Kathy Schrock's Bloomin' Google

http://kathyschrock.net/googleblooms/

Google Apps and Tools meet Bloom's Revised Taxonomy

The graphic on the website is a clickable image map. Simply click on the tool to visit it!

MENSA for Kids

Check out this cool website for neat ideas based on MENSA. It contains monthly features, many games and activities, and teacher/parent resources.

http://www.mensaforkids.org/

To learn what MENSA is all about, check out these websites:

www.us.mensa.org/giftedchildren

http://www.mensa.org/

iPod/iPad Apps for Teachers & Students

Sparking Student Interest with the iPod Touch

Apps for Teachers and Students

by Stacy Hawthorne & Cassandra Shepherd

(These ladies did a FANTASTIC job of gathering this information for teachers to use!!!! Their email addresses are at the bottom of this post if you would like to contact them for further information.)

Applications:

Social Studies Apps • Historical Documents • Constitution - Contains full text of U. S. Constitution with additional notes for each Article; Also includes brief biographical information on signers of the Constitution. (Free) • Declaration - Contains full text of the Declaration of Independence along with images and biographical sketches of the signers. (Free) • Pocket Constitution - Includes text of U. S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation with glossary feature; Other features include detailed biographical information on the Founding Fathers, Interesting Facts, timelines, and landmark Supreme Court cases. ($1.99) • World History Documents - Over 350 primary source documents and speeches from the course of world history. Includes some audio and video clips to enhance understanding. ($2.99) • General History • American History Funblast Trivia - Players answer American History questions on a variety of topics; One or two player versions are available with several game formats; Includes option to flag missed items for later review. ($0.99) • How Much do you Know about History - Players score points based on speed and accuracy in a multiple choice format with both text and images; Topics span ancient to modern history. (Free) • Pass the Past - Multiple choice quiz in which players select an era in World or American History; Fifty-fifty, hints, and phone a friend features are included. (Free) • Tap U.S. History- Collection of events and dates; Quiz option included. • History Maps - Collection includes a variety of maps organized by historical era.

Ohio Markers - From eTech Ohio it includes every historical marker throughout the state with detail information about each historical site. (Free) • Renaissance • Michaelango - Players move puzzle pieces to reconstruct over forty famous Renaissance works of art by Michelangelo; Includes easy, medium, and hard levels. (Free) • Renaissance Gallery - Contains images of Renaissance art organized by Artist. (Free) • American Revolution • Quizicals American Revolution - Contains biographical information and quotations from America’s Founding Fathers; Users may search by individual or by topic; Also includes quiz option. ($1.99) • Shmoop The American Revolution - Interactive tutorial contains summary, significance, analysis, timelines, glossary, quotations, biographical information, and trivia; Also includes a quiz option. ($1.99) • Civilization Revolution - A classic game from Sid Meier where students can design their own civilization during the era of the American Revolution. ($6.99/ lite version available) • Fathers Free - Contains biographical information and quotations from America’s Founding Fathers; Users may search by individual or by topic; Also includes quiz option. (Free) • In Fact USA - Players are given locations, images, or other facts and must match them to the correct state. ($0.99/ lite version available) • Heritage Fotopedia - Photographs with descriptions from around the world. (Free) • Project Noah - Allows students to contribute to the body of research about their natural world while learning from others as well. (Free) • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Self-guided virtual tour of 50 years of history documenting the path from slavery to freedom. (Free) • UN Reader - Read the latest news from the UN. (Free) • United Nations - Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the United Nations including the latest news. (Free) • GEO Walk - Spin the globe and pop the bubbles to see information about any region of the world. Graphically very appealing! ($2.99)

Mathematics • Number Sense • PearlDiver - Students are given a number and "dive" through obstacles to place the number on the correct place on a number line (Free) • Match-Up Math - Challenge students to a Mah-Jong type game where they can match combinations of decimals, fractions, and percents. ($2.99) • Number Line - Students are given a variety of fractions, decimals, and percents and must place them in their proper position on a number line. (Free) • Motion Math - Students use the accelerometer to navigate a bouncing number to its proper position on a number line at the bottom of the screen. ($0.99) • MathKnack Genius- Students must use order of operations to make math equations true. They have the option of playing a solo game or against a classmate. ($0.99) • NineGaps - A sudoku type game where students place the numbers one through nine into the equation grid to balance the grid. ($0.99/ lite version available) • Random - Generates random numbers, great for probability experiments. (Free) • Rocket Math - Students solve math problems to earn pieces to make a rocket. Includes varying degrees of difficulty for easy differentiation. ($0.99/ lite version available) • Pi - calculates pi to any number of digits that you request. (Free) • Math Ninja - Solve math equations as quick as you can to defend your tree house using your ninja-like skills. The faster you solve, the more ninja power you have. ($1.99/ lite version available) • Fractions • TicTacMath-Fractions - Tic-tac-tie game where students can play against the computer or a classmate and must solve fraction problems of varying complexity to place their mark on the game board. ($4.99) • Fractions (Tap To Learn) - Students learn and study all aspects of fractions. ($0.99) • Algebra • meStudying Algebra I - General study guide covering a wide range of topics from Algebra I, including sample problems to solve. ($4.99) • Equation Genius - Check your solutions on anything from first degree equations to systems of equations with three unknowns. (Free) • Khan Academy Algebra - Video tutorials on a wide range of Algebra topics. (Free) • Khan Academy Pre-Algebra - Video tutorials on a wide range of Pre-Algebra topics. (Free) • yourTeacher.com Slope-Intercept Form - Simple review of slope-intercept. (Free) • TicTacMath-Algebra - Tic-tac-tie game where students can play against the computer or a classmate and must solve algebraic problems of varying complexity to place their mark on the game board. ($4.99) • Pre-Algebra Guide - Covers 325 topics in Algebra I complete with examples. ($1.99) • Hot Potato Algebra - Use the iPod as a real-life hot potato as you solve algebra problems as quickly as possible before you pass it on to a friend. (Free) • Factor Race - Players must identify the factors of binomial and trinomial equations to advance in the race. (Free) • Algebra Champ - Introductory algebra skills are introduced with a prize fighting theme. (Free) • Geometry • iPolygons - Provides basic information about polygons. (Free) • Polygons - Easy Math Fun - Gives interior and exterior angle measures for polygons and includes a glossary of common geometric terms. ($0.99) •Math Games • Slice It! - Students are challenged to cut geometric figures into congruent pieces. ($0.99) • Slice It! Begins - Free version of Slice It! (Free) • SET - App version of the classic card game where students are challenged to match sets using up to three variables. ($2.99) • Geared - Match the different size gears to make them function as a machine. ($0.99/ free lite version available) • Tangram Puzzle Pro - Use tangram pieces to make various shapes and pictures. ($0.99/ free lite version available) • UConnect - Connect a pattern of dots without lifting your finger or retracing your lines. ($1.99/ free lite version available) • sudoku2 - Classic sudoku. (Free) • Math Flash Cards - Flashcards using binary functions with numbers up through twelve. You can set the difficulty level of the Flashcards and get immediate feedback on how students are progressing at mastering their math facts. ($0.99) • Free GraCalc - A simple graphing calculator. (Free) • MATHO 2 - Compete against a friend in a bingo style math game using binary functions and varying degrees of complexity. ($0.99) • Math Contests - Sample contests for the Ohio Math League for grades four through eight. The app scores the practice contest for you. (Free/ teacher edition app also available free) • iLiveMath-Winter Sports - Awesome graphics keep students engaged as they solve real-world math problems ranging from addition and subtraction to averaging numbers. ($0.99 with different iLiveMath apps available for $4.99) • Math Snacks - Amazingly hilarious videos with lesson plans for teaching ratio and proportion. (Free) • iFractal - Generates different fractals. (Free) • Convert ~ the unit calculator - Converts units of measure for just about any unit imaginable. ($1.99) • Who Wants to be a Mathionaire? - Just like the TV game show, but all math! Topics range from algebra, arithmetic, geometry, probability, logic, and others. ($1.99) • Wolfram Alpha - The ultimate database of mathematical information. Ask any question or type in any problem and Alpha will give you the answer, a visual depiction, and all the details! ($1.99)

Language Arts •Word Games • Boggle - Single or multiple players search for words in a scrambled grid of letters to earn points. ($0.99) • Scrabble - Single or multiple players must form words with given word tiles to earn points; Includes dictionary and additional assistance features. ($1.99/ lite version available) • Mad Libs - Students supply various parts of speech to create themed stories (Free) • Chicktionary - Players are given “eggs” with letters and must score points by creating words with the provided letters. ($1.99/ lite and Bing versions available for Free) • MadGab - Language Arts logic puzzles. (Free) •Grammar Jammers • Primary - Students watch various grammar tutorials set to music after which a brief quiz is given; Once quiz questions are mastered, players may access a practice game. Corresponds with Scott Foresman curriculum. (Free) • Elementary - see above ($2.99) • Middle - see above ($2.99) • Dictionary • Dictionary.com - Comprehensive dictionary. (Free) • Merriam Webster - Comprehensive dictionary. (Free) • Reading • Vocab Ghost - Three version based on the books The Impossible Dive, The Queen and Mr. Cunningham, and The Day they Skipped Emma’s Party where students become vocabulary experts by choosing the appropriate words to journey through a video game type interface. (Free) • K-12 Timed Reading - Help students practice their fluency with this app from the online education school, K-12. (Free) • Books • Kindle - eBook reader. (Free) • iBooks - ebook reader. (Free) • The Secret Garden - Novel by Louisa May Alcott. (Free) • Gulliver's Travels - Novel by Jonathan Swift. ($0.99) • Classics - Various classical works of literature. (Free) • Stanza - eBook reader. (Free) • Shakespeare - Complete works of William Shakespeare with search feature. (Free) •Writing • Grammar Express: Active and Passive Voice - Teaches active and passive voice in writing through the use of tutorials and self-check quizzes. Includes Progress Meter to track progress. Full paid version available. (Free) • Grammar Express: Parts of Speech - Teaches the parts of speech through the use of tutorials and self-check quizzes. Full paid version available. Includes Progress Meter to track progress. (Free) • Grammar Express: Prepositions - Teaches proper preposition use through the use of tutorials and self-check quizzes. Full paid version available. Includes Progress Meter to track progress. (Free) • Grammar Express: Tenses - Teaches proper verb tenses through the use of tutorials and selfcheck quizzes. Full paid version available. Includes Progress Meter to track progress. (Free) • English Idioms Illustrated - The story behind common idioms with cartoon illustrations of each idiom. (Free)

Science • General Science • 101 Science - Based on the popular book, students can answer multiple choice questions from different science strands including general science, biology, physics, earth science, and chemistry. (Free) • Science Facts - Students can read randomly generated facts on various science topics. (Free) • bistro Science - Gathers the latest news from the science fields and provides easy links. (Free) • Science Quiz - Multiple choice questions on many science topics including biology, zoology, earth, inventions, and space. Students can take a mock test and track their progress with the progress monitoring feature. ($0.99/ lite version available) • Science@VL - A comprehensive glossary of scientific terms. (Free) • Science Games • Cut the Rope - Students can practice basic laws of physics when the cut the dangling food from the swinging rope to feed an cute little alien. ($0.99/ lite version available) • Feed Al - A finger physics odyssey where students place shapes in various locations to create a maze where other objects can get to their desired location using the basic laws of physics. (Free) • Chemistry • Mahjong Chemistry - Use the ancient Mahjong game to match tiles with elemental names to their symbols. (Free) • Astronomy • NASA - Information on NASA missions, images, videos and much more. (Free) • Astronomy Aficionado - Over 200 interesting questions for students on astronomy. ($0.99) • 8 Planets - Students learn about the planets using four different game types: Names, Spelling, Matching, and Black Hole. (Free/ pro-version available for $2.99) • PixPop Smithsonian - Turns pictures from the National Air and Space Museum into a puzzle for students to solve and match. ($0.99) • Tasa Geology Pangea - Illustrates the break-up of Pangea over time. ($0.99) • The Weather Channel - View current weather conditions in any location around the world. (Free) • iBabyBT - Enter the blood type of both parents and the app will generate possible blood types and Rh factors for the offspring. (Free) • EMD Periodic Table of Elements - Interactive periodic table of elements with molar mass calculator and more. Has a classroom presentation mode which supports. (Free) • MATSOL - Engineering toolkit. (Free) • Coaster Physics - Use the laws of physics to create your own virtual coaster then ride your coaster and measure your g-forces. ($0.99) • Google Earth - Navigate the world with a swipe of your finger. (Free) • Liquid dynamics - Ok, it’s just a really cool simulator of motion in water but it does allow students to adjust the stiffness, density, elasticity, and other functions to see how the simulated water responds. (Free) • Bridge Basher - Design and build your own bridge and then see how much weigh it can hold before it collapses. ($0.99)

Other •Trivia Games • Cool Facts - Random facts (kids love this!) ($0.99) • Cash Cab - Play Cash Cab, just like the TV show. ($2.99/ lite version available) • Ben Stein's It'sTriviaLite - Trivia quiz game. (Free/ full version available for $2.99) • QuizQuizQuiz - Trivia quiz game with multi-player modes. ($0.99) • Lumosity Brain Trainer - Keep your frontal lobe working with this brain trainer. Online account required to unlock addition content. (Free) • Brain Quest • Grade 2 - Just like the card games with a variety of categories and challenges designed to be grade-level appropriate. ($2.99) • Grade 4 - see above. ($2.99) • Discovery - Videos, news, quizzes and photos from the popular Discovery channel. (Free) • EyeTricks - Optical illusions. ($0.99) • Translator - Translate from any virtually any language into any other language. (Free) • MiniPiano - A small piano that students can play and create their own music. (Free) • MotionX-Dice - Roll virtual dice with this app. (Free) • Fit it! - Fill the grid by placing various pieces. ($0.99) • BrainPOP - Watch BrainPOP video of the day. (Free) • Tally Counter - Simple tally counter. Great for tracking turns or flips of a coin. • How Stuff Works - Compendium of answers to common questions about everyday things. (Free) • Animoto - Make music videos from pictures on your iPod. (Free) • Battleship - App version of the classic Battleship game with very engaging graphics. ($0.99) • Study Aid - Create your own flashcard sets from which to study. ($1.99) • Google Translate - Translate between any two languages. (Free) • Smithsonian Channel - Watch Smithsonian videos, documentaries, or check out the fun facts. (Free) • SchoolTools - Developed by high schoolers for high schoolers with all the essential tools they deemed necessary to traverse high school curriculum. Covers information from all four major content areas. ($0.99/ lite version available)

Shawthorne@bcsoh.org cshepherd@bcsoh.org

Tips for Teachers when Addressing Students' Learning Challenges

From Susan Winebrenner book - "Teaching Strategies for Twice-Exceptional Students."

1. Teach students to appreciate individual differences.

2. Be aware that many students who have learning difficulties are global learners who prefer visual and tactile-kinesthetic formats for learning success.

3. Always teach content by teaching concepts and big ideas first, and details second.

4. Teach students how to set realistic short-term goals and to take credit for reaching them (even if it is only partial completion).

5. Teach in a way that ties past learning to new content.

6. Immerse all the senses in learning activities.

7. Provide specific instruction in organizational techniques.

8. Find and use any available technology that will improve a student's productivity.

9. Allow students to take tests in separate supervised environmentsso they can either read teh test aloud to themselves or have someone else read it to them.

The New RtI: Response to Intelligence

Response to Intelligence advocates for gifted children while supporting the concept that all children on the learning continuum grow and continue to learn. RtI is not just for those who struggle but also for those who demonstrate the capacity for excelling, going beyond the norm. Supported by their 50+ combined years of commitment to gifted education, author and consultant Penny Choice and co-author Dr. Sally Walker, Executive Director for the Illinois Association for Gifted, turn the original RtI model on its side, create a mirror image, and place Tier 2 and Tier 3 students on a continuum, finally providing for ALL students in the classroom – including gifted students. This NEW movement is then, in fact, a Response to INTELLIGENCE.