Wonder Tech Workshop | Camp Wonderopolis

Welcome to Wonder Tech Workshop!

http://camp.wonderopolis.org/track/wonder-tech-workshop

Camp Wonderopolis offers 42 exciting units of STEM-based Wonders covering six topics ranging from sports to health and technology. Each lesson includes informational text discussing a curious question, an interactive vocabulary study, a video and photo gallery, related activities to extend the Wonder, and a quiz with a chance to earn a Wonder Card. Recommended reading lists and step-by-step instructions for at-home Maker activities are also included. (Complete FAQ here.)

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The latest from Infotopia

Monthly Newsletter - July

http://www.infotopia.info/newsletters/July_2015_Infotopia.pdf

The July infotopia newsletter is out, with links to summer reading resources and some handy search tips for finding specific filetypes on the Infotopia site.

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Combining PDF documents using Preview on your Mac

Combine, re-order and save.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202945

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A-bj02_pIU

Have you wondered if it was possible to merge PDF files together into one file without downloading third-party software? Well, turns out you can -- and it's really simple, too! You can use Preview, the PDF viewer app that's included with your Mac, to move pages from one PDF document to another. The Apple support page walks you through the steps, and the Tuts+ screencast (Youtube clip) gives a quick demo.

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WWI - Apocalypse - 10 lives

Adventures unfold amidst real historical events

https://www.reseau-canope.fr/apocalypse-10destins/en/home.html

Available in French and English, it combines an animated graphic novel with authentic archival documents.

"Ten theme-based files allow teachers to present the First World War from a stimulating new angle. The students explore interactive animated stories and consult archival documents, then use this material in study activities and worksheets in which fiction meets fact. Follow 10 fictional but very believable characters whose adventures unfold amidst real historical events."

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French over the Summer Break: Resources from CPF

Fun ways to keep up your French over the summer

Link to newsletter here.

"Every summer, students look forward to taking a break from schoolwork...but there are many ways for your child to keep up their French over the summer in fun, less structured ways! We have put together an extensive list of links, tips and ideas – check it out!"

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Reviewing the latest Interactive eBooks

eBooks with extras!

http://www.bestinteractiveebooks.com/

This blog explores ebooks that offer more than flat PDF oe epub readability. There are some amazing stand-alone resources out there.

(Here's a sample post.)

"In my pursuit to discover and learn as much as possible about digital publishing and the interactive eBook, I search for engaging and innovative ways of presenting content. I look for interactivity which adds real value to the user, and creates experiences that simply aren't achievable in standard printed publications. For Example, a new navigational system or interaction which brings a story to life in a way never before possible."

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Whichbook - A new way of choosing what book to read next

Personalize your book preferences!

http://www.openingthebook.com/whichbook/

This may not be the right solution for student RA, but it might help teachers find good summer reading! (There is a "Bookspace" feature for kids/students in development.)

"Everyone has their favourite writers who can be trusted to deliver the goods. But there are thousands of books out there. One of those might satisfy you even more but how can you tell? Whichbook enables you to search for a book that up to now may only have existed in your own mind! Move the sliders to express what you're looking for and see what comes up. Scroll down to see all the books which match your chosen sliders or click Find similar to see books which match the specific title most closely. If you don't fancy any of the books offered, change your choices and try again - there are millions of different individual permutations possible."

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The "Padagogy Wheel"

The latest and most popular educational apps

http://www.unity.net.au/allansportfolio/edublog/?p=836

"How do we show teachers that the pedagogy should drive the technology and not the other way around?  Take a look at this PDF poster (version 4.0 published Mar 2015) with links to 122 of the latest and most popular educational apps.   The poster also has app selection criteria according to Bloom's taxonomy.  And there are QR Codes linking to more online resources.

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A series of 6 language "games" exploring French Canada

Découvre des accents et des faits du Canada français

http://taparoleestenjeu.ca/regions/reportage

http://taparoleestenjeu.ca

http://taparoleestenjeu.ca/jeux/jouer/définis-toi

"TA PAROLE EST EN JEU est le début d'une histoire dont on ne voit maintenant que le premier chapitre. Découvre dans ce chapitre une série de six jeux portant sur les mots, les expressions, les lieux de la francophonie, et découvre en même temps des gens, des accents et des faits historiques du Canada français..."

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How can we encourage boys to read for pleasure?

Too many boys still seem disinterested...

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/jun/11/how-can-we-encourage-boys-to-read-for-pleasure-teachers-give-their-views

"Too many boys still seem disinterested in reading, and far, far too many children simply never become readers at all. So we writers and illustrators and storytellers, and parents and teachers, and publishers and booksellers, must continue to play our part," said the celebrated writer for young adults Michael Morpurgo. So what do teachers think we need to do to ensure more boys enjoy literature? Here are some of the best ideas from our community: (read article)

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Manga 101 | School Library Journal

"Learn things about Japanese culture!"

http://www.slj.com/2015/06/collection-development/manga-101-a-primer/#_

"Reading your first graphic novel means getting used to looking at words and pictures in tandem. You feel a story flow differently as your eyes and your brain work together. Reading manga—Japanese comics—for the first time is even trickier. You'll be taken out of your cultural comfort zone into a foreign setting, and you'll need to start acclimating to Japanese culture and expressions."

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New for Fall 2015

Online Preview from Scholastic

http://www.scholastic.com/onlinepreview/

Interested in seeing what's new in September? For Scholastic's recent Fall Online Preview, the publisher produced four videos featuring over 20 of its upcoming picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, and teen titles.

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Transforming the Library Profession | American Libraries Magazine

Library professionals are the "genius bar"

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2015/06/09/transforming-the-library-profession/

"Today's library professionals are the "genius bar" for everyday users. From school libraries to public libraries, academic library spaces, and more, customers expect library professionals to support their information needs regardless of the format of that information. At a time when content is not reserved to a particular conduit, library professionals must become format-agnostic information experts, providing equitable access to physical material, internet-connected devices, and online content all while helping customers develop the skills needed to take advantage of the educational, economic, and social opportunities associated with technology."

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Why do college students lack research skills?

Research? What research?

http://www.readerpants.net/2015/06/why-do-college-students-lack-research.html

"[...] I want to address reasons college students [do] not get necessary research skills in middle and high school. These are based on my experiences as a middle school librarian in Texas and a middle/high school librarian in China. "

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New Library Learning Commons at Boyd

It's a new look!

Photo-gallery

Hugh Boyd Secondary Library Learning Commons has a new look! TL Kerri Zaine and LT Sharon Moore have weeded, rearranged and revamped the space to create a welcoming, colourful and open workspace for all. The LLC seems larger and brighter, and is, more importantly, functional! The new space is being used all day, every day by students and staff.

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Kids Book Reviews and Ratings at DOGO Books

Share reactions, thoughts and opinions about books

http://www.dogobooks.com/

"DOGObooks is where kids discover, review and rate books.  Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and interactive environment for children to share their reactions, thoughts and opinions about books.  All book selections and reviews are moderated prior to being published."

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Sustainability Classroom Resources at Resources for Rethinking

Education for Sustainable Development

http://resources4rethinking.ca/en

"Resources for Rethinking is a project developed by Learning for a Sustainable Future. It provides teachers access to lesson plans, curriculum units and other teaching resources that integrate environmental, social and economic spheres through learning that is interdisciplinary and action oriented. We call this learning Education for Sustainable Development or ESD."

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Keeping Up with RA for Teens and Tweens

Teens are reading - help them find books!

https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-blog/novelist-article/keeping-up-with-ra-for-teens

"You don't have to be an expert. Initiating a conversation, creating and building a relationship and knowing where to find key information in clutch moments—these are all cornerstones of effective Readers' Advisory. And, NoveList has you covered in the key information department. We've created a Keeping Up...YA Lit page to gather lists, award-winners, and on-point articles about teen RA from practitioners. It's official: using tools is not cheating."

Read the complete article to find help with "Teens or Tweens", "Adult titles for teens", and other suggestions.

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Mini-movies to promote your prgram

Libraries on the Vine

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/12/03/libraries-on-the-vine/

"Libraries are using Vine to create clips that highlight new book and media acquisitions, advertise events, showcase makerspaces and 3D printers, and instruct patrons on library features. The moving images give these promotions a vibrancy that's not feasible in text-heavy social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. "The connections that come out of one unique item like a [stop-motion] film of racks filling up with new magazines are interesting."

Some other links:

Uses for Vine in Libraries

• https://blogs.ubc.ca/markmlibr559/2015/03/23/fresh-off-the-vine-uses-for-vine-in-libraries/

Vine Video book Trailers

• http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2014/06/vine-video-book-trailers.html
  

(Note: To hear the audio on a Vine, click on the tiny speaker in the top left of each video. Vines can be linked, tweeted or embedded.)

Sample: New book arrivals with Vine

• https://vine.co/v/ebHzAzgAUJ2

Sample: Six Second reviews

• https://vine.co/v/ht9XBDt72MW
• https://vine.co/v/Mp9KKdJhEYq
  

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Stay Safe This Summer!

Safety Videos on Learn360

"With summer approaching, this is a good time to remind students how to practice safety in all areas of life."

These clips can be viewed on Learn360 using your school ID and PW - you'll have to login first, then come back and click on the links. Teachers can download for later viewing using the teacher login (See your TL for more information!)

Is It Okay? How to Stay Safe (K-2) Street Safety 25min

How to Stay Safe (Gr3-5) (mock game show format) 23min

Water Safety and Stormy Weather (K-5) 1min

Sun Sense - English (all grades) 10min

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