Making Noise with QR Codes and Chrome

Posted on October 21, 2016 by teacherstone

Image result for monkey with a tool belt and the noisy problem

After reading, Monkey with a Tool belt and the Noisy Problem by Chris Monroe, students were engaged in a learning activity that focused on sounds. In the book, Chico can not figure out what is making the “Arooga Boom Boom Clang Clang” sound in his tree house. He sets out to find the sound and ends up finding an elephant stuck in his laundry shoot. Students loved the problem solving and the introduction of a new character. Clark the elephant got lost and landed in Chico’s tree house instead of Elsa’s.

The STEAM learning extension included content in making, music, art, technology and engineering. Third and fourth grade students used their Chromebooks to complete their projects. These classes created a sound using materials in the Maker Studio and recorded them on the app Mic Note. The process of going to the web store and adding an app to the drive was all part of the instruction. Students then learned how to export the sound and make the copied link shareable. This link was then placed in the QR code generator that they had downloaded. Once the QR code was generated, students copied the image and placed their finished product on the google doc located in the STEAM google classroom.

Once QR codes were printed and cut out, they were placed on Chico’s tree house. Understanding the purpose of listening and how sounds are all around us encouraged students to place the QR code according to what room in Chico’s house he might hear their particular sound.

Problem solving, learning new technology, creating and producing a product to share with the school at large was an exciting learning experience.

Lab Coat Day: “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty

Posted on September 25, 2016 by teacherstone

When Everyone Wears a Lab Coat…. Everyone Feels Like a Scientist!

Thank You Andrea Beaty for giving us, ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST!

Last year, we introduced students to the author Andrea Beaty. Her books, Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect were a focus in literacy and making for our school year (2015-2016). Students were exposed to a real Rosie and learned all about architects and engineers. At the end, our students participated in a SKYPE with Ms. Beaty. During our SKYPE session she revealed the release of her new book! ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST.

Lesson Plan Here

This book was a HIT with students. Rosie and Iggy joined us for a day in the science lab. Students in grades k-4 participated in a reading of the book along with a science activity that Ada performs in her classroom with Ms. Lila Greer. “What is that smell?” was the question Ada was trying to solve. Watch and see the engagement and excitement of scientists in the making.

“Building” Character and “Making” Good Choices

Posted on September 22, 2016 by teacherstone

Integrating management and motivation is a way to support the whole school culture. After reading, Monkey with a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe, we implemented a positive reinforcement opportunity for students. Using the idea of tools as a lead in from the text, we developed “tool badges” that can be earned based on behavior expectations school wide. These tools help us “build” character and “make’ good choices. Tools include, Routines, Responsibility, Respect, Safe (from our S3R’S district initiative) along with collaboration, listening, critical thinking and innovator.

Students have several ways to earn the badges. In the Maker Studio they have grade level toolbelts to collect their badges in based on behavior during that special time. Students can also earn badges to place in their classroom toolbelt. At the end of the nine weeks the tool belt will be evaluated, “What is the value of your toolbelt?”. Each badge is a different shape and carries a different numerical value. The grade level with the highest toolbelt value will get to choose from a set of predetermined incentives.

Incentives for Maker Badges include “self-select” building/making or free build in MinecraftEDU.

What is the value of your tool belt?

**Grade level teachers can use the incentives however it works best in their classroom. Next semester we will explore digital tool badges.

Chico BreakoutEDU Video

Posted on September 6, 2016 by teacherstone

Chico Is Missing! BreakoutEDU

Posted on September 5, 2016 by danajoyner

Chico is Missing! Breakout developed from the book, Monkey with a Tool Belt, by Chris Monroe. The story naturally lends itself to the educational problem solving activity. Chico is the main character of the book and is trapped by an organ grinder. He uses his tool-belt to breakout of the box and find his way back home. The breakout activity focuses on Chico getting trapped in a toolbox in the MakerStudio but without his tool-belt. He has made a mess with the tools and slipped causing him to fall into the tool box. The intro sets the stage for the scenario. Granted, the music is a little much but we discussed how music creates different setting and elicits emotions. Mystery was the goal? (See the intro video)

Classes had approximately 25 minutes to break Chico out of the box. For our first time and being the beginning of the year, I would say we were successful. The students worked through several activities.

Step 1.

Students watched the intro video. The video ends with a QR code that is scanned and takes the students to the first problem to solve.

Step 2.

A jigsaw puzzle was created using an image from the book. Students solved the puzzle to find the color code clue. This clue was then used in the breakout EDU “Locks App” and linked to the first clue to find in the room.

Step 3.

Students were to find (we need the clue picture) the room number (131) represented by dots. The first set of keys were place under the giant dice that represented 1: 3 :1. Under the dice the students found the first set of keys and a clue to the key lock box. Students had to remember what Chico slipped on (tools) and find the word in the MakerStudio.

Step 4. A book titled, TOOLS, was sitting next to the box with the key lock. Inside the box students found their next clue. Several cards were in the box along with flashlights. Students used the flashlight (tool) to scan the cards for an invisible word to be revealed. The word to breakout Chico was tools.

Step 5. Students went to the toolbox with the word lock on it and entered the word tools. Chico was OUT!

Involving students in literature and engaged activities makes the learning purposeful and meaningful. The relevance of the tools as an intro to the MakerStudio will continue throughout the school year. We use tools for everything. The literature connection has been instrumental in problem solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning as well as a new school-wide positive reinforcement discipline model (more in a future post).

Hands-On, Minds-On

Posted on August 26, 2016 by teacherstone

Routines, Responsibility and Relevance: MakerStudio 2016

Posted on August 26, 2016 by teacherstone

Routines, Responsibilities and Relevance

Off to a great start with the 3Rs: Routines, Responsibilities and Relevance

Routines: Students were so excited to have their first day back in the Maker Studio. As we found ourselves ready to enter, I was so excited to see the number of students that remembered the routines that were established last year. Routines, that students can follow from year to year, impact instruction time by affording efficiency in getting on task. All grades, second through fourth, demonstrated and shared the importance of having routines in place. Not only did they follow routines for entering and exiting the space, they also worked on the visible thinking routine to share their background knowledge. Students responded to, “What is a Tool?” by expressing their thinking on the thinking wall.

Responsibilities: As students began discussing the responsibilities that they would demonstrate in the Maker Studio, they were very quick to share the “why” behind the responsibility. It was not a set of rules but a personal expectation of responsibility for being safe and mindful. Student developed responsibilities provide ownership for both positive and negative experiences.

Relevance: Behind every engaging lesson there is relevance. Teaching and learning that “looks” like play supports learning for all students. When the learning is relevant and purposeful, useful and applied students bring everything they have to the experience. “What is a tool?” was the launch of our 2016-2017 learning year. Students eagerly shared their thinking about tools and built their own excitement towards using the tools in the Studio. The literature link we used was, “Monkey with a Tool Belt” by Chris Monroe. This one book has set the stage for relevant activities for students in grades 2-4. Students have already made connections with the main character and are looking forward to the BreakOut session that stems from the story line.

Next Week: “CHICO is MISSING” breakout activity

EdCampSTEAM

Posted on March 28, 2016 by teacherstone

We are very excited to host the second annual EdcampSTEAM in Alabama. Come share, discuss, and learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Join us in Respecting the A, the ARTs in the STEM model by sharing ways to build curriculum with technology, makerspaces, mixed media and crosscutting science concepts.

When: August 6, 2016 8am – 3pm

Register: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edcampsteam-tickets-24052933973

Plastic 6: 3D Holograms

Posted on March 25, 2016 by teacherstone

The Atlanta Science Festival was a comprehensive arrangement of Science workshops, family activities as well as educator learning opportunities. Seeking professional development and living with a growth mindset sends us all over the country. Sometimes the opportunities are in your back door or neighboring state. Sometimes those opportunities are in the classroom next to you. With a variety of sessions and events, we had to map out what would be best for STEAM learning and collaboration. After driving for half an hour and ending up in a warehouse district, I must say we were a little hesitant but then remembered some of our best learning has been when it was least expected. With only 5 cars in the parking lot and two hours ahead of us, we entered. At first glance it looked like we would know about most of the materials being shared but that is noreason no to seek intently. To listen. To Reflect.

A conversation about plastic #6 and how use plastic and heat to create art reminded us of a project our art teacher just completed as a part of her curriculum andSTEAM participation. Several times this week the term “oldie but goodie” has been used in a variety of conversations. In a session on PBL, oldie but goodie technology resources were revisited. We don’t always have to replace something that is working or that serves a purpose.

During this session on Makerspaces, The oldie but goodie motto was brought to life with the remembrance of “Shrinky Dinks”. Jewelry making, badges and ornaments were all innovative ways to use Plastic #6 using the same heating concept with plastic as used with “Shrinky Dinks”. Fabrication of jewelry provides making opportunities that are completely student driven by individual artistic imagination.

A final use of plastic in making was the 3D hologram. The 3D hologram uses an iPhone or iPad to project the image onto a folded piece of plastic that simulates a hologram. This is not a “Shrinky Dink” activity but uses recycled plastic to (CD cases , old transparencies, and I am sure your imagination can think of others) create a hologram effect. In addition, we learned how to make the videos for use with the plastic hologram attachment. This is another opportunity for students to use individual creativity to publish a final piece and communicate understanding.

A great weekend of learning and bringing back. Thanks to all those that shared and learned with us.

MinecraftEDU in the Elementary School Environment

Posted on March 22, 2016 by teacherstone

MinecraftEdu is a school-ready remix of the original block-building game, Minecraft. MinecraftEdu provides products and services that make it easy for educators to use Minecraft in the classroom. MinecraftEdu contains many additions to the original game that make it more useful and appropriate in a school setting. A cloud-based solution for hosting Minecraft classroom servers is also an option. This allows students and teachers access to connect and play together. MinecraftEdu hosts a library of worlds, lessons, and activities that are available for free.

MinecraftEdu is a great tool that supports STEAM. There are ready made maps that support Science, Technology (ComputcraftEdu), Enginnering (students build and create), Art, and Math. Students can:

Explore Real Lift Buildings (Roman Coliseum, Globe Theatre, Schools, Football Stadiums, and many other structures/bridges)
Creation and Engineering (Building with an Engineer Mindset)
Practice Ratio, Proportion, Arrays, Fractions (The building of scale models allows students to practice measurement/proportion standards)
Visualization and Reading Comprehension (Reconstruct various setting from texts)
Reconstruct Books in a magical world (Seusscraft)
Coding (ComputerEdu) IF/THEN books (If You Give and Turtle a Remote in Minecraft)
Art (MC Edits)
Geometry Challenges
Minecraft Beginner Resources
Problem-Solving
Writing (Create your own stories)
Pixelation with math and gaming
Fairy Tales (Building The Three Little Pigs houses in Minecraft and retelling the story through Custom NPCs mod)

Make, Create, Innovate

Sharing…Learning…Leading