Moon Phases

Over the Moon Mrs. Bouffard's Grade 5 Scientists Study Moon Phases

Last week in Mrs. Bouffard's science classes students went on a lunar mission.  Their task was to understand and identify the phases of the moon and how the Sun, Earth, and Moon interact with each other.  
Students were given a choice board of activities to further demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Then it was time for take off! Students went on a Google Expedition to the Moon with Apollo 11, Apollo 17 and Space X. What a thrill!

Technology Essential Questions:

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

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

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

How can we give students voice and choice in their learning?

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

3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.c.3; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.b.2; 3-5.CS.a.1; 3-5.CS.b.2

Happy New Year

Digital Citizenship Review

Digital Citizenship is a vital part of using technology.  Upon returning from the December break, during library/media classes, Mrs. Boulay and I reviewed the importance of being good digital citizens with all students in grades 4, 5 & 6.
Some of the topics we discussed included:  the Spofford Pond School Acceptable Use Policy, the privilege of having a school Google account for educational purposes, taking care of school devices,  protecting personal information, keeping passwords safe, collaborating online with respect, plagiarism, copyright and fair use.  
After reviewing expectations and fielding questions, we asked students to pledge to be good digital citizens by digitally signing a class agreement, a sample of which you can see here:

 


The internet is vast and a powerful tool for learning and discovery. However, as said throughout history and most recently made popular in Stan Lee's 1962 Spiderman comic book "Amazing Fantasy #15":
"With great power comes great responsibility."

(https://www.finder.com/uk/dell-rejigs-inspiron-as-a-gaming-laptop-for-ces-2017)

In the online universe, always be responsible digital citizens.

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