they could draw their lab or their most famous invention. An astronaut could be represented by spaceship or images of the Solar System. Once the picture is complete, have students start a new document containing the written part of the postcard. Here’s the catch, challenge them to write in first person as the famous American. They could pretend to write to their parents or a fellow artist or inventor. Students must express their knowledge of this person through the content of their postcard.


Lights, Camera…ACTION!—Music and images interlaced with quotes, facts and information can be quite moving to an audience. Let students teach others by creating a simple documentary of the famous American’s life. Simple and powerful statements (words on the screen) work well. Some students may want to write a script and record their voice narrating the documentary. iMovie, Keynote or Movie Maker could be used to accomplish this task. Burn DVDs to share at school and at home too.


Bio-Cube—Students can use this website (www. readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/ bio_cube/) to create an actual cube that will contain a variety of information about their


famous American on each of the six sides. The website prompts students and leads them to successfully finishing the cube which can be printed, cut and assembled into an actual cube for display. I also encourage students to add color or illustrations to enhance the visual appearance of their cube. (NOTE: The bio- cube will probably take less time to complete than the other projects. As the teacher you may direct students who struggle with task completion or have other learning distractions toward this choice. Remember, what challenges one student may not challenge another. All the more reason to provide choices and challenges for everyone.)


ASSESSMENT: Create an open-ended rubric that focuses on the grade level content expectations versus the technology tool or type of project. This type of rubric allows the teacher to utilize the same assessment tool for all of the projects encompassed under one topic or unit of study. As the teacher and facilitator of the learning process, you’ll want to provide guidelines for your students to follow. Think about the timeline, how long will students have to complete the project?


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CELEBRATE: Provide time for students to share what they have learned with each other. It doesn’t always have to involve one kid or small group of kids in front of the class. That works for a few presentations but students may lose interest if the duration is too long. Tip: Spread presentations over a few days to allow for questions and answer time and compliments. Pop some popcorn one day and watch a couple of the movies. Archive the famous American raps in iTunes and create a listening corner with some headphones where students can listen, learn and enjoy.


Give students a set amount of time for a “museum walk”. Hang postcards around the room or in the hallway and make displays with the bio-cubes. Then have students walk from “exhibit” to “exhibit” reading and learning about the famous Americans. Provide time at the end for reflections and sharing.


When you give students a voice and a choice they are more committed and engaged in their learning endeavors.


Cheryl Boes is a K-6 Media Specialist at Dresden Elementary in Utica Community Schools. She can be reached via e-mail at:Cheryl.boes@uticak12.org.


to Teach in the 21st-Century Classroom? Lawrence Technological University Can Help!


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