Science Technologies and VoiceThreads

I watched and commented on the following voicethreads:
Amy Dallon----Egypt and Stellarium
Beth Duvall--Seasons and Kidsperation
Celecta--Balanced Meals and Kidsperation

I loved learning about all the different science technologies. There are so many, and they could really enhance a student's learning. The kids would love the interaction. Kidsperation especially seemed great--there are many different topics that could be covered and is easy to use.

I also realized the great benefits of using voicethreads, particularly for presentations. Voice threads are easy to make, and they are also easy for other to comment and participate in. I would definitely consider using some in the future. I learned a lot about voicethreads in the voicethread last week, and now I have a better grasp on how to use them and what they can be used for.

Microbe Zoo

The Microbe Zoo

I chose to design an activity for a 6th grade science classroom, using The Microbe Zoo. I would divide the class into 5 groups and assign each a specific area of The Microbe Zoo: DirtLand, Animal Pavilion, Snack Bar, Space Adventure, and Water World. Then I would ask each group to prepare a presentation on their specific area, which includes the homes, food requirements, and another interesting fact about the microorganisms in their assigned area. They also need to describe at least one specific microorganism. They should make a poster that includes all of the above information and pictures, preferrably hand-drawn. After giving the children many days to work on their project, they will each present their specific area of The Microbe Zoo in front of the class.

Content:
6th grade science
Standard 5
Students will understand that microorganisms range from simple to complex, are found almost everywhere, and are both helpful and harmful.
Objective 1
Observe and summarize information about microorganisms.
c. Research and report on a microorganism's requirements (i.e., food, water, air, waste disposal, temperature of environment, reproduction).

Pedagogy:
The students will be observing and classifying the different types of microorganisms. This objective requires that the students research and report on a microoorganism's requirements. This of course requires observing the microorganisms on the website to determine the microorganism's requirements. Also, by classifying the different types of microorgamisms, the students can better understand the importance and the role of each type of microorganism.

Technology:
I will be using The Microbe Zoo website, a fun, interactive, learning website just for kids. The kids will be able to explore hands-on the different types of microorganisms in the world. The websites group the microorganisms creatively, and they help the students connect and apply the information into their own lives.

The DL on Google Earth

I watched the following videos:
Beth's 4 Largest Cities in the US
Megan's Lewis and Clark Expedition
Nina's Dances of the World.

I love the idea of using Google Earth in the classroom. I think it helps children to put things into perspective, especially lessons in which geography plays an important part. It is a great place to combine multimedia into one place as well. For one placemark, you can include photos, videos, as well as incorporate Google Earth tools. Students will likely enjoy the fun interactive features of Google Earth. However, Google Earth may seem somewhat complicated at first. I would not recommend it as an individual activity for younger grades. It could be a fun whole class activity though. Furthermore, it does require access to computers and downloading Google Earth. Most importantly, a Google Earth virtual tour takes time to build. Many Google Earth tours are already available online though. There are many advantages and disadvantages, so weighing the pros and cons for the desired activity will be necessary.

America's Music History Completed

I created a virtual tour of America's musical history on Google Earth. An embedded copy appears below. However, for the full product with all available layers access the link on my website.

Utah Core Standards

I chose to address Standard 1, Objective 3 of the 5th grade music state core:

Standard 1
Singing The student will develop the voice and body as instruments of musical expression.

Objective 3
Discover how songs, singing games, and dances relate to various cultures in the history of the United States. (See Social Studies Core.)

1. Share songs, instruments, and music enjoyed by various cultures in the history of the United States.
2. Describe how music is used by cultures in U.S. history.
3. Play singing games, enjoy traditional folk dances, and patriotic songs that have originated in the cultures of the United States. Explain what they mean personally.

I thought Google Earth would be a fun way to introduce my students to a historical unit on the music of the US. I plan to be an elementary music education teacher, so I constantly look for ways I can apply what I am learning not only in a regular elementary classroom setting but also a music classroom. Using Google Earth allows children to interact with various aspects of music history, spending as little or as much time as they would like on each area. In sum, they can pursue their interests. They can also see the main geographic location of each type of music in relation to other types. Google Earth also enables connection with other multimedia, such as videos, pictures, and interactive websites, all of which would prove helpful in teaching this or any other subject matter.

A Taste of America's Musical History

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. Memphis, TN	The Blues started in the late 1800s in the Deep South. Look at polygon of Deep South. What states are in the Deep South? Listen to traditional blues song written in Memphis, TN by W.C. Handy. Traditional blues songs had three lines: the second line was a repetition of the 1st, and the 3rd line contained an end rhyme and finished the thought. Read sample blues lyrics written by children. Write your own blues lyrics.	Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22aZuNTLB8 Read http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/music_in_poetry/elementaryschool.html Layers: polygon, populated places
2.Upper Sioux Indian Reservation, Minnesota	Look at the terrain. Why might the Sioux perform a rain dance? Watch video with Sioux rain dance music and pictures. Complete a journal entry and write a list of three things you liked about this video.	Video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WNLLNxURt4. Layers: Terrain, Populated Places
3.Avery Fisher Hall, New York City, New York	America has a rich history of talented musicians and composers. America plays both European and American music. Get familiar with New York City. Look at 3 gigapxl photos and 5 panoramio photos. The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is a world-reknowned orchestra. Visit two rooms at their website for kids' and record 4 new facts you learn.	Visit http://www.nyphilkids.org Layers: Gigapxl photos, Panoramio, 3D buildings, populated places
4.New Orleans, Louisiana	Cajun music was influenced by the French and the Germans. Look at 3 of Ramsey's historical maps of North America or the US and notice French and German influence/territories. Listen to at least three different Cajun songs. Write down the performer and title of your favorite one.	Visit http://www.juneberry78s.com/sounds/ListenToCajun.htm Layers: Ramsey's historical maps, populated places