Journal 12

Worked on creating a powerpoint presentation that incorporates a video clip of the PBS/Nature video "A Conversation with Koko". This entailed taking a video and converting the file from a VOB format to a MPG file format using MediaCoder. Then I used Chopper XP to actually edit the video.

This powerpoint presentation will actually be part of a lesson for the Art Goes to School Program during May 7 through May 11th. The Art Goes to School Program is presented to Kindergarten to 6th grade classes for one week during their art class.

Reflection 12

In today's class I got to see what others have been working on to incorpate technology into their lesson plans. It was really interesting to see the various applications and types of technology available. The internet is really an amazing tool that lends itself to lots of available simulations that will help students learn.

Technology Application #1 - Photosynthesis Vernier Probe

Photosynthesis Unit-- Photosynthesis is concept few students being taught by traditional methods can understand or crasp let along appreciate it's vital role for almost all of life on Earth.

The goal of our unit on Photosynthesis is to have the students practice the nature of science through the process of developing a theory and model of how an alien species is obtaining its energy. Since the mechanism for the aliens is analogous to how plants obtain energy, the alien scenario is providing a hook, based on inquiry to further study the process of photosynthesis. The students will move from their alien scenarios to plants on earth and incorporate this “new” knowledge into the revision of their alien models. The major concepts are the conversion of energy, how photosynthesis occurs, and the importance of the products and waste products of photosynthesis for all life.

Students are directed to focus on the alien data concerning light, O2, and glucose as a possible input or output. Students investigate the data supporting or refuting these elements as possible sources of energy. The chart and their models should be worked on to completion.

This particular lesson has students explore what the bubbles being release from a samples of skin are. They do this by analyzing the gas using Vernier probes. This is activity 3 of Lesson 2.2 from our backbone

On Screen Questions

For my on screen question I would like to ask the following:

Koko a lowlland gorilla communicate with human's by:

1) Pounding on her chest
2) Various grunting sounds
3) American Sign Language
4) Morris Code
5) Gorilla Sign Language

Answer: Gorilla Sign Language which is a combination of the American Sign Language and a gorilla's natural sign language.

Reflection 11

Learned how to edit an htm page using pagemaker rather than editing the html file. This is a lot easier! Do not have pagemaker at home but will download enu and us

Journal 11

I am trying to figure out how to take a copy (not the original protected copy) of a DVD movie and edit it. I would like to create a small film clip of the original version. This is a presentation that we are trying to put together for ART GOES TO SCHOOL. The PBS/Nature DVD "A Conversation with Koko" is a great film about Koko who communicates via American Sign Language. She can sign 1000 words and understands 2000 works. She can also paint and does photography. In fact she has been rank one of the tp 40 professional photographers by National Geographics. Any way we have tried Cinamagic and Moviemaker and have not had any success. Does anyone know what we can do?

Journal 10

I wish I had better technology skills then I currently have. I wish I had more time to explore and learn to become more comfortable with the assignment.

Reflection 10

I learned to convert my word document to pdf format by using a free web site on the internet called pd. I also learned how to create a web home page and edit html to create a web page. I viewed two demos on Frontpage and Dupal. Now I will be creating a web home page for homework.

Reflection 10

I learned to convert my word document to pdf format by using a free web site on the internet called pd. I also learned how to create a web home page and edit html to create a web page. I viewed two demos on Frontpage and Dupal. Now I will be creating a web home page for homework.

My Resume

Here is my resume in word format.
Here is my pdf resume document resume in pdf format.

Journal 9

This week my cooperating teacher for my observation shared two really good internet sites. One is www.biocourse.com and the other is www.accessexcellence.com. I looked at both sites and they have really good resources for simulations, powerpoints and handouts that would are great resources for life science teachers. Check them both out.

This made me that we should create a link on dtse.org blog page for great internet resource we have discovered that would be great to share. Chris what do you think?