Grades 4-8: Mystery & History Quests

You are invited to participate in several upcoming videoconferences using the MysteryQuest format:

HistoryQuest 8th grade: Civil War
April 22 and 23 (lots of time choices)
FREE
http://historyquest8.wikispaces.com/
Description: This project is designed for 8th grade students studying US History. Through video conference technology, students are able to meet other students while learning about United States history. Prior to the video conference each classroom will create a presentation with clues about a mystery person, event, invention, issue/problem or section from a document. The other classrooms, using maps, the Internet, textbooks, and other resources, will try to discover the history mystery presented by each participating classroom.

MysteryQuest USA (4th or 5th grade)
Lots of time choices between April 21 to May 13
$35 per class
http://mysteryquestusa.wikispaces.com/
Description: This project is designed for 4th or 5th grade students studying US geography. Through video conference technology, students are able to meet other students while learning about cities and states in the United States. Prior to the video conference each classroom will create a presentation with clues about their state and city. The other classrooms, using maps, the Internet, textbooks, and other resources, will try to discover the mystery location presented by each participating classrooms.

HistoryQuest5: Beginnings to 1800
Lots of time choices between May 17 to May 21
$35 per class
http://historyquest5.wikispaces.com/
Description: This project is designed for 5th grade students studying US History. Through video conference technology, students are able to meet other students while learning about United States history. Prior to the video conference each classroom will create a presentation with clues about a mystery person, event, invention, issue/problem or section from a document. The other classrooms, using maps, the Internet, textbooks, and other resources, will try to discover the history mystery presented by each participating classroom.

Hope you can join us! Email me if you have any questions.

Janine


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Janine Lim, PhD janine.lim@berrienresa.org
Instructional Technology Consultant Ph: (269) 471-7725x1101
Berrien RESA Fax: (269) 471-1221
711 St. Joseph Ave. Web: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl
Berrien Springs, MI 49103 Blog: http://vcoutonalim.org

TWICE Board Member
ASK Coordinator 2006-2009 http://www.twice.cc/
RAP Verification Coordinator http://www.twice.cc/read/
TWICE Collaborations Around the Planet http://projects.twice.cc/
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Grades 6-12: Lord of the Flies Book Sharing

Description:	Our small 12th grade class read Lord of the Flies by William Golding. We would like to do a video conference for 45-60 minutes to discuss the book with another class or group of students. We would like to share our impressions about the characters, themes and symbols.
Dates:	March 24 from 1:00-2:00 MDT
Sign up method:	Email: joanna.jones@k12.sd.us
Grades:	6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History

Joanna Jones
joanna.jones@k12.sd.us
605-347-4770
Meade School District

Grades 9-12: Studying Macbeth?

Description:	I have a British Lit teacher who would like to videoconference. We need two partner classes. Our class is studying Macbeth, so we're hoping you are too. The teachers can then discuss further what to share during the VC. We would like to do April 13-20; preferably on Friday, but we can be flexible. We need a partner class for these two times: 10:15-11:00 Eastern; 9:15-10:00 Central 1:15-2:00; 12:15-1:00 Central; 11:15-12:00 Mountain; 10:15-11:00 Pacific
Dates:	April 13-20 10:15 and 1:15 Eastern
Sign up method:	Email: janine.lim@berrienresa.org
Grades:	9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects:	Language Arts/English

Janine Lim
janine.lim@berrienresa.org
269-471-7725x1101
Berrien RESA

Grades 4-8: Battle of Bulbs

Description:	LED bulbs provide the most efficient source of light, far more efficient than incandescent or even fluorescent bulbs. However, incandescent bulbs are used most often in homes due to the higher initial cost of purchang LED or Fluorescent bulbs. In this activity, our middle school science club will use an "Energy Bike" to generate electricity and compare the three types of bulbs using their muscle power.
Dates:	March 22 through April15 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm EDT
Sign up method:	Email: beverly.mcdavid@carter.kyschools.us
Grades:	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Subjects:	Family & Consumer Science, Science (Physical), Social Studies/History
Outcomes:	1.Understand that light bulbs convert electrical energy to radiat and thermal energy. 2.Compare and contrast the energy efficiency of LED, Fluorescent and Incandescent bulbs.
Methods and Activities:	We will involve your students in an inteactive demostration during the lesson to keep them interested and engaged.
Responsibilities:	There are three handouts that can be faxed to you before the presentation.

Beverly McDavid
beverly.mcdavid@carter.kyschools.us

EAST CARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grade 5: Destination Discussion: Let's Talk About Mexico!

Description:	We are a fifth grade class in Poughkeepsie, New York who is studying Mexico. We would like to videoconference with another classroom that studies the same content to discuss and share what we have learned about this country’s geography, history, and culture.
Dates:	Between May 3 and 27 from 2:00-3:00 EST
Sign up method:	Email: mandy.dwight@wappingersschools.org
Grades:	5
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History

Mandy Dwight
mandy.dwight@wappingersschools.org
845-298-5000 ext. 157
Wappingers Central Schools

Grades 5-7: Literature Discussion- Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Description:	Adapt the literature circle format to create a collaboration that involved student-led discussions of a novel. Students will have a discussion about Out of the Dust in terms of the content of it, and also the genre of Historical Fiction. Students will compose their own guiding questions to collaborate on building a conversation.
Dates:	Between May 10th-21st Times to be determined
Sign up method:	Email: laura.salazar@comalisd.org
Grades:	5, 6, 7
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History
Outcomes:	Conduct presentations using available technology Read and Comprehend literary text and genre specifics Provide evidence to support understanding Analyze structure and elements of Historical Fiction
Preparation Time Frame:	Four to eight weeks to read the book; weekly videoconferences for the literature circle.
Methods and Activities:	Preparation: Decide on a book and negotiate with your partner teacher which jobs will be taken by each class. You might trade off each week. Each week the student leaders may need to communicate via web or email ahead of time in preparation of the videoconference.
Agenda:	Agenda: 35-50 minutes 5 min. Welcome and introductions. In the first session, take some time to get to know the other class and share about your location. In subsequent sessions, you may wish to have a brief weather report or other introduction. 25-40 min. Discussion. Using the Literature Circle format, students lead a discussion of the book. 5 min. Debrief and Conclusion. After the discussion, teachers may wish to debrief and comment on the process and discussion. Students may wish to debrief on use of the videoconference technology as well.
Other:	Follow-up: Students may also enjoy creating and sharing a final project response to the book. Inspiration for this template: Through the Wardrobe: The Magic of Reading: http://litcircle.notlong.com Additional Resources: http://litsite.alaska.edu/workbooks/circlereading.html http://www.litcircles.org/

Laura Salazar
laura.salazar@comalisd.org

Grade 4: The Iditarod: What a Race!

Description:	Description: We are a fourth grade class in Poughkeepsie, New York who is studying the Iditarod. We would like to videoconference with a classroom in Alaska to discuss and share information about this exciting sled race.
Dates:	Between April 12 to April 29
Sign up method:	Email: mandy.dwight@wappingersschools.org
Grades:	4
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Mathematics, Science (Physical), Social Studies/History

Mandy Dwight
mandy.dwight@wappingersschools.org
845-298-5000 ext. 157
Wappingers Central Schools

Grade 7: Natural Disasters - Haiti

Description:	Floods. Tornados. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Volcanic eruptions. Natural disasters can be devastating on both the human population and on the environment. It is important for our students to gain a global perspective on the effects of these occurences. Use VC to share with other schools how your students are learning about natural disasters and/or contributing to humanitarian efforts. There is one opening for a Grade 7 class to participate in this collaboration. This multipoint collaborative event is organized by the 2Learn.ca Education Society. For more information or to register your class for this activity, please contact Jocelyn Littlefair at Jocelyn@2Learn.ca
Dates:	March 29 - April 30, 2010
Sign up method:	Email: jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
Grades:	7
Subjects:	Science (Life), Science (Physical), Science (Earth)

Jocelyn Littlefair
jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
403-980-0534
2Learn.ca Education Society

Grade 3: Science Experiments

Description:	What cool science experiments have your students learned and would like to share with anothe school via VC? Connect with a class in Alberta, Canada to explore the wonderful world of Science together! There is one opening for a Grade 3 class to participate in this collaboration. This multipoint collaborative event is organized by the 2Learn.ca Education Society. For more information or to register your class for this activity, please contact Jocelyn Littlefair at Jocelyn@2Learn.ca
Dates:	March 29 - April 30, 2010
Sign up method:	Email: jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
Grades:	3
Subjects:	Elementary All Subjects, Science (Physical)

Created By:

Jocelyn Littlefair
jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
403-980-0534
2Learn.ca Education Society

Grades 7-8: Cinco de Mayo

Description:	Celebrate Cinco de Mayo via VC with another class in Alberta, Canada! Share art projects, cuisine or other cultural activities together! There is one opening for a Grade 7 or 8 class to participate in this classroom VC activity. This multipoint collaborative event is organized by the 2Learn.ca Education Society. For more information or to register your class for this activity, please contact Jocelyn Littlefair at Jocelyn@2Learn.ca
Dates:	May 3 - 7, 2010
Sign up method:	Email: jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
Grades:	7, 8
Subjects:	Fine Arts, Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History, World Language

Jocelyn Littlefair
jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
403-980-0534
2Learn.ca Education Society

Grade 5: Climate Change

Description:	Are your students learning about Climate Change? Connect with another class in Alberta, Canada to discuss this phenomenon, to share projects, to compare climate change effects in your communities or to collaborate together. Online resources will be provided to support the teachers in their VC collaboration. There is only one opening for a Grade 5 class to participate in this collaborative opportunity. This multipoint collaborative event is organized by the 2Learn.ca Education Society. For more information or to register your class for this activity, please contact Jocelyn Littlefair at Jocelyn@2Learn.ca
Dates:
Sign up method:	Email: jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
Grades:	5
Subjects:	Elementary All Subjects

Jocelyn Littlefair

jlittlefair@vcrln.ca
403-980-0534
2Learn.ca Education Society

Grade 3: Cinco de Mayo Pinata Match

Description:	Students at Pittsburgh Carmalt in Pittsburgh are working in a collaborative group to build a 3-Dimensional animal pinata and would like to challenge a partner class to do the same! Each of our 3rd grade classrooms will work with the Art instructor to construct a pinata from a designated list of supplies! As a class, students will work with the teacher to draft a descriptive paragraph to send to the partner class. When received, the partner class will work to construct an animal pinata to meet the other classes description. At the beginning of May, we will meet with the partner class via video conference to compare and contrast our pinatas and the importance of descriptive writing skills! Sign up by April 5. So your project will be complete by the beginning of May. Please email Natalie at nadametz1@pghboe.net for sign up Supply list will be sent once you sign-up.
Dates:	May 3 - May 7 10:00-2:00 EST
Sign up method:	Email: sconlon1@pghboe.net
Grades:	3
Subjects:	Elementary All Subjects, Language Arts/English, Technology/Information Science

Sue Conlon
sconlon1@pghboe.net
412-841-1575
CARMALT ACADEMY OF SCI & TECH

Grade 4: Singapore Math

Description:	One of our fourth grade (9-10 year olds)classes would like to collaborate using the program Singapore Math. If your school does Singapore Math, please contact us. English only, please.
Dates:	March 8, 2010 to June 8, 2010 9-10 EST or 2-3 EST M,W,F
Sign up method:	Email: mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Grades:	4
Subjects:	Mathematics

Singapore Math User Unite
Created By:

Margo Schmidt
mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

F.E. BELLOWS ES

Grade 5: Energy Consuption Beware!

Description:	One of our 5th grade (10-11 year olds) classes is looking to collaborate with students of similar age from an English-speaking Canadian school. Our students are studying ways reduce energy consumption and would like to video conference with students doing a similar project. Their research is part of a fifth grade expo on Canada. Margo Schmidt F.E. Bellows Elementary School Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914 777-4600 mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Dates:	Between March 8, 2010 and April April 12, 2010
Sign up method:	Email: mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Grades:	5
Subjects:	Science (Earth)

Margo Schmidt
mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

F.E. BELLOWS ES

Grades 9-12: Creative Writing

Description:	High School Creative Writing Class is looking to collaborate with a partner school to share stories and exchange ideas. We are available to participate in a videoconferencing during the month of May from 9:30 to 10:30 or 1:30 to 2:30 EST.
Dates:	During the month of May from 9:30 to 10:30 or 1:30 to 2:30 EST
Sign up method:	Email: joanne_jones@hempfieldsd.org
Grades:	9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects:	Language Arts/English

Joanne Jones
joanne_jones@hempfieldsd.org

HEMPFIELD SHS

Grades 3-10: 5th Annual Wild Weather Project

Description:	The Wichita Public School's Instructional Technology Department is proud to announce our 4th Annual Wild Weather Project. We would like to invite any classroom that has access to H.323 video conferencing equipment to join us in this collaborative project. The purpose for The Wild Weather Project is to allow you the teacher to use this project to reinforce the concepts and standards that you have already taught or will be teaching in your classroom. The activities will help enrich your curriculum, while at the same time engage your students in the learning process. During this project, your classroom will observe the weather and collect this data for your region. You will then share your results with other classrooms from all over the world. Participating classrooms will share data and project by using this site or by video conference. This will allow everyone the chance to investigate the different climates in different regions. The results will then be available so you and your students can analyze this data. This project will also allow your students to work collaboratively and see those participating schools and also get the chance to reach outside their school walls. Who knows, maybe along the way you will get a chance to meet a real meteorologist through a video conference. We have created very simple projects the can be integrate into your own classroom activities. Outcomes: ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How does the weather in your region compare to the weather in other parts of the World? PROJECT OBJECTIVE: To use technology to record and predict the weather To graph and compare daily, weekly, and monthly, and seasonal weather observations To use maps to locate participants location To use technology to build a global learning community STANDARDS: Math Data Analysis and Probability All students will use appropriate statistical methods to collect, organize, display, analyze and synthesize data; apply and evaluate concepts of probability. Mathematical Communication/Representations All students will communicate mathematically by selecting, applying, and translating mathematical representations to solve problems. Writing The student writes effectively for a variety of audiences, purposes, and contexts. The student writes narrative text using the writing process. The student writes expository text using the writing process. The student writes technical text using the writing process. The student writes persuasive text using the writing process. Geography Applies geographic tools to construct and interpret maps Understand political and physical features on a map, and locates major political features Locates oceans and continents Earth and Space Science All students will apply process skills to explore and develop an understanding of the structure of the earth system, earth’s history and earth in the solar system. Technology (ISTE Standards) Social, Ethical, and Human Issues Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. Technology Productivity Tools Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works. Technology Communications Tools Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts and other audiences. Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. Technology Research Tools Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. Students use technology tools to process data and report results. Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks. Visit our site at - http://wildweatherproject.pbworks.com
Dates:	April 1st 2010 to April 30th 2010
Sign up method:	Website http://wildweatherproject.pbworks.com
Grades:	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Subjects:	Elementary All Subjects, Language Arts/English, Mathematics, Science (Life), Science (Physical), Science (Earth), Social Studies/History, Technology/Information Science

Brad Niessen
bniessen@usd259.net
316-973-4743
WICHITA

Grade 7: Poetry Cafe

Description:	Our seventh grade class will create multi-cultural poetry to share with another class in the United States. We are on eastern time. Times to share: Monday (9:36 - 10:22); Tuesdays 11:l4 to 12:00 and 12:53 - 1:39; Wednesdays 1:42 to 2:28; Thursdays 9:36 - 10:22; and Fridays 11:14 to 12:00 and 2:31 - 3:17. Students can read or act out poetry and/or illustrate it.
Dates:	See collaboration description. March 22 to end of June, 2010. EDT.
Sign up method:	Email: MBaker5@schools.nyc.gov
Grades:	6, 7, 8
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Performing Arts

Marie L. Baker
MBaker5@schools.nyc.gov
718 432 4312
MS/HS 368-INFO & NETWORK TECH

Grades K-12: A Musical Collaboration

Description:	Our music teacher is preparing a presentation based on the book, "Where the Wild Things Are". We are interested in collaborating with one or more other classes that have a musical presentation of there own. We could each present and then have a Q and A.
Dates:	April 1-May 1
Sign up method:	Email: paul.lawrence@nn.k12.va.us
Grades:	PreK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects:	Performing Arts

Paul Lawrence
paul.lawrence@nn.k12.va.us
757-236-5521

HORACE H. EPES ELEM.&An Achievable Dream M&HS

Grade 2: Getting to Know You

Description:	We are a urban community in Virginia looking for 2nd grade classes in urban and rural communities that would like to video conference with our students about the similarities and differences in the ways that we live. This could be a one time chat, or a series of conversations.
Dates:	April 1-June 8
Sign up method:	Email: paul.lawrence@nn.k12.va.us
Grades:	2
Subjects:	Elementary All Subjects

Paul Lawrence
paul.lawrence@nn.k12.va.us

757-236-5521
HORACE H. EPES ELEM.&An Achievable Dream M&HS

Grade 4: K'Nex Do You?

Description:	One of our fourth grade teachers uses the building set K'Nex in his simple machines and math curriculums and he would like to meet with another 4th grade class who does the same or something similar. If your class loves K'nex and want to show off their efforts, please contact us. Margo Schmidt, SLMS F.E. Bellows Elementary School Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914 777-4685 mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Dates:	March 12 to June 12 9-2 EDT
Sign up method:	Email: mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Grades:	4
Subjects:	Mathematics, Science (Life)

Margo Schmidt
mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

F.E. BELLOWS ES

Grades 9-12: Improving Interpersonal Communication

Description:	A video conference on how to improve interpersonal communications for students. Active lessons- discussions- and experts discuss, debate, and divulge the real successful methods of Improving Interpersonal Communication
Dates:	March 26 7:30-12 noon
Sign up method:	Email: mcunningham@del-valle.k12.tx.us
Grades:	9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects:	Business, Career Education, Family & Consumer Science, Fine Arts, Language Arts/English, Performing Arts, Social Studies/History, World Language

Michael Cunningham
mcunningham@del-valle.k12.tx.us
512-386-3231
DEL VALLE H S

Grades 4-5: Bud not Buddy Workgroup

Description:	One of our 4th grade teachers would like to meet on a weekly basis to share novel study activities based on the historical fiction book Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Curtis. These activities could include discussion, writing, and poetry, but he is open to other ideas. Margo Schmidt F.E. Bellows Elementary School Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914 777-4685 mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Dates:	March 12, 2010 to May 12, 2010 M,W,F 2:00 EDT or M,W, F, Th 11 - 12 EDT
Sign up method:	Email: mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
Grades:	4, 5
Subjects:	Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History

Margo Schmidt
mschmidt@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

F.E. BELLOWS ES