What is the Learning Curve?
The Curve is a learning laboratory dedicated to
inspiring children to explore learning through the use of
technology using the inquiry-based learning model
designed to foster healthy curiosity and excitement
through a hands-on approach. As an informal institution
of education, the Learning Curve supports the efforts of
teachers by creating an environment where children can
begin a personal journey of discovery in pursuit of
information literacy.
Why book a group visit?
Visiting the Learning Curve is an opportunity for
your classroom to experience inquiry-based learning
through activities which foster curiosity and produce
results in the form of digital products.
In this booklet are pre-planned activities with specific
Indiana Department of Education Standards for groups
of all-ages! The Curve is here to satisfy your
classroom’s need for essential resources, information,
and high tech tools. It has never been easier to plan a
full visit of diverse activities utilizing the Learning
Curve's resources.
For more information about the Learning Curve, please visit
our website: www.imcpl.org/curve or call our group visit
hotline: 317-275-4222.
Location:
The Learning Curve is located on the 2nd floor of Central
Library in downtown Indianapolis.
40 East St. Clair Street
Indianapolis, IN 46206-0211
Activity: Robots with Software - Intermediate
Description: With hands-on practice, students who have completed Introduction
to Robots can learn to program a Lego Mindstorms NXT robot using laptop and
Mindstorms software. They will have an opportunity to observe, analyze and
revise their programs.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Age Range: 5th-8th Grade
Related Academic Standards:
5th Grade: Mathematics (2000) Problem Solving - 5.7.
6th Grade: Discrete Mathematics (2000) DM.6
7th Grade: Mathematics (2000) Problem Solving - 7.7
8th Grade: Mathematics (2000) Problem Solving - 8.7
Curve Literacy Standard: H-6 Analyzes information and makes connections
Activity: Robot Challenges - Advanced
Description: With hands-on practice, students who have completed Introduction
to Robots and Intermediate Robots can respond to challenges by designing and
testing robot programs. They will have an opportunity to observe, analyze and
revise their programs as well as create challenges for others. A team aspect can
be incorporated into this activity.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Age Range: 5th -8th Grade
Related Academic Standards:
5th Grade: Computer Programming CP.5.2
6th Grade: Computer Programming CP.6.1
7th Grade: Business, Marketing & Information Technology IT.7.12.9
8th Grade: Mathematics (2000) 8.7.5
Curve Literacy Standard: H-8 Constructs meaning from information & produces
new information
Curve Literacy Standard for Team: J-3 Makes positive contribution in shared
forum or project
How do I book my group?
Contact the Group Visit Coordinator at 317-275-4222, or e-mail
curveworld@imcpl.org.
Can we eat lunch at the Curve?
Yes! When setting up your visit, let the Learning Curve know so
lunch arrangements can be made.
Do you cover bus cost?
Yes! Transportation costs up to $100 are available for
reimbursement after your visit. Simply fax the Learning Curve an
official school invoice at 317-229-4508.
What technology is at the Curve?
Software: KidPix, Frames, MixCraft, Photoshop Elements, Pivot
Stickfigure Animator, Scratch, Microsoft Word & PowerPoint.
Hardware: Digital Cameras, Webcams, Video Cameras, Flip
Cameras, Microphones, Drawing Tablets, Lego Mindstorm Robots,
PLEO Robots, Digital Microscope, Video Projector, and more.
What’s the Media Workshop?
The Media Workshop is a computer lab aimed towards 12-18 year
olds with digital skills. The four dual-screen workstations have
Adobe Production Premium Suite which includes Photoshop, After
Effects, Premiere Pro, Flash, Adobe Audition, and more. An HD
video camera and sound capturing equipment are also available. To
set up a time or group for the Media Workshop, contact Gail Ratcliff
at 317-275-4082 or gratcliff@imcpl.org.
Workshops/Special Projects for your classroom…
If your classroom is working on a special project that can be
enhanced with the Learning Curve’s resources, contact us at 317275-4222 or curveworld@imcpl.org to talk about workshop or
special project possibilities.
Activity: Hide and Seek Tour
Description: A group movie making activity with Flip video cameras that
introduces each section of the Learning Curve. Students listen and respond to
Hide and Seek books and discuss concepts of size and scale. The group then
stars in a movie about hiding and peeking in small and large places in the
Learning Curve and watches the finished product together on the big screen.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards:
Kindergarten: English/Language Arts K.3.1
1st Grade: Science 1.1.4
2nd Grade: Mathematics 2.4.5
Curve Literacy Standard: B-4 Develops large and small motor skills.
Activity: Inspired by Illustrators
Description: An individual laptop activity using Frames software. Teachers
provide us with a favorite Illustrator. Students discuss the illustrations and how
they may have been made. Students explore multimedia drawing tools to
produce their own drawings inspired by the chosen Illustrator. Time permitting:
students record their voice on top of the illustrations and describe their own
illustrations.
Duration: 30 minutes +
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards:
Kindergarten: English/Language Arts K.7.3
1st Grade: Science 1.1.1
2nd Grade: Science 2.1.6
Curve Literacy Standard: F-7 Explores and uses basic multi-media tools.
Activity: The Missing Sound
Description: A group sound recording activity. Teachers provide us with a
theme. Students listen and respond to books about the theme. Students watch a
slideshow related to the topic and imagine what sounds or phrases they could
add to the movie. Students record the missing sound and watch the movie with
their integrated sound effects.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
Kindergarten: K.7.1
1st Grade: 1.7. 3.
2nd Grade: 2.1.6
Curve Literacy Standard: E-2 Observes, imagines and wonders.
Activity: What Should I Read Next?
Description: Are you just not sure what to read next? The Learning Curve at
Central Library is ready to help! Come and let us tell you about books that might
be just what you want – books you won’t be able to put down. Book Talks will last
approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Then we will help you select the books you will
want to check out, take home, and start reading.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Age Range: 3rd -12th Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
3rd Grade: 3.2, 3.3
8th Grade: 8.2, 8.3
4th Grade: 4.2, 4.3
9th Grade: 9.2, 9.3
5th Grade: 5.2, 5.3
10th Grade: 10.2,10.3
6th Grade: 6.2, 6.3
11th Grade: 11.2, 11.3
7th Grade: 7.2, 7.3
12th Grade: 12.2, 12.3
H.S. Literature: LIT.2, LIT.3
Curve Literacy Standard: C-5 Finds reading material of interest
Activity: Media Workshop Experience
Description: Do your high school students have an idea for a multi-session
video project? If so, visit the Media Workshop in the Learning Curve to make
your ideas come to life! Contact Gail Ratcliff at gratcliff@imcpl.org for details on
how to book your group of 8 or less.
Duration: Dependent on project
Age Range: 9th-12th Grade
Related Academic Standards: Workplace Skills- Use a computer to design and
publish documents by using advanced publishing software and graphic
programs.
9th Grade: 9.4.9
10th Grade: 10.4.9
11th Grade: 11.4.9
12th Grade: 12.4.9
Curve Literacy Standard: F-10 Explores & uses advanced multi-media tools
Activity: Robots - Introduction
Description: With hands-on practice, students learn the basics for programming
a Lego Mindstorms NXT robot and have an opportunity to observe and analyze
the results of their work.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: 3rd-8th Grade
Related Academic Standards: Problem Solving - Students make decisions
about how to approach problems and communicate their ideas.
3rd Grade: 3.6
4th Grade: 4.7
5th Grade: 5.7
6th Grade: 6.7
7th Grade: 7.7
8th Grade: 8.7
Curve Literacy Standard: G-1 Recognizes when information is needed
Activity: Research Assist
Description: Students are introduced to catalog and database search methods.
The Learning Curve librarians assist students with accessing hardcopy and
electronic sources, creating bibliographies, and digitally publishing student work!
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: 3rd-12th Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts-Research
3rd Grade: 3.7.6
8th Grade: 8.5.3
th
4 Grade: 4.7.12
9th Grade: 9.5.9
5th Grade: 5.7.4
10th Grade: 10.5.9
6th Grade: 6.5.3
11th Grade: 11.5.10
th
7 Grade: 7.5.3
12th Grade: 12.5.10
Curve Literacy Standard: G-5 Finds information from a variety of sources and
media
Activity: Research and Report
Description: Students put their new found skills and knowledge into action using
PowerPoint presentation software. Teachers, tell us your topic and schedule your
classroom’s research and report visit.
Duration: 60 minutes+
Age-Range: 3rd-12th Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
3rd Grade: 3.7.6
8th Grade: 8.7.10
4th Grade: 4.7.12
9th Grade: 9.5.9
th
5 Grade: 5.7.4
10th Grade: 10.5.9
6th Grade: 6.7.5
11th Grade: 11.5.10
th
7 Grade: 7.7.10
12th Grade: 12.5.10
Activity: CurveWorld
Description: Students explore the CurveWorld mega-gallery of kids’ writings,
pictures, music and slideshows then create their own work for the CurveWorld
online gallery.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: 1st-12th Grade
Related Academic Standards:
IT.1.7 - Students create documents using word processing software
IT.1.11 - Students create presentations using presentation graphics software
IT.1.14 - Students access information using electronic sources
IT.1.17 - Students demonstrate basic knowledge of the Internet
IT.1.20 - Students demonstrate knowledge of web page basics
IT.33.4 - Students apply knowledge of web hosting
IT.35.12 - Students utilize the basic principles of 2-D animation
IT.39.3 - Students demonstrate design skills
IT.43.2 - Students create a soundtrack
Curve Literacy Standard: E-3 Comments and questions
Activity: Senses and Sensors
Description: A group activity introducing the Lego Mindstorms NXT Robots.
Students discuss the five senses and compare how robots and humans sense,
think, and move. Students experience the basic concept of action and reaction
while testing a simple program using the robots’ object and touch sensors.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards: Science
Kindergarten: K.6.1
1st Grade: 1.6.1
2nd Grade: 2.1.4
Curve Literacy Standard: E-5 Relates information to personal interests,
knowledge, and experiences.
Activity: Lines that Wiggle
Description: An individual laptop activity using KidPix drawing software.
Students practice mouse and screen navigation skills. Students explore digital
drawing tools to produce their own inspired drawing based on personal
observations.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards:
Kindergarten: Science K.2.2
1st Grade: Fine Arts: Visual Arts 1.6.2
2nd Grade: Science 2.2.5
Curve Literacy Standard: F-3 Uses mouse, keyboard, and other controls with
intention.
Activity: Storytime in the Green Screen Theater
Description: A group storytime activity followed by free time on the Green
Screen Theater stage. Students listen and respond to books read aloud.
Students learn about green screen technology as they take turns acting on the
Theater stage.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
Kindergarten: K.3.5
1st Grade: 1.3.5
2nd Grade: 2.3.7
Curve Literacy Standard: D-2 Extends reading by making connections and
visualizing.
Activity: Little Animators
Description: A collaborative stop action animation activity using laptop
computers, webcams, and a variety of objects. Children think about narrative
sequence and expressing ideas through a series of images taken with the
webcam.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: K-2nd Grade
Related Academic Standards:
Kindergarten: Social Studies K.1.4
1st Grade: Fine Arts Theater 1.6.2
2nd Grade: Fine Arts Theater 2.6
Curve Literacy Standard: F-7 Explores and uses basic multi-media tools.
Activity: Portrait of the artist as a…
Description: Students use webcams and either KidPix, ImageBlender or
Photoshop Elements software (depending on age and experience) to capture
and modify their own image. These self-portraits may explore personal
expressions of identity or other inspirations such as nature, music, poetry, history
or literature.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Age Range: 3rd-12th Grade
Related Academic Standards: Fine Arts: Visual Arts
3rd Grade: 3.6
4th Grade: 4.6
5th Grade: 5.6
6th Grade: 6.6
7th Grade: 7.6
8th Grade: 8.6
9th-12th Grade: H.6
Curve Literacy Standard: F-7 Explores and uses basic multi-media tools
Activity: IndiAnimation
Description: Students use animation software to create an action sequence in
one of Indiana’s notable or historical events.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: 3rd -8th Grade
Related Academic Standards: Social Studies
3rd Grade: 3.1.4
4th Grade: 4.1.14
5th Grade: 5.3.7
6th Grade: 6.4.8
7th Grade: 7.3.6
8th Grade: 8.3.9
Curve Literacy Standard: B-13 Describes events and stories
Activity: Every Class A Podcast!
Description: A laptop activity using recording software and microphones.
Students will research, document, and report on a classroom topic. Teachers,
tell us your topic and schedule your classroom’s research and report visit.
Duration: 45 minutes
Age Range: 3rd-8th Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
3rd Grade: 3.7.6
4th Grade: 4.7.12
5th Grade: 5.7.4
6th Grade: 6.7.5
7th Grade: 7.7.10
8th Grade: 8.7.10
Curve Literacy Standard: D-3 Read critically, looks for meaning, forms personal
understanding
Activity: Scavenger Hunt
Description: Using maps and images, students interpret and solve clue-based
text. Students explore and discover the Learning Curve’s world class resources.
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Range: 3rd-6th Grade
Related Academic Standards: English/Language Arts
3rd Grade: 3.2.6
4th Grade: 4.2.3
5th Grade: 5.2.1
6th Grade: 6.2.7
Curve Literacy Standard: D-2 Extends reading by making connections and
visualizing