Innovation Institute 2017

Tinkering studios and makerspaces are growing in popularity in schools, museums and libraries. But what is tinkering and making? Does this approach to learning really belong in schools? If it does, then what are the best practices for implementing tinkering in a classroom setting? As the leading resource for student based tinkering in NWA, the Scott Family Amazeum will share insights and strategies including opportunities to sample tinkering experiences.

Tinkering studios and makerspaces are growing in popularity in schools, museums and libraries. But what is tinkering and making? Does this approach to learning really belong in schools? If it does, then what are the best practices for implementing tinkering in a classroom setting? As the leading resource for student based tinkering in NWA, the Scott Family Amazeum will share insights and strategies including opportunities to sample tinkering experiences.

This session provides a platform for educators to find different opportunities for students to express themselves, share their ideas and what they are learning, through using various audio tools, such as Vocaroo, Twisted Wave, Flipgrid, SoundCloud, and more! The tools are compatible with a variety of devices. We will share examples, discuss ways to use the tools, explore the pros and cons, and experience the tools through hands-on activities. Participants will leave with a plan to implement these tools in the classroom.

Bring the idea of Escape rooms to your class. Breakouts are being used to teach core academic subjects including math, science, history, and language arts. Each adventure has embedded standards that apply problem solving strategies within a real world OR collaborative context. A feature of Breakout EDU is that the quest to solve the mysteries is very much rooted in inquiry based learning where learning or solving a particular problem revolves solving a central question. The framework of the learning game ensures that Involvement that leads to understanding, and that players are Converting information and data into useful knowledge. The learning is centered around the process of figuring the problem out, all in a student centered, collaborative manner. Participants in this session will be solving a Breakout EDU mystery, and sharing how to create your own Breakout sessions.

Any educator or administrator is welcome to come to this session. This session would be great for educators that do not have a Google Expeditions Kit because after this session you could understand if this would be a product you want for your school district. You do not need to bring any devices or hardware to this session. It is recommended that students must be over 7 years old to experience a Google Expedition.

This is most beneficial for teachers and facilitators.

This is a "behind the scenes" look at how PBL works for all grade levels and subjects.

Ditch the markers, scissors and glue sticks and learn how to make interactive posters, graphic organizers and more using Google Drawing. Learn how to effectively use this tool as part of your instructional strategies engaging students and deepening their understanding and learning. Google Drawings can be used to make activities such as Drag & Drop, Sequencing, Interactive Maps, Interactive Concept Maps, and much more. This session will provide you multiple “ready to use” templates and activities.

This is designed for building and district administrators and instructional facilitators.

This is fitting for all grade levels and subjects. All the tools are web-based, so any device will work.