Bubblr

As a Social Studies teacher I love Political Cartoons and I know that students love Comics. Bubblr is a great tool for teachers that allows students to create their own. By having students use Bubblr they can search pictures to create either a comic strip or even just some sort of political cartoon. It is very easy to use and it would not be too difficult for students to accomplish. I created a model political cartoon on Andrew Jackson. What I would see my students doing is create some sort of commentary on a historical figure. I did an example of Andrew Jackson, asking how important is he? I also bring up important issues of his Presidency. I would want my students to do the same. Another option is they could find a picture of Native Americans and express their thoughts on Andrew Jackson or American in general.


Link to Andrew Jackson Cartoon

Flat Stanley as A Social Studies Project

LINK -----> Sally The Traveling Bear


I read this blog and absolutely feel in love with the idea of having my students take a stuffed animal to somewhere historical in their communities or wherever they go. I think this would be an excellent idea for a project. You can either have students go to these places physically and/or virtually and have to create some sort of blog with pictures, information and how they feel about it. I tend to like any blogs that give me ideas for future projects.

Ning.....

I created a project for a graduate classes where I was able to use ning. I really liked what it had to offer for in terms of this project. I had it so students had to, in groups of four, research one of four enlightenment thinkers. Create a ning for one thinker each and then they would have to join a group that I created called enlightened thinkers and then act as if they were their enlightenment thinkers discussing their ideas. I like the idea of ning as something you can use in your classroom for students. Here is a link to my fake ning I created but it no longer works. Enlightenment Thinkers

I also ning as a tool for teachers to stay connected I really like the classroom 2.0 ning. Anywhere where teachers can go to discuss, question and post ideas for education is beneficial to both teachers and students. I remember when I first began student teaching and being stuck trying to find other ideas on how to better connect Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin and design a lesson for my students. I remember sitting at my computer trying to google different ideas. If I at the time had ning and maybe a social studies teachers ning I could have asked and looked more easily for ideas. I also like the idea of UB English Department has a ning, I think all departments should have something similar to this.