Building our projects

We are firmly in the "building" phase of our project!

1. First grade created their first podcast, combining the audio from garage band with the pictures from the scanner and the Internet.
2. Second grade planted their tree. It was a verrrrry cold day (brrrrr), but we bundled up. Lots of pictures and video was taken so that we can make a movie about our project.
3. Third grade began collecting video, drawing pictures, and downloading images from the Internet. We ran into some technical issues, but luckily we solved most of them.
4. Fourth grade also began collecting video, drawing pictures, and downloading images from the Internet. We needed to get at least one Mac so that we could convert the video from the digital camera into a format that the Dells (and MovieMaker) could use.

IMPORTANT HINT: We learned that when connecting a digital camera to a Mac using a USB cable, you must import the video into iPhoto first!

Planting a Tree

Right now our class is looking into planting a tree on the school grounds. Administration says there is room on the property for the tree, I am just waiting for the OK from the custodians. We are hoping to plant the tree as soon as possible. If we are not able to plant it on school property it may be possible to plant it in a community garden. Does anyone have any information on how I would contact some of the gardens in the area?

Week 4

We have accomplished so much in a short amount of time. Here are the highlights:

• Next Friday we will have a SmartBoard training. Anyone interested can meet during the planning period to learn the new SmartBoard tools. This is an optional training. We will meet in one of the classrooms, rather than room 308. (Let me know where is best)


• Grade 1: Students have finished their research and are beginning to record their voices into Garage Band. We also discussed creating diagrams and labeling them. Tabitha told us a "Picture is worth a 1,000 words" :)


• Grade 2: Students are working on their FAQs. Today they practiced adding text and learned how to add graphics to their PPTs. By next week all students will have FAQs ready to add to Wiki. Next steps: We will do a whole-class (shared writing) on How to Plant a Tree.
  


• Grade 3: Students learned how to storyboard today and are beginning to storyboard their PSAs. We learned about how to show the various elements of a video, including titles, graphics, narration, music, and sound effects (f/x). Each group will have their storyboards ready by next week.


• Grade 4: Each group had to "pitch" their video segment today. The pitches went great. Each group has a list of things they need to do to help prepare for the building phase. We also showed students the basics of storyboarding (for video production). Groups need to get their storyboards ready. We will need a digital camera (still or video) for next weeks work.