Mind Mapping

Body Systems and their Functions

UEN:

Health Education- 3rd Gr

Standard 3

Objective 1a. Name the major body systems and their basic functions.

EdTech:

Standard 8

Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

ISTE:

Empowered Learner
Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

Reflection:

Mind mapping seemed to be a complicated tool. I did not love it. I can see its value in seeing the big picture and how things branch off and relate to each other, but it was difficult to put together. If I were to use it in my classroom, it would be for presenting information that I wanted to break down. As far as encouraging my students to use it, I think that upper elementary grades could play around with it and could create simple reports for presenting to the class. It might also be a good tool to map out a book review, showing plots and sub plots. I can see students enjoying exploring it and seeing how the different subjects branch out into more detailed topic. I will have to search up other mind-mapping options to find one I really like. There are some cool projects that can be done with mind-mapping. 

Storybird

Exploring Seasons

 

UEN:
Objective 3
Compare changes in weather over time.
3a. Observe and record that weather changes occur from day-to-day and weather patterns occur from season to season.

EdTech:
Standard 7
Use telecommunications and on-line resources (e.g., email, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.


ISTE:
Creative Communicator
Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

Reflection:

Storybird is an exciting tool! One of my goals is to become a children's author, so this was a fun project to work on. In the classroom, I can use Storybird to introduce new concepts and read to children. It's a fun thing to show students books that I've written myself. Children of all grades will love using Storybird to create their own unique stories accompanied with beautiful illustrations and share them with peers and family. There is something so exciting about viewing your own work online in story form. It also encourages them to pursue their creativity and imagination. Storybird is simple to use. I love the artwork to choose from that brings the story to life and adds a magical feel to the work. I'm glad to be introduced to this new tool.





Emaze 3rd Grade Presentation

UEN:
Objective 2
2a. Describe the major world ecosystems (i.e. desert, plain, tropic, tundra, grassland, mountain, forest, wetland).

EdTech:
Standard 5
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

ISTE:
Knowledge Constructor
Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

Reflection:

Emaze is a great tool! I love that I am able to spruce up presentations with some neat features that catch the eye. I'm also impressed with all the different themes I can choose from. Emaze will be a tool that my upper grade students can play with to feature their reports and presentations in unique and creative ways. It's always fun to see the diversity in projects that students come up with. I could use Emaze in each of the grades, K-6. For younger grades I can keep things very simple and make some of the pictures/ words pop out or twist. And for the older grades, I can offer fun presentations and they can learn to use and create great projects. This is such a great improvement to the typical Power Point presentation, as it brings the presentation to life and keeps things interesting.