Webquest

I just completed my webquest and unit plan.  It was a lot of work, but something I've been wanting to do for the past two years.  I never realized there was a site like Questgarden to help create a webquest.  Though a lot of work went into creating the webquest, I felt I knew what to input in each step of the process.
I used the search feature in Questgarden to get an idea of what other middle school Math teachers had already created.  I particularly liked one, "Extreme Room Makeover", which incorporated perimeter, area, and volume, as well as finding purchases on line while staying within a budget.  This was my starting point in creating my own webquest, which incorporates these calculations, as well as creating a scale drawing.
 I plan to introduce this webquest to my students next week.  It involves initial group preparation in the classroom for two days, on-line individual research in the computer lab for 2 days, a day for the group to put their individual work together on a poster, and a day to share their group's work with the class.  I hope my students enjoy the project, and learn how to apply what they learned in class to real-life applications.
I initially thought the work asked of the students was too easy.  As I continued I thought it might be too complicated.  I'll see what my students reaction is very soon.
The link is: http://www.questgarden.com/125/77/3/110501142559/
Oh, I was also excited to learn how to insert a link to print a worksheet in the webquest.  I have to thank my 26 year old son for helping me figure it out!

Power Point Presentation

Hi!  I hope this works.  It took me a few tries to get my power point to upload.  It looks like some of my graphics are not in the same place as they were on the original, and the custom animations aren't working.  Also, on my original, when you click on the "Bell" on two slides there is sound animation. 
Here is the code I copied and pasted:


<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_7822749"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/etruchan/using-iclickers-autosaved-7822749" title="Using iclickers [autosaved]">Using iclickers [autosaved]</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/7822749" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/%22%3Epresentations%3C/a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/etruchan%22%3Eetruchan%3C/a> </div> </div>

What I can't wait to use!

I am planning to use a virtual field trip which I found by exploring someone else's VFT blog-- a Smithsonian topic on the temperatures in the time of dinosaurs.  It's one interactive site which uses some math skills tied in with Science.  I also plan to use my TeacherWeb site next school year and keep it updated weekly.  Also, I revised a lesson plan from this year for my technology enhanced lesson plan and found a fun and easy way for the students to graph the data they collect on line.  Next year I'll have my students use this on-line graphing site.

Class Website Assignment

Hi Everybody-- Wow!  And I thought the post-a-video assignment was frustrating! 
I misunderstood the assignment, and thought I could create a TeacherWeb site as an option.  Last year I had been to a district-offered training session on creating a TeacherWeb.  I created one that day and never used it (sorry to admit).  So last weekend I spent a few hours updating the site with all the information I never entered.
Then I discovered I needed to create a Google Site, so I spent a few hours trying to put my information into the sample teacher's template, but could never figure out how to get rid of "Mrs. Smith" name and picture on the teacher's page.
Finally, I started over again yesterday with a blank template and think I have everything I need.  I wanted to insert my picture in the "About the Teacher" page I created, but the page would not allow me to paste the phote (better for you not to see it).  I also thought some pictures of students or math related themes would look good on some of my pages, but couldn't find a way to insert pictures.
So Here is the link to my site.   Hope it is okay!  Eileen

https://sites.google.com/site/truchanmath/home

Web 2.0 Assignment

Hi Everyone-- This year I was introduced to edmodo.com by Barbara deSantis, who is the in-class support technology person in the Sayreville school district, and is VERY passionate and enthusiastic about getting our teachers and students using technology as much as possible in our classes.  I was trying to find an easier way to have students get to the correct website, and then the page on that website without giving the students a mile-long URL address to type in (which frequently get typed incorrectly). 
Our school districts sets up digital "folders" in which we can assign work to our students and the students in turn submit that work, but I could never figure out how to use them, so I asked Barbara.  She suggested instead that I set up an edmodo site, which has groups that my students then joined according to which period's class they are in.  I set up a note on what their assignment entails, then link any url addresses for websites they need to use. 
Other teachers that my students have may also have edmodo sites, so when the students log on they select which teacher's site they are visiting.  My students have enjoyed a lot of the sites I've shared with them, many of which are Math games they can play to improve their math skills in different areas we've covered.  I plan to set up my groups early next school year and get next year's students using these on line tools for earlier chapters.

In checking out some of Prof. Schmidt's suggestions I bookmarked the "Create a Graph" site to use next year.  The technology enhanced lesson plan I submitted for this course was one I used a few months ago in my Problem Solving classes.  Students used the internet to collect data on rollercoasters, using the links on edmodo which I gave them.  Then they physically graphed the data (5 graphs, each containing data on 10 coasters).  They next analyzed their graphs to determine which 3 coasters were most thrilling and had to use their data to back up their reasoning.  Two days were spent on creating the graphs.  I recently attendend a professional development session on excell, with the hope of having the students use its graphing capability to create the graphs next year.  Instead I found the "Create a Graph" site to be more kid friendly and will use it instead.  Of course I need to be sure my students can access the site on school computers.  If they can't I need to submit a technology request to unblock the site.

Hopefully, I'll have more time to check out more suggested sites next week while on Spring Break! 

Driving home from school on Friday I heard about the first grade teacher in Paterson and her Facebook post and immeadiately thought of the articles we read for class.  Again, why don't people think before they speak or post, especially when you are in a profession where you are often held to higher standards than the average person (teachers, law enforcement personnel, clergy, politicians, etc.).  I certainly can understand how the parents of her students wanted them out of her class. 
As a teacher, I have to admit there are times when I am frustrated with one or more of my students.  But when I think about each of my students, I see so much potential in them and want them to succeed in life.  I'm sure there may be a few who end up in trouble later in life, but I want to do all I can to encourage them now and hopefully enspire them to try their hardest.  Just because a child may not have the advantages of others their age, I don't think anyone should give up on them, as this teacher did.  She is certainly not a role model for her former students! 

My Dog

Okay-- here is our sleepy beagle, Griffey.  My video is below.