Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hour of Code

Classroom Teachers,

Computer Science Education Week is December 9-15, 2013, I’d like to pretend it runs now through January 31st 2014!   🙂    So I’ll just go with that.

Code.org describes this as “a celebration geared to encourage interest in the field and show that anyone can learn the basics. Today, we’re surrounded by technology. Many students have their own tablets and phones — and yet, few are learning how computers actually work. Simple computer science activities can help nurture creativity and problem solving skills. By getting a feel for computational thinking early, students will have a foundation for success in any future career path.”

SO… in order to encourage students to give coding a try, I would LOVE to come into your classroom sometime during December (6th Grade only) or January (4th, 5th and 6th) to give your students time to code. We’ll be using  Hopscotch which enables students to visually move blocks of code around and instantly test their work.

I apologize for putting you off until January 4th/5th teachers. The app I need wasn’t able to get installed over break, but will be (I’m confident) during Winter Break.

If you are up for this, let me know. An hour of time is ideal. It is the “Hour of Code.” But I’ll settle for 45 minutes or whatever time you have. If you want to pass, no problem.

During the lesson I’ll demonstrate to students how they can  draw points, lines,  angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. CCSS.Math.Content.4.G.A.1

Nearpod

Most of the new applications installed on the iPads have obvious functions, mathematics, typing, dictation (voice to text), however Nearpod isn’t so obvious. It enables you to offer content interactively to  students and enables them to instantly share their thinking with you and/or the classroom. 

nearpod

Sharing Student Work through Nearpod

Here are the highlights of what Nearpod can do:
– engage students with interactive lessons
– control student devices
– share content in real time
– instantly project student work from student ipad

Nearpod is ideal for giving students an opportunity to share their thinking on mathematics problems. You basically send out a problem to students simultaneously and give them an opportunity to work on it individually, paired or grouped. You can see all of their screens while the students are working. You can select students to show their work on the projector screen and/or student iPads. Unlike working on slate whiteboard, students working on the iPad can have their work instantly shared and captured. There are LOTS of possibilities!

Here’s an interesting article from Edudemic highlighting one school’s use of Nearpod with student iPads. How The Nearpod iPad App Changed An Entire School

If you are wondering if this would enhance an upcoming lesson, let’s talk. If you would like assistance getting Nearpod set up with your class, contact me. I would LOVE to help.

Tech Tuesdays

Hello everyone,techtuesday21

Tech Tuesdays start tomorrow (Oct 1st – sorry for the short notice). In general, Tech Tuesdays will focus on one app or program that will make life better for you and your students in the classroom (either by enhancing learning or streamlining work-flow). Each session is worth 1/15th of a credit (1 seat hour). We’ll be working from 3:30-4:15 and will have a 15 minute follow-up assignment. The location is TBA.

Tomorrow, we’ll be focusing on using uPad as a student note taking application. uPad allows students to not only take notes just like on paper, but also mark-up documents you provide them, annotate pictures and store the notes digitally in the cloud.

You can register for this session at www.edmodo.com using this class code, “zczzhv.”

MEETING DATES (3:30-4:15 w/ 15 minute follow-up assignment):

  • October 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th
  • November 12th
  • December 10th
  • January 7th, 21st,
  • February 4th, 18th
  • March, 4th, 18th
  • April 1st, 29th
  • May 13th

 

TSD Chess Club is Beginning September 16th

Students of ALL ages,

Come  join the TSD Chess Club! We gather on Mondays from 3:30 – 4:30 in room 202 at TIS.

TSD_Chess_Club

TSD Chess Club

September 16, 23, & 30
October 14, 21, & 28
November 4, 11, & 18
December 2, 9, & 16
January 6, 13, & 27
February 3, 10, & 24
March 3, 10, 17, & 31
April 21, & 28
May 5, 12, & 19

The TSD Chess Club welcomes students of every ability level, from the complete beginner to accomplished grandmasters. Everyone will learn new tactics, new strategies and will have FUN!

The membership fee for Chess Club is $10 (scholarships available) and is valid through their entire school career. This small fee will help to ensure that Chess Club will be able to continue next year. There are no refunds. you will also receive a tournament style board and pieces in order to practice at home with friends and family.

You MUST have a permission slip signed by a parent in order to join. Drop in’s are welcome. Also, I understand that you may be involved in other after school activities. So you do not have to attend every Club meeting. The days you attend should be arranged between you and your parent. 

You are encouraged to bring snacks to the Chess Club.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Christopher EarthTree

Lego Robots

If you love robots AND Legos, then don’t miss Pinhead Institute’s Lego League. There are still a few spots open for the second session starting July 15th! For more information, check out this flyer. Pinhead Robot Camp flyer

Pinhead-Robot