Jumping Frog and QUIA

Frog Jumping activity

This week we were given the task of trying to make a picture of a paper frog jump with a limited set of materials. We were given scissors, a piece of tape, glue, a small picture of a frog on paper, a small piece of cardboard, a rubber band, and 15 minutes to complete the task. Various groups came up with different ideas, some more impressive than others. I must admit that our groups idea was rather basic; it consisted of sticking the frog onto the cardboard, twisting the rubber band around the thumb and middle finger, and in a sling shot motion, hurling it through the air. While it still got the desired outcome, I was happy to see how almost every group came up with an original idea to make the frog move in an upward and downward motion. Some groups used folding techniques while others used the tape for reinforcement and the rubber band to create a spring effect. Overall, it was great to see how everyone came up with new ways to make the frog jump. It was a great demonstration of how this kind of activity can be applied in the classroom, and then the photos can be uploaded to a student blog so that some discussion can take place. I think it is a great way of recapping on what the students have learned during the week, and by posting their work in their blog, parents can also be involved. When parents ask "What did you learn at school today?", students no longer need to reply "Nothing", but can simply direct their parents to their blog. 

The materials used during the 'frog jumping' task

Activities made using Quia

We also signed up for a free 30-day trial of 'Quia', a website which allows you to create quizzes, activities, games, etc. for the classroom. See the activities I made below.

Quiz

Below is an image of the quiz I created using Quia, and a link so that you can try it yourself. It is a simple 5 question, multiple choice quiz on Australian film stars. I was happy to find that it was not only easy to create this quiz, but that it could be done in a matter of minutes. Other options such as weighting of points throughout the quiz and randomization of questions makes it a great tool for the classroom, and an interesting, educational application for the students. I can see this kind of activity working well during small group work in maths and literacy, and it could also be used as an extension activity for learners who need a bit more of a challenge.    

 

Quizzes are a great way of assessing student learning, and also a great way to accommodate students who are struggling/excelling.

To have a go click on the link below:

Australian Film Stars Quiz

Hangman Activity

Below is an image of the 'Hangman' game I created, and a link so that you can try it yourself. I chose to create a hangman game over the many other options (word finds, flashcards, rags to riches, etc) because I always enjoyed this game in school, and thought it would be interesting to see how it could be made using Quia. Like the quiz, it was quick and easy to create, meaning you could always have a few on standby for fill-in activities, or wet-day timetables. The various theme options were also endearing; rather than the standard 'hangman' drawing, you could select from other themes such as stars that go out when you get a letter wrong, or a teddy bear holding onto balloons that sinks with every wrong guess. The easy to use game could be an activity that students can have as a reward for good behaviour. Using this on the interactive white board is a great way for students to learn through games and review what they have learned during the week/term. Being able to create subject themes and add hints down the bottom means that the teacher can provoke thought and reflection. 

 

A great way to review the weeks work.

To play this Hangman game, click on the link below:

Fruit Themed Hangman

Microsoft Publisher - Travel Brochure

Microsoft Publisher Activity

This week, we created a travel brochure using Microsoft Publisher. The brochure that I created focused on a tropical getaway. I often overlook Publisher as a program that could be used in the classroom, most likely because I feel that it is a bit outdated and not as user-friendly as some of the newer programs going around. While it is a bit more complex to use, the quality of work that can come from designing a brochure, or creating posters, or even making cards, can be of a very high standard. While Publisher may not be a suitable program for the junior classes, I think that probably from about grade 4 upwards, students would enjoy creating their own documents. They could use Publisher to add interesting components to their class projects, or use it to make a book review brochure for literacy, or create a poster for maths or science. The ideas are endless. Being able to customize the overall look of the document is also a great way for students to individualize their work and make it something unique and attractive. It also builds on basic computer skills and allows for growth in their IT skills.  

Creating a travel brochure on where the students went during the holidays is a great 'welcome back' activity.

Inspiration 8.0

Inspiration 8.0 Activity

Supermarket Mind map

This week, i created a mind map, based on the supermarket.

Although this was a basic topic, I feel that its a good demonstration of the way that this can be used in the classroom, especially when brainstorming with the students. It would be great to use this program on the interactive whiteboard in the classroom when introducing a new topic or theme so that students can see clearly the different paths that their thoughts have taken, the different components involved in the topic, and which areas they know about or would like to explore.

Being able to add different streams of 'thought' makes it a great brainstorming tool and a great starting point for students beginning their assignments.

Zoo Animals Diagram

The below image is the diagram that I made using Inspiration. The central theme was 'Zoo Animals', with images of these animals surrounding the title. I found that this application was a great, easy way for students to make their own diagrams in the classroom. Considering I am not the most computer literate person I know, I was happy to find that this application can be learned by simply clicking and exploring, and that it was quite enjoyable looking at the different things you can do, such as making diagrams, adding captions, creating lines and links, etc.. I can see myself using this program in most subjects, not just for the standard maths and English lessons.

A great tool for reflecting on topics and exploring what we know, and what to know about certain topics.