Lend an Ear to Learning -
The Use of Audio Books as an Instructional Tool in Your Literacy Program
Grades: 2-4
Created by: Cheryl Tartaglione & Linda Massari

The use of audio books is a powerful tool that can enhance literacy instruction by meeting the needs of diverse learners and mixed ability classrooms.  Research indicates that audio books increase fluency and comprehension. (See appendix)  This model of whole class instruction has many benefits and is not intended to be used as a learning center but as a teacher lead directed reading activity.  However, web sites are provided for learning center driven activities if needed.

Teaching Tolerance Through Drama and Study
Grade: 5-8
Created by:  Elizabeth Morgan & Andrea Muller

This is an 8th grade cross curricular (Language Arts and Social Studies) unit that focuses on the Holocaust and the personal account of Anne Frank as told through the play adaptation of her diary.   The use of Anne Frank’s story provides the students with her personal account of what life was like during the Nazi occupation of Holland during World War II.  Students are further encouraged to think about and examine other aspects of the Holocaust including the concentration camps, geography, and life after the war.

Teaching about other Nations and Cultures - Ecuador and the Galapagos IslandsGrades: 6-12
Created by: Gary Klotzkin & Barbara Stein

Using history as the primary standard, this project is set in the Ecuadorian/Galapagos culture. It involves knowledge of current events and interdisciplinary understanding of Ecuador/Galapagos Islands issues in a historical framework. It also presents suggestions of differentiated education with special emphasis on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

"Pay It Forward": Acts of Kindness - Grades: 5-8
Created by: Linda Koos and Tara Dafter

This project was designed to meet multiple needs of the developing middle school aged student. Besides the important academic challenges, physical, social, and emotional growth are most pronounced during the middle school years. “Pay It Forward” addresses these vital areas through Language Arts instruction using all five Language Arts Literacy NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards: reading, writing, viewing, listening, and speaking.

In this project students are taught technology skills in a carefully planned sequence, just as grammar and punctuation rules are taught. Once the writing assignments are completed, they are published in a variety of interesting ways and graded holistically.

This project involves collaboration between two schools in the Washington Township School District. Fifth grade students simultaneously work on a social studies unit titled Western Expansion: America in the Early 1800s. Students become active partners in the learning process.

The TI-89 introduction project was originally designed for an Advanced Placement Calculus Course. It takes typically 70-140 minutes to cover the entire packet with the advanced placement students who are familiar with the calculator. The project can be used in other mathematics courses by breaking it down into smaller components.

Programming Robots - Technology Education & Computers - Grade 6-8
Created by: Norbert Herold & Janine Maletsky

The primary goal of this project is to increase students’ understanding of robots and programming. In addition, a web quest that introduces students to the definitions and History of Robots, attention is focused on designing and building robots and learning and developing programming skills by navigating the robots through a series of challenges. The secondary goal is to develop problem-solving skills in a cooperative environment.

Wiring and Promoting "Smart Classrooms" - Grade 9-12
Created by: Michelle Kowalsky & Donald R. Patterson

This project will describe how to plan, install, and promote the use of “Smart Classrooms” in a school building. Information on technical aspects, teacher training and support required for replication will also be included.

PowerPoint with a Purpose - Grade 6
Created by: Beverly Plein & Zainabu Conteh

The goal of this project is for students to increase understanding of the human body and be able to explain how systems are interrelated and regulate the body’s internal environment. They will use computer applications as a tool to gather, organize and present information.