It has been very busy down the Technology hallway. With the Robotics Lab next to the Computer Lab there is always something going on. Here's a glimpse of what's been going on....
Kinder has learned about TuxPaint, our primary drawing program. They have learned how to use all the tools to create their Fall Leaves and Spider pictures. TuxPaint is a free download if you are interested in a great program for home use. This drawing program helps our little learners with better control of a mouse. Please let them practice at home.
1st grade has reviewed TuxPaint, started typing in MS Word, and has begun lessons in Learning.com. We will be typing several projects throughout the year, please help your student by letting them type letters or stories so they practice making capital letters and can locate the letters more quickly. 1st grade has also been working on Lego Engineering and will start building robotic projects with Lego WeDo kits and learn to program the robot.
2nd grade has been very busy. Besides working on word processing, they have been building and programming Lego WeDo robotic projects. For our last project the students built and programmed a drumming monkey. To wrap up the project they built a scene around the monkey with Lego kits, took pictures, and then wrote stories which they have typed in the computer lab. We will wrap up the semester with one more robotic project using 2 sensors. With 3rd grade, I have discussed the importance of internet safety. Every class had different ideas and thoughts about how to stay safe. I feel like we had good discussions and hopefully the information will help them to become responsible Digital Citizens. We have also started keyboarding. Please help your child with this skill at home, if possible. As our projects get more involved, the need to get the information typed quickly becomes critical to getting the project done. Last week in the Robotics Lab we explored Simple Machines. Students were able to try out gears, pulleys, wheels and axles, and levers.
4th and 5th grade do most of their technology in the 4th-5th Lab. They have been working on Learning.com, AISD's digital technology textbook. They type papers and do research, create PowerPoints, and much more. 4th grade has explored Simple Machines with me through Lego Simple Machines kits, and 5th grade has begun programming the robots they built. Last week we had robot races running down the Great Hall, it was very exciting!
Stop by anytime, or come for a visit with your child's class. We can always use extra hands.
