Living in the Jetsons: Amazon Drones

Midway through an amazing Tech Week last week, Allison told us about the Amazon Drones that are being developed to deliver packages right to your door. I didn't believe her that it could possibly be true, but she proved me wrong with this video.

Someone recently said to me that we're "living in the Jetsons".

Comment here and tell me if you anticipate any problems with Amazon Drones and/or if you know what "living in the Jetsons" means!

What Makes a Good Teacher?

You know Kathleen in the office? She and her daughter Elizabeth have been checking out our blog tonight and posted a question for you. Elizabeth is starting university in the fall and will be studying to become a teacher. What she wants to know is "What makes a good teacher?" You've all had several teachers so far and are great commenters, questioners and advice-givers. How can you answer that question? Leave a comment, or a few comments, here. I told her we'd also tweet some answers for her next week.

UPDATE: Thanks for your fabulous, thoughtful comments! Gabby even wrote a post on her blog to answer this!

UPDATE #2: We are tweeting with the hashtag #gt209!

Computer Lab Tasks: Picking a Song

Hello boys and girls,

  Welcome to the computer lab! You have a few tasks to complete today.

  Kim has only seen you working on our blog once, so I'm looking forward to hearing about you impressing her today!

  It is our turn in just over two weeks to lead the Rock of Ages 9-12 classes in a song and we haven't yet chosen one! We are presenting on Thursday, April 4th and need to have our song ready well in advance.

  We have to select a song by a Canadian artist. Think about the songs we've already chosen and try to suggest something that's a little bit different. You may suggest the song you chose for the "Music with a Message" assignment or a new one.

TASK #1: Please leave a comment on this post, or if you have a blog, you may write a post on your blog and then link to it. In your comment (or post), provide the name of your song suggestion, the musician (or "artist") of the song and three juicy reasons that you think this would be a great addition to our song list. You must also link to your song (you can link to a YouTube video if you wish).

  Before you publish your post, double check to make sure you've followed all the instructions, used your best spelling, and done careful, professional work.

TASK #2: Continue to refresh the page and see as your classmates comment. Read about their suggestions and if you are unfamiliar with the songs, listen to them. Write at least two responses. Remember to be kind, specific and respectful in your comments. Continue the conversation!

  In total, you will write at least three comments. If each student is writing at least three comments, how many comments will we have today?

TASK #3: When you are finished adding comments on this post, you may visit Rock of Ages 9-12 and leave comments there.

  Please make sure you stay on task and use your time well! I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

  Some students have gotten really good at using blogger, so please ask one another for help as needed.

UPDATE: Great start, Digital Degus! Remember to read all instructions! If you need some more inspiration, check out Tiiu's blog. She has posted some great Canadian artists and songs.

UPDATE #2: Fiona's posted her song suggestion on her blog! Pat has posted his, too!

Your Daily Smile: An Enthusiastic Baby Elephant Takes a Mud Bath

This video made me smile! I wanted to share it with you.

Can you imagine the thoughts in this baby elephant's mind? Can you leave a comment from his point of view?

Learning About Qatar and Teaching About Alternative Schools

On Friday, February 22nd, six to ten teachers from the country of Qatar are coming to visit Churchill. They want to learn about Alternative Schools, because they are considering opening one in their country.

 

Let's spend some time today learning about Qatar so we can be very welcoming to them.

Step 1: Visit some of the sites below and read about Qatar. (Read, understand, look away, write)
Kids World Travel Guide: Qatar
Fact Monster: Qatar
World Factbook: Qatar

Step 2: Make your FIRST comment on this post, writing in full sentences, in your own words, and share two interesting facts you learned about Qatar.

Step 3: Make your SECOND comment on this post, writing in full sentences, and share two reasons why you think an Alternative school is a great place for kids to learn. 

Remember: I have had to turn on Comment Moderation, so I have to read and approve all comments BEFORE they are published. So, when you hit "publish", your comment won't appear right away! Give me a moment and then refresh your page!

Double Check: Before you move on to another activity, make sure you've followed ALL instructions and made two comments on this post.

UPDATE: Fiona has decided to write a post to respond to this instead of leaving comments! Check it out!
So did Fin! Check out her's!
Mel, too!

Once you are done, please visit the Stop Motion post and join in the conversation there. Next week, I will split you into groups and you will create your storyboards to get ready for filming. This is your chance to share your ideas and develop those ideas that you like. Your classmates have come up with some AWESOME "Movies With a Message"! I can't wait to see these movies come to life!

UPDATE: I have the list ready for Stop Motion groups. If you want to be added, post a comment!

Take an Idea and Run With It!

Hello Digital Degus,

  Today in the computer lab, you will be taking an idea and running with it! I have posted A LOT of ideas lately and want you to take some time to build on those ideas. You can select which TWO blog posts to comment on, but you must comment on at least TWO of the blog posts listed below:

(Alternately, if you have your own blog, you could make two posts describing your ideas, then leave a comment on the appropriate post to link to your blog!)

You MUST comment on TWO (or more of the posts below)
1. Pennies for Polio Fundraising Ideas
2. Flat Classroom project possibilities - A Week in the Life or Life Round Here
3. Read Aloud Day ideas
4. Awesome Project proposal
5. Stop Motion ideas

If you have selected a NEW item, you MUST update your Where Project topic

You may also visit and comment on the following blogs:
Laurie and Lisa's Blog
Rock of Ages Blog
or your classmates' blogs

Expectations for your comments:
-relates to the post that you're commenting on (Fiona)
-add new ideas! (Kaleigh)
-more than one sentence. (Sophia)
-JUICY! (include details and care) (Sophia)
-share your ideas before you forget them, you can write them on paper before typing them (or on a word processor) (Thomas)
-think before typing (Jackson)
-answer in full sentences, don't write gibberish (Laryssa)
-read over your work before hitting "publish" (Vickie)
-read the other comments before posting so you're not being repetitive (Laryssa)
-reply to other people's comments, continue the conversation, build on people's ideas, this can help us make groups for activities!