Every year I try and supervise at least one practicum student - it's always an interesting exchange of ideas and a way of challenging and developing my approach to teaching.
Sometimes it's good to get back to basics and I find this presentation very helpful when talking about why we plan lessons and how to approach a lesson plan.
Lesson planning is taught differently at every university but at the end of the day we all share a common goal - how to deliver a successful lesson!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Line Symmetry
This week we are reviewing line symmetry. Another name for this is reflection symmetry, one half of the image is the reflection of the other half.
The 'Line of Symmetry' is the imaginary line where you could fold the image and have both halves match exactly.
An excellent range of resources, including interactive lessons, are here.
BBC Bitesize have an excellent online lesson.
A line symmetry game is here.
Complete the reflections game is here.
Are you a symmetry artist? Try out this game!
Create your own symmetry pattern!
A step by step kaleidoscope game is a great way to start.
Create your own kaleidoscope - an excellent example of creating symmetry!
A less complicated kaleidoscope is available here.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Interactive Clock Resource
Not every student has the luxury of having an analog wrist watch to call their own, so here is a great resource for students learning how to tell the time using an analog clock. The clock shows the current time using both analog and digital clocks, but also has buttons to create your own times.
Click here to use this amazing interactive clock.
Also another great resource I found for learning about analog time was this game that involves the student reading a problem and choosing the correct analog clock which corresponds to the problem.
Click here to play a time game.
Hope you enjoy these resources as much as my class did.
- Alessandra Garcia
Labels:
analog clock,
maths,
maths games,
time
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
For Teachers: Teaching Vocabulary
In a previous life I qualified as a Cambridge CELTA Teacher. Recently I welcomed a new-arrival ESL Student to my class and it inspired me to think once more about effective teaching of vocabulary.
This presentation below is excellent; infact I recommend it to all Teachers!
Using appropriate questioning techniques can certainly help a teacher to gain confidence and cater to the needs of all their students.
This presentation below is excellent; infact I recommend it to all Teachers!
Using appropriate questioning techniques can certainly help a teacher to gain confidence and cater to the needs of all their students.
Labels:
English,
ESL,
vocabulary
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Maths: Addition and Subtraction with Trading
One of my main responsibilities in teaching Year 3 Maths is to introduce 'Addition and Subtraction with Trading.'
it's hard to find games that involve trading, but I have managed to find this excellent interactive that allows you to approach these number problems online.
The NSW Department of Education and communities has an information sheet on how to trade.
The Junction Primary School (Newcastle, NSW) has an amazing list of online resources, comes highly recommended!
Maths Builder is fantastic as it encourages students to use working out paper and then answer the questions in the computer.
Stage 2 Safety Education
Today we have had a lesson on Safety Education.
We have focused on:
- Pedestrian Safety
- Passenger Safety
- Safety on Wheels
A range of safety resources can be found at the NSW Curriculum Support Website.
Bike and Helmet Safety can be discussed using the NSW RTA Brochure.
The iride, iread, ithink resource has some Stage 2 bike riding safety activities available.
A Bus Safety resource can be found on the TaLE wesite.
A great retro bike safety clip:
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Science: Gravity
This week in Science we are exploring gravity - such an exciting concept!
Here are some clips about gravity:
Teachers in zero gravity with ping pong balls!
Zero gravity classroom (where can I sign up?) !
Here are some clips about gravity:
Teachers in zero gravity with ping pong balls!
Zero gravity classroom (where can I sign up?) !
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ordering Decimals
Flower Power is a good game for ordering decimals.
Labels:
decimals,
maths,
ordering decimals
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
White Ribbon
White Ribbon is an exciting movement of social change. Together we hope to highlight the White Ribbon campaign to stop violence against women. This presentation will let you know what it's all about.
You can visit the White Ribbon website here.
School Resources can be located here.
Labels:
PDHPE,
White Ribbon
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ordering Fractions
This week we are also looking at ordering fractions so we understand the value of what a fraction represents.
BBC Skillswise has a good range of online games.
Dolphin Racing is very fun!
Equivalent Fractions
This week in maths we are looking at Equivalent Fractions.
A good explanation of equivalent fractions can be found here. Also! A video explaining the concept is available here.
A more simple series of explanations are here.
A matching game can be found here.
Fraction Monkeys is a fun way to learn equivalent fractions!
'Melvin's make a match' is also good practice!
Equivalent fractions target shoot!
To check equivalent fractions we use the cross multiply method. An online worksheet can be found here.
Create your own printable worksheet using equivalent fractions!
A range of worksheets are available here, this worksheet is very good for extra work at Year 3 level.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Visual Arts: Machine Collage
Today we have been making collages of our own imagined machines. We are using print outs and our own drawing. We will be working on this for the rest of the week!
'Untitled (Flying Machines)' 1938, by Joseph Cornell (American, 1903-1972)
'American Machine' by Jonathon Talbot
'Art Machine' by Jonathon Talbot
'Machine music / Collage' by Schoko Casana Rosso (Germany)
You can make your own collage online using the Collage Machine!
'Untitled (Flying Machines)' 1938, by Joseph Cornell (American, 1903-1972)
'American Machine' by Jonathon Talbot
'Art Machine' by Jonathon Talbot
'Machine music / Collage' by Schoko Casana Rosso (Germany)
You can make your own collage online using the Collage Machine!
Labels:
Collage,
Futurists,
Machines,
visual arts
COGS: Machines
Charlie Chaplin's famous eating machine:
And a day in the factory with Charlie:
The Amish love barn raising! Move to around the 38:00 minute mark to see how a barn is raised by hand:
And a day in the factory with Charlie:
The Amish love barn raising! Move to around the 38:00 minute mark to see how a barn is raised by hand:
Labels:
Amish,
Barn Raising,
Charlie Chaplin,
COGS,
Eating Machine,
Machines
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Child Protection Education
This Term Stage 2 are undertakng Child Protection Education.
The NSW DEC Resource can be found here.
The NSW DEC Resource can be found here.
Monday, October 15, 2012
COGS: Machines
Mrs Travis' Classroom has a fantastic introduction to Simple Machines with a link to a range of interactives.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Machines!
This term we are looking at Machines. To start off, some fun machines and concepts!
An amazing domino world record attempt!
World Cup Dominos!
An awesome Jenga Pistol!
An amazing Marble Machine:
There seems to be a great game called Crazy Machines!
An amazing domino world record attempt!
World Cup Dominos!
An awesome Jenga Pistol!
An amazing Marble Machine:
There seems to be a great game called Crazy Machines!
Equal, Greater or Less Than
Today we have been looking at 'greater than and less than.'
You can find an excellent explanation of the concept and symbils here: http://www.mathsisfun.com/equal-less-greater.html
An excellent self-generated greater than or less than game is here.
A fun comparing numbers game is here.
An online activity is available here.
Labels:
greater than less than,
maths,
maths games,
number
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Printable Math Worksheets
Sometimes it's difficult to find good printable maths worksheets.
My Weblets has an excellent range of worksheets for printing, just be aware that the 'grade 2' website is appropriate for NSW Grade 3.
My Weblets has an excellent range of worksheets for printing, just be aware that the 'grade 2' website is appropriate for NSW Grade 3.
Labels:
maths,
printable worksheets
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Decimals
This week in maths we have been talking about decimals.
BBC Bitesize has a fantastic interactive on converting fractions to decimals.
AAA Math has a fantastic range of online activities to assist in understanding decimals.
Understanding place value is integral to having success when working with decimals. An explanation is here.
Some interactive decimal games can be found here.
BBC Bitesize has a fantastic interactive on converting fractions to decimals.
AAA Math has a fantastic range of online activities to assist in understanding decimals.
Understanding place value is integral to having success when working with decimals. An explanation is here.
Some interactive decimal games can be found here.
Labels:
decimals,
maths,
place value
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Narrative Writing
In writing we have been looking at the Narrative text Type.
Here is a stimulus we have been using in class:
Some fun story starters are here.
A simple but effective story starter website has over 2 billion options! There is also another story starter website specifically for kids, visit it here.
Scholasic has its own Story Starter generator. I think our class will give it a try in computer time!
A good slideshow to introduce elements of narrative Writing to students is available here.
A simple narrative planner (shared from here):
Another interesting Narrative planner:
Here is a stimulus we have been using in class:
Some fun story starters are here.
A simple but effective story starter website has over 2 billion options! There is also another story starter website specifically for kids, visit it here.
Scholasic has its own Story Starter generator. I think our class will give it a try in computer time!
A good slideshow to introduce elements of narrative Writing to students is available here.
A simple narrative planner (shared from here):
Another interesting Narrative planner:
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Maths: Measurement
This week we will be looking at converting measurements.
Centimetres to millimetres (excuse international spelling!):
Labels:
maths,
measurement
Eleven Times Table
This week we are looking at the 11 times tables, one of my favourites!
Baseball Mathematics is a fun way to test your knowledge. There is also a 2 player option which makes it more challenging.
Tablesmaster also helps you to practise in a way similar way to what's required in a speed test.
Labels:
11 times table,
maths
Working Together: Local Government
Our current COGS unit is called 'Working Together.' The key focus is on Local Government.
Maroondah Council in Victoria has a fantastic 'Local Government School Kit' with worksheets and activities, if only our local Council would do the same!
South Australia also has a range of online resources available for schools to use when teaching Local Government, including information fact sheets, powerpoint presentations and a webquest.
Labels:
COGS,
HSIE,
Local Government,
Working Together
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Maths: Symmetry
BBC Bitesize has a good explanation of line and rotational symmetry.
Another good teaching tool is here.
A printable symmetry worksheet is here.
A fun 'Symmetry Foldable' is here, print it out and test your knowledge!
My class had challenges with cross sections, a good tool is available here.
A fantastic game about 2D shape symmetry is right here!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Twelve Times Table
12 times table quiz is here.
Another fun 'blackboard' game.
Tables Dash is also a fun way to test your knowledge!
Labels:
12 times table,
maths
Monday, August 6, 2012
Science: Spinning in Space - Lesson 3, Session 2
In this lesson students work in teams to investigate light and shadows.
Some images for discussion:
Some information on how light travels in straight lines:
BBC Schools Science had an excellent interactive describing the Earth, Sun and Moon and how they rotate in relation to each other.
Light and Shadows is another interactive that describes how shadows change in relation to different types of light sources.
Here is Billy Nye the Science Guy having a chat about the Moon. It will help me to answer the questions of one of my students, Tom.
Some images for discussion:
Some information on how light travels in straight lines:
BBC Schools Science had an excellent interactive describing the Earth, Sun and Moon and how they rotate in relation to each other.
Light and Shadows is another interactive that describes how shadows change in relation to different types of light sources.
Here is Billy Nye the Science Guy having a chat about the Moon. It will help me to answer the questions of one of my students, Tom.
Nine Times Table
This week we are focusing once more on times tables - this time we are looking at the 9 times table!
Nine times table shootout game here.
Multiplication Hot Air Balloons lets you select a level to focus on for your game.
The Multiplication Moon Landers game tests time tables from 2 right through to 9.
A printable 9 times table chart that you can stick on the wall at home, or on the back of the toilet door!
Labels:
9 times table,
maths
Science: Spinning in Space - Session 1
This week we are looking at shadows, how and why they are created.
An excellent explanation of shadow:
Sources of Light:
Bill Nye the Science Guy is always so much fun!
An excellent explanation of shadow:
Sources of Light:
Bill Nye the Science Guy is always so much fun!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
3D Shapes
The BBC Mission 2110 Roboidz is also a great way to get started.
A great online introduction and interactive is here - more suited for Stage 3 and High School students.
You can print your own 3D Shapes and make them from these nets.Shapes, edges and vertices can be explored at this instructional website.
An excellent activity teaching students how to draw 3D Shapes on dot paper. You can find the lesson here.
You can download many different types of grid and dot paper here.
Match the 3D shapes using pairs.
The buried 3D shapes game is a fun way to end your lesson.
Labels:
3D Shapes,
Maths. BBC Bitesize
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
English: Writing Sentences
Now is the time for our class to take another look at correct punctuation and writing extended sentences.
BBC Bitesize has an excellent online activity about types of sentences.
There is also excellent background infomation available on different types of sentences.
A good commas game is here.
Using apostrophes online lesson from BBC Kids, and an online presentation from draggeneric explains apostrophes for possession and contraction.
'Match the contraction' game would be great to play between lessons.
The classroom activity we used to test our knowledge was from BBC Skillswise.
Labels:
apostrophes,
bbc bitesize,
commas,
contrations,
English,
grammar
Monday, July 23, 2012
Week 2: Olympics Opening Ceremonies
Beijing - 2008
Athens - 2004
Sydney - 2000
Can follow this link to view 'best bits.'
Atlanta - 1996
Barcelona - 1992
Seoul - 1988
Los Angeles - 1984
Will you be watching the 2012 London Opening Ceremony? Which do you like best? I like the 1988 Barcelona Games, particularly the way the cauldron is lit, you will have to watch to see for yourself!
Athens - 2004
Sydney - 2000
Can follow this link to view 'best bits.'
Atlanta - 1996
Barcelona - 1992
Seoul - 1988
Los Angeles - 1984
Will you be watching the 2012 London Opening Ceremony? Which do you like best? I like the 1988 Barcelona Games, particularly the way the cauldron is lit, you will have to watch to see for yourself!
HSIE - Week 2 - The Olympics
This week we are looking at Olympic Symbols and traditions.
A comprehensive look at the history of Olympic Torch Cauldron Lighting and Opening Ceremonies:
Watch 2012 London Olympic Medals being made!
A fun animation featuring the Olympic Creed:
The Olympic Motto:
A good summary of the Rings, Flag, Motto and Flame can be found here.
The wreath and medals are covered here.
A quick tutorial on how to draw the Olympic Rings is right here!
This page of links and activities could be very handy for teachers!
A comprehensive look at the history of Olympic Torch Cauldron Lighting and Opening Ceremonies:
Watch 2012 London Olympic Medals being made!
A fun animation featuring the Olympic Creed:
The Olympic Motto:
A good summary of the Rings, Flag, Motto and Flame can be found here.
The wreath and medals are covered here.
A quick tutorial on how to draw the Olympic Rings is right here!
This page of links and activities could be very handy for teachers!
Science: Spinning in Space - Week 1
This week we commence our next unit of Primary Connections Science, called 'Spinning in Space.'
This particular lesson also offers an indigenous perspective, some information is below.
Indigenous people have been observing the sky for many thousands of years. Some Indigenous people still use the stars as a guide for hunting and food gathering. Astronomical observations of the positions of the stars and constellations and their apparent movement across the sky correlate with particular weather conditions and the availability of certain foods. This Indigenous knowledge is preserved through storytelling, ceremony and visual representations.
Burarra Gathering contains information about navigating using the stars during the dry season. As a class or in small groups we will complete a 'Told us... Made us wonder' sheet.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
HSIE - Week 1 - The Olympics
This week our class will being a new HSIE unit by looking at the ancient Olympic Games.
Before we look back at history, it's important to remember why the Olympic Games are so exciting and special!
BBC Primary History has a great interactive webpage about the history of the ancient Olympic Games.
The official website of the Olympic movement also has an explanation with a cartoon history of the ancient Olympic Games!
This Year 3 class in England produced a fun class video of the history of the Olympic Games:
A presentation has also been produced about the history of the torch relay:
Some activity ideas and printables are available here. Some high-quality printables for students and classroom are here.
An excellent free pack of printables more appropriate for Stage 1 / Early Childhood.
An amazing printable workbook is here (8 pages long).
Directions for making an Olympic torch, medal or olive leaf crown are here and here.
Activities specific to the London Olympic Games can be found here.
Before we look back at history, it's important to remember why the Olympic Games are so exciting and special!
BBC Primary History has a great interactive webpage about the history of the ancient Olympic Games.
The official website of the Olympic movement also has an explanation with a cartoon history of the ancient Olympic Games!
This Year 3 class in England produced a fun class video of the history of the Olympic Games:
A presentation has also been produced about the history of the torch relay:
Some activity ideas and printables are available here. Some high-quality printables for students and classroom are here.
An excellent free pack of printables more appropriate for Stage 1 / Early Childhood.
An amazing printable workbook is here (8 pages long).
Directions for making an Olympic torch, medal or olive leaf crown are here and here.
Activities specific to the London Olympic Games can be found here.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Premier's Spelling Bee
Our school is taking part in the 2012 Premier's Spelling Bee.
You can read a guide about the Bee here.
A really fun film you can watch about 'Spelling Bees' is the 2002 film 'Spellbound.' You can find out some more about it here.
The film's trailer:
Another fun excerpt:
You can read a guide about the Bee here.
A really fun film you can watch about 'Spelling Bees' is the 2002 film 'Spellbound.' You can find out some more about it here.
The film's trailer:
Another fun excerpt:
Labels:
English,
Premiers Spelling Bee,
Spelling
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
School Performance: Hansel and Gretel
The Nibbling Witch
The Nibbling Witch will get you
The Nibbling Witch is there
She grabs you in her butterfly net and drags you by the hair.
Into her kitchen she takes you
And puts you under her spell
She mixes you up with flour and spice
And adds some honey as well.
Then it’s “Snap” into the oven and “Crunch” a biscuit are you
And nibble and nibble and nibble she goes
And where you’ve gone to nobody knows
Beware -of the Nibbling Witch!
I'M HUNGRY!
I’m hungry, so hungry, so very very hungry
I’m hungry, so hungry, so very very hungry
I need something for my lunch,
Something I can munch,
Something I can crunch,
I’m hungry, so hungry
Thursday, June 7, 2012
2D Shapes
This week we have been studying 2D Shapes.
We played the 'Legend of Dick and Dom' to ensure we understood an extended range of 2D Shapes.
Our class had alot of fun playing this game. Enjoy!
We played the 'Legend of Dick and Dom' to ensure we understood an extended range of 2D Shapes.
Our class had alot of fun playing this game. Enjoy!
Labels:
2D Shapes,
Maths. BBC Bitesize
Monday, June 4, 2012
BOM Sydney Weather Radar
Today we went on a wonderful excursion to the Australian Museum and ANZAC Memorial.
We were, however, really worried about the weather!
So together we checked the Bureau of Meterology Sydney Weather Radar.
It's a live website where you can watch rain and storms come in to Sydney!
An example of what you might see. Make sure click on the link to see the live weather!
We had a fantastic day together.
We were, however, really worried about the weather!
So together we checked the Bureau of Meterology Sydney Weather Radar.
It's a live website where you can watch rain and storms come in to Sydney!
An example of what you might see. Make sure click on the link to see the live weather!
We had a fantastic day together.
Labels:
BOM,
science,
weather radar
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Sorry Day
Today our school will commemorate Sorry Day.
Here is a video of students in Australia forming a giant human SORRY on their school oval with 'Sorry Song' by Kerry Fletcher as musical backing, in preparation for the Australian Government's National Apology to the 'Stolen Generations' on 13th February 2008.
A good explanation of what Sorry Day is can be found here. A more comprehensive Stolen Generations factsheet is also available.
Some moving personal stories can be found here.
Teachers can locate a list of suggested classroom activities here.
For Stage 2 readers a text called 'Stolen Girl' by Trina Saffioti would be interesting to share with the class.
An engaging narrative for more able readers to access is 'Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937' by Anita Heiss. This is the fictional diary of a 10-year-old Aboriginal girl taken from her family as part of the Stolen Generation.
This book is aimed at readers aged 10 or 11+.
Of course the excellent 'My Place' by Sally Morgan is an appropriate text for discussion, but is aimed more at late Stage 3 readers.
Here is a video of students in Australia forming a giant human SORRY on their school oval with 'Sorry Song' by Kerry Fletcher as musical backing, in preparation for the Australian Government's National Apology to the 'Stolen Generations' on 13th February 2008.
A good explanation of what Sorry Day is can be found here. A more comprehensive Stolen Generations factsheet is also available.
Some moving personal stories can be found here.
Teachers can locate a list of suggested classroom activities here.
For Stage 2 readers a text called 'Stolen Girl' by Trina Saffioti would be interesting to share with the class.
An engaging narrative for more able readers to access is 'Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937' by Anita Heiss. This is the fictional diary of a 10-year-old Aboriginal girl taken from her family as part of the Stolen Generation.
This book is aimed at readers aged 10 or 11+.
Of course the excellent 'My Place' by Sally Morgan is an appropriate text for discussion, but is aimed more at late Stage 3 readers.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Music: Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is dead
For our Year 3 performance we will all be singing 'Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead!'
It's very hard to find a good version with clear lyrics for the students to sing, mainly because the movie is now so old! (But still so good...)
I like this version because the lyrics are subtitles, making it easy to learn the song:
A much faster version here (with moderate sound quality) is here:
And finally, terrible quality, but the real version from the film:
The Lyrics:
Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!
It's very hard to find a good version with clear lyrics for the students to sing, mainly because the movie is now so old! (But still so good...)
I like this version because the lyrics are subtitles, making it easy to learn the song:
A much faster version here (with moderate sound quality) is here:
And finally, terrible quality, but the real version from the film:
The Lyrics:
Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!
Science: Feathers fur or leaves?
In Science today our class has looked at how to classify different types of animals.
This presentantion outlines exactly what we have been learning today!
This presentantion outlines exactly what we have been learning today!
Music: Write your own sheet music!
Today I found this free fun online tool, where you can write music yourself using the skills you have learned in class!
A free 'sheet music editor' can be found here. You can even print out your piece of music to keep and use later!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Bullying: Take a stand together
Today during our class Circle Time and Bounceback lesson we visited the 'Bullying: Take a stand together' website.
There are lots of helpful facts about bullying and also some further information on topics such as what to do if you are bullied or how to help a friend that is being bullied.
You can visit the website here.
Labels:
anti-bullying,
PDHPE
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Science: How to draw a scientific diagram
This week in Science we will be looking at how to draw an accurate scientific diagram. Some steps are shown here:
Scientific Diagram
The communication of ideas is an important part of our everyday lives. One of the ways that scientists communicate is to use drawings. It is important to make a scientific drawing clear, neat, and accurate.
What To Do
- Use unlined paper and a sharp pencil. You will also need a ruler and make sure you use a good quality eraser to make your corrections.
- Give yourself plenty of space. Your diagram should be at least 1/2 page in size. Even if you earthworm is small, you still want to have the space to add labels and captions to your drawing.
- Labels identify the parts of the object you are drawing. Place labels on the right your drawing unless putting them all on the one side would make your drawing cluttered. Use your ruler to draw lines to the different structures. Make sure none of your label lines cross.
- Draw only what you see and keep your drawing simple.
- Shading or colouring is not usually found on scientific drawings. If you want to indicate a darker area, you can use stippling (a series of dots).
- If you do use colours, try to be as accurate as you can. Choose ones that are as close as possible to the colour of the earthworm. The only bright blue worms you see are the candy ones found in stores.
- Label the different structures carefully. Go back to the Key Terms in the investigation if you are not sure how to spell the names of the different structures.
- Give your drawing a title. You can also include the scale of your drawing. Is the drawing of your earthworm twice as big as the real worm? Or is it the actual size of the earthworm -- the person looking at your diagram needs to know.
A good example of a scientific drawing produced by a student (from NSWAGTC):
Another example:
A good online example of how to draw a scientific diagram:
Adapted from: http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/wormwatch/resources/drawing.html
http://nswagtc.org.au/blogs/science-guru/1078-scientific-diagrams.html
Scientific Diagram
The communication of ideas is an important part of our everyday lives. One of the ways that scientists communicate is to use drawings. It is important to make a scientific drawing clear, neat, and accurate.
What To Do
- Use unlined paper and a sharp pencil. You will also need a ruler and make sure you use a good quality eraser to make your corrections.
- Give yourself plenty of space. Your diagram should be at least 1/2 page in size. Even if you earthworm is small, you still want to have the space to add labels and captions to your drawing.
- Labels identify the parts of the object you are drawing. Place labels on the right your drawing unless putting them all on the one side would make your drawing cluttered. Use your ruler to draw lines to the different structures. Make sure none of your label lines cross.
- Draw only what you see and keep your drawing simple.
- Shading or colouring is not usually found on scientific drawings. If you want to indicate a darker area, you can use stippling (a series of dots).
- If you do use colours, try to be as accurate as you can. Choose ones that are as close as possible to the colour of the earthworm. The only bright blue worms you see are the candy ones found in stores.
- Label the different structures carefully. Go back to the Key Terms in the investigation if you are not sure how to spell the names of the different structures.
- Give your drawing a title. You can also include the scale of your drawing. Is the drawing of your earthworm twice as big as the real worm? Or is it the actual size of the earthworm -- the person looking at your diagram needs to know.
A good example of a scientific drawing produced by a student (from NSWAGTC):
Another example:
A good online example of how to draw a scientific diagram:
Adapted from: http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/wormwatch/resources/drawing.html
http://nswagtc.org.au/blogs/science-guru/1078-scientific-diagrams.html
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Visual Arts: Vivid Festival
Sydney's exciting VIVID festival is about to launch for another year. It's such an exciting event for everybody and most of all, it looks amazing!
We ran this presentation on our electronic whiteboard while the class created their artwork.
You can visit the VIVID website here. http://www.vividsydney.com/
We ran this presentation on our electronic whiteboard while the class created their artwork.
You can visit the VIVID website here. http://www.vividsydney.com/
Labels:
Being Australian,
COGS,
visual arts
Friday, May 4, 2012
Helping your child with reading
Our school is blessed with a helpful population of parents and friends and I always look forward to further supporting our families and community, especially when it is going to help our learning in the classroom!
This NSW Department of Education and Communities web article covers how to help your child when reading at home.
Home reading is a vital part of the Stage 2 program and this article is full of simple and useful tips to assist with your child's development in reading fluency and comprehension.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
War Animals
Today we watched this clip as part of our 'Being Australian' COGS Unit.
My apologies for the screen size, unlike youtube, the ABC does not offer embed options, so yes, the size of this screen is a little big.
Labels:
BTN,
COGS,
HSIE,
War Animals
Pygmy Possums
BTN this week had an excellent story on the Pygmy Possums of Australia's Alpine region. This week in COGS we have been 'Mapping Australia' and this story offered us some excellent insight into the terrain and features of this part of Australia.
You can also download and read/print an excellent factsheet about Pygmy Possums here.
You can also download and read/print an excellent factsheet about Pygmy Possums here.
Labels:
BTN,
feathers fur and leaves,
science
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Science: Feathers Fur or Leaves
As part of this Science unit we will be looking at living and non-living things.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Mapping Australia
This week we have commenced our COGS unit called 'Being Australian.' We have watched two excellent presentations from Australian Geographic.
Another time-lapse of the Australian landscape is here.
Another time-lapse of the Australian landscape is here.
Labels:
Being Australian,
COGS,
HSIE,
Mapping Australia
Saturday, April 14, 2012
HOLIDAYS: ACDC!
Two of my students seem to love the music of AC/DC. this story is for them. Happy Holidays!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
English: Using Joining Words, Vocabulary, Paragraphs
We are always looking for ways to extend our sentences... this fun BBC Bitesize game looks at extending sentences.
The BBC Bitesize Big Babies Gonch is also an excellent tool to highlight the importance of vocabulary in writing.
Finally, a fun paragraph game.
Labels:
bbc bitesize,
English,
paragraph,
vocabulary
English: Mapping Out Persuasive Writing
Today we have been making lists of arguments to assist with the structure of our persuasive writing.
A great online 'map generator' is available here.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
English: Spelling Bee
Sydney's Daily Telegraph newpaper has an excellent online Spelling Bee practice test! So if you LOVE spelling, or would just like to get some more training, you can have a go here.
Our school will also be participating in the '2012 Premier's Spelling Bee' so let's all aim keep our spelling up to date and perfect!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
COGS: Aboriginal Spirituality
This week we focus our COGS study on Aboriginal Spirituality.
The ABC 'Dust Echoes' website has incredible flash animations that describe different stories of The Dreaming.
This website also has Aboriginal Dreaming resources appropriate for children and also contains a few lesson plans.
A fun online indigenous game called 'Hive Alive' can be played here.
There is also a chance to plant your own indigenous garden online.
Maths: Graphs
This last week we have looking at the skills we need to create different types of graphs. We made a graph using excel as a class, then individually in our weekly class computer time.
A good online interpretation activity can be found here.
A fun 'bugs in the library' game is available at PBS Kids. You need to click and drag the bugs onto the graph.
BBC's 'The Legend of Dick and Dom' is a rather funny and interactive way of learning frequency diagrams (data tables) and using this information to create a graph (sound needed).
If you are not confident in excel, use some of these online graph generators to display your data.
A good online interpretation activity can be found here.
A fun 'bugs in the library' game is available at PBS Kids. You need to click and drag the bugs onto the graph.
BBC's 'The Legend of Dick and Dom' is a rather funny and interactive way of learning frequency diagrams (data tables) and using this information to create a graph (sound needed).
If you are not confident in excel, use some of these online graph generators to display your data.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
COGS: Buddhist Mandala
A mandala is a geometric pattern or chart, typically circular or square. It represents the world, heaven & earth and is used for meditation purposes.
Creating a mandala can be a form of meditation, as well as contemplating a finished mandala. Different types of mandalas are used to represent different elements of Buddhist beliefs and cosmology, but they are generally full of symbolism and richly detailed. Enjoy this presentation.
A good Buddhist Mandala activity can be found here, it might be a nice end-of-term lesson for my class. There is also a fun interactive 'Can you recognise the Buddha?' activity.
A simpler step-by-step Mandala for kids can be found here, could be fun for school holidays (just around the corner)!
An awesome online activity for creating a mandala to express rotational symmetry is available right here, so much fun!
More information about mandalas is available at the mandala project.
Creating a mandala can be a form of meditation, as well as contemplating a finished mandala. Different types of mandalas are used to represent different elements of Buddhist beliefs and cosmology, but they are generally full of symbolism and richly detailed. Enjoy this presentation.
A good Buddhist Mandala activity can be found here, it might be a nice end-of-term lesson for my class. There is also a fun interactive 'Can you recognise the Buddha?' activity.
A simpler step-by-step Mandala for kids can be found here, could be fun for school holidays (just around the corner)!
An awesome online activity for creating a mandala to express rotational symmetry is available right here, so much fun!
More information about mandalas is available at the mandala project.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Harmony Day
Our school loves celebrating Harmony Day! Here is the official website.
We will be undertaking fun activities, have a special assembly, and of course we will celebrate with our school's famous Multicultural Lunch!
Labels:
Harmony Day
Sunday, March 18, 2012
COGS: Buddhism
This week we will be looking at Buddhism.
An excellent summary of Buddhism for children can be found here.
Here is a animated video for children outlining the story of Buddha:
An excellent summary of Buddhism for children can be found here.
Here is a animated video for children outlining the story of Buddha:
Science: Solid or Liquid?
This week we will be consolidating our knowledge about solids and liquids.
BBC School Science is a recommended link for our lesson called 'Sometimes Solid.'
We will be working through this activity as a class on our electronic whiteboard, as well as adding vocabulary to our word wall.
A good presentation on 'States of Matter' can be found here, good for revision of key concepts:
BBC School Science is a recommended link for our lesson called 'Sometimes Solid.'
We will be working through this activity as a class on our electronic whiteboard, as well as adding vocabulary to our word wall.
A good presentation on 'States of Matter' can be found here, good for revision of key concepts:
Maths: 3 Times Table
A magnetic organisation game is a good way to get things in order!
Hit the Button is a fun game against the clock!
A traditional online 'times table' test is here.
Labels:
3 times table,
maths
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
English: Spelling
Learning to spell is a big an important part of Primary Education.
This morning I have been marking spelling tests and have been thinking about what resource I can offer to target specific areas of spelling in my students.
This website looks excellent. The website has been developed by an experienced English Teacher and examiner and has loads of targeted, printable worksheets for learners. It also has English and American resources available, very thoughtful!
This morning I have been marking spelling tests and have been thinking about what resource I can offer to target specific areas of spelling in my students.
This website looks excellent. The website has been developed by an experienced English Teacher and examiner and has loads of targeted, printable worksheets for learners. It also has English and American resources available, very thoughtful!
English: Lexile Reading Program
At our school we use the Lexile Reading Program.
This mini-poster is a more simple verion of the huge one I was given when I went to Lexile training the other day, it's good to have on hand and also to use in parent interviews.
You can find out more about Lexile Reading at www.mylexile.com.au
Lexile Reading Level Poster
This mini-poster is a more simple verion of the huge one I was given when I went to Lexile training the other day, it's good to have on hand and also to use in parent interviews.
You can find out more about Lexile Reading at www.mylexile.com.au
Lexile Reading Level Poster
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Maths: Fractions
This week we have started studying fractions.
I particularly like the way proportion is described in this video.
BBC Bitesize has a range of online activities to assist with learning fractions.
A good fraction game (that is levelled) can be found here - it begins with children dividing up pizza for friends.
I particularly like the way proportion is described in this video.
BBC Bitesize has a range of online activities to assist with learning fractions.
A good fraction game (that is levelled) can be found here - it begins with children dividing up pizza for friends.
Maths: 10 times table
This week we are looking at the 10 times table.
Multibounce is a fun online game for 10 times table, and requires some mouse skill as well!
The BBC Bitesize 'Camel Times' is a great introduction to Times tables then increases in difficulty (needs sounds).
If your students are becoming more confident in a range of times table, here is a good start to a more traditional 'speed test' where you test your times table knowledge against the clock.
This is also a good speed test 'trainer.'
Multibounce is a fun online game for 10 times table, and requires some mouse skill as well!
The BBC Bitesize 'Camel Times' is a great introduction to Times tables then increases in difficulty (needs sounds).
If your students are becoming more confident in a range of times table, here is a good start to a more traditional 'speed test' where you test your times table knowledge against the clock.
This is also a good speed test 'trainer.'
Labels:
10 times table,
maths,
multiplication
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Understanding Each Other: Islam
This week we focus our COGS study upon learning about Islam.
This presentation is a great introduction, specifically produced for Primary School children. In particular, the 5 pillars of Islam is discussed at a level appropriate for Year 3 students.
This is continued with a visit to a mosque, where prayer is discussed, followed by a review of the 5 pillars of Islam.
5 Pillars of Islam:
1. Belief in 1 God – Allah
2. Praying
3. Fasting
4. Charity – Zakar
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
This presentation is a great introduction, specifically produced for Primary School children. In particular, the 5 pillars of Islam is discussed at a level appropriate for Year 3 students.
This is continued with a visit to a mosque, where prayer is discussed, followed by a review of the 5 pillars of Islam.
5 Pillars of Islam:
1. Belief in 1 God – Allah
2. Praying
3. Fasting
4. Charity – Zakar
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Maths: 5 Times Table
This week our class is studying the 5 times table.
5 x table 'whack a mouse game' looks fun (and sort of ugly!)
A '5 Timestable Shootout' game is here.
5 x table 'whack a mouse game' looks fun (and sort of ugly!)
A '5 Timestable Shootout' game is here.
Labels:
5 times table,
maths,
sick day
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Music: Sing a song
This year for Harmony Day our whole school will be singing 'Sing a Song' by The Carpenters. It's a special day at our school where we come together to celebrate diversity and acceptance.
Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
Labels:
music,
sing a song
Monday, February 27, 2012
Music: How to read music
This term I am taking a recorder group and I will be teaching my students how to read music! Here is a fun video explaining the staff and where the notes sit:
An interactive fingering chart is located here.
This interactive website may also assist students to learn their notes and advance in recorder!
Metronome by BestMetronome.com
Other online metronomes are available here and here.
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