Eprojects

robot eprojectComputer learning centers are perfect opportunities for creative projects that involve critical thinking.

Using the following activities, try out practical ideas for creating powerful, time-saving assignments such as digital scrapbooks and photo journals that promote reading, writing, and content-area thinking. Learn strategies for using the tools you already have in new ways and have fun at the same time!

Activity
1
Explore Online Scrapbooks
Go to Introduction to Escrapbooking for background information and resources on escrapbooking. Explore specific examples.
 
Activity
2
Adapt a WebQuest or Lesson
Explore one of the following tools for creating online scrapbooks:
 
Activity
3
Explore and Create a Scrapbook Starter
Explore multimedia scrapbook starters. Consider building a Scrapbook Starter using a template. There are over 2000 multimedia scrapbook starters. A few are listed below. For more go to Filamentality and do a search for "scrapbook." Keep in mind that many have been on the web for a while, so they may suffer link rot.

Try one of the following tools for creating online scrapbooks:
 
Activity
4
Try Interactive Tools
Try one of the following tools for creating online scrapbooks:
 
Activity
5
Photo Starter
Watch the world around you. Reflect on your experiences.
  • What are your needs and interests?
  • What do you want to tell the world or remember in the future?
  • What do you wonder about?
  • What are the essential question(s) that will be addressed on this project?
Use one of the following photo collections to identify a photo that represents a place you can't take your students for a hands-on experience. Consider ways it could be used to generate questions or enthusiasm. Paste the photo into PowerPoint. Write directions in the speaker notes area.

General Images Websites
Flickr - thousands of photos shared by people
Google Images - searches the web for visuals
Pics4Learning - thousands of photographs by kids for kids
Teacher Tap: Visual Resources - links to visual resources
Teacher Tap: Public Domain, Copyright Free - links to visual resources
Textures - backgrounds

Specific Topics
Amphibian and Reptiles - great photos of creatures
Ayres Adventures - many places
CalPhotos - plant, animals, fossils, people, landscapes
Library of Congress - use the search option
Microscopic - many science topics
NASA Photojournal - space, universe, technology, history, people
Nikon Small World - microscopic photographs
NOAA Photo Library - Oceans and Atmosphere
Picture History - photos through US history
TerraServer - satellite photos
USDA Historical Photos
 
Activity
6
Big Ideas
Use ephotography and escrapbooking to help students express understandings. These projects can help students reflect on the "big ideas" that often get lost in information overload.

Go to Project Focus. Examine the list of options.
Choose a project focus for a specific activity.
Create a Word document with the basic requirements of the project.
Create a sample project.
 
Activity
7
Adapt a Project
Explore the following project starters. Then,
• adapt the assignment to fit your needs
• modify the assignment to change the Project Focus
• create your own directions and assignment
• create your own project starter

Need Ideas?
Explore the following PowerPoint Project Starters:
Civilian Conservation Corps
Rock Art
Tarantula Scientist
Chasing Vermeer
Patterns in Nature
 
Activity
8
Thinking Focus
Go to Thinking Focus. Examine the list of options.
Choose a thinking focus for your activity.
Associate this thinking focus with specific standards.
 
Activity
9
Content/Standards Focus
Go to Content Focus for examples.
Identify specific standards associated with your project.
 
Activity
10
Organization
Go to Organization for examples.
Choose an organization for your activity.
Sketch the organization.
 
Activity
11
Create!
Choose a Project, Thinking, and Content Focus.

Need Ideas?
How can students demonstrate their competency through an authentic activity?
Key idea and details
Main idea and supporting evidence
Parts and wholes
Real-world math problems
Sequencing in all subjects

Take a series of 3-7 digital camera photos that can be used as a "project starter." Or locate photographs online.
 
Activity
12
Hardware and Software Techniques
Explore ideas for hardware and software techniques.
Go to Creation Technology Tools, Technology Issues,Technology Techniques

Explore Web Resources Online Tools, Electronic Scrapbooking, Traditional Scrapbooking, Educational Scrapbooking

Like composing written work, students need to consider their subject. Shoot the same object many different ways. Paste the photos into PowerPoint. Use the speaker notes to explain how each shot conveys a different idea, perspective, factual information, emotion, or other insight.