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With authorization of No Child Left Behind legislation, educators nationwide are debating implementation strategies for areas such as:
National and State Standards in core areas have introduced stringent
achievement benchmarks.
Challenge: To align standards, assessments, and curriculum.
Standards and Assessment correlation leads curriculum development.
To link the AYP requirements with higher order thinking skills requires
a new vision.
Challenge: To create learning experiences where students make that
conceptual leap to the next level of understanding.
Math and Reading scores are targeted. Since research indicates proficiency
levels are affected by such variables as: socio-economic background, culture,
and thinking patterns; a diversity of curriculum approaches exist.
Challenge: To implement learning strategies and environments that
create and assess a student's application of knowledge.
Minding Knowledge
Our Network of Specialists Provide:
Curriculum Consulting
Project-Based Learning Environments
Technology Instruction by Spider Dance, Boulder CO.
Meeting National Math, Science and Technology Standards via Project-Based Environments
Minding Knowledge carries the full Valiant Technology, Ltd. product line. An international company based in London, England, Valiant Technology is a pioneer in the education field for developing strong problem solving skills. Valiant's award winning products provide practical and affordable solutions to promote interdisciplinary work in Math, Science and Technology. The Literacy Pack introduces the product into Reading, Language Arts and History.
Roamer is an educational robot using Logo commands for K-8 students. Roamer
teaches the math concepts of additive properties, measurement and estimation
using both US and metric systems, proportional constants, and the geometric
concepts involving points, lines, planes, shapes and the ability to classify
and compare such properties. The process of mathematics in curriculum and
instructional strategies involve reasoning, connection, communication and
problem solving. The hands-on application of integrating math with technology
is why Roamer is universally described as an "object to think with".
The Roamer Program includes literacy pack, math workcards, sensors, software.
For advanced projects, Roamer integrates with Inventa and Tronix.
MathAmigo is an innovative way to teach K-8 math. It combines the best math
software with portable handheld computers to bring the advantages of technology
into every math lesson. MathAmigo is based on research showing that a daily
15 minute focus on math provides the optimum effect on raising performance.
Math
Manager provides analysis of the year/class/student, allowing the teacher
to spot anomalies and weaknesses immediately; and concentrate on specific
areas for the students.
Available for Palm handhelds and AlphaSmart Dana.
A Design and Make System Along with gears, pulleys, wood, plastic strips, etc.; students create models with working mechanisms. Unit of Study includes: Inventa's Workshop, Book of Mechanisms, Book of Structures.
The
Science of Electricity Tronix is a system of electrical and electronic components
with simple connections, plug in boards and no soldering. Tronix components
snap into Inventa.
Tronix provides a progressive study into electrical circuits. Students are given
projects to conduct scientific investigations.
SenSci introduces control design principles with a program of study taking
students step by step through 21 differentiated activities.
The Control Console is used for advanced control of several moving models
at one time. It works without a computer, offering ease of use for project
displays and area contests. This product uses the same Logo like programming
language as Roamer.
Project-based learning environments enhance the development of higher-order thinking skills. Such environments are also "economically" supportive of the school resource budget as it adjusts to meet the demand for increased student performance.
The product line from Valiant Technology allows for either stand-alone or interdisciplinary approaches to project-based learning. This product line effectively integrates the National Math, Science and Technology Standards into all core academic areas. The design approach used in these projects interfaces both problem solving strategies and performance based assessments into your curriculum structure.
Example projects for grades:
Traffic Roamer is programmed to perform specific math functions and used in
a traffic safety theme. RoamerWorld software includes lessons on maps and
journeys.
Applications: Writing, Math, Science, Teamwork
This project integrates math and science principles through Roamer's control
features; including stepper motors, levers, LEDs and gear mechanisms. Chuckles
the Clown moves around the circus ring, stopping now and then to face the audience,
raise his/her hat, eyes light up and bow tie whirls. Chuckles route in the circus
ring is programmed directly onto Roamer's keypad or written in RoamerWorld software
and downloaded via the connection cable.
Applications: Math, Science, Art, Control
Social Studies and Current Events Unit. Students decided to automate mail
delivery in a nursing home.
Applications: Writing, Research, Math, Science, Design and Control
Geography and science lesson: In this project Roamer becomes a specific
bird of study programmed to demonstrate the migration route in exact units
of measurement and scale. The wings move a various intervals, using simple
machines and pulleys. The migration route and habitat are researched
for accuracy and then finalized in a written report. Students learn
how to divide project tasks and work in a cooperative manner in the
project development process.
Circus Project
This unit of study incorporates historical research, writing, math, science,
art and control technology skills. In this six month project the students
designed and created eight circus characters, two of which are shown below.
This project was showcased when the parents were "invited to attend the
circus". 
Granny's Great Leap 
Great Leap Geometry - Bisecting Lines
Pie in the Face 
Pie in Face Schemata
Applications: Research, Art, Writing, Math, Science
Products Used: Control Console, SenSci, Analogue/Digital Packs, Inventa
This Robotic Arm project introduces control features in a robot setting.
This robot, designed by eighth grade students, detects people approaching,
greets them and gives information from a personally recorded message while
waving and pointing directions.
Applications: Math, Science, Design and Control
The goals of Minding Knowledge are to assist your school to:
These environments provide your curriculum structure with two vital elements:
