Object-Based Learning

This website offers users an interactive 3D view of some of Smithsonian’s more treasured artifacts and specimens. Users can manipulate 3D images to view all sides of an object and adjust features such as color, opacity, and texture.
Suggested Use: With a projector, display a 3D image for your class and model making close observations to “read” an object. Students can then practice these skills with an actual object in the classroom.

instaGrok is an intelligent search engine that displays information about a topic in the form of a visual map. Search results include informational text, images, videos and web links. The site also includes an integrated journal and note-taking feature that allows users to take notes without leaving the site.

Suggested Use: Setup investigation stations around your classroom. Place objects at each station and set up one station around the classroom computer. Groups of students can explore objects at each station and then learn more about the objects through online research when they visit the computer station.

Wolfram Alpha is a knowledge engine that generates a wide range of answers and information about topics.

Suggested Use: Groups of students can work together to search and gather more information about the physical objects they are working with in the classroom.

Visit Google Drive to access free newsletter templates.
Suggested Use: Create a newsletter based on your students’ investigation of an object or collection of objects. Assign students or group of students specific articles to write and then take turns typing the final drafts into the template. Share the newsletter via email, a class website or printed letters.

Glogster is an online platform that allows educators and students to create GLOGS - online multimedia posters to share information via text, photos, videos, graphics, sounds, drawings, and data attachments Free 30-day trial available for educators. Option to purchase annual membership - $39 per year

Suggested Use: Groups of students can work together to create a Glog that shares information about an object or topic related to objects.

A Prezi is a visual presentations that contains text, images, and videos. Rather than displaying information linearly, information is displayed spatially allowing for flexibility during presentations. Prezi can be shared to be edited and viewed by multiple students at the same time.

Suggested Use: Students can create a Prezi individually or collaborate online to create a shared Prezi that communicates information about an object or collection of objects investigated in the classroom.

Wikispaces Classroom is an easy to use platform that allows you to create your own website. The website can be used to share content, documents and links and to engage in facilitated discussions.

Suggested Use: Create a class website to make announcements, share schedules, discuss topics, and encourage student collaboration. You can create an “objects page” where students can post pictures of objects they observe outside of class time but connect to classroom content.

Suggested Use: Create a class website to make announcements, share schedules, discuss topics, and encourage student collaboration. You can create an “objects page” where students can post pictures of objects they observe outside of class time but connect to classroom content.

Class DoJo is a classroom management tool that helps students stay on task and engaged through positive reinforcement and notifications. The site includes a timer and a tool to help you randomly select students. Compatible with iOS and android devices.
Suggested Use: Use this tool to manage behavior as students interact with new objects in the classroom.

This iOS app offers digitized books that present information enhanced with rich media and can adapt to the interests and experience of the reader. Topics include elements, pyramids, skulls, anatomy, the solar system, dinosaurs, gems, and more. Some apps are available for free, others involve a costs ranging from $1.99 to $13.99.

Suggested Use: Project a digital book that relates to the objects your students are observing in the classroom. Use the books to provide additional background information, spark new questions to investigate and model making detailed observations and inferences.

Use the iMovie iOS app to edit and share videos recorded on an iOS device. $4.99 to download the app

A cloud-based app that allows the user to upload photos and videos or capture new photos and videos using the app and then add effects, music, titles and captions.

Android
Use this program on your android device to edit a video’s image and soundtrack.

Suggested Use: Ask a small group of students to create an informational video about an object or collection of objects. Assign students specific roles such as an actor, director, or camera operator to increase engagement.

Zydeco is an iOS app that guides students through the inquiry process. Students can use this app to generate a question, gather evidence and then create a claim. Students can then present their findings by connecting their device to a projector.
Suggested Use: Guide small groups of students to create investigation questions that can be answered by making observations of objects. Example: Students can ask, “What are features of herbivores?” and then use Zydeco to capture images of data obtained by observing features of animals from skeletons and samples of body coverings, limbs and skulls. Based on these observations, the group can make a claim to answer their question and use the app’s presentation feature to share their findings with the class.

Take notes everywhere and NEVER forget anything.