Pedagogue Blog

Matthew Lynch published in Gamification

Calling All Teen Gamers! Check Out This Amazing Opportunity

Are you a teen who’s passionate about gaming? Are you interested in connecting with like-minded gamers and competing in an exhilarating online gaming landscape? Well, we have some exciting news for you! An incredible opportunity awaits young gamers like yourself to showcase your skills, meet new friends, and even win spectacular prizes in an upcoming gaming event.

Introducing the TeenGamers Championship 2022 – the ultimate gaming battleground, where you can test your abilities against some of the most competitive teen gamers from around the world. This international event, organized by leading experts in the gaming industry, aims to empower the youth, foster connections, and celebrate gaming as a fun and fulfilling hobby.

**Highlights of TeenGamers Championship 2022**

1. Various Gaming Tournaments: No matter what genre you enjoy most, from first-person shooters to strategy games or even battle royale extravaganzas, there’s something for every teen gamer. Show off your skills and make your mark on the intercontinental scoreboard!

2. Fantastic Prizes and Awards: Win big by participating in these epic challenges. Prizes include top-of-the-line gaming gear, limited-edition merch, online gift cards, and even college scholarships!

3. Live Streaming by Influencers: Famous YouTube and Twitch streamers will be broadcasting live from the tournament to offer insightful commentary, helpful tips & tricks, and generate excitement throughout the event.

4. Challenger Workshops: Learn from industry professionals through engaging workshops covering game design, content creation, live-streaming basics, and career pathways in the gaming sector.

5. Make Long-lasting Friendships: Connect with passionate gamers of your age from around the globe through social events organized alongside the main tournament. Together, grow your network as part of a vibrant community that shares a love for gaming culture!

The TeenGamers Championship 2022 is open to all teenagers aged between 13 to 18 years, with no limitations on gender or country of residence. Applications for the upcoming event will be open soon – this is a prime chance to showcase your gaming prowess on a grander stage.

Keep an eye out on our website and social media for more detailed information about registration, tournament details, and everything else you’ll need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime teen gaming extravaganza.

Answer the call, boost your skills, and join the multitude of talented teen gamers at TeenGamers Championship 2022. May the best player win!

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Matthew Lynch published in Elementary Education

20 Critical Thinking Activities for Elementary Classrooms

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced world, instilling critical thinking skills in young minds is more important than ever. By nurturing these skills, teachers are laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Here are 20 critical thinking activities that can be easily incorporated into any elementary classroom setting.

1. Think-Pair-Share

This simple activity encourages students to think about a question or problem individually first and then discuss with a partner before sharing their thoughts with the entire class.

2. Brainstorming Sessions

Encourage students to throw out ideas and suggest solutions within a given time frame on a specific topic without judgment or criticism.

3. Fact vs. Opinion

Prompt students to analyze the statements in this activity and decide which ones are facts and which are opinions.

4. The “Why” Chain

Ask students to continuously inquire ‘Why?’ to any given event, encouraging them to think deeply about cause-and-effect relationships.

5. Comparing Perspectives

Given two or more characters from a story, have students compare and contrast their different perspectives on a particular issue.

6. Classification Activities

Challenge students to classify objects or ideas into specific categories based on their characteristics, fostering organizational thinking.

7. Similes and Metaphors

Encourage imaginative thinking by having students create similes and metaphors to describe various objects or situations.

8. Storytelling Circles

Students take turns adding onto a collective story that promotes creative thinking and collaboration skills.

9. Mind Mapping

Guide students through creating visual diagrams that highlight connections between ideas in an organized fashion.

10. Analogy Activities

Students use analogies to explore connections between seemingly unrelated concepts or ideas.

11. Socratic Seminars

The class engages in group discussions using the Socratic method where they answer open-ended questions and challenge each other’s viewpoints respectfully.

12. Create Your Own Country

In this creative activity, students develop the governance, geography, culture, and history of a fictional country.

13. Problem-Solving Challenges

Present students with real-life scenarios and ask them to brainstorm potential solutions as a group.

14. Peer Review Sessions

Students exchange their work and provide feedback on each other’s assignments, fostering critical assessment.

15. Inquiry-Based Science Experiments

Students participate in hands-on experiments that allow them to develop their own hypotheses and draw conclusions based on observations.

16. Optical Illusions

Examine various optical illusions and discuss as a class how our minds can be tricked into perceiving things differently.

17. What Would You Do?

Pose hypothetical situations to students requiring them to think about what they would do in those circumstances.

18. 4 Corners Debate

Assign the corners of your classroom as “Agree,” “Disagree,” “Strongly Agree,” or “Strongly Disagree.” Pose a statement and have students move to a corner based on their opinion, encouraging them to defend their stance.

19. Creating Advertisements

Guide students through the creation of advertisements for different products, promoting persuasive thinking and communication skills.

20. KWL Chart

Use KWL charts (What I Know; What I Want to Know; What I Learned) to encourage reflection on topics or concepts before, during, and after your lesson.

Conclusion:

The incorporation of these 20 critical thinking activities into your elementary classroom can pave the way for the development of vital skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity, positioning children for future success in academics and life beyond school.

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Matthew Lynch published in Middle School Education

20 Fun, Engaging Back to School Activities for Middle School

1. Classroom Scavenger Hunt: Hide objects or trivia questions around the classroom related to subjects being taught. This activity encourages teamwork and knowledge of the class curriculum.

2. Time Capsule: Have students create a time capsule with letters and mementos from their first day of school. At the end of the year, they can open it and see how much they’ve grown.

3. Two Truths and a Lie: An icebreaker game where students share three statements about themselves – two true and one false. Their classmates then guess which statement is false.

4. Classroom BINGO: Students create BINGO cards using the names or facts about their classmates, then play a game by interviewing each other to fill in the squares.

5. Book Tasting: Set up a “cafe” in the classroom with refreshments and samples of different books for students to explore new literature.

6. Design a Class Mascot: Collaboratively design a mascot that represents your class’s values, talents, and interests.

7. Speed Friending: Similar to speed dating, students rotate around the room engaging in brief conversations to get to know each other better.

8. Marshmallow Challenge: Give small groups of students marshmallows, spaghetti, tape, and string to build the tallest structure they can in a set amount of time.

9. DIY Personalized Notebooks: Provide supplies for students to decorate their notebooks with drawings, stickers, or photos that represent their personalities and interests.

10. Silent Line-Up: Students arrange themselves in order based on criteria such as birthdate or alphabetical order without speaking or writing.

11. Jenga Icebreaker: Write discussion prompts on Jenga blocks and have students remove them one by one while answering questions about themselves.

12. Inspirational Quote Mural: Assign each student an inspiring quote or phrase to design into a wall mural, creating an environment that promotes a positive learning mindset.

13. Round Robin Storytelling: Each student contributes one sentence or idea to create a collaborative story.

14. Goal Setting Collage: Provide materials for students to create a collage illustrating their goals and aspirations for the school year.

15. Get to Know Your Teacher Trivia: Host a trivia game where students answer multiple-choice questions about their teacher’s likes, dislikes, and interests.

16. Classmate Connections: Pair up students to interview each other, then present their new friend to the class.

17. Ball of Questions: Toss around a ball with questions written on it; whoever catches the ball answers the question under their thumb.

18. Escape Room Challenge: Build an escape room in your class or use digital puzzles related to subjects being taught, requiring teamwork and problem-solving skills.

19. Invent a Class Holiday: Students work together to invent a new and unique holiday specifically for their class, complete with traditions, games, and food.

20. Classroom Job Fair: Organize a job fair where students apply for and are assigned various classroom jobs throughout the year, teaching responsibility and teamwork.

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Matthew Lynch published in Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

20 Fun & Engaging Preschool Camping Activities

Camping is an excellent opportunity for preschoolers to explore nature and engage in various entertaining activities. Here are 20 fun and engaging preschool camping activities that you can try during your next outdoor adventure.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items found in nature for the children to find, such as leaves, rocks, or pinecones. This activity encourages exploration and discovery.

2. Campfire Sing-Along: Gather around the campfire and sing traditional camping songs like “Kumbaya” and “Michael Row the Boat Ashore.”

3. Marshmallow Roasting: Teach children how to roast marshmallows safely over a fire and enjoy the delicious result – s’mores!

4. Storytelling: Share spooky or funny camping stories while huddled around the campfire.

5. Nature Art: Collect natural materials like leaves, sticks, and stones, and use them to create beautiful works of art.

6. Flashlight Tag: Play a game of tag with flashlights once it gets dark outside.

7. Insect Observation: Teach children about different insects they may encounter during the camping trip.

8. Tent Building: Show preschoolers how to set up tents, giving them hands-on experience with essential camping skills.

9. Camping Yoga: Practice yoga poses inspired by nature, such as tree pose, mountain pose, or downward-facing dog.

10. Wildlife Bingo: Create a bingo card with pictures of animals native to the campsite area and have children search for them throughout the trip.

11. Star Gazing: Teach children about astronomy by pointing out constellations during clear night skies.

12. Fishing: If there’s a nearby lake or river, teach children the basics of fishing (with adult supervision).

13. Nature Walks: Take short hikes around the campsite, teaching preschoolers about local flora and fauna along the way.

14. Map Reading: Introduce basic map-reading skills, helping children understand their surroundings and become confident navigators.

15. Leaf Rubbings: Gather unique leaves around the campsite and use crayons or pencils to create leaf rubbing art.

16. Bird Watching: Teach children about different bird species they might encounter while camping and how to identify them by their songs.

17. Campfire Cooking: Prepare a simple campfire meal like hot dogs or grilled cheese sandwiches, teaching preschoolers about safe cooking methods in an outdoor setting.

18. Solar Oven: Use aluminum foil and cardboard to create a makeshift solar oven, demonstrating the power of sunlight for cooking purposes.

19. Water Relay Race: Fill water buckets and have children race against each other while carrying the buckets without spilling any water.

20. Camping Journal: Encourage children to record their memories and experiences by creating a camping journal with drawings or written descriptions of the trip.

These 20 preschool camping activities offer various ways to engage young minds, teach them valuable skills, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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Matthew Lynch published in Middle School Education

20 Team Building Activities for Middle School

Introduction:

Team building activities play a crucial role in teaching and integrating teamwork skills among middle school students. These activities help to foster communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while also providing opportunities for students to socialize and have fun. Here are 20 engaging team building activities that are suitable for middle school students.

1. Human Knot: Students stand in a circle, reach in with their right and left hands to grab other students’ hands, and then attempt to untangle themselves into a perfect circle without letting go of any hands.

2. Trust Walk: Students work in pairs, with one student blindfolded. The blindfolded student must rely on the verbal guidance of their partner to navigate through an obstacle course.

3. Egg Drop Challenge: In groups, students design and create a structure using various materials to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height.

4. Puzzle Relay: Teams race against each other to complete a jigsaw puzzle, with one team member working on the puzzle at a time and switching out when the teacher signals.

5. Silent Line-Up: Without speaking or using gestures, students must line up according to specific criteria (e.g., birthdate or shoe size).

6. Two Truths and a Lie: Students take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves, while the rest of the group tries to guess which statement is the lie.

7. Marshmallow Tower Challenge: Using marshmallows and toothpicks, teams compete to build the tallest free-standing tower within a set time limit.

8. Human Conveyor Belt: Students sit in two lines facing each other. They must pass objects down the line using only their feet.

9. Paper Plate Balloon Race: Groups work together to balance a balloon on a paper plate as they navigate through an obstacle course.

10. Memory Wall: Teams work together to memorize a wall of various objects and then recreate the arrangement from memory.

11. Blind Drawing: In pairs, one student describes a simple shape or picture without revealing what it is, while their partner attempts to draw it based on the description.

12. Shipwreck: Participants pretend they are stranded on an island and must work together to create a survival plan using limited resources.

13. Relay Race: Students participate in various relay races, promoting teamwork to complete the race as quickly as possible.

14. Hula Hoop Pass: The group stands in a circle holding hands and must pass a hula hoop around the circle without breaking hand contact.

15. Scavenger Hunt: Groups race against each other to find specific items or complete tasks hidden around the school or play area.

16. Three-Legged Race: Pairs of students have their adjacent legs tied together and must work together to race across the finish line.

17. Chain Reaction: Teams are tasked with creating a continuous chain reaction using different objects and materials, with each action triggering another action.

18. Human Sculptures: Within their assigned teams, students create living sculptures based on various themes, using their bodies for visual imagery.

19. Escape Room Challenge: Teams work together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape a themed room within a set time limit.

20. Around the World Trivia: Groups compete in trivia games, answering questions about different cultures and countries around the world.

Conclusion:

Team building activities are an essential part of any middle school educational program as they contribute significantly to fostering strong relationships amongst students while also instilling essential teamwork skills necessary for success both in and out of the classroom. By engaging in these 20 fun-filled activities, middle school students will enhance their communication, problem-solving and collaboration capabilities.

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Matthew Lynch published in Early Childhood

28 Awesome Alphabet Activities for Pre-schoolers

Introduction

Teaching the alphabet to pre-schoolers is not only an important milestone in their education, but it can also be a fun and interactive experience. With these 28 awesome alphabet activities for pre-schoolers, you’ll have your little ones learning and laughing in no time!

1. ABC Scavenger Hunt: Hide letter cards around the room and have your students search for them while identifying the letters they find.

2. Letter Matching Game: Create a set of uppercase and lowercase letter cards and let children match them up.

3. Alphabet Bingo: Create bingo cards using letters of the alphabet, call out the letters, and have kids place markers on the corresponding letter.

4. Letter Jumping: Write letters on large pieces of paper and place them on the floor, then encourage kids to jump from one letter to another while saying the letter name.

5. Alphabet Stickers: Give each child a set of alphabet stickers to arrange in order on a paper.

6. Letter Collage: Collect various materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers) for kids to cut out letters and create a collage with their first name or other words.

7. Sidewalk Chalk Letters: Give children sidewalk chalk to practice writing letters outside.

8. Alphabet Play Dough: Use letter-shaped cookie cutters with play dough for children to form different letters.

9. Alphabet Puzzles: Provide puzzles with varying levels of difficulty involving letters.

10. Fishing for Letters: Attach magnets to plastic letters and have kids “fish” for them using a makeshift fishing pole with a magnet tied to the string.

11. Alphabet Cookies: Bake cookies in the shape of each letter and enjoy decorating them together.

12. Letter Sorting Activity: Sort toys or objects based on their beginning sounds or written labels containing specific letters.

13. Clothespin Letters: Write individual letters on clothespins and have children match them to corresponding letters on a paper or index cards.

14. Alphabet Memory Game: Create pairs of letter cards and play a game of memory, trying to match the upper and lowercase versions.

15. Alphabet Beanbags: Toss lettered beanbags into buckets or baskets labeled with corresponding letters.

16. Alphabet Finger Puppets: Make finger puppets for each letter of the alphabet and use them to act out stories or create new words.

17. Letter Sounds Listening Game: Play audio clips of different letter sounds and have children identify the corresponding letters.

18. Alphabet Roads: Make roads out of tape and place different letters along the path for miniature cars to drive over while saying each letter’s name.

19. Sandpaper Letters: Create letters using sandpaper and encourage kids to trace over them for sensory practice.

20. Magnetic ABCs: Put up a magnetic board with magnetic letters, create words, or ask students to identify each letter.

21. Painting Letters: Use watercolors or finger paints to let children freely paint letters onto paper.

22. Letter Stamping: Equip kids with stamps in the shapes of alphabet letters and encourage them to create words or artwork that incorporates their newfound skills.

23. Pipe Cleaner Letters: Provide pipe cleaners for kids to bend and shape into various letters.

24. Letter Hunt: Give children a specific letter to search for throughout the classroom or home and have them count how many they find.

25. Alphabet Yoga: Teach children different yoga poses that resemble each letter of the alphabet.

26. Letter Themed Storytime: Read picture books that prominently feature specific letters as story elements.

27. Alphabet Building Blocks: Encourage children to use building blocks to construct their own creations while incorporating their understanding of the alphabet at the same time!

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Matthew Lynch published in STEM

25 Edible Science Experiments for Kids

Introduction:

Introduce little scientists to the world of chemistry, physics, and biology with these fun and educational edible science experiments. With 25 exciting hands-on activities, your children will not only learn crucial scientific concepts, but they will also get to enjoy tasty treats! Encourage curiosity and creativity in the kitchen while making learning fun and delicious.

1. Fizzy Lemonade: Teach kids about chemical reactions by making a carbonated lemonade with lemon juice, baking soda, and sugar.

2. Rock Candy Experiment: Observe the process of crystal formation by growing rock candy sticks in sugar-water mixture.

3. Ice Cream in a Bag: Understand how salt helps in reducing the freezing point of water while making homemade ice cream.

4. Edible Marshmallow Slime: Create a non-toxic thick slime using marshmallows that kids can enjoy playing with and eating.

5. Gummy Bear Osmosis: Watch gummy bears grow as they absorb water through osmosis.

6. Homemade Butter: Shake heavy cream vigorously to separate the fat and liquid, teaching kids about emulsions.

7. Rainbow Skittles Density Experiment: Arrange Skittles around the edge of a plate, pour water gently, and watch colors separate due to varying densities.

8. Edible Lava Lamp: Combine water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to explain density principles.

9. Fudge Crystal Classification: Make fudge and discuss crystallization while students classify their fudge crystals based on their size.

10. Invisible Ink Lemon Juice: Write secret messages using lemon juice as invisible ink that later appear when paper is heated with a lamp.

11. Edible Playdough: Make playdough from peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk for a hands-on sensory experience that’s safe to eat.

12. Microwave Marshmallow Expansion: Teach about heat and gas expansion by microwaving marshmallows.

13. Disappearing Eggshell Experiment: Place an egg in vinegar to dissolve its shell, demonstrating acidic reactions.

14. Stickiness of Spider Webs: Explore the stickiness of sugar solution as a model for spider webs with different shapes and sizes.

15. Bread Mold Observation: Learn about fungi and mold growth by comparing bread slices placed in varying conditions.

16. Edible Water Bead Sensory Play: Develop tactile learning experience using tapioca pearls soaked in colored water.

17. Milk and Food Coloring Magic: Add food coloring to milk, touch the surface with a cotton swab dipped in dish soap, and witness the explosive color show due to surface tension changes.

18. Dancing Gummy Worms: Study how bubbles help the gummy worms dance in a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar.

19. Ice Fishing Experiment: Learn how ice fishers use salt to melt ice more effectively while experimenting with yarn and ice cubes.

20. Bubble Wands and Edible Bubble Solution: Create bubble wands with pipe cleaners and dip them in an edible bubble solution made from juice concentrate and gelatin powder.

21. Chocolate Chip Cookie Geology: Dissect chocolate chip cookies to discover layers and principles of sedimentary rocks.

22. Alka-Seltzer Ocean Exploration Experiment: Dive into ocean pressure and compression by using Alka-Seltzer tablets in water-filled bottles.

23. Berry DNA Extraction: Extract DNA strands from berries while learning about genetics and cellular structures.

24. Color-Changing Tea Chemistry: Observe color change while brewing flower teas with different pH levels using pH indicator solutions from red cabbage juice or butterfly pea flower tea.

25. Edible Amber Fossils Experiment: Make amber fossils using honey or hard candy, preserving small fruits.

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Matthew Lynch published in Middle School Education

20 Kindness Activities for Middle School

1. Compliment Cards: Encourage students to write anonymous notes or cards complimenting their classmates on their actions, thoughts, or appearance. Display them on a “Compliment Board” in the classroom.

2. Kindness Journal: Have students maintain a journal for a week where they record daily acts of kindness they have done or witnessed.

3. Random Acts of Kindness Bingo: Create a bingo card with different acts of kindness for students to complete during the week.

4. Kindness Quotes Discussion: Introduce quotes about kindness and facilitate a discussion on what they mean and how they apply to everyday life.

5. Gratitude Jar: Set up a jar in the classroom where students write down things they are grateful for and drop them in the jar.

6. Peer Mentorship: Pair upper grade students with younger grade students as buddies to help with homework, school activities, or just offer support.

7. Volunteer Day: Organize a day in which your class volunteers at a local charity organization or community center.

8. Kindness Charades: Play charades but with kindness-themed scenarios that students must act out.

9. Thank-you Note Blitz: Encourage students to write handwritten thank-you notes to school staff members, such as custodians or cafeteria workers, showing appreciation for their hard work.

10. Classroom Kindness Awards: Hold a ceremony celebrating acts of kindness and award certificates to students who demonstrated exceptional care and compassion.

11. Smile Day: Organize an entire day dedicated to smiling; encourage students to smile at everyone they encounter throughout the day.

12. Share Your Story Day: Give students the opportunity to share stories about how kindness has positively impacted their lives.

13. Create Care Packages: Make care packages for local homeless shelters, hospitals, or nursing homes; include handwritten notes and small essentials, like toiletries and snacks.

14. Kindness Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of random act of kindness items that students can “hunt” for throughout the school.

15. Positive Affirmation Posters: Create positive affirmation posters for your classroom and encourage students to read them daily.

16. Gratitude Circle: Hold a gratitude circle in your classroom, where students take turns sharing something they are grateful for.

17. Compliment Train: Initiate a compliment train where students give a genuine compliment to the person to their right, continuing until everyone has given and received a compliment.

18. Watch Kindness Videos: Watch short, inspiring videos and movies about acts of kindness; follow up with a reflective discussion.

19. Kindness Skits: Have students create and perform skits that depict acts of kindness in various scenarios.

20. Create a Kindness Club: Establish an after-school club dedicated to spreading kindness in the school and community through various projects and activities.

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Matthew Lynch published in High School

20+ Engineering Kits For High School Students

Introduction

Engineering kits have become an indispensable learning tool for high school students interested in engineering, robotics, and programming. They provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and help nurture their curiosity and creativity. With numerous options on the market, this article delves into 20+ popular engineering kits that are perfect for high school students.

1. Arduino Starter Kit – A comprehensive introduction to electronics and programming, the Arduino Starter Kit walks students through 15 projects to learn basic skills and is suited for various levels of expertise.

2. Snap Circuits Pro – Students can build over 500 electronic projects with this all-in-one kit, ranging from simple LED circuits to complex FM radios.

3. LEGO Mindstorms EV3 – This customizable robotic kit allows students to explore STEM concepts while building robots that can walk, talk, or even play games.

4. VEX Robotics Ball Machines – VEX provides a series of ball machine kits that challenge students to design and assemble elaborate contraptions to move balls around exciting obstacle courses.

5. littleBits STEAM Student Set – A highly versatile kit, littleBits allows students to invent anything while grasping STEAM concepts such as prototyping and collaboration.

6. ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit – From electronic components to detailed tutorials, this kit is perfect for diving into the world of Arduino microcontrollers.

7. Makeblock mBot Ranger – This 3-in-1 robotics kit allows learners to build different types of robots while learning about construction, programming, and problem-solving.

8. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B+ Starter Kit – An ideal way for beginners to get started with Raspberry Pi’s world of possibilities, from creating a retro gaming console to controlling home automation systems.

9. Thames & Kosmos Geckobot Wall Climbing Robot Kit – Packed with STEM lessons, this kit lets students build a gravity-defying robot capable of climbing smooth surfaces.

10. Solar-Powered Rovers Kit – This environmentally friendly option teaches students about solar energy while building five different types of rovers.

11. Robolink CoDrone Pro – A quadcopter drone that can be programmed to perform aerial tricks, the CoDrone Pro is perfect for those interested in the software side of engineering.

12. MEL Chemistry Subscription Box – Exploring chemical reactions and fuel cells, these subscription kits offer hands-on experiments for high school students looking to gain chemistry experience.

13. SparkFun Inventor’s Kit – With 16 different circuits, this beginner-friendly kit dives into programming with Arduino and provides students with a versatile understanding of electronics.

14. Piper Computer Kit – Students learn programming by building their own working computer with a Raspberry Pi, screen, and various cables in this hands-on kit.

15. Electronics Exploration Kit by EEME – Designed for teenagers, this well-organized kit covers everything from building simple circuits to working with microcontrollers.

16. Kano Coding Wand – The Harry Potter-themed coding wand enables students to learn coding while creating magical spells using Kano’s app-based interface.

17. Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst – Posed as challenges rather than specific projects, this kit encourages students to think like engineers across numerous vehicle-building exercises.

18. Grove Zero Starter Kit – A set of programmable magnetic modules that teach coding concepts through various projects that challenge high schoolers’ problem-solving skills.

19. Parallax Boe-Bot Robot Kit – A straightforward way to explore robotics, programming, and electronic circuit building concepts without the need for prior expertise.

20. Elenco AmeriKit Learn to Solder Kit – This entry-level soldering kit provides a solid foundation for students.

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Matthew Lynch published in EdTech & Innovation

What Is Flippity And How Does It Work For Teachers?

Introduction:

Flippity is an innovative educational tool designed to enhance classroom activities and make learning an engaging and interactive experience for students. With multiple templates and game-based applications, Flippity has proven to be a popular resource for educators seeking to support their students’ learning goals while fostering an enjoyable classroom atmosphere. In this article, we will explore what Flippity is and how it works for teachers.

Understanding Flippity:

Flippity is essentially an online platform that offers various templates, tools, and applications compatible with Google Sheets. By integrating data from your Google Sheets into the platform, you can generate a variety of educational activities such as flashcards, quizzes, random name pickers, games, and other classroom resources. Flippity eliminates the need for extensive technical knowledge, allowing teachers to use their creativity and customize tools to suit their curriculum requirements.

How Does Flippity Work for Teachers?

1. Ease of use: Flippity provides user-friendly templates that make it easy for teachers to input data from their Google Sheets and create interactive activities in just a few clicks. Once the data is uploaded to the corresponding template, Flippity generates a unique URL that can be shared with students or embedded on a website.

2. Customizable Templates: There are numerous Flippity templates available to suit different learning objectives, including flashcards, quizzes, crossword puzzles, scavenger hunts, and more. Teachers can adapt these templates according to their specific lesson plans and even tailor them to meet individual student needs.

3. Gamification of Learning: One of the standout features of Flippity is its ability to transform conventional learning materials into engaging games. Bingo boards, memory matching games, and quiz shows are just some examples of how Flippity adds a fun twist to education.

4. Collaboration and Real-Time Updates: Another advantage of using Flippity is that it facilitates collaboration between students and teachers, allowing for real-time updates and instant feedback on student performance. Assignments can be created and tracked via shared Google Sheets, leading to seamless communication and data management.

5. Free Access: Flippity is available to educators at no cost, making it a budget-friendly option for schools and individual teachers looking for dynamic educational tools.

Conclusion:

Flippity offers an incredible variety of engaging applications that cater to different learning styles, allowing teachers to create customized, interactive experiences for their students. With its ease of use, collaboration potential, gamification of learning, and no-cost access, Flippity stands as an invaluable asset for educators in today’s technologically-driven world.

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Matthew Lynch published in Reading Education

55 8th Grade Books Students Should Have on their Bookshelves

As students transition into the challenging world of middle school, it’s important to fill their bookshelves with engaging and thought-provoking literature that will inspire them to become lifelong learners. Here’s a list of 55 eighth-grade books that are sure to pique their interests and expand their horizons.

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

3. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

6. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

8. Maze Runner by James Dashner

9. Divergent by Veronica Roth

10. Holes by Louis Sachar

11. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

12. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

13. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

14. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

15. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger

16. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

17. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor

18. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

19. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

20. Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery

21. Number the Stars – Lois Lowry

22. Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech

23. The Island of Dr Moreau – H.G Wells

24. Coraline – Neil Gaiman

25. The Children of Blood & Bone – Tomi Adeyemi

26. Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card

27. City of Ember – Jeanne DuPrau

28. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett

29. Tuck Everlasting – Natalie Babbitt

30. The Warriors Series – Erin Hunter

31. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

32. Matilda by Roald Dahl

33. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

34. Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine

35. Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

36. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

37. Animal Farm by George Orwell

38. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban – Malala Yousafzai

39. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

40. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

41. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

42. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner

43. Peter Pan – J.M Barrie

44. Nancy Drew Series – Carolyn Keene

45. Hatchet – Gary Paulsen

46. The Hobbit or There and Back Again – J.R.R Tolkien

47. When You Reach Me – Rebecca Stead

48. Dragon Rider – Cornelia Funke

49. His Dark Materials Trilogy – Philip Pullman

50. Watership Down – Richard Adams

51. Gregor the Overlander – Suzanne Collins

52. The Little Prince  – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

53. The Redwall Abbey Series – Brian Jacques

54. Alex Rider Series – Anthony Horowitz

55. Fablehaven Series – Brandon Mull

Equipping your 8th-grade student with a diverse and stimulating reading list will ensure they develop a strong love for literature and learning, pushing them towards success.

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Matthew Lynch published in Education Reform

Improve Attendance and Test Scores With This Proven Switch

Introduction

Attendance and test scores directly impact a student’s educational success. Educators, parents, and students across the globe constantly seek methods to boost these two crucial metrics. Fortunately, there is one proven switch that has had a significant impact on improving both attendance rates and test scores: incorporating technology in education.

Incorporating Technology in Education: The Game Changer

By integrating technology into the classroom, teachers can create an engaging and interactive learning environment for their students. Here are some ways through which technology has made an indelible mark in enhancing education:

1. Interactive Learning Tools

Innovative educational tools such as smartboards, online quizzes, learning apps, and virtual reality simulations make learning interactive and enjoyable for students. These tools capture their attention, leading to better focus and engagement with the course material. Consequently, students are more likely to be consistent in attending classes and exhibit improved performance in tests.

2. Personalized Learning Experience

With technology’s help, teachers can now design personalized curriculum plans based on individual students’ needs. Sophisticated algorithms analyze each student’s performance data to provide recommended learning paths that cater to specific strengths and weaknesses. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace, leading them to feel more motivated to attend classes and perform better in exams.

3. Collaborative Learning

Technology also enables teachers to create collaborative environments where students can effectively communicate and work together on projects. Online discussion boards, cloud-based group assignments, and video conferencing enhance teamwork skills while boosting camaraderie among classmates. When students feel connected with their peers and actively participate in group activities, they are more likely to value attending class sessions which eventually leads them to achieve higher test scores.

4. Continuous Feedback

eLearning platforms equipped with real-time analytics help teachers monitor student progress closely. This ongoing feedback loop alerts educators about potential issues before they escalate into significant problems that may affect attendance and test scores. Timely intervention, such as additional tutoring or support, ensures that students stay on track.

5. Flipped Classroom Model

The flipped classroom model is gaining popularity and has shown promising results in improving both attendance and test scores. This approach involves students watching video lectures or engaging in online learning materials at home before attending class. Classroom time is then used for discussions, group projects, and addressing questions. This dynamic environment boosts student participation and leads to better comprehension of the subject matter, enhancing test scores.

Conclusion

Incorporating technology in education has demonstrated tangible benefits in improving attendance rates and test scores for students worldwide. By embracing these advancements, educators are not only strengthening the learning experience for their students but also shaping them into well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.

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