Animal Research

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!

Animal Adaptations

PowerPoint - Animal Adaptations

After learning about animal adaptations, the students had fun getting to demonstrate their knowledge in PowerPoint. The template below was provided for each student. They opened the document and completed it independently. They were to drag each animal to the appropriate group depending on their coverings. They also had to explain how their adaptation helped them survive in their environment. Once they were finished, the were able to print and assemble the foldable. They then added their artistic touch to their project.

Food Chains

Padlet

Before we begin a new concept, we create a new board and then post all of the things we already know about the concept. We also post what questions we have or what we would like to learn regarding the topic.

Before Beginning Food Chains

After we have learned about the concept, we revisit Padlet and look at our board from before. We look to see if we were able to answer our questions. We then create a new board to post about all of the different things we learned.

After Learning About Food Chains

Magnetism

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.

Forest Animal Research

VoiceThread - Forest Animal Research

Last year in Science, we did a big unit over the three types of forests and the animals that live in each. At the culmination of our unit, we used VoiceThread to create a video about the animals and forests we researched.

Click the link below to view our VoiceThread!

Forest Animal Voice Thread

PowerPoint

PowerPoint - Arctic Animal Research

Traditionally, once we complete our animal research, the kids took the information they compiled and put it into a PowerPoint presentation. While I loved getting to see what the kids were able to create, I am so much happier with the results we get when we allow them to use the iDevices and corresponding apps. This kids have been embracing technology you you'd never believe.