November Technology Updates

So far, November has been a busy month of technology integration in all grade levels.  Teachers and students use a wide variety of devices in dynamic ways to foster student engagement in all subjects.Here are a few highlights:The Polar VorTechs video club created videos exploring ways to be mindful when using technology: Students in grade 5 social studies classes, in conjunction with their studies of the thirteen colonies, started the initial process of creating a podcast about their learning (be sure to watch for more to come on this!):

Classes in grades 4 & 6 used Skype and Google Hangouts for a mystery challenge with a class in Calgary, Canada & to hear from Astronaut Terry Virts through a National Geographic Live Speaker session:

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.c.4; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.CS.b.2; 3-5.CS.b.3; 3-5.CS.d.1; 6-8.CAS.a.4; 6-8.CAS.c.4; 6-8.DTC.a

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Polar VorTechs

DIY Den InvestigationRecently, the Polar VorTechs video crew caught up with students at lunch and recess to ask about Spofford's D.I.Y. Den (makerspace).  Specifically, they asked students what they thought could be done to soundproof the room and make it easier for groups to converse and work in the space.Some students submitted work plans:

Others agreed to discuss their ideas in a live interview:

Additional Pictures:

Technology Essential Questions:

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

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

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8.CAS.b.1; 6-8.CAS.c.4; 6-8.DTC.a.1 - 4; 6-8.DTC.b.1

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to members of the Polar VorTechs Student Help Desk.
Certificates of Completion were distributed on Monday, May 15, 2017.

Great job!

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D.I.Y Den

Over the past few weeks, the Spofford Pond School makerspace, or as we like to call it, The D.I.Y. Den, has been very busy.  Students from all grade levels have been using the space to create class projects, grab resources or film in front of the green screen.Here are just a few pictures of our space in action.Check it out!

Ms.Cummings' Science Classes

Polar VorTechs Video Production

Ms. Cronin's Class

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Grade 6 Mannequin Challenge

Students in grade 6 were recently invited by the Spofford Pond Polar VorTechs video crew to take the Mannequin Challenge.  Video crew members rolled the tape while the entire student body worked together as a team to capture a moment called "Sixth Grade Lunch".Check it out!

Technology Essential Questions:

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

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:6-8.CAS.a.5, 6-8.CAS.b.6, 6-8.DTC.a.46-8.DTC.b.1

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Polar VorTechs Investigation

Throughout the school year, the Spofford community will be discussing themes based on thebook Life is Good, by Bert and John Jacobs:

The Polar VorTechs video crew recently conducted playground interviews to find out about how students have been discussing the Life is Good themes of openness, creativity and gratitude.  Enjoy!Technology Essential Questions:

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

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

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework3-5.DTC.a.3, 3-5.DTC.b.1, 6-8.DTC.a.3, 6-8.DTC.a.4, 6-8.DTC.b.1

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Polar VorTechs & Green Team

Last month the Polar VorTechs video crew and the Green Teamworked together to create this public service message.Enjoy!Technology Essential Questions:

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.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CS.a.1, 3-5.CS.a.3, 3-5.CS.a.5

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