Class #8

Tonight's class opened with coordinate plane graphing. Depending on how you connect this topic, you could either include it with data analysis or geometry. Most people see it as data analysis (just another type of graph). However, according to the core content, it is part of the geometry strand...coordinate geometry. We discussed creating a human coordinate plane grid using painter's tape as well as using a manipulative called the X-Y Coordinate Plane Board.

Next we looked at how similar the core content is for the different grade levels with regards to statistics and probability. Consequently, it is important to look carefully at the core content for the grade level below and the grade level above to see exactly what you should emphasize for your grade level.
There were no additional technology assignments for this week, which means it is a great time to get caught up on your book reviews and website evaluations!

Class #7

I was really impressed by all the surveys that were created using Google Forms!! Certainly a variety of topics from just plain fun to very thought-provoking! This week, you are to complete each of the surveys that were posted and submit your answers. Please have this completed by midnight on Saturday 3/20/2010. The survey creator then needs to print the spreadsheet results and bring them to class Monday night.

I have also updated the list of websites to evaluate, so it now includes the ones for Data Analysis and Probability. I have also added children's books on these topics to the collection in the CRC.

Next week we will begin taking a closer look at developing a unit, so please begin thinking about the topic and grade level you would like to focus your unit on. Each person must have a different topic and/or grade level.

Tonight we will look at approaches to teaching Data Analysis.

Class #6

Doesn't Google have SOOOO much more stuff than just a search engine?? Tonight we looked at another feature - Google Documents and Google Forms.



Although Google Documents can be VERY useful in the classroom, we will be focusing on Google Forms. Click here to see an example of how one teacher uses Google Forms to create assessment problems for her students.  This week you need to create your own survey using Google Forms and link to it on your blog. This blog posting contains ten great ways you can use Google Forms in the classroom (and I am sure there are many, many more!)



Hopefully everyone's observation and tutoring arrangements have been finalized. Please collect the following information from the teacher you observe:

- Ask for a copy of their favorite lesson or activity.

- Ask about their homework policy. For example, how is it graded? What percentage does it count? How often is it assigned? How does the teacher go over the answers with the students? How do the students demonstrate an understanding of the problems that they missed?

Tonight's core content strand is algebraic thinking. We will focus on using algebra tiles for lots of algebraic topics.

Class #5

Geometry was the theme for tonight's class. We sang, watched videos, and even did a little aerobics (all geometry-related, of course!). We also looked at several manipulatives such as anglegs (to build different polygons), angle rulers (instead of protractors), color tiles (for area and perimeter), and polygon tiles (for sorting & classifying polygons). Here are some key points to remember from tonight's class:

** Make connections - whether they are real-world or just something that will interest the students.

** Don't just tell the students - Let them discover it!

** Have students make predictions or estimate first.

** Tie in previously covered content to review.

I have placed several children's books in the Curriculum Resource Center. Right now the only topics are number computation and geometry, but I will be adding more each week. Please choose at least 10 number computation books and at least 5 geometry books to read and summarize. You need to include the following information:

** Title
** Author
** Core Content
** Summary

Also, please continue evaluating the websites that I have uploaded to our class's google site. I have added additional number computation topics as well geometry ones. I know many of you are saving and/or printing the PDF files, but I would also suggest adding them to your delicious or diigo account. This will allow you to tag them with multiple topics.

Finally, please complete the midcourse survey. It will help me make changes to the class, if necessary. Thanks!