technology with intention
Projects
Tech-related projects from integrated subjects, digital arts and independent study.
Emergency Operations Center tour opportunity
1465 days
This Saturday (May 17th from 11-1) the City of Seattle is having a free open house for its new Emergency Operations Center located at 4th and Washington. This is a great opportunity to see all of the technology our City uses in emergencies to help keep people informed, safe and healthy.
I got to go on a super sneak preview on Tuesday night as part of the Citizens’ Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board. Here is a photo panorama taken with my cell phone of the EOC main floor.
They have biometric identification scanners that control security!
They have lots of flat screen televisions!
They have lots of cameras and a sophisticated monitoring system!
They actually let me control the entire facility!
Do you want a new cell phone?
1467 days
During this year’s design week, one group studied the theme of “cycles” by looking at product cycles. As a part of their exploration, this group examined consumer cycles and the need for the newest, fanciest new products. This often has a big effect on our environment, especially when it comes to electronic devices like cell phones, computer, printers and anything made of computer chips and plastic.
8th grade student Michael created a short video game that illustrates this problem.
Special thanks to artist Chris Jordan for permission to use his incredible photo of discarded cell phones.
For more information, check out the EPA’s “cell phone life cycle poster.”
Music videos en Espanol
1473 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
Cassie is out of town, so the 8th grade Spanish class is learning video production and audio recording skills!
7th grade independent projects
1488 days
Spring is the time that we engage in long-term independent projects. The 7th grade will be using Inspiration, Word, PowerPoint and other programs to brainstorm and create projects that reflect tech learning and personal interest.
http://billingsmiddleschool.org/beta/7th-grade-independent-projects-spring-08/.
Ross Palmer Beecher visits Billings
1509 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
It’s design week! Students kicked things off by designing clocks that represent the lens that they will be studying “cycles” through.
In the afternoon we were lucky enough to have a visit and presentation by artist Ross Palmer Beecher, who shared some of her recycled artwork and talked about how Americana and politics play a part in her creativity.
3-D modeling and animation
1522 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
8th grade student Chris has been testing out the animation features of Google SketchUp Pro. Here is a sample movie of one of his latest models:
Scratch Game goes live
1527 days
8th grade student Sinclair just released his first video game, created using Scratch.
Players can choose to play the game in easy, medium or hard mode. Every game gets more difficult as the score increases. Backgrounds change colors, there are sounds when you intersect the goals or obstacles and the baddies move faster the longer you play. Try your hand at, “GAME”:
Making bio diesel at school
1531 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
The 7th grade got a great opportunity when Lyle, from the Northwest Biodiesel forum, came by to visit. He brought some oil and we made biodiesel!
DIY fan project*
1534 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
by Bill
*this project was entirely envisioned and executed by our 7th grade student with no teacher assistance or input!
To get your own powerful and quiet fan made out of computer fans just get:
1. Old/broken computer(s) 2 fans per computer
2. Some wires with clamp on end x3
3. Wire cutter/strippers
4. Battery and switch (can be found in computer next to harder to get fan)
To assemble cut wires near the end of the where they connect to the computer then strip at end
Put and red wires together and all black together
The wires with the clamp connect to black wires then to the negative end of battery
The other 2 wires connect the red wires to the switch and connect switch to the positive end of battery
Flip switch if wired correctly fans should turn on
Video editing + skill = successful project
1577 days
by Jac de Haan
in Projects
In Graphic Arts we have been learning about video editing. David chose to record his ability to play Guitar Hero 3 on expert level. He added a transition and some credits and then learned to export his finished product for sharing. The video was then uploaded to YouTube and has received positive feedback from the worldwide community.
