This STEAM activity is an enjoyable (and perhaps tasty!) mobile game for kids that bridges science and art. The activity uses basic materials such a free apps and coloured paper (or Oreo’s). What is great is that there is no necessity to use complicated photography and editing equipment. I appreciate how it includes both digital and analogue components to develop the child’s digital literacy, fine motor skills, and creative thinking. This game introduces other 21st Century and creative skills such as collaboration, animation, storyboarding, editing, photography, and basic design concepts. Additionally, by having the students scan the QR code they get to watch a gorgeous video from NASA.
Free filters to create portraits (see Picasso Portraits Pieces here)
This activity for young children truly incorporates collaboration, creativity, and imagination. Students have to analyze the painting of Picasso and consider all the elements of the great artist’s technique, symbolism, and colour theory. Using both digital and analogue materials, students explore the creation of their own Picasso-style portrait. The activity involves students to collaborate with each other and hits upon other 21st Century skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity. This mobile activity can take place anytime, anywhere, with almost anything. An bonus to this assignment allows for students to get to know one another and create a bonding experience with their peers—laughter transcends language barriers.
Virtual fieldtrips (see Mary Cassatt activity here)
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words… what about a virtual gallery full of them? This particular activity is one that I am very interested to look into, as well as virtual field trips in general. This field trip can take place at home as part of a flipped classroom lesson to which the students can bring the rest of the assignment components to the classroom for discussion or even share on a class document. This assignment also allows the student to role-play as a journalist and create interesting questions from their own observations. The fact that the virtual tour can be accessed from anywhere allows for it to be flexible and accessible.
Lyric interpretation for Music or English Language Arts classes (see Genius)
Using the internet, students can develop skills is English by interpreting lyrics from songs. This would engage them in the deeper meaning of language within music, forms of poetry and prose, and literature. When I was in university, I took a Humanities course called “The History of Rap” where we were assigned to listen to music, watch videos, and interpret song lyrics. Tools like the aforementioned would also be useful for ESL students and international students who are interested in developing their colloquial language skills.