What I'm Doing On My Summer Vacation...really!

Can I Get An Amen??

2008-07-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Since amen is usually follows the end of something, I'd like to announce the end of working my project...at least I THINK I'm done. Through a series of miraculous events in my sweathouse garage where my "office" is, the final pieces of the Zoombini Puzzle Log were dropped into place. As soon as I figure how to attach some files to this blog, you might be able to get a general idea of what this thing really looks like.
If you want to, and I know you do, check out http://www.zoombini.com ....which will probably take you to the Learning Company, who'll try to sell you something, navigate around until you get a glimpse of what the program is...I have had an educational love affair with this program for a long time...we have have become good old friends.
The handbook I have developed guides kids (and teachers) through a series of problem solving adventures. It encourages discussion and writing about what you do to solve a problem. It reinforces the use of math language, and recording failures and successes. Bottom line...it's a lot of fun...organized, constructive, engaging, fun!
If you have questions you can post here, or email me at andytnisbet@comcast.net or anisbet@sanjuan.edu

Onward to Zoombinville!

One down, one to go...

2008-07-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Summer tech projects...hmmm, let's see, what day is it?
Am I working on the Tuesday project, or the Wednesday project....?

Wednesday Clarity...The Wed Project (TCDT) is pretty much done...A Kid Pix...... (http://www.kidpix.com )based project revealing the mysteries and fun of idioms in the English language...aimed at 4-6 grade students, this multimedia project is a hands-on adventure. Students do research on idioms, develop a story line, create audio/visual slides, combine them in a show, and present to the class. Students critique the presentations and post their projects.

Tuesday Tidbits...The Tuesday Project (Cohort 1 Summer Institute) in short...The Zoombini Puzzle LOG ( http://www.zoombini.com ) this project involves a cool piece of software called "The Logical Journey of The Zoombinis" which is an open-ended problem solving game that utilizes virtually every aspect of math reasoning (Calif standards 1.0-3.3) The Log is a tool students use to help them record and evaluate their progress.

Both these projects (and lesson plans) will be made available to educators in San Juan and the world!!!.........soon =:)

My Review of SoJoe 31-Inch Kokopelli Fire Pit with Cover

2008-07-02T00:33:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at Firepits.com

This Kokopelli 31-Inch Fire Pit with Cover features a stunning cut-out design for great ventilation and visual enhancement. Durable steel bowl on three sturdy legs. Vinyl cover and cooking grid are included!

Solid and beautiful

By Andy from Sacramento, CA on 7/2/2008

Pros: Well Crafted, Heats Up Quickly, Attractive design, Durable

Best Uses: Backyard

Describe Yourself: Homeowner

This attractive fire-pit was delivered within 48 hours of ordering. Easy to assemble. Solidly constructed. The metal cover, grill, hefty poker, and heavy duty cover are nice add-ons. I added about an inch of sand to the bottom of the pit, and started an oak fire easily with the aid of the vents (native American cut out patterns covered by a heavy wire mesh)The metal took on a burnished patina when heated, and the embers of the fire glowed through the openings on the side of the pit....my guests were full of compliments. I would recommend placing bricks or flat stones under each leg to raise up the level a bit higher. The solid metal outer ring provides a nice safety bumper, but still gets hot, so use caution.
What a beautiful and functional addition to my yard! It's quality shines through.

Fire pit placed on support stones

Tags: Picture of Product

Nice accessories...poker, metal cover, grill

Tags: Picture of Product

(legalese)

The Wide Wacky World of English... Idioms!

2008-06-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

I love this project!!

Kids find out what an idiom is...research using the internet or library
Class discussion on the use of idiomatic language.
Make a list of some of their favorites.
Use Kid Pix Deluxe 3 (by Mac Kiev) to illustrate the meaning of the idioms....including audio, video, clip art, and text.
They present their project to the class using computer, sound system, and LCD projector.
Classmates review and rate the presentations.

Next steps...how do we post these to the world???

2008-06-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hey dudes, good to be back in the cohort and producing stuff...like projects, and other educational things of "value"