Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

Hour of Code 2019

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 9 - 15, 2019) classes at Spofford Pond Elementary School participated in an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches tens of millions of students in almost 200 countries. Spofford Pond’s school wide coding event is just one of thousands that takes place during this week around the globe.

Spofford Pond students spent some time during their library/media classes trying various coding activities from the Hour of Code website.  Students learned computer science skills, math skills, problem-solving and perseverance in each coding activity. They worked collaboratively and creatively to solve the puzzles and move through the programming lessons.

It was an exciting week of amazing discoveries, fun creations and confidence building exercises.

A special thanks to Mrs. Boulay who helped make this event possible!

Technology Essential Questions:
What are the fundamentals of computer programming?
How are algorithms used in coding?
How can you use computer programming to complete a task?
How is computer programming useful in real life?
How might you use computer programming in your future career?

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

Escape Room Challenge

Breakout EDU

Classrooms in several grades are continuing to attempt to "Breakout"! Mrs. Cronin's class and Mr. Duffy's class worked very hard to conquer, Map Skills! Ms. Boyle's class worked together to discover what happened in the case of the Missing Moai! Collaboration was the key to success!  Great job everyone! 

Mr. Duffy's Grade 4 - Congratulations!

Ms. Boyle's Grade 6 - solved it with minutes to spare!

Mrs. Cronin's Grade 4 - working hard!

Case of the Missing Moai Hook Video (watch carefully! It's full of clues!) Technology Essential Questions:
Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity?

STEM Challenge

Challenge Accepted!

Students in Ms. Boyle's Grade 6 classroom really stepped up to the Fall STEM Challenge. The challenge?  Design and build a prototype machine ("The Extractinator") that could syphon micro plastics and material from water. The kicker?  Prototypes had to be built using only items from the recycling bin. The time frame?  One week to design, build, test and submit for feedback. Wow... The hard work these students put into their design and build is outstanding! Check out their pictures, the video and the feedback they got from STEM professionals.

But will it work?

Feedback from STEM Professionals:

Technology/STEM Essential Questions How are science and engineering skills used to solve design problems? How can we use the technology tools available to help us ideate solutions to a problem? How can we use the technology tools available to use to record our findings for further reflection?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8. CS.b; 6-8.DTC.b; 6-8.DTC.c; 6-8.CT.e

Creating a Logo

Logo Designers on the Loose

Students in Ms. Boyle's grade 6 classroom were learning to create logos as part of a design project.  They used the online creation tool, Canva, to take a learner and character qualities words like "kind" to create a simple logo design, befitting of the word.

Check out some of their original logos:

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?

How can this digital tool help us create a project that sparks curiosity?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8.DTC.a.1-3; 6-8.DTC.b.1; 6-8.DTC.c

Google Protocol

Grade 3 Gets Techy with Technology Basics

Students in grade 3 have been busy this first term learning some important technology basics.  They have been learning about the different devices we use at Spofford Pond School, how to login and logout, how to access their Google accounts and get assignments in their Google Classrooms.
Students accessed hyperdocs with Chromebook and Macbook basics and we discussed good habits of technology users.  Students also had the opportunity to use an interactive choice board to practice some of their new skills.

Technology Choice Board:

Technology Essential Questions: How does offering students voice and choice create more engagement in learning? How does offering choice help students connect with their strengths and boost motivation? How can this digital tool provide personalized learning and differentiation?

Interactive Choice Boards

Reading Response Choice Boards

Mr. Duffy's Gr. 4 Classroom Students in Mr. Duffy's room got their first online choice board assignment.  In this assignment, students were first tasked with choosing a just-right independent reading book.  Then, over the course of the next few weeks, students will use the choice board to complete various activities as a means of  responding to their reading.

Check out this sample Reading Response Choice Board Assignment:

Technology Essential Questions: How does offering students voice and choice create more engagement in learning? How does offering choice help students connect with their strengths and boost motivation? How can this digital tool provide personalized learning and differentiation? 2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
3-5.CAS.a.3: 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.4; 3-5.DTC.c.5; 3-5.CS.a

Digital Portfolios

Showcasing the Learning in Grade 4

Students in fourth grade have been busy creating digital portfolios.  "A digital portfolio is a computer-based collection of student performance over time. Portfolios make classroom learning more accessible to parents, administrators, and other district support staff because they provide a window into student learning. A portfolio showcases both student achievement and student learning over time." - Melinda Kolk, "Building Digital Portfolios" For fourth graders at Spofford Pond, creating a digital portfolio is an opportunity to not only showcase their learning, but to also take a moment and reflect on their learning goals and their strategies for achieving them.
The tool we have been using to create our digital portfolios is Google Sites.  Google Sites is an application for creating websites.  Permissions allow the author to keep their site private, visible only to those with viewing rights and access to the link.
Creating a site of learning goals, achievements, peak moments and habits of mind has been a wonderful process for the students, the classroom teachers and myself.

Technology Essential Questions

How can we use this technology to keep a record of progress?

How does a digital portfolio help extend student thinking?

How can we use this technology to teach the art of reflection, curation and collaboration?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
3-5.CAS.a.3: 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.4; 3-5.DTC.c.5; 3-5.CS.a

Grade 6

Future Movie Makers in Action

Grade 6 students had the opportunity to create a video to help kick off the PTO Raize Craze fundraiser.  Check it out! Acts of Kindness:

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?

Safe Beginnings

Digital Citizenship Overview

During the first few weeks of school, in each Library-Media class, grades 4- 6, every student was given the opportunity to review the Spofford Pond Digital Citizenship rules.  After going through our A.U.P., reviewing some rules and watching some safety tip videos, each student signed a digital citizenship contract, pledging to follow the rules.  Digital Citizenship is an importance piece of technology use and it is a subject that we will be investigating throughout the year in all classes.

Digital Citizenship Resources for Families: What is Digital Citizenship? Common Sense Media Common Sense Media Parent Concerns Google's Be Internet Awesome Cyberwise Spofford Pond School Handbook/Acceptable Use Policy

Technology Essential Questions:

What does it mean to be a Digital Citizen?
What are our rights and responsibilities as Digital Citizens?

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?

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

3-5.CAS.a; 3-5.CAS.b; 6-8.CAS.a; 6-8.CAS.b

Video Conferencing

Calling All Students At School and Abroad!

Video Conferencing with the Cronin Crew When Mrs. Cronin realized one of her students would still be visiting family in Jordan and unable to attend the first day of school - she sprang into action!  A few emails later a video conference was setup and just like that J was able to see her classmates, share summer stories and get ready for a new school year along with the rest of the Cronin Crew.

Technology Essential Questions:

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement classroom experiences?

Why is exploring technological tools an important part of learning?
How can a global, real-time experience motivate students and inspire active participation?

New Technology

Qball in Action!

Thanks to the PTO Teacher Wishes program and the generosity of the PTO we now have four sets of QBalls for classroom teachers to borrow and use with students. So, what is QBall?  Qball is a soft, throwable microphone that connects to any sound system making Q & A in the classroom even more engaging, fun, lively and audible. Why Qball you ask?  Because EVERY student voice matters and needs to be heard! Thanks again to the PTO for making this resource available!

Technology Essential Questions:
How can this technology foster whole group discussion?
How can a QBall experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can we leverage a tool like QBall to increase engagement and amplify student voice?

Collaboration

Grade 4's First Breakout EDU!

Students from The Hive (grade 4, Mrs. Valzania & Ms. Davis) got to use their collaboration skills and their map skills when they were faced with this Breakout EDU challenge.  They were challenged to use clues, critical thinking, common sense and collaboration to solve puzzles and open a variety of locks on the BreakoutEDU boxes. The theme was "Map Skills" and this competition against the clock sure put these young minds to work!

Technology Essential Questions:
Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity?

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality Students explore geology in National Parks and take expeditions inside volcanoes.

Students in some grade 4 classes, the Cronin Crew and The Hive, got to try out our school's VR Kit.  Using Google goggles and Google Expeditions we went on virtual field trips to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Yosemite to investigate the geology in those areas.  Next, in conjunction with class studies of tectonic plates, earthquakes and the Ring of Fire, we went on a virtual field trip inside volcanoes to discover what makes a volcano erupt.  All trips were spectacular!

Technology Essential Questions:

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can a virtual reality experience motivate students and inspire active participation?

Welcome Back 2019

Dear Spofford Pond Community,
I am looking forward to a new year of school with a technology twist! Please check this blog often for updates on how we use technology as a tool for learning.

End of Year, 2019

Summer has come to lure you away from your computer and entice you to dance in the fresh grass, dig your toes into the sandy beaches, soak up the sun and relax!
Enjoy your vacation! Sincerely, For Spofford Pond School community summer resources and current information about the up-coming 2019-2020 school year including information about the school calendar, supply lists, summer reading, summer math and more, please visit:  The Spofford Pond School Summer Site

Grade 6

Transitioning With Technology

Students in grade 6 spent time this past week cleaning up their Google Drive accounts and thinking about items they would like to keep and share with future school assigned accounts.  Google Drive is one way to house a portfolio of digital work that was created here at Spofford Pond School.  These students are figuring out how to neatly maintain a record of their best pieces as elementary school students and how to share and make copies of the items they hope to keep throughout their Middle School and High School experiences.

Grade 6 Digital Portfolios

Technology Essential Questions

Digital Portfolios

How can we use this technology to keep a record of progress?

How does a digital portfolio help students connect big ideas, across subjects & grades?

How does a digital portfolio help extend student thinking?

How can we use this technology to teach the art of reflection, curation and collaboration?

Green Screen

TITANIC SURVIVOR INTERVIEWS

Students in Mrs. Sitak's fourth grade class recently completed their study of of the H.M.S Titanic.  One part of the project asked students to step back in time and conduct interviews with real-life survivors.  Student "reporters" researched and asked appropriate questions.  Student "survivors" researched a real-life Titanic survivor and answered the questions as they imagined that person might have answered them. Using the Green Screen app and iMovie we created video versions of these mock interviews.



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?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

Grade 5

5th Grade Biomes Experts have accepted the challenge!

After investigating the biomes of the world, students in Mrs. Bouffard's grade 5 science classes rose to the occasion and agreed to help a small community of individuals move from the comfort of their deciduous forest into another one of the Earth's biomes.
Here is the challenge:

Here are SPS 5th graders working hard to "sell" their biome as the perfect alternative:

Students used both print and online resources to research their biome.  Then, they used Tour Builder to create tours of their biomes and give accurate information about cities, landmarks, landforms, flora, fauna and the food chain!  They offered plenty of information to help these forest dwellers make a good decision about where to relocate.

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?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework: 3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b.1-4; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

Grade 4

Titanic News!

Student in Mrs. Viviani's social studies classes are using Google Slides to create digital newspapers.  "What's the Scoop?", you want to know? The Titanic Has Sunk! Big headlines screamed the news of this devastating event as students become reporters, editors and newspaper formatters of The Daily News.  Using a variety of digital skills and writing skills, these fourth graders got the word out as the unsinkable ship's fatal outcome went down in history.

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.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.2; 3-5.DTC.c.3

We'll Take That Ride!

Grade 4 Takes the Ultimate Road Trip!

Students in Mrs. Viviani's 4th grade class were recently met with a challenge.  As individuals with great knowledge of the states that make up the American West, they were asked to create the ultimate road trip.  Using Tour Builder, students created tours of three western states, highlighting the state capital, two National Parks, two famous landforms and a hidden gem from each state. Completed tours were shared with others and viewed in Google Earth.  The, using street view to enter a virtual map our tours really came to life!

Oh!  And did I mention?  We used this hook video to get our students excited and ready for the journey!

Music by The Talking Heads, "Road to Nowhere" image:  quikcars.com

Specialists' Night 2019

Great Fun at Spofford Pond Specialists' Night

Spofford Pond School had a nice turn out for Specialists' Night 2019.  Families spent an hour with their children checking out all the great things our Teacher Specialists do with students throughout the year. The D.I.Y. Den was hopping with Boxford community members as they investigated our Green Screen technology, took a virtual tour though a few National Parks with our VR goggles, listened to episodes from The Great Polar Bearier Riff (our school podcast) and left video messages on Flipgrid. It was wonderful evening for all involved!