Congratulations!

Grade Three Breaks Out!

Students in Mrs. Gibson's third grade classroom stepped up to the challenge, worked together and broke out! Using their background knowledge on weather and climate both teams beat the clock and were able to solve the puzzles in "Keyla's Travel Agency". Hosted by their sixth grade buddies, Jillian, Emily and Kate, this breakout challenge was a success!

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? How can we empower students by letting them lead the learning?

Technology in the Hive

Busy Bees use Technology in the Hive

Students of the Hive (Ms. Davis's and Mrs. Valzania's 4th grade) spent several weeks from late November and into December studying Native American tribes, their history, their traditions and their culture.  This PBL (project based learning) unit was structured with lots of technology integration to enhance their research and give them choice and voice throughout the process. Students used hyperdocs to research one of five Native American tribal regions.  This helped students gained necessary background to answer the question, "How does where we live shape how we live?" The Hive's Google Classroom was filled with opportunities to enhance their understanding.  Students used Quizlet to learn new vocabulary, watched videos on YouTube to learn about Native American culture and read digital Native American myths.

At the end of the PBL unit, students had the option to build a Native American Tribe small scale replica, write a script about it and produce a documentary using iMovie to demonstrate understanding of the tribe they studied.  One focus included the importance of how the region shaped the lives of the Native Americans who lived there. Check it out!

For even more about What's Happening in the Hive - check out their blog

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 integrate technology 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 6 Ready to Publish

WE ARE BLOGGERS

Sixth Graders are officially published authors!

Students in Mrs. Sierpina's, Mrs. Magee's and Ms. Osowski's grade 6 classes are getting ready to blog!  First, we spent time discussing blogging and writing for an audience outside of school.  Then each student setup a blog using Blogger.  Students learned to set permissions, comments, layout, theme, format, and sharing and then published their blogs on the internet. Next steps will include posting their writing, adding images and links and responding to comments. According to George Couros, author of The Innovator's Mindset, there are at least five great reasons students should blog (article). Blogging: allows for "open reflection". helps to "develop literacy through different mediums".
"gives students a space for their voice to be heard".
creates "an open archive of learning".
"develops a positive digital footprint". Stay tuned for more about this exciting opportunity and be sure to watch out for our students' blogs as they flourish over the next few weeks.

Technology Essential Questions:

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

How can we use this digital tool to create original, innovative works and demonstrate a student's unique voice?

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

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

6-8.CAS.a; 6-8.CAS.b; 6-8.DTC.a.3; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.b

Shout Out!

Grade 6 Breakout EDU Game Designers
Just taking a moment to give a well deserved shout-out to Jillian, Kate and Emily.  They have been creating Breakout EDU simulations for their classmates, grade 3 and grade 5.
Setting up the physical kits for these sessions can be tedious.  These three designers have met the challenge with gusto and have produced (so far) three fun Breakout EDU courses with topics ranging from fictional stories, weather and climate and body systems.
Great Job Game Designers!

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? How can we empower students by letting them lead the learning?