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Generate Instant Pear Decks

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  I’ll keep this short as the video explains most of you. Any new educational technology can be complicated to dig into from scratch as you attempt to align it to learning outcomes.  Well, a new feature that Pear Deck has introduced has taken a giant leap forward to help educators do just that.  Before we jump into the new features, if you are unfamiliar with Pear Deck and why my students and I consider it the #1 EdTech tool that helps their learning, check out the video in the previous blog post.   But if you are more concerned with why you should even dive into Pear Deck or learn about this new AI generation of Pear Deck sessions to a learning target, check out the video below. Like I said, I’m keeping it short so you have time to watch the video. If you have questions, please contact me at mohammam@elmbrookschools.org or the Pear Deck Learning team at support@deck.peardeck.com . Also, check out the amazing Stacey Roshan's video on this update. 
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This Is How We Kick It Off!

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 As I write this, NFL Kickoff Week is about to begin.  The NFL know how to stage an event to get people excited for the 5 month season ahead.  It’s a journey millions of people tune in for and have been waiting all year for.  



This is the type of enthusiasm educators hope to generate in their students.  Incorporating a project based approach is one way I’m hoping to bring this enthusiasm into my physics classroom.  Sometime this kick-off event can be called an entry event. It is meant to generate thought not simply increase student engagement.  Entry events can take many different forms from field trips to a teacher presenting the class with a reading, statistic, or problem that elicits a reaction and curiosity.

The driving question for our first term project asks students “How can I use physics to hack sports?”  Students will consider personal athletic events or sporting events that they enjoy.  They will examine 1 technique and examine the physics behind the successful execution of the technique for high school athletes and sportsmen. Then, they will take the role of a coach to improve technique or prevent injury.

When looking at Gold Standard PBL elements, one key element that we are hoping to bring in with our kickoff event is authenticity. To this end, we have designed an entry event which will bring in athletic professionals from the state to speak to our students.

Our great professional were

Jeremy Jacobs from Milwaukee Barbell

Matt Gifford from NX Level Athletics





Sharif Chambliss UWM Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Eric Johnson  Swimming Coach and Badger swimming star

Jackie Friesen UW-Madison Assistant Women’s Hockey Coach




Jake Venes Sports Performance Trainer for Froedtert Hospital





What follows is a video summary of the event.




It was great to have so many professionals take in interest in our students and show them the connections between athletics and physics.  

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  1. UnknownSeptember 7, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    Love the authenticity of bringing in experts! Not only does it add validity to what you are doing, but what a way to engage teenagers! So fun! Can't wait to follow how your semester goes!
    ~Angela & Kate
    Team Togetherness

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2015 at 2:36 PM

    So encouraged by this approach. Was in the room when this happened and loved how you collaborated with Joel Nellis in the PE dept!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownSeptember 7, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    What a great idea to collaborate and bring Physics to life for the kiddos to be able to relate to! You have definitely grabbed their attention and interest.

    ReplyDelete

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