the SAMR model

Last week, in a discussion about use of technology and innovation we learned about the SAMR model. The SAMR model helps educators, but in our case also students, judge how to they are using technology. Below is a good explanation of the model.

L'exploration de l'espace

Space exploration is our next big unit of study and we are going to boldly go where no one has gone before, mars! For this unit, students are working on creativity and innovation as they will attempt to solve one or two (time dependant) real-world space problems.

Challenge 1: How would you resupply a laboratory on Mars? If resupply is impossible how would you do then?

Students will record the whole design process using this Journal scientifique.


* No, I wasn't inspired by The Martian, check out my inspiration for this unit at NASA's Mission Imagination.

Canada et le monde - projet final

We are more or less done our Canada and the world inquiry. I say more or less because only a few groups have brought their proposal and whole project to fruition. Some students are waiting to hear from the principal to see if their project is feasible within the school year. Propositions have been evaluated by both the students themselves and the teacher using our co-constructed rubric. Rubrics will be going home for parents to look at early next week. Below are some general reflections on our strengths and next steps.

Strengths:
- We care deeply for various people around the world
- We are aware of issues that have a global impact (e.g. war, climate change, poverty)
- We collaborate increasingly well within the classroom
- We are much more comfortable solving authentic and ambiguous tasks or problems
- We are good at using technology to collaborate and share what we know


Next steps:
- We need to collect more data to truly understand the problem before we attempt to solve it
- We need to use technology to connect with people outside of the classroom who can give us real-world insight and feedback
- We need to be more creative!