Compare and Contrast with Scratch Jr. (for K-2nd)

Students will use the Scratch Jr. app to create, compare and contrast characters. This introductory lesson will include the foundational skills students will need to begin using Scratch Jr., so it makes a great "first project" with students.Pre-requisites-Have a device available for each student (Note: instructions are written for iPad, but the app is available on Android and ChromeOS devices as well).-Ensure that the app "Scratch Jr." is installed on all of the devices. This is a free app in the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, or Chrome Web Store.-Read through this lesson plan. The teacher will be directing students through each step along the way, so familiarize yourself with the end product.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Josiah Hodgett

"Bucket List" Goal Setting in Google Docs

Students use Google Docs to create an illustrative table.  This stand alone or extention exercise begins with student reflection and goal-setting using the popular venacular, "bucket list."  This lesson assumes prior knowledge or instruction in table creation in Google Docs.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Jane Strong

Copyright and Fair Use - Creative Commons

This resource includes a link to Creative Commons video, "Get Creative," and video viewing worksheet.  The mini-lesson can be used to enhance a lesson segment on Copyright and Fair Use.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Jane Strong

Smartie the Penguin

This resource includes the story of Smartie the Penguin. Smarty is faced with 3 different situations dealing with popups and in app purchasing, inappropriate sites and cyberbullying. The story is accompanied with a lesson plan, discussion questions and follow-up activities. There is also a video showing how to use this resource in the classroom.

Material Type: Learning Task, Lesson

Usernames and Passwords

This is a working document of websites with lessons and activities to use with students in grades K-2 on usernames and passwords.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Author: Judy Lefeber

Global Closet by National Geographic Society

This is a two-part interactive game for middle school students that introduces them to the concepts of globalization and interdependence. In the first part, the students discover how clothing is sourced globally. The second part describes the issues related to the pieces and parts of a MP3 planner (this part is a little dated, but I have been able to connect it back to cell phones). Games can be played as a group with the utilization of a Smartboard type device. The resources includes an educator guide and integration with Google Classroom. I have used it as part of a larger lesson segment in Business Exploratory on Corporate Social Responsibility and Globalization.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Author: National Geographic Society

School Mascot Name Animation

Based on the Scratch "Animate Your Name" tip tutorial, this mini-lesson has students showing their school spirit by animating their school mascot.  The step-by-step instructions assume that the teacher has a little exposure to the Scratch platform.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Jane Strong

My Learning Plan - Goal Setting

Links to two documents that will assist students in creating goals for their learning. These documents walk students through setting up their learning outcomes, the tools they will use and how they will show evidence of their learning.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Learning Task, Self Assessment

Author: Judy Lefeber

Applied Digital Skills: Research and Develop a Topic

This 3-5 hour lesson through Google's Applied Digital Skills allows students to conduct research while learning about the credibility of sources. The resource includes lesson plans with 4 activities and an assessment rubric.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Assessment, Learning Task

Sheets Cheat Sheet – Google Learning Center

This is a reference sheet from the GSuite Learning Center - introducing the user interface and core functionality of Google Sheets in a conveniently downloadable format.

Material Type: Diagram/Illustration, Reference Material

Author: GSuite Learning Center

Super 3 Research Guide from BadgerLink

BadgerLink has compiled a nice set of resources for teaching K-2 and 3-5 students the basics of research strategy. Super 3 Research method: Plan, Do & Review!

Material Type: Teaching/Learning Strategy

Author: BadgerLink

Business & Marketing Sources for Research

A resource for credible Business and related sources that can be given to students who conducting research in the discipline. The hyper-doc lists a variety of sources with links to websites. It is a downloadable, pdf file.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment

Author: Jane Strong

Be Internet Awesome with Google

Be Internet Awesome is a collaboration between Google and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe.org). It is "a multifaceted program designed to teach kids the skills they need to be safe and smart online." The resource includes a game called, Interland, that can be a stand alone tool as well as a full curriculum that enables teachers to teach digital citizenship fundamentals. The lesson plans are geared toward grades 3 to 5.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Google, Internet Keep Safe Coalition

Columbia University Fair Use Checklist

This Fair Use Checklist is helpful tool for determining whether activities are within the limits of fair use. This helpful tool created by Columbia University is applicable for teachers, students, and school librarians. The PDF download is found on the bottom of the page.

Material Type: Assessment

Authors: Columbia University Libraries, Kenneth D. Crews

Code.org Intro to Algorithms: Dice Race #1

From Code.org: "In this lesson, students will relate the concept of algorithms back to real-life activities by playing the Dice Race game. The goal here is to start building the skills to translate real-world situations to online scenarios and vice versa."

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Game

Author: Code.org

Code.org Unplugged Coding Activity for Kindergarteners: Happy Maps #1

From Code.org: "The bridge from algorithms to programming can be a short one if students understand the difference between planning out a sequence and encoding that sequence into the appropriate language. This activity will help students gain experience reading and writing in shorthand code." Key words: Algorithm Debugging

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Diagram/Illustration, Learning Task

Author: Code.org

Getting Started with Google Expeditions

A selection of resources to help teachers learn more about and get started with Google Expeditions.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Kim Gould, Josiah Hodgett

Applied Digital Skills: Create a Presentation

This 45-90 minute Google Applied Digital Skills lesson includes videos, lesson plans, and rubric. It is appropriate for middle school and high school students. It teaches transitions and animation along with collaboration.

Material Type: Assessment, Homework/Assignment

Author: Jane Strong

Introducing Design Thinking to Elementary Learners

This resource contains a series of activities, lessons and ideas for introducing Elementary students to the design thinking process. The author includes connections to Empathy and the implications of designing things with others in mind.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Learning Task, Simulation

Author: Jackie Gerstein

Mission Solar System with NASA & Design Squad Global

Hands-on, project based learning for Grades 4 to 8. Students use design thinking processes to solve engineering challenges. These space engineering themed lessons will engage students as they apply creative problem-solving skills. Resource includes a full downloadable guidebook. The guidebook includes a description of the design process, 5 design challenges, student handouts, and rubrics. It also includes links to other valuable resources and connection to standards (i.e. Next Generation Science, National Standards).

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Assessment

Author: Jane Strong