1. METS 6-8.CC.1. Use digital resources (e.g., discussion groups, blogs, podcasts, videoconferences, Moodle, Blackboard) to collaborate with peers, experts, and other audiences.
1.1. Key Idea: Students will use our school blog site [School Fusion] to collaborate on Social Media Safety.
1.1.1. Students will be given websites to research that relate to social media safety. They should be encouraged to record notes.
1.1.2. Next the following question will be posted in a blog: What can you do to ensure that you stay safe while using social media?
1.1.3. Students will have one class period to share their ideas on the blog based on research and prior knowledge.
1.1.4. A classroom discussion will be held to review the information and point out any inaccuracies or really good points that were made on the blog.
1.1.5. Link: 10 Tips for Safe Social Media Resource
2. METS 6-8.CC.3 . Identify effective uses of technology to support communication with peers, family, or school personnel.
2.1. Key Idea: Students will research communication tools using the Internet and prepare a Power Point presentation on methods of technological communication.
2.1.1. Students will use Google and prior knowledge to search for communication tools that relate to technology. A simple example would be a cell phone.
2.1.2. After researching students will make a simple five slide Power Point including pictures and information on technology that can be used to communicate.
2.1.3. After students are completed they will use the Power Point to Present their ideas to the class.
3. METS 6-8.CC.2 . Use collaborative digital tools to explore common curriculum content with learners from other cultures.
3.1. Key Idea: Students will link via Skype with a classroom in a different country to share the different plants that exist in that culture,
3.1.1. First the teacher will need to find a partner classroom somewhere in the world. Skpye has a good resource located at: https://education.skype.com/
3.1.2. Once a classroom is found there should be a meet and greet between the classes.
3.1.3. The classes will both be instructed to gather as many native plant samples [unprotected] such as leaves, pine needles, or other pieces of plants that can be reproduced. Students need to be reminded not to destroy any plants.
3.1.4. Before classes meet via Skype the classrooms will have to prepare for a discussion by researching the plant life they brought in and preparing a short presentation.
3.1.5. When the classes come together on Skype they will discuss the information gathered in step 4 with each other.
3.1.6. After the conversation students can type a summary comparing and contrasting the plant life in the two regions.