First Grade Science Technology Germantown Academy

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Many children come to first grade with a broad background of computer skills. Time is spent at the beginning of each year to familiarize or refamiliarize the children with the use of the computer. Once the guidelines have been explained, the children are introduced to KidKeys (a keyboarding porgram) to assist them with proper typing skills. Along with this Kid Works 2, which is a word processing program, is introduced.

Throughout the year children use various pieces of software to introduce, practice and/or reinforce academic concepts which have been presented. Using these pieces of software the children have the opportunity to illustrate and write language arts related stores, explore phonics games and activities, practice math skills, work on math projects, and conduct research using an on-line encyclopedia.

Throughout our reading themes the teachers use the Internet to find approporiate, intersting and informative sites to enhance the studies. The children are exposed to search engines to assist in the process ( i.e. Yahooligans, Ask Jeeves for Kids, etc.). Classes may participate in online projects with other schools.

E-mail projects with other schools from around the country and the globe broaden the students' understanding of the world and the power of communication. Children also contact important individuals through e-mail.

The teachers, with the help of the Curriculum Technology Specialist and the Webpage Coordinator, add student work to the first grade page.

The Lower School Responsible Use Policy and the Specific Guidelines for Parental Supervision of Children's Internet Use are included in the Lower School Parent Handbook .