This past Wednesday I delivered an enrichment workshop to students from our area of schools. Here is a brief summary:

I opened the presentation with some technology “wows” (NES PC, Wiimote Mouse, Sega Genesis Controller Hard Drive) then went into some explanation writing.

I discussed the concept of how CDs and DVDs work with repect to the pits on the disc surface that are converted to 1s and 0s by a laser. We discussed these 1s and 0s as binary machine language and converted them back to decimal.

To end the day I had a scenario for the students. Triyums (3 fingered aliens) have landed on earth. Your task is to communicate with them numerically, using your knowledge of decimal (base 10) and binary (base 2). How many numerals will you use? What are they? How would Triyums write the number 3? 6? 16? (I actually found this activity online somewhere and thought it fit perfectly.)

Overall the day was a success. Next time, I would have a more practical hands-on activity instead of a scenario worksheet. Under the circumstances of our “Tecnhology Mystery” (which is what our workshop was called) I found it difficult to come up with something hands on technology wise that was cheap and readily accessible.

admin General binary, CD, DVD, NES PC, Sega Genesis, technology, Wiimote

There seems to be much confusion going around about Explanation Writing. The general consensus is “why” something works/happens or a “cause and effect” relationship.

A few great technological ideas would include:

• How a CD/DVD works
• How a PC stores information
• How fiber optic works

There are many websites out there (think HowStuffWorks) that have detailed explanations on many topics. What a great way to model this form of writing first (on the SMARTBoard too!).

I would pin the SMART Notebook page and start brainstorming similarities on these pieces of explanation writing on these websites. It’s a simple way to develop an anchor chart or performance wall.

admin Lesson Ideas CD, DVD, Explanation Writing, fiber optics, SMART Notebook, SMARTBoard