Notes from Middle School classes

We've had some fun, exciting classes in Middle School classes, lately.  For two weeks, we learned how to create exciting Power Point presentations.  We learned how to add pictures, text, transition effects and sounds, animate objects, and add colors and designs to our slides.  Students created some very nice presentations, and really enjoyed sharing with their classmates.

Middle school students are now doing some voice recording and mixing.  Students in years 1-3 are creating a "radio program" in conjunction with their current Social Studies reports on events of the 1940s.  Students will record their voices announcing "breaking news", and then insert it into the middle of a 1940s radio program.  Their recordings also include an advertisement for an item invented in the time period that students wrote in  English class.

Students in Seminar are recording and mixing their own podcasts (informal, informational sound or video files) about a topic of their choice.  Topics include how to dance, using technology, successfully avoiding zombie attack, funny Harry Potter jokes, the cheese cast, and how to win a video game. These projects should be completed within a week or so.  (Students leaving for Bolivia will be able to contribute sound recordings, and their partners will handle the mixing.)

I hope all the students are enjoying using the computer to create and edit sound files!

New Robot Challenge

Hello!  

Unfortunately, no one found the answer to the first "Name that Bot!" Challenge.  The robot in the picture was the "LifeHand" robot.  This robot made waves in the medical community when it was attached to an amputee and could be moved via "thought" and send touch information back to the brain!   

See more:   http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2009/12/02/tech-robot-hand-mind-control.html

There is a new robot picture up on the window!  I'll give you all a hint: it is a commercially available robot for use in office environments, for telecommuting.

Anyone who thinks they know the answer, just let me know!  

Robot Challenge and News

I have posted some new things on the windows in front of the Computer Lab!  

One is a "Name that Bot!" Challenge.  Think you can figure out what robot that is in the picture?  Submit your answers to me!  Everyone who gets it right gets a small prize.  Every now and then, expect to see a new "Name that Bot!" Challenge waiting in the window! 

Also, I'll be posting news, articles, and information of interest to robot lovers.  Right now come by to read an article about a fascinating new robot hand that is moved by the brain, and a history of automatons (like the one in the hit movie, Hugo!)  

Photos by Lower Elementary Students

Students in Beth's and Tulie's classes went outside and took pictures this week.  We used the Fisher Price Kid Tough cameras.  Students first learned about camera safety and use, and were given some tips to help photos come out great.  I think this is a group of natural photographers!  Here is a sampling of their amazing work: