Inquiry CardsGLENDA STEWART-SMITH MAY 2013

3 activities to promote inquiry based learning and differentiated instruction in the classroom

Volume: 1

created by Glenda Stewart-Smith | www.glendastewart-smith.com! !

EXPLAIN EVERYTHING Inquiry Card

Background Information

Students can use annotation apps such as Explain Everything to capture images and video. They can record their thoughts and findings, or add annotations, to highlight and share their work.

Inquiry Questions What can you tell me about your observations?

What did you expect to find and why?

What evidence do you have to support this?

Lesson SupportGive students the opportunity to record video or take a picture of their experiment, project or observations. The media files can be imported into a number of apps or programs. Students can then add a recording explaining their findings and annotate the images to point out the areas they are focusing on in their observations. The results are recorded and can be exported. Important findings can be noted, highlighted and shared with others. This promotes collaboration and the ability to teach others. This image is from the app Explain Everything which is available for iPads.

Curriculum ConnectionsThis activity helps students develop their communication skills and the ability to share their observations and results with others. It ties directly

created by Glenda Stewart-Smith | www.glendastewart-smith.com! !

HOW FAST ARE YOU? Inquiry Card

Background Information

This is intended to be a student-centered, inquiry-based learning experience. There are lessons available on using iMovie to determine speed. The video camera will also show the time as it plays back. Rather than direct students through the process, allow them to work collaboratively to develop solutions to these questions.

Inquiry Questions

Can you use an iPad to figure out how fast you can run?What are the fewest number of apps that you will need?Why did you choose these apps?What would be the best way to compare yourself to your friends?Can you use this method to measure the speed of other objects?Can you support your findings?

Lesson Support

Students may need help in identifying what needs to be measured (speed and distance) and could also be given access to other tools to help with distance measurement. Trundle wheels might work here. Students can record their findings and display them in video programs, graphs, spreadsheets or an annotation program to share their results with others.

Curriculum Connections

problem solving, rates and ratios, measurement of speed and distance, data collection, graphing, using instruments, comparing, explaining, collaboration

created by Glenda Stewart-Smith | www.glendastewart-smith.com! !

QR CODE MATH PHOTO HUNT Inquiry Card

Background Information

QR codes are easy to generate and read with free apps and on-line sites. You can create them for any purpose and they can be scattered around the classroom or school for a scavenger hunt.

Guiding Questions

What images did you choose and why?How do your photos meet the criteria?Is it possible to find other images that can also meet the criteria?

Lesson Support

iPads and/or iPods can be used as QR code readers and the apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes or Android and will need to be installed on all the devices. This link http://goo.gl/mqQXM will take you to a 5 activity photo hunt for Primary. You can create your own activities using this QR Scavenger Hunt Generator - http://www.classtools.net/QR/ where you can enter questions for a quiz or hunt. This link http://qrcode.kaywa.com/dashboard/ will take you to a site that allows data to be inputed to create a variety of QR codes.

Curriculum Connections

connecting Fine Arts to other curriculum areas, assessment, critical thinking, gathering information, reporting, sharing

ABOUT THE AUTHOUR:

Glenda began teaching “computers” in 2000 and has since developed a passion for using them (along with laptops, iPads, cameras and keyboards) within the classroom and school environment. Some highlights and best practice models that she has been involved in include:

• MET (Masters inEducational Technology) from UBC

• Named an Apple Distinguished Educator for Canada (ADE) (2008).

• Creating online and other resources for teachers

• Presentations at STA and CUEBC conventions

• Smarter Science Lead Teacher Training (February 2013)

Many teachers “teach” technology as a subject: Glenda believes it should be integrated into existing subject areas to make for a richer learning experience.

© Stewart-Smith Educational Enterprises 2013

GLENDA STEWART-SMITH MAY 2013