Grade 5

5th Grade Biomes Experts have accepted the challenge!

After investigating the biomes of the world, students in Mrs. Bouffard's grade 5 science classes rose to the occasion and agreed to help a small community of individuals move from the comfort of their deciduous forest into another one of the Earth's biomes.
Here is the challenge:

Here are SPS 5th graders working hard to "sell" their biome as the perfect alternative:

Students used both print and online resources to research their biome.  Then, they used Tour Builder to create tours of their biomes and give accurate information about cities, landmarks, landforms, flora, fauna and the food chain!  They offered plenty of information to help these forest dwellers make a good decision about where to relocate.

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b.1-4; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

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The Power of the Hook

Hook Videos Capture Curiosity at Spofford Pond School

A fun way to introduce new curriculum topics is sweeping Spofford Pond School - Hook Videos!  These short videos, created by classroom teachers (and sometimes myself) are played as an opening preview to a new topic.  Meant to capture students' attention and build interest in an up-coming unit of study, hook videos are fun to make and share and students seem to love them!Check out a few of our hook videos:To introduce a unit to 6th graders about how the body systems work together to keep you alive, this hook video was created:To introduce a unit of natural hazards and disasters to 4th graders, this hook video was created:To introduce a Revolutionary War Breakout EDU game to grade 5, this hook video was created:To emphasize the importance of reducing plastic, this hook video was created by Amy & Maya on the Green Team/Polar VorTechs:To begin a 6th grade science unit where students will work together to establish a colony on Mars, this hook video was created:What do you think?  Did these videos do the trick?  Did we pique your interest? Are you ready to jump in and make discoveries about these topics?Technology Essential Questions:How can we leverage a tool like iMovie to increase excitement and spark engagement?How can we leverage a tool like iMovie to create anticipation or renew sense of curiosity?How can we use technological enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

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Google Slides

Stop Action Animation with Google Slides

Google Slides is so much more than just a backdrop for your presentation.  It can be used in many other ways as well.  Recently, students in third and fourth grade practiced using Google Slides to create stop action animation.Stop action animation with Google Slides is a great way to express creativity, practice simple digital skills like cut, copy and paste, and learn the basics of storyboard planning.  Stop action animation can be used in any subject area as these short films can demonstrate understanding of all types of concepts and curriculum.

Grade 3 students used stop action animation to create "Pun-y" virtual Valentines.

Click this LINK to see N.R.'s animated short, "Valentine":

Grade 4 students used it to create conversations where one character attempted to persuade another.

Click this LINK to see J.R.'s animated short, "Why I Want a Dog"

Click this LINK to see C.W's animated short, "Work is Reward"

In all classes students rose to the challenge and produced projects worthy of an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can digital storytelling foster critical thinking skills?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.2; 3-5.DTC.c.3

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