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Wow, what a start to the conference! If you haven't already followed us on Twitter I suggest you check out Team Leopold as both I and Mr. Mueller will be live tweeting the event. Check us out at:
This blog will also be updated daily during the conference with reflections and inspirations. I encourage you to comment and ask questions or expand with your own ideas.
Philadelphia
Since ISTE didn't start later into the day today we were able to take in a bit of Philadelphia. As a self-proclaimed history nerd I started geeking out as soon as we crossed over into Valley Forge. It's amazing to be rain a city with such rich culture. The blending of skyscrapers with neoclassical architecture is something you just don't see in Madison. We stopped by Love Park as pictured above. To be honest I assumed that the actual sculpture was going to be a lot bigger than it actually was. Philadelphia seems to have a wonderful relationship with art. There were various sculptures on nearly every block. |
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a much larger and more science focused version of our own Madison Children's Museum. I think everyone walked away with an idea or two they wanted to steal and incorporate into their classroom spaces.
Currently the Franklin Institute is housing an exhibit called "The Art of the Brick" about Lego's as an artistic medium by artist and former corporate lawyer Nathan Sawaya. The artist brought up a very interesting piece about how he first learned as a student and suggested that students could learn Art History through Lego. This inspired me to think of a fun way to get kids researching, being creative, and learning at the same time.
Currently the Franklin Institute is housing an exhibit called "The Art of the Brick" about Lego's as an artistic medium by artist and former corporate lawyer Nathan Sawaya. The artist brought up a very interesting piece about how he first learned as a student and suggested that students could learn Art History through Lego. This inspired me to think of a fun way to get kids researching, being creative, and learning at the same time.
ISTE CLASSROOM INSPIRATIONS
Mechanical Engineering through Play
This was a great interactive display. I love all the different components and opportunity to play and create. This would be a wonderful addition to our lab and could be stored in a large tupperware bin when not in use. I would love if we have any especially crafty parents who could create child safe gears from foam or wood! Contact me if interested in volunteering. |
Lego Art History
In this exhibit the artist discussed learning art history through Lego. The image to the left depicts Ajax and Achilles on a Greek urn. I thought that this was an amazing idea! I would love to have the students research an artist and recreate a piece with Lego. Over the summer I will need to start looking for Lego donations. If you are clearing out any of your kids toys and looking to get rid of some Lego's I would happily take them off your hands for this! |
Electrical Engineering through Play
Google Expeditions
Google Expeditions include cardboard 3D glasses. It allows teachers to lead an immersive virtual field trip from one device. Students can look around and really get into it. Many trips are already created by Google and allow students to travel the globe and take in historical and culturally important locations. |
Blank Space Writing
You'll have to temporarily forgive the lack of picture to accompany this project, especially since it is probably best handled by showing rather than telling. Unfortunately, the hotel internet leaves something to be desired.
In this project a series of shapes in white can be used against a black background to form words. This would be a great center activity for use in the classroom or library
In this project a series of shapes in white can be used against a black background to form words. This would be a great center activity for use in the classroom or library