Spreadsheets

This is a review of a 2nd grade spreadsheet integration presentation titled "Do larger pumpkins have more seeds?"
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/elearn/newbridges/cds/Oliverpumpkins/pumpkinstitlepage.htm

Students listen to directions and weigh their pumkins, then predict which group's pumpkin will have the most seeds. After looking at , smelling, and feeling their pumpkin, students remove seeds and begin counting. One student suggested counting by groups of 10 to make counting easier. The pumpkins are all different sizes and shapes. After collecting their data, the groups enter their information into spreadsheets. The teacher, Mr. Oliver, is helping them keep track of their data and enter it correctly. They had four questions: 1)predict the weight, 2) how much did it weigh, 3) predict the number of seeds, 4) how many seeds were there?

Groups were able to talk with each other to figure out how different numbers were found. Mr. Oliver talked them through each part of their graphs to make sure they understand every element. Their conclusion is that this was a neat experiment and that although the biggest pumpkins don't always have the most seeds, but they did in this case.

This experiment was fun to watch, and would be engaging for students. By providing them a spreadsheet, they can focus on entering their numbers and seeing the results.

I am interested in teaching second grade, and this would be a fun project to do around November. This lesson includes social studies, math, English, science, and spelling, and is a great cross-curricular activity. Students need to learn computer skills at school, and this is an entertaining way for them to learn about more than just the internet. Some students will have more knowledge about computers, and those students should be used as a tool to help the other students so the responsibility isn't totally on the teacher. If this was for a higher grade, students could learn about making their own spreadsheets, then work on creating projects for the other students to complete. I am a firm believer in students contributing to the education process, and by having them create lessons for each other they will have a deeper understanding of their topic and of Excel as well.

4th Grade Classroom Netiquette

COMMON COURTESY

1.    Be considerate of others

    Remember that you are writing to another person.  All you have to communicate is words, no facial expressions or hand gestures.  Make sure the other person understands the emotions behind your words.

2.    Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life

    Is it unethical or illegal?  Would you do it to someone face to face?  If the answer is no, don't do it online.

3.    Know where you are in cyberspace

    Different domains have different standards of what is acceptable.  Explore the site before you participate.

4.    Make yourself look good

    You will be judged on the quality of your writing, so run spell check and make sure what you are emailing or posting is appropriate for the intended viewer.

5.    Respect other people's privacy
    Looking through someone else's files is like going through their physical belongings. 

6.    Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

    Everyone has to start out sometime, and beginners on the internet are likely to make mistakes.  If you feel that correcting the mistake, in a respectful manner, will help that person become a better net user, then you may do so in a polite, private way. 

SAFETY

1.    Never give out personal information or agree to meet someone you met without asking a teacher or parent for permission.

2.    If someone makes you feel uncomfortable with text or pictures, don't respond to the person and tell an adult.
3.    Keep your password a secret. Don't tell anyone!

4.    Remember it might be fun to meet someone you've been talking with online, but people might not be who they claim to be.