Kara Wordell

Inspiration/Kidspiration Uses

1.) Preparing a speech

These programs allow students to arrange their thoughts, main ideas, and key points that they would like to make in their speech in an organized manner. After the students have a diagram of their key points, they will be able to write a more successful speech (www.inspiration.com).

2.) Analyzing fiction

After students have read a fiction novel or short story, they can use these programs to analyze the works to increase their critical reading skills. Have students start their diagram with a broad main idea such as “characterization”. From there, students can further analyze the book into more narrow ideas (www.inspiration.com).

3.) Introduction into the periodic table of elements

Since the relationship between the electron configuration of an element and its chemical behavior and position on the periodic table is often confusing to students, these programs can help students better understand basic chemistry. By creating a diagram that breaks down an electron, a student is able to see the different energy levels, etc. (Inspiration in Science).

4.) The cell as a factory

Even though a cell is an extremely small organism, there are many different components and functions. These programs can be used by students to break down the cell so they can gain learn about the operations of the cell (www.inspiration.com).

5.) Newton’s Laws

After students have learned Newton’s Laws, they can use these programs to make a diagram of examples of the three main laws. They can then break off these main laws into motions that they are familiar with, such as motions that are used in sports. This will teach the students how to apply what they learn in the classroom to their own life (www.inspiration.com).

6.) Exploring the solar system

Students can use these programs to organize their findings while they are researching a particular planet. The main idea can be the planet, and the subtopics can be facts about the planet. This will teach the student about their solar system.

7.) Biographies

Students can use these programs to organize their findings while they are researching a person. The main idea can be the person’s name and then the subtopics could be facts about the person including their achievements, obstacles, influences, etc. (www.inspiration.com).

8.) Star Qualities

Students can use these programs to understand star formation and destruction. The main idea can be the word “star” and the subtopics could different pieces of information about stars including, cycles, sizes, kinds, etc. (Achieving Standards with Inspiration 7).

9.) Historical Event

Since many historical events have many details, students can use these programs to categorize the particulars of certain event. The main idea can be the event and the subtopics can be the particulars of the event including setting, cause, effect, etc. (Achieving Standards with Inspiration 7).

10.) Book Comparison

Students can use these programs to contrast and compare two different books they have read. By analyzing the similarities and differences of two books, students increase their understanding of the two books (www.inspiration.com).