Multimedia

These are ideas on ways to use multimedia applications with your classes. They're broken down by grade level, but keep in mind that most ideas are easily adaptable from one grade level to the next. I use PowerPoint because that's what I have available in my lab. However, these ideas could easily be used with other programs.

Kindergarten

Student should practice typing his/her name, using correct capitalization. Student can dictate as the teacher types his/her own life stories (autobiographies). After stories are typed, record the student reading the story, and add that to the file (this is very easy to do in PowerPoint, and microphones are relatively inexpensive, maybe $10 at Wal-Mart or other department store). Students can share their stories with each other that way, and practice reading with the auditory file to cue them.

As a culminating activity, let each student record one story, song, or poem. Have him or her choose appropriate pictures to go with the recordings. Compile these into a classroom book. Time-consuming, but proof that the students have mastered the standards in English/Reading/Language Arts.

Let students record themselves singing the days of the week songs. Let them record themselves saying the names of the months of the year. Allow them to replay these and sing again to reinforce the names. Add their sounds into a PowerPoint and have them type each name into a slide. They can listen repeatedly, and have the word presented to them as they hear it.

First Grade

Have students work in small groups of three to write stories in PowerPoint (you assign a topic or give them a list of topics to choose from - best topics would include something they're required to learn in science or social studies). Assign group roles or let these roles alternate so all get to use the keyboard. Give them a rubric to check over their work when it's completed (include spelling, content, etc.) Note: Kids this age CAN complete PowerPoint projects when working in groups, and with some assistance.

Have students complete PowerPoint presentations with math stories. For instance, "One cat danced. Another cat danced. Two cats were dancing." Be sure they include pictures that accurately represent the numbers in each slide.

As students investigate sounds, record some of them using a small microphone attached to the computer. Students can insert the sounds into a PowerPoint presentation to listen to them over and over to answer the questions asked.

Create a template with a story in PowerPoint. Be sure it has some sequencing words like "First," "next," "then," and "last." Mix up the order of the slides. Have students use the "slide sorter view" to put the story in the proper sequence.

Second Grade

Partner students or put them in groups of two or three, and have them write tall tales in PowerPoint. They should use their own words, spell-check, and include appropriate graphics. Allow them to use Yahooligans to search for information about the tall tales they choose, but remind them that copying and pasting is not allowed.

Third Grade

Have students complete PowerPoint presentations with math stories. For instance, "A spaceship landed on our playground. Five aliens got out. They asked us for food for twice that many aliens." Be sure they include pictures that accurately represent the numbers in each slide.

Have students work in small groups to create PowerPoint presentations about these historic figures. Slides should contain examples of what these figures did that exhibit the character traits. They should also contain appropriate graphics. Traits: cooperation, diligence, liberty, justice, tolerance, freedom of conscience and expression, and respect for and acceptance of authority.

Have students work in pairs or small groups to create PowerPoint presentations about each of these groups. Presentations should include what the workers do, equipment used, buildings housed in, etc. They should also include appropriate graphics. Groups: schools, libraries, roads, police/fire protection, and military.

Fourth Grade

Have students give PowerPoint presentations using the notes features. Beforehand, go over expectations for public speaking and presentations (with a rubric). If possible, video the student giving the presentation and have him/her grade himself/herself using the rubric.

Have students create PowerPoint presentations with facts about the Declaration of Independence. Facts should include the author, how it was written, why it was necessary, and how it addressed the problems of tyranny and abuse of power.

Have students create PowerPoint presentations with facts about key individuals in the American Revolution. Students can research on the Internet (Yahooligans) to find facts to include. They should also find graphics and insert them appropriately. Be sure they credit their resources. Individuals include: King George III, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Patrick Henry, and John Adams.

Have students create PowerPoint presentations about Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth. They should use the Internet (Yahooligans) to find facts about each woman and how their contributions were important. They should find photographs of each woman to include. They should find excerpts of writings where applicable. Be sure they reference their sources at the end of the presentation.

Have students create PowerPoint presentations. Divide students into groups and make each group responsible for one portion of the standard. Topics should include number of stars, size of stars, color of stars, patterns of stars, positions of stars, planets' orbits, and technologies that are used to view objects in the sky. Put all sections of the presentations together and have each group present theirs to the class as a whole. Students should use textbooks and the Internet for information.
http://www.nasa.gov

Have students use the Internet to gather pictures and facts of each form of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail, clouds, and fog). Have them use these facts and pictures to create a PowerPoint presentation about precipitation.

Have students use the Internet to gather facts and pictures of weather instruments (thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, wind vane, anemometer). Have them insert the information into PowerPoint presentations and share them with other classes.

Have students use the Internet (Yahooligans) to research information about Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo, and other famous scientists who studied force and motion.
Have students create PowerPoint presentations with examples of simple machines and how they are used to solve problems (how people use them to do work).

Fifth Grade