Tuesday, March 31, 2015

3D Printing

This week we will learn about, and experiment with, the 3D printer. We will start with basic features and uses of the 3D printer, and then we will explore basic design concepts and create a custom bag tag.

3D printing (world of possibilities):


Umbilical Cord Clamps in Haiti

1) Log-into Tinkercad with the username/password provided in-class.

2) Create a new project. Name the project with your first and last name.

3) Follow the steps to creating an oval with a small hole and the letters for your name.

Dimensions:

Oval-No more than 90mm wide and 50mm deep.
Letters-7mm thickness
Tag hole-5mm wide


Monday, March 30, 2015

Reading Practice

This week we will practice reading by reviewing site words and by reading/creating stories online.

Start by completing site words practice:

1) Click HERE to open Dolch Words website and practice at least two of the activities.

2) Click HERE to practice creating three letter words out of the seven letter provided.


Visit these sites to read some interactive stories online:

3) Click HERE for interactive reading.

4) Click HERE to read some popular stories online. 

5) Click HERE for more practice.

Visit this site to create your own unique story:

6) Click HERE

Interactive Design and Programming with Makey Makey

The Makey Makey can be used to create interactive art, animations, music, or game. This week we will focus on music by writing a program using Scratch and then controling our program using the Makey Makey. Once you have created the basic program, you can add art elements or other interactive features.

Objectives:

  • Modify a Scratch musical program to work with the Makey Makey.
  • Experiment using different materials with the Makey Makey to control the program.
  • Customize the music program by adding additional interactive elements.

1) Review this Music Example (Choir) and discuss how it can be modified to work with the Makey Makey.

2) Write a similar program using controls that work with the Makey Makey.

3) Test your program, and use different conductive materials to make your program run (be creative).

4) Reflect on your results below:

Friday, March 20, 2015

Pixel Art and Room Design

This week we will learn how to create digital art using pixels. We'll make a picture of a flower (like the ones you have been learning about in-class) using individual pixels and different colors/shapes.

1) Click HERE to open the pixel art program.

2) Learn the basic elements of drawing a flower and re-create this elements using pixels and different colors.

3) Download and print out your pixel art.

4) If there's time, click HERE to open classroom architect to design your own classroom space.


Monday, March 16, 2015

Basic Electricity and Circuits

This week we will learn about the basics of electricity and circuits. Students will use Snap Circuit Jr. to explore how circuits work, and to demonstrate the difference between parallel and series circuits.

Click HERE to complete an interactive lesson about circuits.

Open the Snap Circuit box and follow directions to create a simple series and parallel circuit. Explore with different loads with any remaining classroom time.

PicoBoard

This week, we will begin learning about circuits and conductivity. We will combine a circuit with Scratch programming and complete several activities.

1) Learn about a PicoBoard.

2) Connect the PicoBoard to the computer, turn on the COM Port and experiment with the sensors.

3) Follow the steps shown in-class to use Scratch to write a program that can be run with the PicoBoard. This activity is based on this SparkFun Workshop.

4) We will work on this activity for several class sessions.

Click HERE for additional activities.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Makey Makey

This week we will begin an engineering unit by introducing Makey Makeys. Students will explore the basic functions of the Makey Makey, learning the basics of electric circuits, and how to use the Makey Makey in different ways  through the use of programming, creativity, exploration, and engineering.

Begin by watching this Makey Makey demo video:




Click HERE to go to the How To page on the Makey Makey website.

Explore and experiment with the Makey Makey with the rest of class time.


Friday, March 6, 2015

Math Practice

This week we will use online programs to improve basic math fluency. We will be focusing on addition and subtraction.


1) Click HERE for number counting activities.

2) Click HERE for addition activities.

3) Click HERE for subtraction activities.

4) If there's time, we'll log-on to IXL and review relevant math activities for additional at-home practice.

Extra Practice

Geometry

ABCya by Grade

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Penguin Species Comparison

This week we will continue learning about penguins online. We will look at the 17 different species of penguins and select two different species to compare and contrast.


1) Click HERE to open your class slides.

Kincaid

Crews

2) Click HERE to access some videos and information about the different penguins.

3) Click HERE to access additional information and videos/pictures.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Community Writing

This week we will write our opinions about what we think is the most important part of a community.

1) Click on your class name to access the Google Presentation.

Fink
Smith
McGinnis

2) Select a slide, add your name and the place you think is most important to a community.

3) Write an explanation about why it's important.

4) Add images and design/format your slide before sharing it with the class.