It is Almost Time...

It is almost time to begin our first WebQuest! How do living things (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things interact in a given ecosystem? To answer this question we will first explore several ecosystems through the hyperlinks I will post on the WebQuest website. You will then need to cooperatively choose a particular ecosystem to investigate on the internet. This can be a desert, a forest, arctic, oceanic, estuary, mountain, etc.    Your group will have to produce a presentation illustrating how different biotic and abiotic factors interact within your ecosystem. This can be a newsletter, poster, PowerPoint, movie, webpage, or other format (check to OK with me first!). I will also be using this blog which will pose questions about your ecosystem, so be sure to check it each day. Once your presentation is complete, your group will present it to the class. You will be given a rubric to use as a set of specific guidelines, requirements, and proficiency levels! Stay tuned for updates!

Educational Value of Animoto

Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

I have just finished creating my first video using Animoto for a project in my classroom later this school year! I am impressed! First of all, it is very simple to use. All you have to do is choose your background and theme, upload your pictures, select your music, add text, and you are done! This is not only simple for adults to use, but students as well. I could foresee this being used for class projects, additions to presentations, schema activators, and more. The hardest part was choosing what pictures I wanted upload! The free version limits videos to 30 seconds in length, but for $2.50 a month, you can upgrade to full length videos which I am seriously considering doing! Check it out today!