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Super Mario, Algorithms, and Iterative Writing
Getting technology into the classroom can open up amazing learning possibilities, and sometimes the coolest lessons come from places you might not expect. I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Mrs. Garges, a fourth-grade teacher, on a project that showed just how powerful a classic video game can be for teaching computer science ideas…
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Using Google Translate Conversation Mode to Shine
What happens when a student faces a language barrier but refused to let it hold her back? You got a powerful reminder of how technology, paired with a resilient spirit, unlocked opportunities for learning and growth. Recently, I encountered a new fifth grade student who spoke very little English, but she was fluent in her…
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Power Up Your Social Studies Lesson with Algorithms and Super Mario
Are you looking to level up your social studies instruction? This computer science-integrated lesson is just the ticket. In this engaging, hands-on activity, students trace the journeys of early American explorers while learning to think like computer scientists. Aligned with CA HSS Standard 5.2.3, and CA CS 3-5.AP.10, the lesson places students in collaborative groups…
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Loops, Choices, and Pigs: How One ELA Lesson Brought Computer Science to Life
What if your students could play through a story instead of just reading it? That’s exactly what one innovative lesson invites them to do—by transforming a classic literary tale into a role-playing game using nothing more than index cards, markers, and a whole lot of imagination. Designed for upper elementary grades, though adaptable for younger…
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Teach CS Without “Teaching” CS: Cross Content Connections
That’s one of the powerful ideas behind Cross Content Connections, a new coaching tool website developed by members of the Cal-MSCS Grant Computer Science content area team. Designed specifically for K–8 multiple subject teachers, this resource helps educators infuse computer science concepts and practices into everyday lessons without having to add an entirely new subject…
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NotebookLM Now Supports Over 50 Languages
Have you ever wished you could use NotebookLM in a language other than English? If so, now you can! NotebookLM’s latest update brings support for over 50 languages across chat, notes, resources, and even audio overviews. This is a game-changer for teachers as you can now generate resources and audio summaries for students who need…
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Discover YourStory: Personal, Fun, Inclusive Learning
Bring Any Subject to Life with AI-Powered Engagement Struggling to get students excited about math, science, history—or even writing? With YourStory, learning becomes an immersive, interactive journey across every subject. Whether it’s solving complex math problems with a supportive AI tutor, exploring literary themes with a character from the story, or diving into social studies…
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Meet Diffit for Math!
What if creating engaging, grade-appropriate math word problems took minutes instead of hours? If you’ve ever spent your precious planning time scouring the internet or tweaking word problems to fit your students’ interests, you’re going to love this. Diffit Math is here—and it’s a game changer for math teachers. You may already know and love…
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A Week in the Life of an EdTech Coach: Empowering Classrooms with AI
What does it look like when technology, creativity, and pedagogy come together in real classrooms? This week, I had the privilege of spending time in the field, supporting Tulare County teachers and students at Sequoia Union Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary—and let me tell you, it was a blast! Professional Learning with Purpose: Sequoia Union Elementary…
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Love NotebookLM? Check out the New Mind Map Feature!
Ever wish you could take a pile of teaching resources and magically turn them into a clean, organized visual for your students—or yourself? Good news: NotebookLM just launched a Mind Map feature, and it’s a game-changer for simplifying complex concepts in your classroom! First, what is NotebookLM?It’s an AI-powered tool from Google that helps you…
Tech Coach Juarez
You cannot spell teach without tech.
