Google: Not Just a Search Engine

Yesterday after school, staff at Spring Hill Elementary participated in a Professional Development session delivered via videoconferencing. ISTE's SIGIVC host and Google Certified Teacher Paul Hieronymus from NORT2H (Northern Ohio Research & Training Technology Hub), together with five interactive sites shared just a few of the FREE tools that Google offers to search and collaborate.

Google Earth

You can use Google Earth to simply search for a place or try one of the many advanced features, such as recording a tour or importing GPS data. Google Earth for Educators offers Classroom Resources; lesson plans and ideas on how Google Earth can help students learn.  Also available are Tutorials and Tips, Student Showcase, and more.  

Google Body

Looking for a complete, fully interactive, 3D human anatomy model?  Google has recently demoed an interesting WebGL application called Body Browser, which lets you explore the human body just like you can explore the world in Google Earth.  You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you. Click to identify anatomy, or search for muscles, organs, bones and more.  

Please note:  You must install a WebGL-enabled browser.  These are available for download at the link above.

Google Custom Search

Ever wish you could create a personalized, customized search engine that searches only across sites that you specify and displays results that you know will be right for you or your students? Google Custom Search Engine (CSE) allows you do do just that. Want your students to access only child-safe sites? You can pre-select the sites, list them in the settings of your new search engine, and then let your students use it -- knowing that they're searching the web safely. And because you choose the sites to search, they'll get a limited number of highly relevant search results, making the time they spend online more efficient and rewarding.  All you need to do is choose the websites and pages you'd like to search, then follow a few simple steps to create a CSE. Think of it as putting the power of Google web search to work for you.

Find out about these programs and so many more at Google for Educators.  Here, you’ll find a teacher’s guide to Google Tools for Your Classroom. To spark your imagination, you'll also find examples of innovative ways that other educators are using these tools in the classroom.  If you would like to schedule me to work with you or your students on Google Apps, or would like to request a PD session, please contact me at sbarracl@access.k12.wv.us.

Revv Up Your Students' Writing!

As we prepare our students for the upcoming Writing Assessment, you may be on the hunt for writing prompts that will really revv up your students' excitement for writing! Robin Ramey, Literacy Coach with Cabell County Schools suggests these from 40 Writing Prompts:

J. K. Rowling is the author of the best-selling Harry Potter books, about a young boy who learns to be a magician at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In several paragraphs, describe your own special school, such as a school for kid spies, superheroes, or fairies.

While reading a newspaper, you stumble across the following classified ad:

Spine-chilling monster needs a loving new home. Already housebroken, somewhat.
Very cheeky, needs a lot of attention. Please contact me for more information!

You reply to this ad and now have a scary monster at home that (you think) will follow your every command. In several short paragraphs, describe your monster, how you found it, and what you do with it.

The television series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide chronicled the crazy escapades of Ned Bigby and his friends, Moze and Cookie, at Polk Middle School. In the series, the kids attempt to navigate the challenges of being at middle school.
Write a survival guide of several paragraphs, explaining what a new student entering your class needs to know to immediately fit in.

In 1928, the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, by chance, discovered penicillin. Penicillin is an antibiotic that helps fight bacterial infections in your body. Its discovery changed modern medicine.
Think about an amazing invention or discovery that has changed the world and, in several paragraphs, write an expository essay explaining how it works.

A massive snowstorm with very low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy blowing snow is known as a blizzard. A blizzard in 1995 brought meter of snow and temperatures of below -30 degrees c to Minnesota. The blizzard caused almost $82million in damage, and 11 counties in southern Minnesota were declared federal disaster areas.
You are stuck in a terrible snowstorm. In several short paragraphs, tell the story of your rescue.

For more writing resources and ideas, check out these other resources from Scholastic:

Inspire Young Writers

Generate your own story starter with The Story Starter Machine

Writing With Writers

Write It: Publish Your Work