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As teachers, we’ve all had that moment: you're digging through the back of the supply cabinet, uncovering random items you forgot you had — cups, dice, craft sticks, maybe a half-used pack of index cards. What if you could turn those forgotten treasures into an engaging, standard-aligned activity… in under 10 minutes? With ChatGPT’s camera feature, you can. In this quick guide, I’ll show you exactly how I used ChatGPT to transform a pile of miscellaneous classroom materials into a hands-on math activity for a 3rd-grade learning station — using just a photo and a prompt. ✨ Why Use the Camera Feature in ChatGPT?Instead of typing a long description of what you have on hand, the camera feature allows you to:
🛠 Step-by-Step: Turning Cabinet Clutter into a 10-Minute Math ActivityHere’s how I did it — and how you can too! 2. Snap a Photo Using ChatGPT’s app on my phone, I clicked the camera icon and snapped a quick photo of the materials laid out on a table.
4. Get a Custom Activity Within seconds, ChatGPT responded with a fully formed, standard-aligned activity. For example:
5. Print, Prep, and Go!I copied the activity into a station card, set it on the table, and boom — learning studios ready to go in under 10 minutes. 💡 Bonus Tips
🔗 Ready to Try It?All you need is your phone, the ChatGPT app, and a photo of what’s already in your classroom. 👉 Want to see how I did it? Check out my video [Insert Link to Video]! 📦 Want more station ideas? Visit www.blendedlearningpd.com for free resources and templates. Want to Go Deeper? Join Us This Summer!If this quick project using ChatGPT sparked your interest, imagine what’s possible with a full toolkit of AI strategies for your classroom! This summer, we’re offering a series of hands-on professional development workshops designed to help educators harness the power of AI to save time, boost engagement, and personalize learning. One of our most popular sessions is: 🧠 “Did AI Write That?”: How to Authenticate the Learning In this eye-opening workshop, we explore how to tell when students use AI, how to guide them in ethical AI use, and — most importantly — how to design assignments that showcase authentic thinking. Other workshops include:
👉 Visit www.blendedlearningpd.com to explore sessions, download free resources, or book a custom workshop for your team. Let’s transform classroom planning — one photo (and one prompt) at a time. ✨ 🧠 AI Prompts You Can Try with ChatGPT’s Camera Feature📸 General Prompt“Here’s a photo of some classroom materials I found. Can you create a 10-minute, hands-on activity using these materials that aligns to [insert grade level] [subject] standards?” ✏️ Math Prompt (Grades 3–5)“Using the materials in this photo, create a 10-minute math station that practices [multiplication, division, fractions, etc.] and aligns with 3rd-grade TEKS.” 🎨 Cross-Curricular Prompt (STEM + Art)“Design a STEM activity that integrates math and art for 3rd graders using the materials in this photo. Make it hands-on and fun for a learning station.” 📚 Reading or Writing Prompt“Using the materials in this photo, create a short ELA activity aligned to 3rd-grade reading or writing standards. I want it to be creative and interactive.” 👥 Group Work Prompt“Can you turn these materials into a fast-paced, self-directed activity for early finishers in 3rd grade?” 🔁 What Could You Create?Before tossing those random materials — snap, upload, and let AI help you turn them into meaningful learning. Teachers, your cabinet clutter just became your creative superpower. 💪
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Part One: Tools and Resources for the StudentsThe Planning Process Made EasyTo get started, teachers can introduce brainstorming sessions where students employ tools like Goblin.tools to outline their projects. This platform offers a user-friendly interface that helps students organize their thoughts and research into structured outlines. By using customizable templates, students can ensure they cover all essential elements of their projects, streamlining the planning process and emphasizing clarity and creativity. Collaboration and OrganizationGroup projects can be both rewarding and challenging, which is why effective organization and collaboration are key. Padlet is an excellent tool for students to curate resources, take notes, and share ideas in a visually engaging format. It allows team members to post, comment, and organize concepts in real-time, facilitating a dynamic workflow. Similarly, Wakelet.com can enhance collaboration by enabling students to collect and arrange links, notes, and multimedia, ensuring that all project materials are easily accessible to everyone involved. This collaborative environment not only promotes teamwork but also enriches the depth of the projects.
Capture Ideas and Creative MomentsDuring project meetings and brainstorming sessions, students often generate a wealth of ideas. However, it can be difficult to keep track of everything discussed. This is where Otter.ai comes in handy. This tool provides real-time transcription of meetings, allowing students to focus on the discussion without worrying about missing important details. They can revisit the transcripts later, capturing thoughts, decisions, and action items to guide their projects effectively. This feature fosters accountability and keeps students engaged in the planning process, ensuring a smoother workflow. Enhancing Visual Learning with Design ToolsVisual aids play a crucial role in helping students communicate their ideas effectively. By incorporating tools like Canva, students can design stunning visuals, infographics, and presentations that will captivate their audience. With a diverse range of templates and design elements at their disposal, students can enhance the overall aesthetics of their projects, making them not only informative but visually appealing. Encouraging students to create engaging slides means that their presentations are more likely to resonate with their peers and teachers. Project ShowcaseAs projects near completion, encourage students to prepare a showcase where they can present their work to the class. This not only allows them to demonstrate their understanding but also builds their confidence in public speaking and presentation skills. By emphasizing the visual elements they’ve created using Canva, along with the structured outlines from Goblin.tools, students can effectively convey their ideas and findings. This culmination of their efforts provides a sense of accomplishment and a chance to celebrate their hard work. Part Two: Tools and Resources for the Teachers
Project Hooks through AI PromptsUsing AI prompts can effectively generate engaging hooks for end-of-year student projects rooted in project-based learning. Teachers can have students input specific themes into AI tools to receive creative prompts that spark curiosity. For example, a prompt like "What if your project could solve a real-world problem?” encourages critical thinking about their work's connection to broader societal issues, fostering a more meaningful learning experience. Sample AI Prompts that I used to generate ideas for the Project Based Learning activities. Generate a project based learning activity for biology students. The project should start out with a hook showing a video of a sea turtle struggling to swim due to the fact that it has a balloon wrapped around its fins. The project should take about 10 hours to complete and be aligned to the TEKs. Please provide an outline of the project, a rubric, student choice in the type of project based on the hook, and possible small group lessons that are Differentiated based on three levels. The small groups should be a reteach or an enhancement of the TEKs that would align to the project  AI Rubric Generators
Manage the Progress of the Projects
Keep The Student On Task With Checklist
Platforms like Canva provide customizable checklist templates that enable students to create not only functional reminders but also visually appealing ones. Aesthetic elements can make the checklist more engaging and personalized, which may further increase students’ commitment to their tasks. Additionally, visually striking checklists can serve as constant reminders of their goals, helping students maintain momentum and stay focused on their project milestones. Click here to grab a copy of the project checklist that I created in Canva.com Ask the ExpertsVirtual field trips can immerse students in real-world settings connected to their learning—whether exploring ancient ruins, touring a NASA facility, or visiting a wildlife reserve—all from the classroom. To deepen the experience, character chatbots can serve as interactive guides or historical figures, allowing students to ask questions, gather insights, and simulate interviews to enrich their final projects with unique, personalized perspectives.
ConclusionIn conclusion, harnessing the power of AI tools and resources significantly enhances the quality and creativity of student projects. These technologies not only streamline the research and brainstorming processes but also facilitate collaboration and visual communication, ultimately leading to a more engaging learning experience. However, to ensure that learning is authentic and meaningful, educators must implement strategies that monitor and assess student progress effectively.
Utilizing checklists allows students to track their own achievement of project milestones, ensuring they understand the essential elements of their work. Progression boards can visually display each student's journey through the project, highlighting their growth and areas for improvement. Furthermore, fostering small group interactions encourages peer feedback and collaboration, enriching the learning environment and reinforcing collective understanding. By combining these strategies with the powerful resources available, educators can create a robust framework that not only validates student learning but also nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in their projects. In today's educational landscape, the one-size-fits-all approach to test preparation is becoming increasingly outdated. While traditional study methods may work for some, students have unique learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses that require a more tailored approach. This is where personalized test prep comes into play, making a significant difference in how students engage with the material and ultimately perform on exams. Five strategies to enhance test prep personalization Understanding Individual Needs Every learner is different. Some students may grasp mathematical concepts quickly but struggle with reading comprehension, while others may excel in science but need more support in writing essays. Personalized test prep involves assessing each student's individual strengths and challenges, allowing for a customized study plan that targets specific areas for improvement. This focused approach not only boosts confidence but also enhances learning.  Prioritizing Student Engagement Engagement is a crucial factor in effective study habits. When students relate to the material and see its relevance to their lives, they are more likely to remain motivated and committed. Personalized test prep can incorporate topics of interest, tailor study sessions to preferred learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), and utilize strategies that resonate with individual students. For example, a student who enjoys sports might benefit from math problems related to athletic statistics, making the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful. Learning Studios allow for a variety of learning modalities. Explore how to incorporate learning studios into your content.  Flexible Pacing One of the most significant advantages of personalized test prep is the ability to set the pace. While some students may need more time to master certain concepts, others might move at a faster rate. Personalized plans allow for this flexibility, ensuring that students do not feel rushed or held back. This pacing helps encourage a deeper understanding of the material and prevents the anxiety that can come from trying to keep up with a rigid schedule. Explore how to allow students to move at their own pace with a checklist.
Enhancing Self-Efficacy When students see progress as a result of personalized test prep, their self-efficacy—belief in their capabilities—improves. This psychological boost can be critical during high-stakes testing. Getting personalized feedback and celebrating small victories along the way reinforce positive learning habits and encourage students to strive for their goals. Deploying data meetings along with goal-setting meetings increases self-efficacy. FREE Personalized Test Prep Activity Incorporating Technology
Conclusion Designing personalized test prep for students is not just about improving test scores; it's about cultivating a love for learning and empowering students to take charge of their own academic journey. In a world that demands diverse skill sets and adaptability, tailored preparation can equip students with the tools they need to succeed, not only on their tests but in their future endeavors as well. By recognizing the individual needs of students and adjusting our approach, we can foster an educational environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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AuthorMarcia Kish is a Blended Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and author of The 12 Elements of Student Engagement and Ownership Field Guide, dedicated to helping educators create dynamic, student-centered classrooms. Categories
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