For several years, Mike and I have seen 12-14 year olds build green (or blue) screens for projects in our classes.  Usually, we provide the idea and they do a little research and build one at home.  The reality is it is pretty easy....

A few weeks ago, my 10 year old son asked to make a green screen for his fifth grade project.  I had not every used one (even if 50 of my students had), but thought I should give it a try.  So, I got some butcher block paper (in green) and made a screen in my basement.  It took about five minutes to cut and staple the green paper up.  

Zach then made the following green screen production for his 5th grade class.  I would like to point out, that I only hit record and he did the rest.  
I asked Zach a few questions.
1. What did you think about doing this project?  It was fun.  I enjoyed doing it. I can't wait for my class to see it. 
2. Would you rather have used a poster board?  No, it was more technologist (his word).  I would rather do that because I like technology more then markers, caryons and posterboard.  It makes it fun. 

Hanna and her friends go green screen. 

Hi this is Hanna, Garth's daughter. Well my dad wants me to write about how and why I used the green screen. I got the idea when Zach used it, my teacher said we could make a model, make a travel brochure, make a rap, make an analogy book, or make a song. Being myself, of course I chose the song! It took some persuading, but I convinced two of my friends to join me. The end result was kind of sloppy but good enough. We needed to cover all the parts of the cell and their functions. We VERY easily chose this song because everyone loves gangnam style. And my friend being herself wanted to dance so it was the perfect combination. But it took many steps to use the green screen. First there was left over paper from Zach's project and we stapled it to the wall. Then we had to measure the paper up to the computer screen. It took many, many, many takes to get it right, but we finally did. We added little quirks that we enjoyed and left the editing to dad. If I were to do this again I would definitely practice more and be more prepared with rotations and dancing. Oh and make sure to get your pictures BEFORE the movie so you know where to point and what to do. I know from expirence... :/ Overall, this was very fun and funny to do! :)

Working with a green screen in Imoive: 

This post was written in mid-Sept, however somehow I forgot to post.  Sorry:( 

Open house happens about three weeks into school.  Open house runs like a mini-day, with parents traveling around the building for 10 minute classes while following the students daily schedule.  It does not allow time for question and answers but more of a "overview" of your class.  I tend to focus on philosophy and why I do what I do.  The keynote presentation is below that I use, but several cool things happened last night. 

1.  A parent from last year came in to tell me how my class had changed her daughter.  She is a "history Junky" now and the the mom credits the middle age webquest as having the largest impact.  I even got a hug:)
2.  A student last year came and told me, "every unit starting with Digital Footprints, was the best unit I have had in school up to that point. I just loved everything about your class" --See her "What was 7th grade like?" project.
3.  Three parents came up after my presentation and talked with me how they have had 20-30 minute conservations with their children about open, closed and essential questions.  One mom explained how she used these questions as a HR person.  She was so happy her daughter was learning life skills.  
4.  One parent, new to the USA, came up and told me how her son came home after the first day of school and said that my lecture on How we study history (post on this lesson), was the best lecture he had every heard and how he keeps talking about it three weeks later.  


Not to mention many, many short comments on the ideas I was presenting and positive things students are saying at home.  So, what's the point.  These are middle schoolers.  They are not college freshman, and content is not the only goal.  I talk a great deal about the rounding of the child, that few if any of my students will become professional historians, and that memorization (for most) just does not create long term learning.  Most parents want to hear this, but more importantly they want their kids to grow as people, not just as test subjects (I know I do as a father of a 7th grader right now).  They want their child to grow up with character and concern for others.  They want to raise "good kids" not "good test takers".  I was excited after I left open house.  I often question my own ideas and methods, as the pressure to conform to "state" standards, methods, and pace pushes me down.  Last night was a night to rejoice as my consumers made it clear that what I am doing is what they want and they love the results they are seeing.  

As the saying goes, "Party on Garth".   Cheers, Garth  

Welcome teachers!

Below you will find the PowerPoint we will be using today. 

Please feel free to leave any comments, questions AND the best app/website/resource you find today.  Please include how it will benefit your students.