The way we would utilize technology/CT would be putting the blob tree onto google slides or a similar software and allowing students to circle the blob they agree with or that resonates with them, and adding a comment or text box to explain why they chose that blob

1. We would use a mentimeter to let the students interact with each other by answering the question "if you were a food, what food would you be?" Mentimeter allows you to see what other people are answering so they can see if they gave the same answer as someone else. We like the form because it is an uncompetitive way of showing students their similarities and differences.

2. Students find one other person in the class who wrote a similar food. The similarity could be in ingredient, cultural background, preparation method, etc. Students discuss in pairs what these food similarities mean for them as people or learners.

3. Students find one other person in class who wrote a food that's very different from theirs. Students discuss in pairs what these food differences mean for them as people or learnesr.

4. Students will write down reasons for why they chose the food that they picked and their reactions to their classmates choices.

5. Print out pictures of the foods that students chose and make a "menu" for a future potluck! Post the menu and pictures on the classroom wall.

Bee: Blob 19

Daniela: Blob 10

Evelin: Blob 5

Interactions:

Blob 6 & 7- Blob 6 was adventurous enough to be able to climb up to a certain point, but has become discouraged to continue. Blob 7 is providing a helpful hand towards Blob 6 and is trying to cheer them up; Blob 6 just need a little push to be able to continue.

Blob 11 & 12 - Blobs 11 & 12 decided to venture together and are content with the spot they are on the tree. They parked on a stable brach and are happy to stay as long as they are together.

The way we would utilize this process would be to post the tree on an interactive board (Jamboard) at the front of the classroom, and have the children color in or tag the ones they most resonate with on their own devices.

Step 1: Select your platform: Canva or Google Slides.
Step 2: Create a unique and creative title for your slide.
Step 3: Include a main picture of yourself or an image that represents who you are.
Step 4: Add one picture for each of the following categories: where you're from, a hobby, a goal, and a fun fact about yourself.
Step 5: Be prepared to share your collage and present it to the class!

We can present the Blob Tree and let students decide which character best resonates with them.  Students can use the images to IDENTIFY themselves and then explain using sentence stems —- why they chose that one.  For example, a student might say “I identify as the character on the bottom left, barely holding on to the branch — because I often struggle with classes with lots of math in it — and we’re in Chemistry class!”.  Another student might say “I identify as the two people sitting next to each other, hugging and embracing each other.  This is because I need to sit next to my friends, in order to be my best self.”

ANOTHER way to use the blob tree is to let students IDENTIFY which blob they would want to WORK with in a project!  This is different because it forces the students to empathize and think about how other people feel.  It also helps students think about GROUP DYNAMICS, choosing their lab partners intentionally.  Frequently, we actually work best with OPPOSITE personalities, since they complement each other, having strengths and weaknesses DIFFERENT from our own.

The blob tree can also help create a safe classroom environment and help create a sense of emotional awareness between the teacher and other classmates. It can be used to start conversations about how each student feels towards different projects, subjects, or their general feeling towards the classroom. This could also help to understand the challenges which each student faces.

• favorite local restaurant

• favorite park

• favorite coffee shop

• favorite landmark

• local grocery store

After, students can pair up to compare and contrast neighborhoods. What do these spots look like? How often do you go?