Math vs. Zombies

Math vs. Zombies

You can find this app in the iTunes store for FREE!! Zombies are attacking and you can turn them back into children by solving math problems. This app gives good practice for 2-3 digit mental math addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. 

Teaching Symmetry

Teaching Symmetry

In the new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, symmetry is mentioned in the fourth grade 4.G.3 standard:

Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.

3. Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.

Thinking about how to add technology to enhance teaching symmetry, here are a few ideas.......

Get students to move around the classroom, school, or playground with the iPad and take pictures of objects they believe contain a "line of symmetry". Then use the Explain Everything ($2.99) to place the picture on the screen while placing a line of symmetry through the object. The nice aspect of this app is creating a video recording of the student placing the line of symmetry through the photo. Here is a simple sample video of this activity:

Geoboard (Free) Students can create shapes with the Geoboard app, take photo by clicking on the home button and power button at the same time. Then use the Explain Everything app to create lines of symmetry on the shapes that were created through Geoboard.

Concept Mapping is another strategy when learning symmetry. The following free versions of Sticky Notes (Free) and Inspiration Map (Free) will give you a start. Both of apps can be updated and give more options that may be useful when working with concept maps.

Inspiration Map Example (the lite version does give you the options to embed photos):

Sticky Notes Example (the free version does not allow you to embed photos):

Symmetry Shuffle ($1.99) The app explores line and rotational symmetry through the use of turns, flips, and slides. This app may look like a no-brainer, but trust me it takes some thoughtful thinking to work through each level. Teachers watching their students use this app can periodically have their students demonstrate which move would be a slide, flip, or turn and even give the alternate vocabulary word (translation, reflection, rotation).

Mandalar ($.99) is an inexpensive app if you are looking for virtual pattern block manipulatives. If students were in pairs, the first student could create a shape using the blocks and the second student would create a symmetrical image right next to the original.

This and That

Sorry that I haven't posted for awhile, I was in the process of finishing my Scholarly Project to complete my Master's degree. I noticed some activity on my TNT page and realized people are still using this blog as a resource...so I better start posting!

Well I've come across some apps to add to my collection and thought I would share....

5 Dice: Order of Operations Game

iLive Farm Fresh

~~word problems with vivid pictures and video links

iBrainstorm

~~I wonder if teachers could use this to create lesson plans, I've seen a sticky note lesson plan book, it might work

Have you ever heard of IPad Direction Sheets? Here is a link to a wonderful website with interesting ways to use your IPads. Technology Tailgate

I've Been Motivated Today

Thanks to some great 4th-8th grade teachers, I'm feeling a little motivated today! It's been awhile since I've posted to this blog and I apologize. Here is a couple apps that are worth checking out...

Cargo-Bot (FREE)

Program a robot crane to move boxes.....sounds easy, wait until you try it!

Hidden Objects Crosswords (Free)
Fun twist on bringing crosswords and hidden objects together!

ND Title I Conference

Picture from: http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/title1/fallconf2012.shtm

In about four hours I will be presenting two sessions on iPads at the Title I Fall Conference held in Bismarck, ND. I'm hoping that participants will take back lots of good ideas to their classrooms. It's always exciting for me to share with other teachers and educators! 

Three Tips for Introducing the iPad to Students

It's hard to believe, but summer is over and students are already in their desks. Where did the time go? This post will give you some tips for introducing the iPads to your new students. 

Welcome back to school everyone!

Tip #1

AirPlay using AirServer

Having the ability to roam the classroom with your iPad in hand, can best be done with Apple's AirPlay. The low price makes it a must for classrooms with Activboards or Smartboards. AirPlay will make demonstrating iPad rules and procedures easier.

For more information on the AirServer software the click visit the website at: http://www.airserverapp.com

Tip #2

iPad Scavenger Hunt

Use an iPad Scavenger Hunt to help introduce iPad to your students. Below are a few examples that I found online and can be done with partners at any grade level.

Downloaded from www.olecommunity.com

Few examples of Scavenger Hunts:

http://ipadschools.wikispaces.com/iPad+Scavenger+Hunt

http://primaryipad.weebly.com/ipad-scavenger-hunt.html

Tip #3

iPad Contracts and Use Policy

Students are better users of technology when they know the do's and don'ts. Consider going through your expected behaviors while using the iPads. The example below came from a site on the internet. I like this example because student can see pictures of the behaviors they are expected to display.

http://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/Page/7136

Cover Up Math

 

Cover Up Math  (Free) is a great app that works with students on solving multi-step algebra problems. To begin, the player chooses a level and pulls down the lever, which spins and gives the player a problem. 

If students are not yet fluent, they can use the "cover up" feature to work each step of the problems. These problems can be a good way to work on mental math with higher-level algebraic problems.