First off, I apologize for the delay in posts. We certainly have had a busy last couple weeks here in the lab and at Leopold.
Maps, Community, and Exploration with Google (1-5)
We recently began exploring our community and learning about maps with Google Earth and/or Google Views. Students loved walking around their community and sharing with each other directions on how to get to their favorite spots. It was amazing to feel the level of pride each student had in their community and their friends.
We were also able to explore famous landmarks, cities, and natural wonders. Students hiked in the mountains of Tibet, visited historic cathedrals in Spain, walked through downtown Hong Kong, searched for President Obama in the White House, dived along the Great Barrier Reef, explored Mayan ruins, marveled at the opulence of the Palace at Versailles and so much more.
However, due to bandwidth and hardware restraints we have decided to move into another direction for the upcoming week. I encourage you to explore the world with your children using either of the above resources.
Tumblebooks (K-5)
In order to support literacy learning in addition to our math focused core curriculum students will be given the option to expanding their reading repertoire with our district subscribed Tumblebooks service. Students will be introduced to this resource in class during the upcoming week.
This is a great resource also accessible through our library subscription at home. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child and let them share their favorite ebooks with you.
Skype with a Yellowstone Park Ranger! (1st and 5th)
We are excited to announce that some first and fifth grade classes have been randomly selected by the National Parks Service to Skype live with a Yellowstone Park Ranger. Selected classes will be notified in print in the upcoming week.
When we return from break students will begin researching grade level tailored topics for their Skype conversations. First grade will focus on animal habitats, conservation, and Old Faithful. Fifth grade conversations will expand on conservation, natural geological features, national parks history, and ecosystems. Both grades will be encouraged to ask the rangers questions and discuss what it is like being a park ranger and how to become a park ranger.
Look to our reach links homepage for Yellowstone research "hubs" (websites tailored for student research on a specific topic) to be posted in the upcoming weeks.
We are currently looking at ways to expand this opportunity to more classes however rest assured a variety of other equally exciting opportunities are in the works for other classes. Times are selected by the Skype volunteer experts and is based on their availability.
Parent Call to Action:
If your family has any connections to Yellowstone we would love to share your experiences with the kids! Send in photos or email stories for a bulletin board, offer to skype with us, or volunteer to come talk to your child's class about your experiences at Yellowstone.
Not connected to Yellowstone but in a related scientific field? We would love your contributions as well!
Contact Ms. Smith today!
Maps, Community, and Exploration with Google (1-5)
We recently began exploring our community and learning about maps with Google Earth and/or Google Views. Students loved walking around their community and sharing with each other directions on how to get to their favorite spots. It was amazing to feel the level of pride each student had in their community and their friends.
We were also able to explore famous landmarks, cities, and natural wonders. Students hiked in the mountains of Tibet, visited historic cathedrals in Spain, walked through downtown Hong Kong, searched for President Obama in the White House, dived along the Great Barrier Reef, explored Mayan ruins, marveled at the opulence of the Palace at Versailles and so much more.
However, due to bandwidth and hardware restraints we have decided to move into another direction for the upcoming week. I encourage you to explore the world with your children using either of the above resources.
Tumblebooks (K-5)
In order to support literacy learning in addition to our math focused core curriculum students will be given the option to expanding their reading repertoire with our district subscribed Tumblebooks service. Students will be introduced to this resource in class during the upcoming week.
This is a great resource also accessible through our library subscription at home. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child and let them share their favorite ebooks with you.
Skype with a Yellowstone Park Ranger! (1st and 5th)
We are excited to announce that some first and fifth grade classes have been randomly selected by the National Parks Service to Skype live with a Yellowstone Park Ranger. Selected classes will be notified in print in the upcoming week.
When we return from break students will begin researching grade level tailored topics for their Skype conversations. First grade will focus on animal habitats, conservation, and Old Faithful. Fifth grade conversations will expand on conservation, natural geological features, national parks history, and ecosystems. Both grades will be encouraged to ask the rangers questions and discuss what it is like being a park ranger and how to become a park ranger.
Look to our reach links homepage for Yellowstone research "hubs" (websites tailored for student research on a specific topic) to be posted in the upcoming weeks.
We are currently looking at ways to expand this opportunity to more classes however rest assured a variety of other equally exciting opportunities are in the works for other classes. Times are selected by the Skype volunteer experts and is based on their availability.
Parent Call to Action:
If your family has any connections to Yellowstone we would love to share your experiences with the kids! Send in photos or email stories for a bulletin board, offer to skype with us, or volunteer to come talk to your child's class about your experiences at Yellowstone.
Not connected to Yellowstone but in a related scientific field? We would love your contributions as well!
Contact Ms. Smith today!