Bouncy Balls - Noise Meter for the Classroom

I stumbled across this website which has a whole heap of interactive and fun visual tools which would work well in the classroom.

I particularly liked Bouncy Balls, which works with your microphone - when there is no noise, the balls don't move, the more noise the higher the balls bounce. I thought this would be a great tool for behaviour management in the classroom. Used as a noise meter, students can visually see when they are getting too loud within activities and are then able to self-regulate.

I cannot wait to try this out next term! I just hope it doesn't have the opposite effect!
Give is a go at here.

Classroom Avatars!

I was recently told about Voki - an online site which allows you to create your own avatar and implement it into the classroom. You can choose from a heap of different characters and modify to create your own look. Or make a new character for different themes, like cowboys, pirates, police officer, anything you can think of! You can choose from a number of different languages and accents, which would be great for SOSE lessons! You can even upload your own voice.

I cannot wait to show my class... It could be some sort of a class mascot! Delivering class messages, or introducing a new topic to the class.

Here is my first try at making an avatar! Still need to tweak it a bit! Have a try and let me know how you go! How will you use Voki in the classroom?

Marble Run!

My friends and I made this marble run as part of a Technology unit we designed at uni.
I cannot wait to use it in the classroom!

Design Challenge 

Your overpopulated city needs a new above-ground transport system. Your job is to investigate the key factors in an effective transport system and apply these to a design of your own. Using your design, you will need to use recyclable materials and suitable tools to produce this system. You will critically evaluate the transport system and make modifications when necessary. This will be done in groups of 6. Throughout this process, you will complete an individual reflection log detailing your learning and understanding.

DIY Terrariums

I LOVE gardening. But as a full time student working two jobs, it's sometimes hard to keep my veggie patch going.

I was inspired by pinterest to plant something a little more low maintenance and something I could enjoy all the time.

Here's how I created my terrarium!

Leftover eggs? Eggs-cellent!

Now that the Easter holidays are over, what to do with all these leftover plastic eggs? I have seen some beautiful egg crafts on Pinterest and now have so many ideas! 

I managed to get all these eggs for less that $3 at the Spotlight sales last weekend. So here are some educational uses for plastic eggs within in the classroom.