Grade2_2008

__September 2-September 8__ Students were introduced to the computer lab. They participated in the creation of rules for working with the computers and when going online. Students also completed a KWL chart, which assessed their prior knowledge of computers and created goals for their learning during the coming year.

__September 9-September 30__ Students used the program TuxPaint to create a map of their ideal classroom. When students completed their work, they were able to explore the websites [|Starfall], [|ABCya], and [|Goldburger to Go].

__October 2-October 24__ Working in pairs, students expanded their knowledge of Weather facts by playing some weather games individually and then tackling the [|Wild Weather Adventure] game in pairs.

__October 27-November 25__ Students created acrostic Weather poems in Microsoft Word 2003. During this project, students learned how to change the font, color and size of their words, as well as how to insert pictures into their documents.

__December 1-December 19__ Students used their newfound desktop publishing skills to create their own personal business cards using Microsoft Publisher. Students were then able to use the same program to create holiday cards for their friends and family.

__January 12-March 20__ Students created digital images of themselves interacting with their families, as part of their Me on the Map unit. Students then explored their own neighborhoods using Google Earth. Their final project was to create a map of their neighborhood, using TuxPaint. This map was then imported into Microsoft Publisher, where students added their names, a title, and a brief reflection of their project.

__March 31-May 12__ For their Life Cycles unit, students were given an introduction to their WIS email account, provided by the school, as well as the rules governing its use. This email account will be used for students to share resources and to facilitate collaboration both inside and outside of school. Students then received an introduction to PowerPoint, which they may use in their final project for Life Cycles. Students also began to work on their typing skills using the online program [|Dance Mat Typing].

__May 15-June 10__ For their Cultures Alive unit, students will explore myths and legends from other cultures. To conclude the unit, students will create their own myth using Word and pictures drawn in TuxPaint. Students will also continue their typing practice.