I came across this cool (and free) app called ChatterPix and thought it would make the perfect review activity in Social Studies.  Before the students got their hands on the iPads, they had to pretend they were Leif Erikson and write a paragraph explaining who they were, what they accomplished, and why they didn't stay in Newfoundland very long.  Once I approved the paragraph, they were ready to create their ChatterPix.  Here are a few examples:

Canada Biggie Sized!

Way back in the summer I accidentally came across the Canadian National Geographic website while searching for something totally unrelated.  Well, I'm sure glad I found the site and spent a few minutes looking around.  I found that they lend giant floor maps of Canada - for FREE!  So, I signed up and kinda forgot about it all during the rush of the fall.  I was reminded by email after Christmas that I had signed up and was asked if I was still interested in having the map delivered. I replied with a definite YES and waited for the map's arrival.

The map was so big I couldn't even get the whole thing in one picture.  You get the idea.

The map also came with a trunk full of lesson ideas and materials like bean bags, pylons, picture cards, and chain links (to outline the watersheds).

My fifth graders had just finished learning about the six geographical regions of Canada, so the map arrived at the perfect time.