This will be your first big assignment of the year.
In class today, I handed out a big puzzle piece. You are to draw pictures, cut out magazine words/pictures, or print pictures from the internet. These pictures need to represent you. I want to learn more about who you are as a person, what you like and what you dislike. On the back of the puzzle make sure to write your name. This puzzle piece should be colorful and express you well. We will be hanging these puzzle pieces up in the hallway for other classes to see.
Also, on a separate piece of paper, I want you all to write a list of your top 5 things that you are looking forward to learning in 7th grade Science this year and your top 5 things you would like to know about Science. Also think of 3 questions that you have about Science that have never been answered. This doesn't have to be neat or in full sentences. I only want to know what you think. This assignment will be due by Friday, February 10th.
I wanted to let you all know the types of technology we will be using in the classroom.
This year, in our classroom, we will be using many different types of technologies: computers, cell phones, iPods, overhead projectors, DVD players, video cameras, and of course the basics of markers, crayons, colored pencils, and paper. Along with these technologies, some programs we will be using will consist of Blogger, Prezi, My PBworks, Gmail and Moviemaker.
Many of the activities we do this semester will be hands on. We will be making blogs to communicate with one another and get homework assignments. We will be using Prezi for research presentations. We will be using My PBworks to make Wiki pages, this will provide a chance for the students to show what they know. We will be using Gmail accounts for email, communication, group discussions, and polls. We will be using Moviemaker to edit video projects that we conduct in class.
Above I said that we will also use cell phones and iPods. I have no problem with my students listening to their iPods while they work, just as long as the music doesn't disturb the other students. As for cell phones, I know they are needed for after school programs, but in the classroom they will mostly be used for communication through texting and cameras.
I believe technology is important in classrooms because it is easy for students to relate to. The future generations are raised on technology, so why shut out what feels normal to them? I believe school is the place to help students' brains wonder, think, and form. They grow from things they learn in school, but since they are already growing towards technology, why not help students learn new ways to use these technologies? I can't find a good reason why not, can you? These students will be learning the material and tools they can use in the future workforce, in every day life, and for morality.
Below are some links to the programs we will be using and some insight on my methods.
I have many ideas for how we are going to incorporate technology into Science, and make the subject fun of course! I hope you all are on board and along for the ride.
My name is Ms. Jess Stephenson and I will be your Science teacher for this year.
I have written a few things below about myself that you are able to read on your own time. I am hoping to start our year off strong and I hope we will take the time to learn from each other. This year in our classroom we will be conducting many types of experiments, doing several hands-on activities, and learning about Life Science and how all of it works. I hope you come into our classroom with an open mind and ready to engage with your classmates. I am looking forward to a great year.
My name is Jessica Stephenson aka Jess. I have two dogs: Oakley and Dexter. I am originally from Canada, but I have lived in the US for most of my life. I graduated from Georgia State University in May of 2013 and taught for two years in Georgia before moving here. I am very energetic and sarcastic; so if you have jokes, I would love to hear them. I absolutely love Science because there are so many interesting facts, but my second love is Language Arts; nothing is wrong with using your imagination to create stories. I was a dancer and gymnast while growing up, and now I coach Gymnastics and Cheerleading along with teaching 7th grade Science. I am hoping to try out teaching in an 8th grade Language Arts class before I get my Masters degree in Administration. I hope one day to become an Administrator or maybe a Principal. But until then, you all are stuck with me. =)
In class today, I handed out a big puzzle piece. You are to draw pictures, cut out magazine words/pictures, or print pictures from the internet. These pictures need to represent you. I want to learn more about who you are as a person, what you like and what you dislike. On the back of the puzzle make sure to write your name. This puzzle piece should be colorful and express you well. We will be hanging these puzzle pieces up in the hallway for other classes to see.
