iDevices/Apps

Word Foto/ChatterPix - Animal Research

This year for our science research unit, we decided to crank it up a notch! Rather than just filling out a research booklet or making a PowerPoint, we wanted to use the iPads for several things. I will say, this has been a favorite so far!

Each student was given a research booklet which provided an outline of all the information they needed to find. They spent several days researching on our classroom Macs and as well as several iPads. After they were finished researching, they were asked to make a list of the ten most important words that they felt described their animal. 

Once their had their list, they used Word Foto on the iPad to create a collage to describe their animals.

Once the Word Foto was complete, they were given the next part of the project. They were asked to write an expository paragraph about their animal. When they were ready, they imported their picture into ChatterPix and created their final project. They LOVED how they turned out!

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QRReader - Geometry

Similar to the Magnetic assessment, students used the iPads to show what they knew about 2D and 3D shapes. Students used the following pages that had different shapes, corresponding clues and QR codes. Students were required to use their knowledge of shapes in order to solve the riddles. They wrote their answers on their recording sheet prior to scanning the codes. 

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Book Creator - Summary/Retell

In guided reading groups, once a group has completed a book, we try to extend it with technology. Each group member is assigned a chapter or two. They write a summary about each chapter and then create an illustration to depict what their chapter was about. 

Then, in Book Creator, they take a a picture of their illustration and record their summary on that same page. When they are all done recording, they have created their very own digital summary of their guided reading book.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

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QRReader - Magnetic/Non-Magnetic

After learning about magnetism, the kids were given an assessment using the iTouch/iPads. Pictures of different objects were numbered and posted around the room with a QR code attached. The students searched around the room with a recording sheet where they recorded their answers prior to scanning the QR codes. They were to record whether or not the object in the picture was magnetic or not. They also had to give an explanation to justify their answer.

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QRReader - Problem Solving

Rather than only using pencil and paper, we have been incorporating our iTouches into our daily problem solving.

The kids solve the read and solve the problems with whichever manipulatives they need, and then they check their work with the iTouch. The kids have really enjoyed getting to use the iTouches on a daily basis.

If a student's answer is incorrect, they then go back and work through it again to find their mistake. 

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Pic Collage - Character Traits

The kiddos always enjoy studying particular characters in their reading and learning about different traits to describe those characters.

This year we wanted to make the lesson a little more interactive and allow the kids to use their creativity on the iPads.

For this assignment, we used Pic Collage. Beforehand, I created a template for the students to follow. This also made them aware of everything that needed to be included in their project.

Template

I loved the way these turned out! Each group was able to show their understanding of character traits while also being able to use technology in the classroom.