Innovation Shines Bright

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison As teachers, we strive to invent and implement engaging classroom experiences only to feel compelled to change and tweak them the following year to meet the needs of our new cadre of students. It’s challenging to reinvent classroom experiences, … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: GeoFS Flight Simulator – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to the GeoFS flight simulator and discussed applying the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework using GeoFS in your lessons. GeoFS is a free online flight simulator with an open-source platform to render the global landscapes you can fly over. The free tool will work … read more »

Sally Ride, Women in STEM, and Tips for Creating a Successful Biography Unit

“I did not come to NASA to make history.” Sally Ride She may not have come to make history, but she certainly did. May 26 is Sally Ride Day, celebrated on the anniversary of her birth in 1951. Most of us recognize Sally Ride as the first American woman to go to space. Her first … read more »

Thinking Like Da Vinci

Although it has been five hundred and seventy years since his birth, Leonardo da Vinci’s impact on the world continues. He is probably best known for his painting, the Mona Lisa; however, his genius carried across many different disciplines, making him known as a true “Renaissance Man.” In addition to art, Da Vinci is also known … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Big Huge Labs – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Big Huge Labs and discussed the application of both the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework using Big Huge Labs in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for using this tool and shares classroom use ideas. Big Huge Labs:  Big Huge Labs does … read more »

Engage Learners with Mystery and Intrigue

Agatha Christie was born on September 15, 1890, and is known as one of the world’s foremost mystery novel writers. She wrote 66 novels and 14 short story collections, but perhaps you’ve heard of her most famous character, Miss Marple. Miss Marple isn’t a typical detective—as an elderly, white-haired woman, she uses her ability to … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Tynker (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Tynker and discussed the application of both the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate Tynker into your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions about how to use this tool and also shares classroom use ideas by subject. Tynker: To begin … read more »

Digital Citizenship Week

Each year during the third week of October, schools set aside time to emphasize and teach the importance of good digital citizenship and methods to help students become responsible digital citizens. In addition to understanding appropriate online behavior, raising awareness of proper online behavior teaches students essential skills in critical thinking, leadership, and relevant social … read more »

Are You Encouraging Curiosity in Your Classroom?

Children are curious by nature. How many times have you heard parents comment on the number of questions asked daily by two- and three-year-olds? Why is the sky blue? Why do I have to go to bed? That’s how young children learn about the world around them. As children grow past the toddler stage, it … read more »

Celebrate Public Service Day Virtually

June 23 is Public Service Day. Created by the United Nations in 2003, this observance celebrates the value of public service to the community, recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages young people to explore public service careers. The implementation of social distancing guidelines creates obstacles to in-person celebrations and recognition of public service … read more »