Augmented Reality

I was lucky enough to be in Devizes for an excellent presentation by Doug Dickinson (and sites you may never find) who used the BMW Z4 site to demonstrate augmented reality. First print off the ‘magic’ symbol, download the software, hold the symbol in front of your webcam and prepared to be amazed! You might also like to try the Toyota website too.

This same technology is being used on the Scimorph website in an attempt to present key stage 2 / 3 science topics in a more interesting and interactive way. Scimorph is 3D animated character who you can take through various activity areas which affect him in different ways, including exploring the effects of gravity. (Launch / Direct Gov News)

Editing Images

Thanks to Matthew who has spent some time looking at a range of free online image editors to manipulate photographs. He found the most user friendly and yet functional is FotoFlexer. It has all the expected features such as crop, rotate, resize and red eye removal as well in the ‘geek’ (advanced) section a smart cut out tool which enables you to layer pictures. Alternatively, if you prefer to work offline you can download another free program called IrfanView which also has a range of editing tools. Once you are happy with the results you can create your own slide shows adding special effects, music, narration or text using MS Photostory 3. Finally finish off by investigating some of the amazing 360 degree panoramas at Panoramas.dk

Free i-board Resources

TSL Education has teamed up with i-board to offer ALL of the great interactive resources for Early Years and Key Stage 1 for FREE!! The new collaboration intend to continue to develop the range of resources including KS1 Phonics activities and KS2 resources too.

Microsoft Autocollage

A big thanks to Nicky who recommended Autocollage way back in the Summer. It is a really neat download from Microsoft which blends together a selected collection of images to create an effective collage. Find out more about it on the Microsoft Schools News blog.

Autocollage normally costs £18 but teachers in the UK are currently able to download the full version for free by registering with the Partners in Learning Network 

Advent

Did you open the first door of your Advent Calendar today? Woodlands Junior School has its own ‘Online Interactive World Advent Calendar’ with a test of Christmas knowledge:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/calendar/ 

While Kent Ed has produced one aimed at key stage 1:

http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/advent_calendar.html

For more Christmas ideas and activities try:

http://primaryict.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/free-christmas-activities-2/

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.html

http://primarynuggets.wordpress.com/2007/12/12/more-christmas-websites/

http://sample.iboard.co.uk/activity/re/Vx4er3Dr0Fx8eF6HYMIkq

Have a happy festive season

Inspiration

It is always a priviledge to spend time with the inspirational Tim Rylands and Friday was no exception. He shared a number of great ideas and websites including Tag Galaxy for image searches and switeroozoo to invent new animals. If you like switcheroozoo then you may also want to check out build your self wild, talking pets or I can do dog tricks. Have fun!

Winged Sandals

Another great  History website for primary school children. Winged Sandals explores ‘the magical world of Classical Greek mythology, a place filled with awesome gods, daring heroes and fabulous monsters’!

 

Egyptian Tomb Adventure

Click here to experience a virtual tour of an Ancient Egyptian Tomb. Find out more about being an archaeologist, but watch out for snakes and scorpions!  This is one of many activities on the education & activities section of the National Museums Scotland website.

BBC Schools Primary History

The BBC has developed a new site to support primary History: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ 

“It covers 6 primary history topics – Ancient Greeks, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Children in Victorian Britain and Children of WW2 - and includes a photo and video library, an interactive timeline, quizzes, activities and games.”  

Boohbah

The Boohbah Zone contains lots of fun, interactive games for Early Years aimed at improving mouse control:

www.boohbah.com/