Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Week 4
Happy Halloween to all TAG teachers and students. We were surrounded by witches, vampires, and princesses today, but we still managed to get a lot done:
K-14
We stepped back from the project for one day because students need more practice on the laptop. We decided that having students work on an ABC book was a good start. First, we taught the students the steps to open, edit, and save a keynote. Then, they practiced independently. Finally, we created a "how to" video of the steps. Ms. Ieong will have students do one or two letters every school day to give students more practice time. Once all the students have their photo permission slips turned in, she will post the video on this blog!
1-104
Students have their graphic organizers nearly done, so we introduced them to Garage Band. First, we took turns on the computer and recording our voice to make an introduction podcast. Then, students worked with their partners to practice recording and speaking into the microphone. By next week the graphic organizers should be finished and we can begin to work on our scripts!
2-204
The second grade has their research topics picked out. We began to gather pictures of our topics. Students learned to make a folder, name a folder, and save pictures from the Internet into a folder. This week Ms. Newman will have students research their topics so that we can begin scripting next week.
3-304
Third grade did a lesson on citing sources. We discussed why it was important to keep track of your resources as you are doing your research. We had a shorter period, so Ms. Catania was supposed to introduce students to storyboarding after lunch. Let us know how it went Ms. Catania.
4-404
In the fourth grade, students practiced logging on to the wiki. We learned how to create new pages and students set up pages for their subtopics. Then we discussed using post-it's to organize our group pages. We found that many students are relying heavily on prior knowledge, rather than conducting research. Many of the subtopics they picked seemed random. Mr. Amft will have students continue to work on their plans and guide them to ask good questions. Next week, each group will "pitch" their plan to the class and the class will give constructive feedback.
5-504
We were so happy Ms. Liebmann came from Boston for a visit, but it didn't stop us from working. Each of the groups had their website plans done or nearly done, so we had the groups "pitch" their ideas to the class. Some groups had really organized their ideas, while other groups were struggling. Like the fourth grade, these students were relying heavily on prior knowledge and need to get back into research. We also did a review on citing sources. We discussed why it was important to keep track of your resources as you are doing your research and what information you needed. Students will continue to research their topics and gather information so that next week we can begin making our pages.
K-14
We stepped back from the project for one day because students need more practice on the laptop. We decided that having students work on an ABC book was a good start. First, we taught the students the steps to open, edit, and save a keynote. Then, they practiced independently. Finally, we created a "how to" video of the steps. Ms. Ieong will have students do one or two letters every school day to give students more practice time. Once all the students have their photo permission slips turned in, she will post the video on this blog!
1-104
Students have their graphic organizers nearly done, so we introduced them to Garage Band. First, we took turns on the computer and recording our voice to make an introduction podcast. Then, students worked with their partners to practice recording and speaking into the microphone. By next week the graphic organizers should be finished and we can begin to work on our scripts!
2-204
The second grade has their research topics picked out. We began to gather pictures of our topics. Students learned to make a folder, name a folder, and save pictures from the Internet into a folder. This week Ms. Newman will have students research their topics so that we can begin scripting next week.
3-304
Third grade did a lesson on citing sources. We discussed why it was important to keep track of your resources as you are doing your research. We had a shorter period, so Ms. Catania was supposed to introduce students to storyboarding after lunch. Let us know how it went Ms. Catania.
4-404
In the fourth grade, students practiced logging on to the wiki. We learned how to create new pages and students set up pages for their subtopics. Then we discussed using post-it's to organize our group pages. We found that many students are relying heavily on prior knowledge, rather than conducting research. Many of the subtopics they picked seemed random. Mr. Amft will have students continue to work on their plans and guide them to ask good questions. Next week, each group will "pitch" their plan to the class and the class will give constructive feedback.
5-504
We were so happy Ms. Liebmann came from Boston for a visit, but it didn't stop us from working. Each of the groups had their website plans done or nearly done, so we had the groups "pitch" their ideas to the class. Some groups had really organized their ideas, while other groups were struggling. Like the fourth grade, these students were relying heavily on prior knowledge and need to get back into research. We also did a review on citing sources. We discussed why it was important to keep track of your resources as you are doing your research and what information you needed. Students will continue to research their topics and gather information so that next week we can begin making our pages.
Citing Resources
It is important for the upper grades to pay particular attention to where they get their pictures and information. Each group will be expected to cite their resources. This includes every picture used and creating a bibliography or credits page for their final project. The information students should get depends on what type of resource:
For more information:
- Books: Title of book, author, date of publication
(Copyright ©), publisher - Internet: Title of website, URL, author [if applicable]
- Interview: Name of person interviewed, job title [if applicable], date of interview
Interviewees should be "experts" of some kind, so giving their title is helpful. - Television program: Show name, episode name [if available], channel, air date
For more information:
Class 504 Pitches their Ideas
Unfortunately today we could not research our topics because we had to give Booklet 2 of the Mock SS test. The students got together to organize their pitch to MS. Moran. They came up with creative ideas to follow through on their project. Michael's group will focus on sports and will try to tackle 3 or more ports. Nathan's group is working on Hygiene and Sun protection. Some ideas are about oral brushing tips and precautions about going out in the sun. The class gave their opinions to each groups and decided that they would use Show Not telling. Our websites should not be about reading only, we are going to try to make them as excited as possible. We are linking our project to the Science curriculum. Vicki's group is going to write about exercising and they organized their topic into 5 separate groups which will include a game page. They will create an album with the different kinds of exercises. Laura's group is working on Internet safety. They will include an about us and have pictures. They will also include a game page.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Update on Class 4-404
Without iSight or cameras we are unable to take pictures of each other for an animoto piece. However, the fourth graders did form groups and came up with subgroups within their topics. Everyone is either in their first or second choice.
Class 2-204 Video Presentation
Class 2-204 has been researching their Brooklyn Topics. We created a web to brainstorm what we already know about Brooklyn. Now the students are focusing their research on their topics. Jahid is researching famous actors from Brooklyn and movies that were set in our neighborhood. Tracey is researching popular dances and dance groups from Brooklyn. Amy is researching popular sports played in Brooklyn, Gregory is researching professional Brooklyn sports teams and Kyoti is researching sports stadiums and locations in Brooklyn. Tabitha is researching famous Brooklyn landmarks and when they were built. Gabriel is researching famous Brooklyn landmarks and activities you can do when you visit.
Our next step is to practice our pitches for our What's Up in Brooklyn imovies before we begin planning the movie.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Class 504 Update - Healthy and Safe in Brooklyn
Class 504 brainstormed ideas and made 3 sub-groups within the two topics we are working on. We started working on a class website and each group selected their theme for their section. I became familiar with iweb and started the main page for the class. It was interesting picking colors and matching them around the page. We are very excited about our topic.
I was thinking that with the new DOE initiative with Rachel Ray; we could have a section in the healthy cookbook for Celebrity Healthy Recipes.
The students were asked to bring in healthly reciped from home to contribute to the Class Recipe Book.
This week I will begin photographing the school lunch to post on the (planned) life size food pyramid.
I was thinking that with the new DOE initiative with Rachel Ray; we could have a section in the healthy cookbook for Celebrity Healthy Recipes.
The students were asked to bring in healthly reciped from home to contribute to the Class Recipe Book.
This week I will begin photographing the school lunch to post on the (planned) life size food pyramid.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
3-304 Researching Our Countries
We spent the day planning our travel guides and researching our countries to get information for the guides.
Week Three
If you are wondering how it got to be week three already, then just imagine how quickly December will come. We had a great day today. Each of the classes has moved firmly into the Gathering phase of the project.
Here is where we are with the projects:
K-14: Students were introduced to Keynote. First, they selected a template for their project. Next, they created their first slide and typed a title and their names onto the slides. Finally, they learned to save their keynotes. Ms. Iong will have students go on the computer a few times during the week. They need practice using the trackpad and finding letters on the keyboard. Any activity will do.
1-104: Students learned how to search the Internet for images using AJkids. This is a safe place to find images. Students also learned how to save images on their desktop. Using the index of their books, students found they could use different search terms to find better pictures. Each group had 5 or more images related to their research project. By next week, Ms. Hamlin will have students complete their graphic organizer for their topic. (The original is on computer #10). She will also have them work on painting pictures that we will digitize for our podcasts.
2-204: Students refined their research questions and began their Internet research. Ms. Newman has worksheets for each student to record the information they are finding. She also listed good informational websites students can use on her class website.
3-304: Students had been researching their topics. Today, they took that research and prepared a "pitch" (In the movie business, a pitch is when the people who want to make a movie (writers, directors, etc.) verbally present their ideas to the people who pay for making the movie (the producers). If the pitch is successful, the producers will "green light" (that is, approve) your movie.) At the end of the period, each class pitched their ideas to the class. They were wonderful, and the feedback from the students was extremely helpful as well. Our only regret is that we didn't videotape these wonderful presentations. Maybe if Ms. Catania has some time, she can have the kids run through them one more time and post them on eduvision?? Based on the feedback from the presentations, students may have a little bit more research to do, but next week we can probably start storyboarding.
4-404: Because the fourth grade class expanded their topic to include all of NY, we had to adjust the topics and groups. Then, students learned to log onto the class wiki using their username and password. Each group learned to create a new page and to edit that page. Next, each student will pick a subtopic related to their group topic and begin to research that topic.
5-504: Ms. Schembri had divided the groups into subgroups. We spent part of the period working on iWeb. Although students used it a little last year, we needed a refresher. Each group created an "About Us" page. Then, groups used chart paper and post-its© to begin to map out their topics and subtopics. By next week, students should have divided the subtopics and begun researching.
Here is where we are with the projects:
K-14: Students were introduced to Keynote. First, they selected a template for their project. Next, they created their first slide and typed a title and their names onto the slides. Finally, they learned to save their keynotes. Ms. Iong will have students go on the computer a few times during the week. They need practice using the trackpad and finding letters on the keyboard. Any activity will do.
1-104: Students learned how to search the Internet for images using AJkids. This is a safe place to find images. Students also learned how to save images on their desktop. Using the index of their books, students found they could use different search terms to find better pictures. Each group had 5 or more images related to their research project. By next week, Ms. Hamlin will have students complete their graphic organizer for their topic. (The original is on computer #10). She will also have them work on painting pictures that we will digitize for our podcasts.
2-204: Students refined their research questions and began their Internet research. Ms. Newman has worksheets for each student to record the information they are finding. She also listed good informational websites students can use on her class website.
3-304: Students had been researching their topics. Today, they took that research and prepared a "pitch" (In the movie business, a pitch is when the people who want to make a movie (writers, directors, etc.) verbally present their ideas to the people who pay for making the movie (the producers). If the pitch is successful, the producers will "green light" (that is, approve) your movie.) At the end of the period, each class pitched their ideas to the class. They were wonderful, and the feedback from the students was extremely helpful as well. Our only regret is that we didn't videotape these wonderful presentations. Maybe if Ms. Catania has some time, she can have the kids run through them one more time and post them on eduvision?? Based on the feedback from the presentations, students may have a little bit more research to do, but next week we can probably start storyboarding.
4-404: Because the fourth grade class expanded their topic to include all of NY, we had to adjust the topics and groups. Then, students learned to log onto the class wiki using their username and password. Each group learned to create a new page and to edit that page. Next, each student will pick a subtopic related to their group topic and begin to research that topic.
5-504: Ms. Schembri had divided the groups into subgroups. We spent part of the period working on iWeb. Although students used it a little last year, we needed a refresher. Each group created an "About Us" page. Then, groups used chart paper and post-its© to begin to map out their topics and subtopics. By next week, students should have divided the subtopics and begun researching.
Make Your Own Animoto
During our planning period, teachers learned how to use Animoto to create quick videos. Everyone was encouraged to take pictures of students working on the project and upload them to the blog. Here are the steps:
- Create your video.
- Click "Video Toolbox" underneath the video.
- Click the "Embed" button. This will give you the source code.
- Click the "Copy" button to copy the source code to your clipboard.
- Log into the blog.
- Create a new post.
- Click the "Edit HTML" tab.
- Paste the source code into your post box.
- Click "Publish Post"
2-204: What's Up In Brooklyn
Class 2-204 has brainstormed a list of frequently asked questions about What's Up in Brooklyn.
Jahid and Gabriel are researching landmarks and places to visit
Amy, Kyoti and Gregory and researching sports and games
Tracey and Jahid are researching music, dance and entertainment.
Our next step is to focus our essential questions, review sources for finding information and begin researching our topics so we can let everyone know what's up in Brooklyn!
Jahid and Gabriel are researching landmarks and places to visit
Amy, Kyoti and Gregory and researching sports and games
Tracey and Jahid are researching music, dance and entertainment.
Our next step is to focus our essential questions, review sources for finding information and begin researching our topics so we can let everyone know what's up in Brooklyn!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
104 Community Helper Update
On Friday we continued to brainstorm our list of jobs in the community. Afterwards, I had the students look through a number of books related to these jobs so that they could decide on the ones that they would like to research. We have formulated our groups as follows: Nazier and Sean will be gathering info on dentists, Veronika and Victoria will be researching teachers, Emma and Gabriela will be investigating veterinarians, Sarah and Andy will be researching artists, Mariana and Anthony chose chefs, and Leonie and Logan will be getting info on doctors.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Class 5-504 project
Today we had a very good discussion. We decided what groups would work on the health aspect of the project and which would work on the safety aspect.
Health - Nathan, Kennedy, Vicki, Karen, Kaitlyn, Gabriella, Jadzia
Safety - Brittany, Anani, Erica, Laura, Michael, Joseph, Deloris Tarell
In the health group we decided to make a large version of the food pyramid and photograph the actual school food and place it on the pyramid. We decided to make a proposal about foods not being represented or food being presentation being changed. We came to the conclusion that there are lots of children that do not like the school food and would like to find out ways to improve that. We would like to work on posters, website and video.
Safety group wants to work on posters, website and video.
Monday, October 12, 2009
1-104: Jobs in Our Community
On Friday, my class brainstormed a list of jobs that they are interested in researching. I visited the library over the weekend and picked out some books that match these areas so that we can start gathering some information. We will be forming our groups this week, and I will post the topics as soon as we are set to go.
Class 3-304 Portapotal page.
The students and I have done some research on countries. So far we have found links that will help us research Egypt, Australia, Ireland, Brazil and Russia.
To see the links my students and I found you can visit http://portaportal.com/
Under guest type in 3304projects.
Kindergarten
Due to a fire drill and field trip, Ms. Ieong did not get a chance to see the final version of her student's work. Here it is!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Planning Out the Journey
We had an EXTREMELY full day on Friday, October 9th. In our planning meeting, we refined our topics further and looked at the upcoming schedule to determine the best use of time. We have begun completing a Google Doc schedule to organize our time each week. We also reviewed how to post to the blog. All the teachers now have access to post to the blog. Ms. Catania posted an example wordle her students created and each of the teachers will post a brief description and/or picture of what they have accomplished.
In addition, each class has participated in planning the project as follows:
In addition, each class has participated in planning the project as follows:
- Kindergarten and 1st Grade: The kindergarten and first grade classes learned how to use the computer to take a picture! We learned to use PhotoBooth, which also meant learning to follow directions and cooperate with our partner. For next time:
-- K-14 will write acrostic Name Poems for the next visit. We will put our pictures into a keynote to go with our poem. Ms. Iong will post her ideas for topics students will add to their keynotes.
--1-104 is researching places and jobs in the community. They will make enhanced podcasts about what they learn and interview people from the community. Ms. Hamlin will post their research topics. - 2nd and 3rd Grades: First we discussed the project. Students will make a travel video that either encourages people to visit their country/place or allows viewers to feel like they have visited. Next, we needed to identify our research topics. Grade 2 is focusing on Bushwick and Ms. Newman will post the research topics for her three groups. Grade 3 is focusing on countries around the world and Ms. Catania will post the countries and links to her portaportal site. Then we relearned iMovie. Second grade students are new to iMovie and third grade needed a quick refresher. For next time, students will have begun to conduct their research. We will begin to organize that research in a way that enables students to script/storyboard their videos.
- Fourth Grade: Students began to brainstorm topic ideas for their wiki/research. They created wordles and we looked at the various ideas to come up with topics. Mr. Amft will post a sample wordle and the final topic ideas. Mr. Amft also started a wiki and created user accounts. By next time, these ideas will be refined and students will be in groups with research topics so we can begin to put our research onto the wiki.
- Fifth Grade: It was great to see the fifth grade students. We decided our topic would be How to Stay Safe and Healthy in Bushwick! Students will create an interactive web page teaching kids how to stay safe and healthy.Students began to brainstorm topic ideas for their research. They created wordles and we looked at the various ideas to come up with topics. Ms. Schembri will post a sample wordle and the final topic ideas.
Friday, October 2, 2009
2009-2010 School Year Kick Off
Yes, it is another year of Project-based learning with the TAG classes at PS 376.
This year we are adding the Kindergarten class and fifth grade class to our PBL. We also have a new focus topic:
On the first day we discussed what our topics would be and what projects we will be working towards. Students in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 were introduced to new skills, such as Wordle, and reminded about the skills and content they learned last year. The incoming Kindergarten and First Grade classes learned some basic skills using the laptops.
Please come back soon to see updates from each class!
This year we are adding the Kindergarten class and fifth grade class to our PBL. We also have a new focus topic:
Bushwick: Our Community!
Please come back soon to see updates from each class!