Learn Google Earth: 3D Trees

Explore 3D trees in parks, neighborhoods, and forests in cities all over the world. Download the latest version at http://earth.google.com.

Follow Me On Twitter

As much as I like to blog about education, I really prefer micro-blogging. Click the button below to follow my updates on Twitter:

National Day of Listening

Today, November 26th, the day after Thanksgiving (AKA Black Friday), is the National Day of Listening. StoryCorps' mission is "to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives." Check it out at National Day of Listening, on Twitter @StoryCorps, and on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/StoryCorps.

"Food Force: The First Humanitarian Video Game" & FreeRice.com

Since its release in 2005, the World Food Programme's (WFP) video game to teach children about the logistical challenges of delivering food aid in a major humanitarian crisis has been downloaded over 6 million times, and has an estimated network of 10 million players worldwide!

You can download the game here:
http://www.wfp.org/how-to-help/individuals/food-force

Also, this Thanksgiving, get your family in on the Free_rice marathon!

Expansion of the United States Map 1763 - Present

A peek of things to come next week in my 7th Grade Social Studies Class...

Animoto in the Classroom

Yesterday my 7th Grade Social Studies students finished a PBL (Problem-Based Learning) unit about the 13 Colonies. They were tasked with recruiting European settlers to live in their assigned colony. The culminating activity included a detailed written brochure, using Microsoft Publisher, and a digital story "TV commercial," using my free "All-Access" educator Animoto account. Animoto automatically analyzes the music (they provide copyright-free songs), photos and video clips that student's choose, and orchestrates a custom video.

I've been using the site for just over a year. Last night I read on Mashable that Animoto has grown to over 2 million members! Here's the article: http://mashable.com/2010/11/03/animoto-2/.

Below are some examples of student work: