Stunning Movies with Stupeflix

I received a great tech tip from @Jetteryderdad about an online movie maker. Upon further exploration, I realized that this was a gem of a tech tool. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the name is inspired by the fact that you can be less than tech savvy and still create a fabulous movie with Stupeflix. I threw this example together in less than a minute by using random images from my desktop computer (don't judge) to give you an idea as to how easy it is to create a semi-professional looking video. You can add text, images, video footage, audio recordings, and either use your own music or you can access their iTunes music. All of this is free. While this is great, what is so incredible about this tool is how easy it is to share your movies! I repeat: it is effortless to share your movies:

As for the duration, videos can be up to twenty minutes long. This tool is great for slideshows, commercials, poetry readings, QR code usage, foreign language videos, and more. If film and video students were to evaluate the numerous movie-making tools out there, I suspect this one would come out on top. If you create an education account, it will allow you to manage up to 100 student accounts too. Lights, camera, action!

Videos and Images with Google Forms

If you have had a chance to explore BreakoutEdu in digital format, then you know that creating a Google form is the backbone of the game. Through a Google form, gamers can attempt to input the correct codes to unlock the mystery. Google forms can be set up so that video and images are part of the questions that you create. The responses can be set up to include images. Why does this matter? Well, in the case of BreakoutEdu Digital, you can require that students watch a video to receive a clue to crack the code. If students are applying for a special privilege in your class with the help of Google forms, perhaps they have to sketch one of the answers to the questions as part of the interview process. To see how it can look, check it out here:

Google forms is useful for volunteer sign ups, creating digital BreakoutEdu games, allowing students to apply for "jobs", taking a poll or a survey, or giving an assessment. With the video and image options, it is a powerful tech tool!

Get Your Geek On!

While on our Thelma & Louise journey to ALA this summer in Orlando, we came across some incredible resources, as you might imagine. The exhibit hall at ALA is like no other conference. Admittedly, I am biased toward this conference but it is an exhibit lover's paradise. We were drawn to a particular exhibitor several times and came away with some amazing freebies that we hope you will take advantage of with your students. NASA! In fact, here's Lisa with astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle:

If you want to know why this was a highlight of Lisa's trip, click here.

The amount of educational opportunities available to our students through NASA is almost overwhelming because there is so much. However, I will attempt to highlight some key resources here:

Digital Learning Network- Adds a unique, authentic NASA experience to your class with interactive video. Examples include Flying with NASA (4th thru 12th grade), in which students will interact with a NASA Education Specialist and learn about the past and future efforts of flight and aircraft designs, as well as the principals of flight (lift, thrust, drag and weight), as well as a look at NASA aeronautics research and how it is helping to make life better here on Earth, Humans in Space (K thru 4th), which focuses on the living environment in space and allows participants of this event to learn what it is like to live and work in space, and Our Magnificent Sun (K thru 2nd), which is an interactive session that answers questions about the sun. 

Explore the Moon with a Free Moon Tour App- Interested in conducting detailed exploration of a lunar surface with a mobile device? Look no further!

Climate Kids NASA's Eyes on Earth- Amazing games and activities! I cannot get over this website! If you teach 2nd grade, especially, you do not want to miss this one. 

Explore Mars- Take an aerial look at Mars!

Explore the Astroid Vesta- Take a virtual tour and explore the terrain.

Rockets to Race Cars- Learn how research at NASA has contributed to the race car industry and the automobile industry, in general.

NASA Educators Online Network- This is incredible. This is an educators network to connect you with other teachers that you can partner with in STEM activities, as well as connect with NASA professionals, based on your areas of interest.

Virtual Institute for Solar System Research-  This really does exist. They have a person dedicated to community engagement. You can email him at brian.h.day@nasa.gov. Take advantage!

Last but certainly not least, did you know that there will be a total eclipse of the sun on August 21, 2017? Get your students ready and save the date!