Are students bored by grammar worksheets and parts of speech review? Try Grammar Ninja, which is a fun computer game for students to review skills. Students play the game by identifying parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, etc. They make their selections by throwing a "ninja star," accompanied by Asian-styled background music and sound effects.
There are three difficulty levels for the sentences, so students can challenge themselves based on their ability. They also get a few chances to select the correct answers.
If you're comfortable with a bit of coding, there is even a way to enter your own sentences in the game! I really like Grammar Ninja and I think it's perfect for a computer station.
photo: microsoft
This is a craft project that utilizes students' paper-folding affinity to help them learn about DNA. DNA Center features a downloadable origami activity, complete with full instructions, that students can color and fold to create a DNA helix model. This is ideal for a middle-grade biology lesson or craft project. the final creation should spring and provide a nice visual for the complex, interesting nature of DNA. Be sure to check out the sites' list of resources on DNA information.
First, it was candy. Then, cereal. Now, it's beans! I keep finding great activities involving snacks and food items.
This one comes courtesy of Yearn 4 Learning, where 3rd graders had to represent their home state, California, using a colorful 3D map made of rice, pinto beans, split peas, and popcorn kernels. Look how nice the final product looks! I'm sure students enjoyed this hands-on, textured art project. Could your students use the same technique to showcase your state or region's geographical features?
photo: microsoft
