Using resources from wodb.ca, use a digital tool, such as a slide (or put in Peardeck or Nearpod), Jamboard, or Flipgrid to allow students to explain their reasoning for which one doesn't belong. Students will develop mathematical reasoning skills while also communicating with others and understanding different perspectives on a problem.
Using the Frayer model can allow for deeper vocabulary acquisition, especially in complex subjects. When defining a mathematical term, use the Frayer model to give a definition and characteristics, as well as providing examples and non-examples.
Introducing new formulas for students? Have them work with spreadsheets to understand how the formulas work, such as averages. Gather real data from students in your classroom such as heart rates and find the class average. What happens when I increase a number? What happens when I decrease a number? What would happen to the average if I added another number that was higher than the average? Lower? Same?
Develop all of the parts of speech at one time using this protocol. Students are given a picture to brainstorm different parts of speech and then develop a paragraph. This protocol develops deeper vocabulary along with authentic learning of the parts of speech. Plus, students develop the ability to quickly pursue an idea and tell a story.
Allow students to do a bit more publishing with their creative writing by adding media to their stories. Rather than using Google Docs, use Google Slides with a different slide size (landscape or portrait) to create a digital book with images. Students could use media from the internet (teach digital citizenship skills here) or add their own creations.
Whether reading their own novel or going through a group or class novel, #Booksnaps allow students to annotate and explain their reactions and thoughts to specific parts of a novel. Not only does this activity allow you to see the personal thoughts of each student, it also develops communication skills when students share with each other.
Develop students' research and note-taking skills by providing support through mini reports. Students work through two sources to gather relevant information and create organized paragraphs. This can be used to support a variety of content areas, but it will help them develop research and writing skills.
In social studies units, students are often introduced to different cultures or areas that might not be familiar to them. Use tools like Google Earth to allow students to explore different regions of the world and document their experience. Learning about national monuments? Drop your students in and let them explore!
Exploring the different states in the USA can get tedious, but what if students could practice some of their geographic skills while also interacting with students from other states? A Mystery Skype (or other videoconferencing tool) allows you to do that! Find a teacher to connect with and use these resources from Skype to help you get your students connecting!
Enhance students' publishing skills by having them create a National Geographic type magazine. Using this template from Ryan O'Donnell, students can edit a variety of slides and insert images of their topic to create a multi-page magazine.
If only The Magic School Bus were real! Google Expeditions can play a close second, using a variety of 3D images and models to explore parts of the body and other impossible things for students to see. These expeditions can be guided by the teacher with very little setup and a huge payoff in student learning!
Science is really a subject of inquiry and wonder. While it can be difficult to make every lesson hands-on with physical materials, simulations can help provide a similar experience and lead to that inquiry. PhET simulations have a variety of topics in both science and math and can serve as an introductory activity into your unit.