next,  we filmed their reviews in the Green Screen Studio:

Students used the Green Screen App to create backgrounds and edit their videos:

All Digital Music was created by the class during Music with Ms. Horgan using GarageBand and

added to the students' reviews using iMovie. 

Enjoy!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?