Tyler's Tech Tips
March 2018 Edition
Siri, Merge Cube, Free Code.org Training, Live Cams, and Solar System Activities.
Siri in the Classroom
Activate Siri by saying, "Hey Siri" and then say any one of the following phrases.
"Roll a dice"
"Flip a coin"
"Pick a number 1 through 100"
"Schedule a meeting with Jake's mom on Tuesday at 4 p.m."
"Remind me to call Susan's grandma at 1 p.m. this afternoon"
"Set the timer for 35 minutes"
"How do you spell Arkansas"
"What is the definition of Prime"
"What is 67% of $125?"
"What is the temperature outside?"
"When did the Bostom Massacre happen?"
While Artificial Intelligence devices can be an awesome tool to use in the classroom, there are also many risks that need to be discussed. Read this article wrote by Common Sense Media to see many negative factors that AI may bring.
Holograms in the Palm of Your Hand
There are over 30 apps that work with this and most of them are free. To work this cube, all users need to do is download an app, which will use the camera on the device. Once inside the app, the camera will recognize the Merge Cube and it will turn into an interactive experience. Depending on which app is being used, the Merge cube can transform into the solar system, parts of the human body, awesome stories, games, etc.
The price point on these was originally $15 at Walmart. If you buy on Amazon, it will cost you $6.85 with Prime's free shipping. But Walmart for some reason has all of these on sale for $1. I went to the Bad Axe Walmart today and bought 7 for $1 a piece!
FREE Code.org Training
Code.org has a FREE curriculum for computer science for Grades K-5; some of you may have used their materials in the past. This spring, the HISD has received a grant to host a FREE one-day training for K-5 teachers on how to use the code.org materials. This training will be at Huron ISD on May 1, 2018; click here to sign up or to see dates for additional locations. Substitute reimbursements are provided by the grant (public schools only).
Wildlife Live Cams
Well, if you like webcams, you will surely like explore.org. This free site has live webcams for Eagles, Bears, Blue Herons, Falcons, Penguins, Tigers, Sharks, and many more. Most of these live cams are "live", but some are not due to hibernation and migration.
This is a great website to pick a few animals and watch their growth over the next few months in your classroom. What an awesome way for your students to get connected to wildlife in experiences that they may never see in person.
Solar System Activities
The app is called "Ready Jet Go" and was created by PBS Kids. The app has a lot of different activities that allows students to immerse themselves into the solar system. The app can be downloaded through the App Store or the Google Play Store.
PBS kids also has a neat pinball game where students have to collect different planets while some planet facts are given to them.
Lastly, if you are looking for additional material and videos on the solar system, PBS has a lot of good resources. Click here to access more materials.