First Grade Learning about the parts of plants

Mrs. Campo and Mrs. Arredondo's Classes looked at and compared different plant parts. We used Microsoft Word to help us present our information. We used clip art to find different pictures of plants and wrote 2 sentences about how the plants were the same and different. We changed the font, size and alignment to make our documents look appealing! We learned a lot today!

Second Graders learning Powerpoint!

Ms. Kajimura's Second graders learned all about how to create slides, change font size, insert word art and clip art, change design theme and save file using Microsoft's PowerPoint.

Technology TEKS

6a. use appropriate terminology regarding basic hardware, software applications, programs,

networking, virtual environments, and emerging technologies;

6b. use appropriate digital tools and resources for storage, access, file management, and collaboration;

6c. perform basic software application functions, including opening an application and creating, modifying,

printing, and saving files;

Tech Hero to Tech Hero Hangout

During our monthly Tech Hero Meeting, Callison Tech Heroes got an opportunity to visit with Tech Heroes from Teravista Elementary via Google Hangout! Here are some of the questions that they asked of each other:

Tech Hero Campus Interview

 What do you like most about being a Tech Hero?

 What are some of the jobs that you do?

 Do you plan to work in the field of technology?

 What is the coolest thing your class has done with technology this school year?

Students were shown how to set up a webcam, check for what is needed for a hangout, and how to participate in a Google Hangout. Although the student accounts for GAFE do not include the Hangout, this experience will help them in their classroom when their teacher does a Hangout. 

Tech Heroes help troubleshoot or report computer problems to Mrs. Nichols, maintain the laptops, learn new applications and have visits from professionals in the field of technology.

Counselors Cruising Careers in the Instructional Tech Lab!

Counselors Pam Butler and Karyn Padilla are helping students explore careers in our Instructional Tech Lab. The site is "Jobs in Pawland", “Many elementary students are only familiar with the types of jobs their parents or those close to them, hold.  This helps broaden their view.”

The following information comes from the ASCA ( American School Counselor Association) National Standards for Students"

Standard C: Students will understand the relationship of academics to the world of work and life in the community.

A:C1 Understand the relationship between learning and work

Standard B: Students will employ strategies to achieve future career goals with success and satisfaction.

C:B1.2  Identify person skills, interests and abilities and relate them to current career choice.

Grasping Main Ideas in Informational Texts

Mr. Reye’s fifth grade students used the “comment feature” on a Google document to show how to recognize and emphasize the main idea and supporting details of text. They were learning about holiday traditions of different cultures. The students were highly engaged and participating using this digital tool. 

Reading TEK:

5.11A - summarize the main ideas and supporting details in a text in ways that maintain meaning and logical order

Technology Application TEKS:

(2)  Communication and collaboration. The student collaborates and communicates both locally and globally using digital tools and resources to reinforce and promote learning.

Google Hangout with Teravista

Mr. Reyes's fifth grade class had the opportunity to share what they were thankful for with Ms. Zirlott's fifth graders from Teravista Elementary here in Round Rock ISD. We used Google Hangout to allow the students to communicate. Each class took turns sharing and students clapped for each other.

Technology Thursday's at Callison!

Callison's Broadcast Team starts every 'Technology Thursday' off with a broadcast featuring:

Technology Vocabulary
Student Work
Technology Video showcasing the vocabulary term for the week.

Check out one of the broadcasts below:

Ms. Coakwell's Dual Language Class

These photos show the Dual Language 4th grade class doing research and making powerpoints investigating the lives and cultures of early Native Americans in the 4 geographical regions of Texas.  Six tribes were selected and the research shared by students groups. The students researched in both Spanish and English.  They will share their presentations with the school campus.  They have incorporated photos, even videos as well as their own compositions on their powerpoints.  The students received their initial trainings and materials from Linda Nichols and Laura Trellue, then continued their project in class.

Fifth Grade Focused Researchers....

Mr. Reyes' fifth grade class have been researching in the Instructional Tech Lab. The students are working on a choice research project. They are focusing on a question(s) about a particular topic, and answering the question through research. 

Career Day Got Techie....

Our school counselors Pam Butler and Karyn Padilla held a Career Day on May 3rd. Community, Parents and District Employees were invited to share with the students about their profession. It was a huge success and the students were eager to learn about the skills and education needed for certain careers. We had quite a few presentations in the area of technology.

First we had Mark Gabehart, The Director of Information Services talk with the students about the district's technology. The students were asked what were some of the wishes they had for technology in our district, one of the responses was "WiFi in all the school buses." This proves how Callison students are always thinking outside of the box!

Second, we had one of our parents that is currently stationed in Afghanistan, video conference with us using Skype. Lt. Tracey Ference stressed with the students that "math and science" is really important for the military. He also shared that he loves to read while he's away.

Third, we had a Engineer from National Instruments. Mr. Tommy Glicker told the students how he went from being in elementary school to becoming an Engineer. The students were very engaged in the conversation and also had the opportunity to interact with some Lego robots.

Lastly, we had Lannon Heflin. Mr. Heflin is Director of Instructional Technology for our district. He talked with the students about how he went from wanting to be an artist to becoming a leader in Instructional Technology. He also left the students with some final thoughts:

1. Do what you LOVE! The jobs you will have might not exist yet!

2. Never stop learning.

3. Think BIG- you make your own future, no matter what your present situation.

Second Grade Web Designers!

This project began as an assignment for a graduate course second grade teacher Ms. Espericueta is  taking. I had to write a book that was culturally relevant for her dual-language class.  She chose the topic of bats because she knew her students could relate since Round Rock and Austin  are known for this tourist attraction. 
She used the book to begin her inquiry-based unit. The students had so many questions about bats. They developed their questions and began their research. 
The students then identified a need. They learned the importance of bats in our community and the dangers that may harm them. As part of of their service or project-based learning, the kids wanted to help conserve bats by teaching others about their importance. I gotta say, they were so enthusiastic about this project that  she just had to follow through with their ideas. With the help of parents, they were able to make t-shirts, a  newsletter articles, table games, posters and this website. The are also in the process of putting together a "bat museum" in which the kids will show off their research. In addition, they are planning a puppet show for the younger kids. 
The students also had a visitor from the Bat Conservation Organization in Austin. (Thank you,Mrs. Melton!) She showed us pictures and taught us so much more about the bats we find in our very own McNeil Bridge here in Round Rock. 
We took a filed trip to the Inner Space Caverns and although that field trip had a different purpose, we were so lucky to see a small bat fly right in front of us. 

Please check out their website by clicking here

We are Publishers!!!

Mrs. Kajimura's second grade class studied bees for 2 weeks.  They combined their learning in science, reading and writing.  The final product was a newspaper "The Bee Times" used to help others learn about bees.

Think Through Math and West, TX

The students in Ms.Whispell's fourth grade class love using Think Through Math. As students finish their math morning work, they are given the opportunity to work through their customized individual learning path. They also love spending time at home on the computer working through their lessons and problems. They have even more fun creating their avatar.

In the wake of the tragedy in West, Texas, there is now a charity to donate points (which in turn is calculated into cash). Her students are so eager to earn as many points as possible and have begun donating to this charity. The students can instantly see how their own hard work can help those who need it most. I am very proud of my students motivation and engagement with this technological tool!!

Think Through Math and American Red Cross: West, Texas

Think Through Math is partnering with the American Red Cross: West, Texas Relief Fund to help the people affected by the West, Texas explosion. Every 5,000 points = $1.
THINK Nation has already donated over $1,000 dollars! This charity will be available for an entire month. Encourage your students to log-in and start solving!

Kinders through second graders get to vote!!

Kindergarten, first and second grade classes are using ActiVotes to cast their ballots for their favorite Armadillo Book. These handheld  devices allow all students to interact with the lesson.

 

Proper Nouns and Wordle!!

In the lab today, Ms. Childer's students created word clouds on Wordle .As a class they have been focusing on using capital letters correctly. As a part of the instruction, each student made a list of things and places specific to them. The list included months, days, names, places and holidays. We used wordle as a fun way to create a final product.

Second Graders and Expository Writing!

Ms. McKenney's second graders are busy creating brochures as they work on Expository writing. They are using the Instructional Tech Lab to create the brochures in Microsoft Word.

Ms. Plourde's 5th Graders are Researching!

Librarian Ms. Trellue provided Ms. Plourde's class with a refresher course on using online databases. The students were able to research topics of their choice from Life and Earth Science.

Callison particpates: Celebration of Families

On Saturday, Callison staff and families were out at Stony Point for the 2013 Celebration of Families event. Several of our staff members presented at some of the workshops that were offered. They had great sessions for families which included CyberSafety! Also, The Instructional Technology Specialists had webcams setup for everyone that came to take photos. Laughter and giggles could be heard from both children and adults as attendees took the opportunity to stop by the technology table to use the webcam to capture their images with a funny Facial Accessory