Elementary Databases

• What did you create, and why? After exploring the Databases, I picked out some articles I can use for a social studies unit on Native Americans.  In the CultureGrams database, there is a section of information about each state.  There is information on the climate and geography of each state that students could use as we learn about the different regions during our study of Native Americans. For each state, there is also information about Native American history and people (in New Mexico, for example). Students could work in groups to research and share information about different states in each region.  I am also looking for more opportuntites to teach my students about conservation and the environment.  In the Sirs Discoverer database, I found an article titled "The Wonders of Water" which provides a connection between the Zuni culture in New Mexico and the importance of conservation which students could read during our study of the southwest.
• What went well for you?  For the most part, the databases were easy to navigate and search (as well as sort by reading level in some cases).  I have used some of these databases in the past, but there is lots more information available in them now than before, so it was easier to find relevant and grade-level-appropriate information.
• What was challenging?  I couldn't always find exactly what I was hoping for (sometimes the articles were not at the appropriate grade-level, for example).
• What did you enjoy?  Having time to explore to look for information on a variety of topics, rather than just searching for information I need for one upcoming unit.  I found a lot more information I could use that I didn't know was available by just exploring.  It was also helpful to not only looking for reading materials but think about ways for students to work collaboratively to use and share the information.
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?  I can use these specific links for my Native American units, but I also found information I might use for other subjects, such as science and health.

Elementary Online Databases

What did you create and why?

I am planning a unit on friendship so I started at www.teachingbooks.com. My read aloud is Flora &
Ulysses. This site provided activities, discussion and comprehension questions. I also found  a
reader's theater script to use after reading the book. This site also provides links to the author's
website. I also explored the CultureGrams website  www.culturegrams.com. We will be studying states. This site includes great information, interesting tidbits and recipes for each state.

What went well for you?

I found it easy to access information on both sites. The Teaching Books website provided lots of links and information for every book. I found it helpful that they broke down the information into categories. Information on CultureGrams is readily accessible. Its a colorful site which I found interesting to read.

What was challenging?

Accessing information on both sites was easy. Only challenge was reading through all the information on Teaching Books and determining what to use, what would be relevant for my friendship unit. One of the ideas suggested was creating a comic book. That will become the challenge for me.

What did you enjoy?

I enjoy reading new ideas and suggestions. I like that Teaching Books had lots of related links and lesson plans. I enjoyed how the information on CultureGrams was presented.

What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade/level staff or community?

I plan on the students using CultureGrams to research states in our Social Studies Unit. I will be using Teaching Books for read alouds and guided reading books.

Welcome!

This blog is the shared space for technology campers taking part in the Edmonds Technology Summer Camp! Through a series of creative and fun challenges you will build your own knowledge and skill using technology. The learning from each challenge can be used in your classroom with students, with your grade level/department or with your staff. Each challenge asks you to share your thinking on this group blog as a brief reflection. 

The reflection should capture your experience and your thinking about the challenge and the tool you explored. Here are some questions to help you as you write your blog posts: 

• What did you create, and why? 
• What went well for you?
• What was challenging?
• What did you enjoy? 
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families? 

Please use these questions as a starting point and add any other thoughts and ideas.

View posts submitted by authors on the Technology Summer Camp Blog #1