TechnoKids News and Blog Posts

Think Green, Teach Green – Earth Day 2020

April 22, 2020 marks the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day.

On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million people in the United States demonstrated for a healthy, sustainable environment. They brought awareness to the extinction of wildlife, destruction caused by pollution, and loss of wilderness. In 1990, Earth Day became a global event with 141 countries and 200 million people organizing to campaign for environmental issues. As its 50 year milestone approaches this year, the movement continues to challenge everyone to make a difference. The energy and enthusiasm of young people is a powerful force to drive change and impact our planet.

Teacher Resources for Earth Day

Earth Day Online

Earth Day is just one of the many online sites available to teachers and students. It includes ideas and resources to inspire and drive climate action:

Register an Earth Day Event

View events in your area by zooming in on the Earth Day site map. See the range of events in the world. Or place a dot on the Earth Day site map by registering your own event. It can be a clean-up, rally, teach-in, art fair, or your own idea!

Get Informed on Environmental Issues

Read about the range of areas in which Earth Day initiatives are working. Sign up as an Earth Day School to get on the map to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day. Commit to what your school will do in 2020.

Download Educational Resources

Browse through activities and lessons provided specifically for educators, for example:

Lesson plans on air quality and plastic pollution
Protect Our Species Toolkit
Ways of engagement such as schools, clubs, parks, media, businesses, and more
Latest News and Stories
Social Media Sharing and Posters

And there’s lots more!

TechnoKids Earth Day Event

Only from April 2 until April 15, 2020 get TechnoEarth technology project at special promotional pricing.

Teach the whole curriculum unit to create an interactive infographic using Google Sites based on a specific environmental issue. Step-by-step instructions support middle school learners as they explain the cause, harmful effects, stakeholder interests, location data, and solutions to a local or international problem.

Combine Google Docs, Slides, Sites, Sheets, My Maps, and Drawings to produce a web-based publication. Integrate the unit into a digital literacy, science, or geography unit to mark Earth Day 2020. Download the project into your TechnoKids digital library here.

Fun Activities to Take Earth Day Action

Have less class time? Pick a single, quick lesson to inspire and raise awareness as Earth Day approaches on April 22. Here are some ideas.

TechnoKids’ technology project TechnoEarth teaches students to become environmental stewards. But you can pick and choose some lessons to teach in a single day or just a few computer classes.

Explore a Sample Infographic

To encourage Earth Day action, students can examine the sample Acid Rain infographic provided in the TechnoEarth resources. In Assignment 2, they learn about the features of an infographic and the reasons to use this format to inspire awareness. They answer questions about the contents and design of the sample. In just one brief lesson, spark an interest in environmental concerns.

Discover TechnoEarth Fact Sheets

Included in the TechnoEarth resources are 13 fact sheets on a range of environmental issues. These are provided to support learning. Environmental topics are complicated issues with scientific detail and complex vocabulary. The fact sheets are simpler, one-page outlines that may replace online research to save class time or to meet individual student needs. As an Earth Day lesson or to spark further interest, students analyze the fact sheets:

environmental education lessons — 13 fact sheets are included in TechnoEarth resources

Acid rain
Clear cutting
Endangered species
Garbage
Invasive species
Mountaintop mining
Nuclear energy
Oil sands
Overfishing
Plastic pollution
Poaching
Water consumption

Create an Image Carousel of Harmful Effects

TechnoEarth includes optional lessons to challenge students. Session 2 Extension Activity lists instructions to make an image carousel in Google Sites. A series of photographs is selected to portray the harmful effects of an environmental problem. The pictures create a photo gallery through which the viewer can scroll. Research the images individually or have students collaborate in pairs or groups on a specific topic. The collection creates a compelling view of the problem in one stand-alone activity.

Inform with a Pictograph

Another quick, Earth Day lesson is Session 3 Extension Activity. Use the Big number slide layout in Google Slides to make an eye-catching pictograph. With iconic, universally recognized symbols, students create a visual that graphically depicts the numerical data of an environmental issue.

earth day data — Simple, universally recognizable images are used in infographics.

Pinpoint a Problem Location

Produce a thematic map about a particular environmental issue using Google My Maps. In Session 4, a map is created to highlight worst offenders, best stewards, disaster sites, at-risk regions, successful conservation projects, or legally protected areas. A marker locates the place, the icon style of the marker is customized, and interesting facts and photos are selected and included. Publishing just the map can be an engaging way to communicate the scope of an issue.

Boost Search Strategies Using Environmental Issues

TechnoEarth Session 1 Skill Review gives students tips about how to find information fast. They learn explicit, effective search strategies. Then they apply their skills to search online and find results for specific environmental topics.

TechnoEarth Technology Project and Activities

Whether you can allocate just one class or a complete unit of study to promote environmental awareness, TechnoEarth is an ideal resource for Earth Day celebrations. The half price promotion is only available April 2 – April 15, so act now and order here. Spark an interest in students to become environmental stewards!

Get a Jump Start on Using OneNote Class Notebook

The Internet has many online resources teachers can access to gain help with creating a Class Notebook using OneNote. A quick Google Search will generate a list of sites. However, often they contain outdated information. New things are happening all the time with OneNote Class Notebook. For this reason, it is best to get current information direct from Microsoft.

Below are some of our favorite Microsoft OneNote resources:

Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook Education Blog

Stay up-to-date on what is happening with OneNote. The Education Blog includes announcements, tips, and practical applications in the classroom.

OneNote for Education Video Series

The OneNote for Education website provide access to informative videos. This series is best-suited to teachers that are new to OneNote and need help getting started. In addition to learning about the basics, educators can also view classroom scenarios that provide ideas for implementation.

OneNote FAQ

To transform a TechnoKids project into a Class Notebook requires OneNote 2016 to insert the assignments, which are in PDF format. Many teachers have concerns that OneNote 2016 will no longer be supported. The good news is this is not the case. You can get current information and your questions answered by reading the OneNote Frequently Asked Question page.

Transform a TechnoKids Project into a Class Notebook

How to Make a OneNote Class Notebook Handbook

Microsoft Education provides general information teachers can use to implement the use of Class Notebooks into their practice. If you are using TechnoKids projects, and you would like to transform the assignments into a Class Notebook using OneNote, it is best to refer to the How to Make a OneNote Class Notebook handbook. The instructions will guide you through the process.

TechnoKids Class Notebook Support

If you have additional questions about TechnoKids and OneNote, refer to the Class Notebook support page. The content is divided into seven sections:

Get Started
Create a Class Notebook
Add Assignments and Assessment to the Class Notebook
Add Resources to the Content Library
How Students Use the TechnoKids Notebook
How the Teacher Views Student Work
Tips for Using a Class Notebook

TechnoKids Class Notebook Video Series

If you prefer to follow along to instructional videos, check out our YouTube Class Notebook for Teachers playlist. It is a how-to series that explains how to transform a TechnoKids project into a OneNote Class Notebook.

Do your students need help using their personalized notebooks? The video series Class Notebook Tutorial for Students provides step-by-step instructions. Viewers learn how to annotate TechnoKids assignments, make a copy of a template, view a sample, and submit work. Use this series to support learners.

How to Make a Pictograph with Google Slides

Want to learn how to make a pictograph with Google Slides? Keep reading! This blog post explains how to use the drawing tools in Google Slides to transform a slide into a pictograph.

What is a Pictograph?

A pictograph is a graph that is made from pictures. Each image represents a value. It could be a fraction, ratio, percent, price, or other unit of measure.

Select a Key to Represent Each Value

The first thing you need to do when making a pictograph is decide upon the key you will use to represent the data. For example:

one body = ten million people
one piece of coral = one fifth
one fish = 10%

Make a Pictograph Using Google Slides

Follow the step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a pictograph using Google Slides. Be creative!
1.Open Google Slides.
2. Click the New Slide arrow. Select Main Point or Big Number.

3. In the text boxes, type the fact. Format the text to make the number stand out.

Add fact to the Google Slide. Format the text to make the number stand out.

4. Insert an image to represent the value. It should be a simple clip art, symbol, or icon:

Click Insert Image.
Click Search the web. Type a search word.
Click on an icon you like. Click Insert.
Resize and move the icon.

5. Copy and paste the image to create a group:

Select the image.
Press CTRL + D on the keyboard, to duplicate the image.
Continue to duplicate, until there are enough images to represent the number.

6. Select the images on the slide:

Place the first and last image where you want them on the slide.
Click and drag around the images to select them all.

how to make a pictograph — Place the first and last image where you want them on the slide.

7. Arrange and distribute the images:

From the Arrange menu, click Align.
Select Top, Middle, or Bottom.
From the Arrange menu, click Distribute. Select Horizontally.

Some images need to have their color changed to show the percentage.

8. Recolor some of the images to show a fraction, ratio, or percent.

Select the images to be a different color.
Click Format options.
Click the Recolor arrow. Pick a color.

In this sample, the green figures represent 60%.

Crop An Image to Show Part of a Value

Your value might be 65 thousand people. What do you do? You will need to crop part of an image to remove a section.

Select the image to be cropped.
Click Crop image.
Drag a handle to remove part of the shape. The part outside the black crop lines will be trimmed away.

Click Crop image again.

Make One Image Look Like It is Two Colors

Select an image. Press CTRL + D on the keyboard to duplicate it.
Crop the pasted image.
Recolor the cropped image.
Drag it over top of another image, so that they look like one piece.

Environmental Education Lessons for Grades 6-9

The instructions for how to make a pictograph are modified from the extension activity in the TechnoKids project, TechnoEarth. In the lesson students follow instructions to create a pictograph about an environment topic. It is a meaningful way to demonstrate learning.

Download How to Make a Pictograph Lesson

How to Make a Pictograph Download

TechnoEarth and environmental education — TechnoEarth has environmental education lessons for Grades 6-9.

Are you interested in environmental education? In TechnoEarth, students design an interactive infographic to raise awareness for an environmental issue. Visit TechnoEarth to learn more details about this engaging technology unit that places students in the role of environmental stewards.

Transform a TechnoKids Project into a Class Notebook

Learn how to transform a TechnoKids Project into a OneNote Class Notebook. A Class Notebook is a blend between a digital file cabinet and a binder. It organizes course materials such as assignments, templates, samples, and quizzes into a OneNote publication.

A OneNote Class Notebook is an ideal way to distribute TechnoKids project assignments and resource files. Follow the instructions in the TechnoKids Class Notebook Handbook to use OneNote to create a notebook for the entire class. Step-by-step instructions with illustrations explain how to produce unique personal notebooks that each student can use to complete TechnoKids worksheets, follow assignment instructions, and submit work.

Why Should I Create a TechnoKids Class Notebook?

Go Paperless!

A OneNote Class Notebook is digital. Teachers distribute assignments, templates, samples, or other resource documents electronically. There is no need to print handouts that require a pen and paper to complete. Instead, students can type answers directly onto a OneNote page which can be viewed instantly by the teacher.

Access TechnoKids Project Materials Anywhere, Anytime

A TechnoKids Class Notebook resides in the “cloud”. It is online. Students can use any OneNote app to access the file. This allows them to complete a TechnoKids project anywhere, anytime.

Complete Assignments Without Adobe Acrobat Reader

TechnoKids assignments are in PDF format. They have security that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and annotate the file when working on a Windows device. However,
when using a OneNote Class Notebook this is no longer the case. Instead, the TechnoKids PDF files are inserted on to OneNote pages. The student can then use the Draw tools within OneNote to type their answers.

Type answers into a TechnoKids assignment using OneNote. — Type answers into a TechnoKids assignment using the Text and Pen tools in OneNote.

Communicate with Students About a TechnoKids Project

A OneNote Class Notebook includes a Welcome section. A section is like a divider in a traditional binder. It groups pages together. The Welcome section is a public space that students can view. Use it to introduce a TechnoKids project, outline tasks, or provide reminders.

Use the Welcome section in the OneNote Class Notebook to introduce students to the TechnoKids project.

Share TechnoKids Templates and Sample Files

A OneNote Class Notebook has a Content Library. It is a section where teachers can attach TechnoKids resources such as templates and samples. The files are read-only. Students can view the content but cannot make any changes. To work with a file, they must make their own copy.

Distribute TechnoKids Assignments to Control Pacing of Instruction

A OneNote Class Notebook has a private section the teacher uses to direct the flow of instruction. It is not available by default and must be enabled. Use this section to add TechnoKids assignments, reviews, and marking sheets ahead of time. These pages remain hidden from students until the teacher distributes them to Students’ notebooks.

Enable the Teacher-Only section to direct the flow of instruction. — Direct the flow of instruction by adding TechnoKids assignments to the Teacher-Only section of the Class Notebook. When the class is ready to complete a TechnoKids assignment, distribute the OneNote page. This will automatically place a copy into each Student’s personal notebook.

Easily Submit Student Work

The TechnoKid Class Notebook you create, will have a My Work section. This section allows students to submit their work. They will attach their completed TechnoKids projects to a OneNote page. The file might be a PowerPoint slide show, Word report, or Excel budget sheet. Teachers can access the My Work section in each student’s personal notebook to view their work and provide feedback.

Submit student work by attaching the file to a OneNote page in a TechnoKids Class Notebook. — Submit complete TechnoKids projects to a OneNote page. Teachers can access this section in each student’s notebook to view their work and provide feedback.

Provide Feedback to Students

The teacher can access each student’s personal notebook. This allows them to view assignments and completed project files. Feedback such as stickers or comments can be added to pages using the tools in OneNote.

Provide students with feedback using sticker packs in OneNote. — OneNote has sticker packs you can use to provide feedback.

Collaborate to Share Ideas

Many TechnoKids projects have brainstorming activities or group discussions about a topic. A OneNote Class Notebook has a Collaboration Space. It is a public section where everyone in the class can share and collaborate. The information in this space can be edited by any student. When working on a TechnoKids project you might want to use this section to list topic ideas or create a community forum for questions and answers. It is important for educators to moderate student contributions to this space. To restrict access, sections can be locked or moved. Refer to Lock the Collaboration Space.

Microsoft Office Proficiency and TechnoKids Projects

TechnoKids has over 20 Microsoft Office projects for K-12 students. Using the project-based activities, students gain proficiency. They apply digital literacy skills to create an amusement park, draft a budget, operate a restaurant, produce a newsletter, and more! Seamlessly integrate technology into curriculum. Combine OneNote Class Notebook and TechnoKids to simplify instruction and engage learners.