The Instructional Technology Journal of Greenwood School District 50 http://www.gwd50.org Volume 04, Number 9 December 15, 2008
‘Tis the Season ‘Twas the 18th of December, and all through the schools, Students were restless, “Is it time for carpools?” Cupcakes devoured and presents exchanged, Care for class pets had all been arranged. Computers unplugged and laptops in bags, Plans posted in OnCourse, yet still the time lags! “What’s that?” It’s announcements! Can dismissal be near? On Christy, on Charlie, your carpool is here! And the teachers exclaimed as they drove out of sight, “Is anything as lovely as buses’ taillights?” Now, this isn’t the end of our little tale, For we do love our students, you know, without fail. But teachers are human and do need a break, So enjoy your time off and yourself do care take. Cindy	Important Teacher Notes · If you have been contacted about recertifying your technology proficiencies this academic year, it is because the State Department of Education’s records show that you are due to renew your technology certification. If you feel you received the email in error, please contact the State Department of Education, and if there is an error, please send documentation to Cindy Hughes and Gail Davis. · Remember to check the monthly district staff development calendar for ePortfolio workshop/help sessions and ePortfolio recertification information make-up sessions · BrainPOP: Just a reminder that District 50 has a license for BrainPOP en Español – the log in is the same as BrainPOP and BrainPOP, Jr. · CCleaner: Remember to run CCleaner at least twice a month. (Directions!) Your computer will run faster and more efficiently!
Scientific Method TIME for Kids: Scientific Method Students will identify steps of the scientific method in a news story. The Science Spot: Scientific Method & More Features a variety of lessons and activities to introduce students to the process of scientific inquiry. Steps of the Scientific Method Contains a detailed introduction to the steps of the scientific method. MythBusters: Scientific Inquiry Learn from the MythBusters, who use the scientific method to prove or disprove common beliefs about physical science. Introduction to the Scientific Method This resource provides information on the scientific method. A Valid Conclusion? Testing and Reporting on Hypotheses Using the Scientific Method In this lesson students explore the importance of accuracy in reporting, focusing particularly on articles documenting scientific discoveries. Scientific Impressions Throughout the duration of the three lessons, students use scientific methods and analyze featured artists and their works. (From EduHound)	Site Survey: Websites that Educate, Enlighten, Entertain, and Engage · MathWay http://www.mathway.com/ MathWay solves your math problems step-by-step. It is for students, parents, and teachers and covers basic math, pre-algebra, linear algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus. It also provides graphing and glossary definitions. This would be a great site to send home to help students with homework! · Annenberg Classroom http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/ A great site for social studies and civics! Users will find resources for teaching and learning about the Life of a Law, The Role of Courts, and The Foundations of the Constitution, as well as lesson plans that cover a wide range of topics. There is a section where field and industry experts discuss the latest research in education and offer classroom tips. The library lists all the print offerings viewable online or for order, and the AV room offers multimedia programs suitable for classroom use. · Think Green http://www.thinkgreen.com/home Information and resources related to how landfills are built (including diagrams and cut-away images), how landfill gas and waste are used to generate energy, and relevant information about recycling; also a general understanding of what really happens to garbage once it leaves the curbside. In the "Waste as a Resource" section, students can interactively learn how the decomposition of a pear can produce a clean, renewable source of energy, how solid waste can be used to produce clean electrical power, how recycling can save our resources, and how landfills can be reused for recreation such as golf courses and bike parks
	The Laptop-and-Projector Project Website Tech Project: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/TechPlan2006.htm Resources: http://gwd50.schoolwires.net/16891058111442710/site/default.asp? Previous TWTW Issues: http://www2.gwd50.org/techplans/TWTW-Index.htm Instruct. Tech. Specialist: http://www.gwd50.org/1689105110365557/site/default.asp