After introducing a series of shapes, such as quadrilaterals, have students use the different shapes to create a piece of art. Students can then create a story about their image, applying some of the mathematical principles of the shape. Check out this example from Eric Curts.
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.
You might have a set of pattern blocks in your classroom, but that might limit you with time to set up and the number of pieces. Eric Curts has a lesson on multiple ways to use pattern blocks to teach math concepts, such as lines of symmetry, making a whole, and designing a pattern and finding the perimeter. Check out his resource on Google Drawings and pattern blocks. You can also use this tool from Math Learning Center on the web.
Sometimes a visual can spark ideas. Using an emoji generator, such as this Sheets template or this website, allow students to develop a story. An alternative way to use this is to give students one minute to write for each emoji before moving on. This teaches students to pursue an idea rather than focusing on perfecting the story.
Sometimes writing that big creative piece can take a lot of work for a student. Using digital tools allows them to add visuals to spark ideas. Consider using a template that allows them to story board their idea, kind of like a comic strip. Google Slides can be easily adapted to create templates of varying sizes, or you can use a site like StoryboardThat to make use of a variety of characters and props.
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.
Being an active participant in a novel can help students develop additional reading skills, such as visualizing, making inferences, identify the main idea, and prediction. However, sometimes this can get a bit boring if done in a "traditional" way. Consider using digital tools to allow your students to collaborate and share their work in a variety of ways.
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!
Ready to discover all that California has to offer? While you can take your students on field trips to certain places, there is just so much to learn about and explore. Consider connecting with a field guide or other expert to help share the wonders of California. Search Skype's educational database for different virtual tours available to you.
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!
Students are beginning to observe scientific phenomena. Part of the scientific process is recording your observations. As students begin to observe and record data, teach them to utilize spreadsheets as a way of organizing and analyzing changes. By starting with simple data collection, such as averages or growth, you can work with your students to make predictions and draw conclusions, allowing you to conduct a more inquiry-based approach.
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.