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!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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>
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>
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My Video
Hi! I had so many technichal difficulties on this assignment! I video taped myself in my classroom (twice--once for 2 minutes, once just under a minute) and couldn't get Blogger to upload either video; either on my home computer or my classroom computer.
I just tried uploading a 5 second practice video I took of our pet turtle on Saturday (since I hadn't taped anything for a long time) and it worked. I guessed my video needed to be short.
So I just taped myself, for a few seconds. Sorry, it's not much. You might have liked my turtle better.
Eileen
I just tried uploading a 5 second practice video I took of our pet turtle on Saturday (since I hadn't taped anything for a long time) and it worked. I guessed my video needed to be short.
So I just taped myself, for a few seconds. Sorry, it's not much. You might have liked my turtle better.
Eileen
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Virtual Field Trips
Hi Everyone!
I spent a few hours clicking on links offered through the weekly assignment. I was really fascinated by the tour of the Berlin Wall, since I'm old enough to remember it existing and falling. I also enjoyed views at the Grand Canyon, which I've never visited but would love to see someday. I also spent some time on the Ellis Island link; a place I have visited and am fascinated by. The virtual White House tour is pretty cool, since it is up to date with pictures of the Obamas and Hillary.
Since I teach Math, I don't feel I can use any of the above VFTs in class. However, I did find some Math and Physics related material on the Nova link. I viewed part of the video on fractals, which are repeating patterns which appear in nature. I want to view the entire video (52 minutes) and see if I can incorporate it into a two or three day lesson for my Problem Solving classes. My thought is that the students could view the video one day and then spend one or two days designing a fractal pattern and coloring it. Since we are currently studying Geometry this would fit in. I did something similar last year, where students designed a tesselation (another repeating pattern). If interested, the link is http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/hunting-hidden-dimension.html.
If anyone has found anything else related to middle school math, please let me know. I am always looking for ways to get my students to be more interested in Math and how they can use it in daily life and future careers.
Eileen
I spent a few hours clicking on links offered through the weekly assignment. I was really fascinated by the tour of the Berlin Wall, since I'm old enough to remember it existing and falling. I also enjoyed views at the Grand Canyon, which I've never visited but would love to see someday. I also spent some time on the Ellis Island link; a place I have visited and am fascinated by. The virtual White House tour is pretty cool, since it is up to date with pictures of the Obamas and Hillary.
Since I teach Math, I don't feel I can use any of the above VFTs in class. However, I did find some Math and Physics related material on the Nova link. I viewed part of the video on fractals, which are repeating patterns which appear in nature. I want to view the entire video (52 minutes) and see if I can incorporate it into a two or three day lesson for my Problem Solving classes. My thought is that the students could view the video one day and then spend one or two days designing a fractal pattern and coloring it. Since we are currently studying Geometry this would fit in. I did something similar last year, where students designed a tesselation (another repeating pattern). If interested, the link is http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/hunting-hidden-dimension.html.
If anyone has found anything else related to middle school math, please let me know. I am always looking for ways to get my students to be more interested in Math and how they can use it in daily life and future careers.
Eileen
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Week 2 Assignment--Comparison of 2 high schools' report cards
Since I live and teach in Sayreville, and my husband, sons, and other relatives graduated here I easily picked Sayreville War Memorial High School as one of the schools to study. In fact, my younger son graduated from the high school last June, so it is his class's statistics that I am viewing.
The other school I chose is East Brunswick High School, since they are in a neighboring town and have a good reputation for academics. Now I know why.
From living and working in Sayreville I know that the school district has a very low cost per pupil compared to the state average, and yet, the voters in this town vote down the school budget almost every year. Sayreville's total cost per pupil last school year (2009-2010) was $12,849 compared to the state average of $15,538. East Brunswick spent just slightly less than the state average at $15,094.
With a lower cost per student, Sayreville has a lower student /computer ratio (4.6) than EB (5.1), but both were higher than the state ratio of 3.1.
I was surprised that with such a low cost per pupil the average class size in Sayreville's high school was 18.4 compared to EB's 23.5 (state average 18.2). Yet even with larger class sizes, EB's test scores blew Sayreville's away! In HSPA scoring last year Sayreville fared well compared to state averages, but EB's scores were much better:
LAL Proficient LAL advanced prof Math Proficient Math advanced prof
Sayreville 73.4% 16.3% 52.6% 21.8%
East Brunswick 65.1% 30.8% 45.4% 44.3%
State 69.3% 18.7% 50.7% 24.3%
Based on the above I'm not surprised that East Brunswick had 75.3% of its graduating seniors plan to attend a 4 year college, with 18.5% for 2 year schools;while Sayreville had 47.2% plan on a 4 year school, and 45.9% for 2 year schools.
Both districts' "years of experience" for teachers was 9 years, compared to 10 for the state. East Brunswick has over 47% of its teachers holding master's degrees, compared to Sayreville's 39%.
Though I am proud of Sayreville's continuing ability to do more with less, I have to admit they are doing something right in East Brunswick.
The other school I chose is East Brunswick High School, since they are in a neighboring town and have a good reputation for academics. Now I know why.
From living and working in Sayreville I know that the school district has a very low cost per pupil compared to the state average, and yet, the voters in this town vote down the school budget almost every year. Sayreville's total cost per pupil last school year (2009-2010) was $12,849 compared to the state average of $15,538. East Brunswick spent just slightly less than the state average at $15,094.
With a lower cost per student, Sayreville has a lower student /computer ratio (4.6) than EB (5.1), but both were higher than the state ratio of 3.1.
I was surprised that with such a low cost per pupil the average class size in Sayreville's high school was 18.4 compared to EB's 23.5 (state average 18.2). Yet even with larger class sizes, EB's test scores blew Sayreville's away! In HSPA scoring last year Sayreville fared well compared to state averages, but EB's scores were much better:
LAL Proficient LAL advanced prof Math Proficient Math advanced prof
Sayreville 73.4% 16.3% 52.6% 21.8%
East Brunswick 65.1% 30.8% 45.4% 44.3%
State 69.3% 18.7% 50.7% 24.3%
Based on the above I'm not surprised that East Brunswick had 75.3% of its graduating seniors plan to attend a 4 year college, with 18.5% for 2 year schools;while Sayreville had 47.2% plan on a 4 year school, and 45.9% for 2 year schools.
Both districts' "years of experience" for teachers was 9 years, compared to 10 for the state. East Brunswick has over 47% of its teachers holding master's degrees, compared to Sayreville's 39%.
Though I am proud of Sayreville's continuing ability to do more with less, I have to admit they are doing something right in East Brunswick.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Introduction
Hi-- I really enjoyed our first class and think I will be learning a lot of valuable tools to utilize in the classroom. I've wanted to set up a webquest, but didn't know how to go about it.
I added a picture on the Dashboard with the help of my 25 year old son. Thank goodness he stopped home and could help me. The picture is of me, my younger son on his high school graduation day, and my husband. Too bad we didn't have my older son in the picture too.
I also am including some of the info that Prof. Schmidt asked for:
I added a picture on the Dashboard with the help of my 25 year old son. Thank goodness he stopped home and could help me. The picture is of me, my younger son on his high school graduation day, and my husband. Too bad we didn't have my older son in the picture too.
I also am including some of the info that Prof. Schmidt asked for:
* I am enrolled in the Masters in Teaching program. I need to buy back my alternate route credits and take another 9 credits after this class. My goal is to finish in Spring 2012.
* I received a Bachelors degree in Mathematics many, many years ago at a small Catholic college in Center Valley, PA, which was called Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (when I went there). I was their first female math graduate. The school is now De Sales University.
* I am currently teaching 6th grade Math and Problem Solving at Sayreville Middle School. I have been there a little over 3 years and usually enjoy my job very much. Before that I substituted in Sayreville for 6 or 7 years.
* I have never taken an online course before.
I'm looking forward to interacting with all of you in the class!
Eileen Truchan
Saturday, March 5, 2011
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