use Google as a timer

Did you know that the Google search box can be used as a timer.  All you need you need to do is type in "set time for ___" filling in the blank with how long you want the timer to run for.  Press the start button and go about your business.  Make sure your leave the tab open with the timer in it and that they sound on your computer is one.  Once the time is up the timer will beep.
Watch this short video to see how it work.

 

What fun timers do you use in your classroom?  During what activities is a timer most valuable?

OneDrive - another choice for cloud storage

Update:  The extra 20GB is no longer active.

Many are you are probably familiar with Google Drive and Dropbox, but you may not be familiar with Microsoft OneDrive.   This service was formally called SkyDrive, but has been revamped.  I was given a link to share that will allow a friend to get an extra 20GB.  I'm not sure how many people can use it, but give it a try!

This might also be helpful for your students so they don't need to worry about bringing in a flash drive every time they are working on projects.

To give a sense of how it compares to Google Drive and Dropbox, take a look at the information below.

Free Storage: Dropbox - 2GB, OneDrive - 7GB, GoogleDrive - 15GB (includes your e-mails)
Apps:  All 3 have apps for iPhone and Droid, but OneDrive also includes apps for Windows Phone and XBox
Collaboration: All 3 allow you to share files with others, but GoogleDrive and OneDrive also allow you to edit the document right from your browser.

What is your cloud storage service of choice?  Or are you like me and have them all?

Win a Computer Lab for your classroom!

If you haven't heard, Discovery Education is running a contest until May 3rd where the grand prize winner will get a wireless computer lab set-up for their classroom.  There are a lot of other prizes as well such a computers, projectors and document cameras.  You can enter every day and I encourage you to do so!  Go ahead, enter now!

Two More Ways to Find Me

As I am home for my second snow day in a row (leading up to a one week break), I am getting a bit of cabin fever.  The past two days have been bad so I haven't left my house.  I figured that this would be a great time to work on my blog a bit.  I created two more way for you to connect with me.  You can now find The Tech Savvy Science Teacher on Google Plus and YouTube!

How to generate student reports in eSchool Data

My school started using eSchool Data as our data management software last year and we are all still trying to figure out all of the features that go along with it.  One of things that I have figured out is how to create individual grade reports.  Many teachers in my school have found this helpful and I wanted to share it with you as well.   I had to block some things out to protect student security, so if you have any questions please let me know.

StudyBlue Pro - give it a try!

I've mentioned StudyBlue before, but I wanted to share this opportunity that I just found out about.  StudyBlue is now giving away 1 month of their Pro Version for free when you sign up through this link.  After the one month, you'll transfer to the free version is also great!  I use the free version with my class and the kids love it.  I encourage everyone to check out it!  This is something that I encourage for all things.  I always check out a site and play around for it a bit before I decide if I want to use it.  You can't always see if it will work for you just be reading something online.

What are your favorite sites to use with your students?

What is a CSV file?

You may have seen websites or other program that ask for class lists as for them in the format of a CSV file.  What is a CSV file you may ask?  CSV is similar to excel file, but the behind the scenes information is a little different.  CSV stands for Comma Separated Values.  It couldn't be easier to create a CSV file and I've included a video below to help you out!

Are there any other things that you are interested in?  What can I make a video of that will help you out?

Sharing Resources with Google Docs

A number of years ago I created some shared folders in Google Drive for the different science and levels.  I want to share them with you now.  I would love to have you share some items in one or more of these folders as well.  If you are interested, please send me an e-mail and I will add you as a contributor.

Middle School Biology

Middle School Chemistry

Middle School Earth Science

Middle School Physics

High School Biology

High School Chemistry

High School Earth Science

High School Physics

Do you have a favorite go to site for resources?

Top 10 Posts of January

Top 10 Post of January

1. ReadWorks - reading meets science (and other subjects)
2. I'm on Facebook
3. ClassDojo - manage student behavior
4. Creating a easy Works Cited Page
5. Follow me on Bloglovin
6. URL shorteners
7. Problem Attic - NYS Regents Questions Test and Worksheets
8. Google Resources
9. Bill Nye Worksheets
10. PhET Science Simulations

I hope your 2014 is going well.  I am very excited about taking this blog to the next level and I really need to you in order to do that.  What are you looking for?  Do you need a step by step tutorial on something or a suggestion for a certain program?  Let me know!