Podcasting

Activity:
In our final Science Unit, we are studying "Space and Technology". I am always amazed at the many misconceptions third graders have when it comes to understanding the solar system. As an engagement activity, I provided the students with a writing prompt. They wrote their responses in their science journals and were then asked to record them. Here's what they had to say about humans living in space:

media type="custom" key="3931251" (Teacher Created VoiceThread)

Activity:
 Watch the following video to learn how to add decimals.

media type="custom" key="3931293"

Now You Try:
Based on what you learned about adding decimals in the video, explain and/or demonstrate how you would solve the problem.

media type="custom" key="3946887" (Teacher Created VoiceThread)

Activity
The students were each assigned a planet in our solar system to study. Their task was to create a 3 to 5 slide PowerPoint presentation about their particular planet. The presentations will be shared with the classmates. The students were directed to use [|www.kidsastronomy.com] as well as various other print sources in the class library. Each presentation should include the following: The students placed their presentations on VoiceThread and recorded a comment. The final phase of this project will include their classmates commenting on the projects and the exciting information presented. The projects were fantastic! Unfortunately, I can not put all of them on this page.
 * the planet's location in relation to the sun
 * the planets orbit of the sun (# of days for 1 revolution)
 * the planet's rotation (# of days for 1 rotation)
 * how the planet was named
 * 2-3 other interesting facts they learned about the planet

Below is a sample of what my 3rd grade students came up with:

media type="custom" key="3949087" (Student Created VoiceThread - 1)

media type="custom" key="3949113" (Student Created VoiceThread - 2)

Teacher Technology Standards
**II. Communication** Use technology effectively and appropriately to interact electronically. 1. Use telecommunications to collaborate with peers, parents, colleagues, administrators and/or experts in the field

Design, implement and assess learning experiences that incorporate use of technology in a curriculum-related instructional activity to support understanding, inquiry, problem solving, communication and/or collaboration. 1. Assess students’ learning/ instructional needs to identify the appropriate technology for instruction. 2. Evaluate technology materials and media to determine their most appropriate instructional use. 3. Select and apply research-based practices for integrating technology into instruction. 4. Use appropriate instructional strategies for integrating technology into instruction. 5. Select and use appropriate technology to support content-specific student learning outcomes. 7. Manage a technology-enhanced environment to maximize student learning.
 * V. Integrating Technology into the Curriculum and Instruction**

**VII. Professional Growth** Develop professional practices that support continual learning and professional growth in technology. 3. Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practices and emerging technologies to support student learning.