Student Tech Hub

Acceptable Use Policy 
 

Chromebook Insurance -Insurance for school-issued Chromebooks is highly recommended and must be purchased annually. 

Insurance for Chromebooks must be renewed on an annual basis. Even if you did not purchase insurance last year, you have the opportunity to buy coverage for the upcoming school year. Please review this document to learn more about obtaining protection for your device. Please note that insurance cannot be purchased to repair existing damage. For those who purchased coverage last year, please be aware that the insurance will expire on 9/1/24. To ensure continuous coverage for your student's Chromebook, we encourage you to purchase or renew insurance.

 

Chromebook Care 

What happens if I break my Chromebook? 

We follow these protocols when a student breaks their school device:

1. Student fills out a ticket using the Chromebook Kiosk.
    
2. Our Systems Engineer assesses the device and finds out if the device has coverage.
    
3. If the device is insured, the device will be sent out for repair and there no fees to the families.  If the device isn't insured, the district will send an invoice to the family to cover the cost of repair. The average cost for repair is approximately $200. The district strongly suggests purchasing the insurance for $30.
    
4. While devices are being repaired students will have to borrow a loaner Chromebook from the HS library on a daily basis. Please keep in mind that we have a limited supply of spare Chromebooks.
    
5. If a student doesn't have access to a computer at home, more permanent loaner would be made available.

Chromebook Collection

Students in grades 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 are allowed to keep their Chromebooks over the summer. However, we will collect devices and power adapters from the 8th and 12th graders. 

Seniors - If you were issued a school Chromebook please return it to the Tech office before graduation.  Be sure to transfer your files using Google Takeout . 

Attention, Seniors! As the school year comes to an end, it is essential to ensure that you take your files with you. Please refer to this document for more information on how to transfer your files from your Ardsley Gmail account using Google Takeout.

 

For Teachers

• Google Classroom: Getting Started for Teachers 
  Step-by-step guide to setting up classes, creating assignments, grading, and communicating with students. 

• Google for Education Learning Center
  Google's official hub for educator guides, videos, lesson ideas, and Classroom training.

• Google Teacher Center & Professional Development
  Free certification pathways, training modules, and professional learning opportunities. 

• Google Classroom Product & Resource Center
  Explore Classroom features, updates, and educator resources. 

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For Parents and Guardians

• Google Classroom Guardian Information 
  Learn about guardian email summaries and how families can stay informed about student work. 

• Parent Guide to Google Classroom (Student Login Support)
  Helpful overview of how students sign in and access their classes. 

• Getting Started with Google Classroom for Students
  Official student guide covering sign-in, joining classes, and submitting assignments. 

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Video Tutorials

• Google Classroom 101 for Teachers
  A collection of tutorials covering setup, assignments, grading, and communication. 

• How to Use Google Classroom for Beginners
  Beginner-friendly walkthrough for teachers and students. 

• How to Use Google Classroom for Parents
  Overview designed specifically for parents and guardians. 

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Google Workspace & Classroom Reference Resources

• Google Workspace Learning Center
  Tutorials, guides, and tips for Google Docs, Drive, Meet, Sheets, Slides, and more. 

• Google Workspace User Help Center & Cheat Sheets
  Includes quick-reference guides and productivity resources for students and educators. 

• Google Workspace Training Catalog
  Free self-paced courses for Google tools commonly used in education. 

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Apps and Integrations

• Google Workspace Marketplace for Education Apps
  Discover classroom tools and apps that integrate with Google Classroom, including assessment, collaboration, STEM, and accessibility resources.

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Stay Connected

• Google for Education Blog
  News, product updates, classroom ideas, and success stories from schools.

• Google for Education on X 
  Follow for announcements, training opportunities, and classroom inspiration.

 

Student and Parent Tutorials

Math

• PhET Interactive Simulations
  Free interactive math and science simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder.

• GeoGebra
  Free online tools for graphing, geometry, algebra, calculus, statistics, and 3D modeling.

• Desmos
  Graph functions, plot data, evaluate equations, and explore mathematical concepts.

• Khan Academy Math
  Comprehensive math lessons and practice exercises for all grade levels.

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Science

• PhET Interactive Simulations
  Interactive simulations covering physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and mathematics.

• Wolf Conservation Center Distance Learning
  Virtual learning experiences focused on wolf conservation and environmental science.

• Science Buddies: STEM Activities
  Hundreds of hands-on science experiments and engineering projects.

• Exploratorium Science Snacks
  Science experiments and investigations using everyday household materials.

• Mystery Science
  Engaging mini-lessons and full science lessons that students can access from home.

• NASA STEM Engagement
  Free STEM activities, videos, and educational resources from NASA.

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Art & History

• ArtsEdge by The Kennedy Center
  Arts-integrated lessons, activities, and educational resources.

• National Geographic Education
  Geography, history, science, and culture resources for students and families.

• Google Arts & Culture
  Explore museums, historical sites, artwork, and cultural collections worldwide.

• Virtual Museum Tours (Smithsonian)
  Access virtual exhibits and collections from Smithsonian museums.

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Virtual Resources
  Virtual tours, art lessons, and educational activities.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art – MetKids
  Interactive art and history resources designed for children.

• Mo Willems' Doodle Resources
  Drawing activities and creative lessons from children's author and illustrator Mo Willems.

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Social Studies

• iCivics
  Interactive games and lessons focused on civics, government, and citizenship.

• Library of Congress Classroom Materials
  Primary sources and historical activities for students and families.

• National Geographic Education
  Geography, history, and global studies resources.

• PBS LearningMedia Social Studies
  Videos, lesson plans, and activities aligned to social studies standards.

• Smithsonian Learning Lab
  Digital collections and learning activities covering history, culture, and civics.

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Additional Free Learning Resources

• Khan Academy
  Free lessons in math, science, history, economics, and more.

• CommonLit
  Reading passages and literacy resources for grades 3–12.

• ReadWorks
  Free reading comprehension materials and activities.

• CK-12 Foundation
  Free digital textbooks, simulations, and practice exercises.

• Scholastic Learn at Home
  Reading, writing, and cross-curricular activities for students.

 

DK Workbooks: Raspberry Pi Projects Workbook by DKYear Published: 2017 Get kids building exciting computer projects, including games, music, and designs. Perfect for children ages 7–11 who are new to programming, this highly visual workbook is a fun introduction to Raspberry Pi, an affordable credit-card-size computer that is revolutionizing the world of computing and can help boost kids' computer skills in a new and innovative way. With easy-to-follow directions and fun pixel art, DK Workbooks: Raspberry Pi Projects helps kids understand the basics of computers, programming, and how to create cool projects in Scratch, Python, and Sonic Pi through fun, hands-on learning experiences. All they need is a Raspberry Pi computer, an SD card, an HDMI cable, a USB power supply, and a standard monitor, mouse, and keyboard. After they learn how to program their Raspberry Pi, kids can make their own music using Sonic Pi, craft amazing designs using Python, and build and play their own computer games and projects with Scratch. They can even test their coding knowledge with written vocabulary and programming quizzes at the end of each project. Supporting STEM education initiatives, computer coding teaches kids how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically, and is quickly becoming a necessary and sought-after skill. DK's computer coding books are full of fun exercises with step-by-step guidance, making them the perfect introductory tools for building vital skills in computer programming.

 

Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma SaujaniYear Published: 2017 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Part how-to, part girl-empowerment, and all fun, from the leader of the movement championed by Sheryl Sandberg, Malala Yousafzai, and John Legend.   Since 2012, the organization Girls Who Code has taught computing skills to and inspired over 40,000 girls across America. Now its founder, Reshma Saujani, wants to inspire you to be a girl who codes! Bursting with dynamic artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of girls and women working at places like Pixar and NASA, this graphically animated book shows what a huge role computer science plays in our lives and how much fun it can be. No matter your interest—sports, the arts, baking, student government, social justice—coding can help you do what you love and make your dreams come true. Whether you’re a girl who’s never coded before, a girl who codes, or a parent raising one, this entertaining book, printed in bold two-color and featuring art on every page, will have you itching to create your own apps, games, and robots to make the world a better place.

 

Coding Games in Scratch by Jon WoodcockYear Published: 2015 Written for children ages 8–12 with little to no coding experience, this straightforward visual guide uses fun graphics and easy-to-follow instructions to show young learners how to build their own computer projects using Scratch, a popular free programming language. With Coding Games in Scratch, kids can build single and multiplayer platform games, create puzzles and memory games, race through mazes, add animation and more. All they need is a desktop or laptop with Adobe 10.2 or later, and an internet connection to download Scratch 2.0. Coding can be done without download on https://scratch.mit.edu.

 

STEAM KIDS: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-on by STEAM Kids books are written by a very cool group of engineers, teachers, math nerds, art lovers andYear Published: Perfect for children ages 4-10, all the step-by-step activities are helpfully coded with difficulty indicators and estimated project times. Helpful project extensions promote further exploration and learning for enthusiastic children. Bonus materials will make things easy for parents and educators, and include: a handy weekly planning guide, project shopping lists, STEAM journal and more.

 

Dot. by Randi ZuckerbergYear Published: 2013 Meet Dot in this debut picture book by Randi Zuckerberg! Dot's a spunky little girl well versed in electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap . . . to swipe . . . to share . . . and she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. Dot's tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot really does know lots and lots.

Coding and AI Resources for K–12 Students

Grades K–5
Introduce young learners to coding and AI with engaging, age-appropriate tools and activities to spark creativity and build foundational skills.

• Kodable: A gamified coding app teaching kids problem-solving and logic.
• CodeSpark Academy: Fun coding games and puzzles tailored for early learners.
• Tynker - Puppy Adventure: Interactive coding challenges where students use basic programming to complete missions.
• CodeMonkey Jr..: Introduces block-based programming through engaging, animated challenges.
• Code.org - Dance Party: A creative way to learn coding by programming dance moves to music.
• Tynker - Hour of Code Activities: One-hour coding tutorials for beginners.
• BrainPOP - Creative coding Helps students explore concepts with project-based coding activities.
• AutoDraw: AI-powered drawing tool that transforms doodles into polished art.
• Tic Tac Toe vs AI: Play and code your own AI-powered Tic-Tac-Toe game.
• Google’s Semi-Conductor: An interactive tool that uses coding concepts to create music.
• Speechnotes: Explore speech-to-text technology for storytelling and creative writing.
• Magic Sketchpad : AI-powered doodling and drawing tool that inspires creativity.

Explore Activities

• Code Your Hero: Use simple programming to design and animate a hero character.

 

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Grades 6–8
Encourage middle school students to delve deeper into coding and AI concepts with tools that balance learning and fun.

• Code.org Projects: A variety of coding activities focused on creativity and problem-solving.
• Tynker Projects: Intermediate-level coding challenges, including AI integrations.
• Creative Coding with BrainPOP: Advanced projects encouraging computational thinking.
• Scratch is a free, block-based coding platform developed by MIT that helps users create interactive stories, games, and animations while learning programming basics.

 

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Grades 9+
Equip high school students with advanced tools and projects to master coding languages and explore AI concepts.

• Animal Classifier(Python): Learn machine learning by creating an AI model identifying animal species.
• Mihi Maker  (Scratch): Develop interactive stories or games using Scratch.
• Analog Clock  (Block-based): Design a functioning clock using programming blocks.
• Computational Portraiture (JavaScript): Explore generative art and coding in JavaScript.

 

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AI-Related Activities & Tools (All Grades)
Dive into the exciting world of AI with these versatile resources suitable for all age groups.

• AI 4 ALL Resources: Guides and activities to introduce AI concepts.
• Teachable Machine: Experiment with AI by training models in minutes.
• Quick, Draw!: Interactive game where AI guesses your sketches.
• Thing Translator: Use AI to identify objects and translate their names into other languages.
• Shadow Art: Explore interactive art through shadows and AI.
• Code.org AI for Oceans: Teach students about AI ethics while programming an AI to clean the ocean.
• Tynker AI Games: Fun games to introduce AI concepts.

Music Lab: Jam Session– Create music while learning coding basics like sequencing and functions. Remix tracks from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Shakira, and explore AI-driven beat creation in this self-paced, one-hour activity.

Minecraft: The Show Must Go On – Solve coding challenges in blocks or Python to save a chaotic show! Compose music, choreograph dances, and design costumes while building problem-solving and computational thinking skills.

These resources ensure students at every grade level have access to meaningful and exciting opportunities to explore coding and AI!