Entries Tagged 'teacher spotlight' ↓

And the winners are….   Cody Parks, Brad Thimm and Mike Vodenhal!  With a new class, Introduction to Engineering, the teachers collaborated with Amanda Davis to determine the best way to research careers.  Students were able to research careers that might be of interest to them along with determining job requirements and education requirements.  For another class, students researched various inventions and created a timeline showing the evolution of products.

Terry Flynn’s health classes utilized the library’s digital editing equipment and online databases during the month of March.

Students chose a health-related topic and created a public service announcement.  They incorporated statistics and other compelling information to provide greater awareness of health issues.

Students created these projects using still photos and/or video to encourage better health habits. They also followed copyright guidelines by using fair use images, video, and music.

We enjoyed seeing the students use their creativity and applying their individual touches to their projects!
To see these and other student created projects, visit

http://bvwest.edublogs.org

Brad Thimm’s physical science classes utilized the library’s quality resources and digital editing equipment during the month of February to create vodcasts.

Students chose an invention of interest and related the principles they have been studying in physical science.  They were able to use their creativity to convey the information in a variety of ways.

Student projects can be viewed next month on the BVW Productions blog which highlights student produced videos and other collaborative projects.

For Honors CA I and CA I classes, students were able to utilize resources and various reading strategies that enhanced their reading of novels, Of Mice and Men & Bless Me Ultima.

The Freshman CA PLC collaborated with the LMS to give their students an idea of what life was like as a migrant worker as depicted in the novel, Of Mice and Men. 

Students analyzed photographs and used a note-taking guide to identify main ideas and keywordsfrom articles about migrant workers and working women in the 1930s.

The Honors CA I students analyzed literary criticism to gain a deeper understanding of Bless Me Ultima.  They also read a recent New York Times article that related to the conflict in the novel.

We had a great time with the classes and look forward to future activities!

Jaci Grimes, social studies teacher, collaborated with the library media specialists creating an engaging project for her students.In Contemporary Issues, students chose a social issue to research.  After utilizing various sources, students documented facts and creatively demonstrated their learning in video format.Students used Windows Movie Maker or iMovie and chose a variety of images and music to enhance their presentation.  All images and music were public domain available online so the video could be published on the BVW Productions Blogs,http://bvwest.edublogs.org .Look for more published projects throughout the semester!

During the first semester, all CA IV and AP CA IV students completed a research paper. The research paper involves many important aspects that will guide students to the next stage in their academic life.
We appreciate the CA IV and AP CA IV teachers who allowed us to be involved in the process. Although we were a part of the process at varying levels with each teacher, the following skills were the focus in most classes.

Essential Questions
Thesis Statement
Information Gathering
Note-Taking
Paraphrasing/Summarizing/
Direct Quote
Parenthetical Documentation
Embedding Quotes
Works Cited (MLA)

CA IV & AP CA IV Teachers

Matt Bolch

Marilyn Brewer

Al Ortolani

Matt Travers

Brad Thimm, science teacher, collaborated with Amanda Davis to create a highly engaging and creative project involving the nutrient cycle.

Students determined the various aspects involved. Using Windows Movie Maker (available on every PC), students created short videos synthesizing their information.

Students utilized a storyboard to map the information before they could begin the fun movie making. Through the storyboard, Thimm and Davis were able to determine if students had a good understanding of the concept. Students presented the videos to the class.

Jennifer Johnson, Tyson Ostroski, and Trent Stern, CA II and H CAII teachers, along with the librarians created a great opportunity for students to enhance their writing skills and publish their work. 
Students published their “I Believe” essays (like NPR) and posted to the newly created blog, commarts.edublogs.org .  This site allows others to listen to the essays and post comments. 
Students utilized the software and headphones in the library to create the audio version of the essay.
Take some time to listen and post comments!

http://commarts.edublogs.org

We would like to thank the following teachers for bringing their classes to the library for orientation.  The students had an opportunity to view student created podcasts & watch online videos about the library.

This is a great opportunity for 9^th graders to become familiar with our print and online resources.

Aaron AndersonAbby FoustJaci Grimes