Grand Project Plans

Friday, April 11, 2008 | , , , | 62 comments »

A week ago, I purchased a webcam for our school, housed with me in the library, since I'm most likely the only one who knows how to use and will use it. After testing it out via Skype with Teryl_Magee and her students in Knoxville, Tennessee, I started thinking big.

In about 3 weeks, our fourth graders will begin a unit on the United States. For their big project, they will pick a state and research it. Last year, the 2 fourth grade teachers and I collaborated on this project. This year, I'd like to take it a step further and I need as much help as I can get. As one form of research, I'd like our students to interview a student or teacher from each state. In other words, the student who is researching New Mexico would actually "talk" to someone who lives there to get a prospective they couldn't get in a book. I would love this interview to be done through video conferencing. Our students have never done that before and I think it would be great. Now, I realize that finding people in all 50 states for a video chat will be difficult, but I would settle for at least an email interview. I have 3 or 4 states covered already, but am looking for contacts all over the place. I would even think that touching base with someone outside of a school system would be fine - perhaps a grandparent or business person, someone like that. While having the students interview another student would be great, interviewing an adult would work as well. I'm really hoping my Twitter network, which has over 100 followers representing at least 25 states can be a great resource for this. They should be able to help, right? Some of my fellow blog readers should be able to help, right?

I certainly cannot find all of these contacts myself. That's why I need your help - assist me spreading the word about this project. Are interested? Do you know someone who would be? If so, please leave me a comment with your info or send me an email. I think this could be really cool and more importantly, a great learning opportunity for everyone involved!

Here's my post on this project from Classroom 2.0 if you're a member.

62 comments

  1. jethrojones // April 11, 2008 at 9:53 AM  

    I could give my students some credit for answering some interview questions about Utah. skype name jethro.jones

  2. Lisa Parisi // April 11, 2008 at 9:59 AM  

    I would love to help out. I'm from NY. skype name LisaParisi.

  3. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 10:13 AM  

    You know I'm in! Skype me at poohandtiggertoo Isn't that cute? : )

  4. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM  

    Oh ya...that last comment was from Teryl : )

  5. Sonja // April 11, 2008 at 10:22 AM  

    I can help from West Virginia - I also have a 13 year old daughter who would be willing to help.

    I also have cousin in Alaska who I'm sure would love to help out.

  6. featheredflowers // April 11, 2008 at 11:03 AM  

    A whole 2nd grade class in Northbook, IL would love to be asked questions. They could look stuff up and share. They have chatted before and loved it. Any chance?
    Laurie Korte
    (featheredflower - twitter), (featheredflowers - skype)

  7. Mrs. Morris // April 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM  

    I am a ninth grade teacher with Skype. I could open up my class of 14-15 years olds for you. My Skype name is rose.ann.morris. My twitter name is marthamath.

  8. Teach42 // April 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM  

    If you don't mind a former teacher, I can volunteer for Illinois.

  9. Laura Deisley // April 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM  

    I am in Atlanta, GA and we have Skype. Happy to do the interview. Let me know in advance, I will get a fourth grade classroom to do it with us.

    I"m Deacs84 on Twitter, laurawd on Skype.

  10. Tobias // April 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM  

    I would be happy to talk to anyone interested in Vermont - my current home.

  11. Jenny // April 11, 2008 at 12:32 PM  

    I've been wanting to get going with Skype. This could be a good motivator for me. I'm in VA and teach 5th grade.

    You can email me at gingerorr at yahoo dot com.

  12. featheredflowers // April 11, 2008 at 12:39 PM  

    I have a 4th grade class interested in helping out with your project. They will be beginning state research soon too. It would be wonderful if we can also have individuals share info together if they are studying same states. iChat, skype, email, whatever. These 4th graders will be making information brochures for each state some of which the research has already begun.
    Laurie Korte
    Northbrook, IL
    Tech Integration Spec.
    twitter - featheredflower
    skype - featheredflowers
    email - lauriekorte@mac.com

  13. Tony Vincent // April 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM  

    I run a project called Our City Podcast. Students from around the world are encouraged to submit an episode about their cities. So far we have over 22 states represented and 40 episodes. Each podcast has a details webpage where there is contact information for that teacher. I think your fourth graders would enjoy listening and should find willing contacts on the site: http://ourcitypodcast.com

    Also, I am currently working with fourth graders in the U.S. Virgin Islands. My students would love to Skype (but I'm guessing your students are focusing only on U.S. states and not including territories.)

  14. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 12:44 PM  

    I am a Frist Grade Dual Language Teacher. I have several gifted students that I am constantly tying to challenge and I think they would really enjoy participating in this, if you think it could work.

    Linda Ann Marrero
    Lake Marion Creek Elementary
    Poinciana, Florida

  15. Page // April 11, 2008 at 12:45 PM  

    I can find some representation from Portland, Maine. skype: plennig, twitter: plennig

  16. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 12:46 PM  

    Count me in..I have 5th and 6th graders and we just recieved out webcam as well!! Would love to collaborate!

    Robin
    Twitter name: Mthtchr2

  17. shegstrom // April 11, 2008 at 12:51 PM  

    I would be happy to assist. Middle school computer technology teacher from NH

  18. Mr. Kimmi // April 11, 2008 at 12:59 PM  

    I would love to do this and I just need to get my district going with Skype. I am in the heart of Kansas. Skype name mrkimmi.

  19. Kristin Hokanson // April 11, 2008 at 1:02 PM  

    I am a former 3rd grade teacher turned HS tech mentor. Am in PA. Would be happy to be interviewed as a teacher, offer up my own kids 8,6 to be interviewed OR I have a HS class that would be willing as well
    contact kristin dot hokanson @gmail.com

  20. Kristin Hokanson // April 11, 2008 at 1:02 PM  

    I am a former 3rd grade teacher turned HS tech mentor. Am in PA. Would be happy to be interviewed as a teacher, offer up my own kids 8,6 to be interviewed OR I have a HS class that would be willing as well
    contact kristin dot hokanson @gmail.com

  21. Mr. Wittmer // April 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM  

    I am a fourth grade teacher in PA and love using Skpe. Our class skype name is ewitt43. I am planning on a similar project if I can fit it in this year.

  22. JLWagner // April 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM  

    Put me down for your California location -- I will ask a 4th or 5th grade class at my school if they would like to join up. Just let me know a date and time and we would be glad to help out!!

    jenuinetech (at) gmail (dot) com

  23. Cindy Brock // April 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM  

    I am lower school technology coach for 1st-3rd grades at an all boy school in Memphis, Tennessee. We would love to help or if you want 4th-6th, I can talk to our tech coach for those grades.
    Skype name is itscindyb
    email is cbrock@pdsmemphis.org

  24. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 1:28 PM  

    Happy to get involved. I grew up in and currently teach in NJ, but I now live in PA. Between me and my students, you could kill two birds with one stone.

    Email is damian at bariexca dot net; skype name is damianbariexca. Also, @garageflowers on Twitter.

  25. pvanmater // April 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM  

    We have a 4th grade class from St. Louis, Missouri that has completed a state study, so this would be a great followup. They've been a view only for an author videoconference and would love to be an active participant in another videoconference.
    skype: pvanmater
    email: pvanmater@pkwy.k12.mo.us

  26. robin.ellis // April 11, 2008 at 1:45 PM  

    Chad I have 4th graders in PA who would be very interested in participating in this project.
    Robin

  27. lindargeorge // April 11, 2008 at 1:47 PM  

    New Hampshire signing in! I'd love to help out. Skype name is lindargeorge; aim is georgygrrl. Email me if you're interested: lindargeorge @ gmail.com

  28. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 2:23 PM  

    I can get you a Texas classroom, probably 4th grade or fifth grade. I'll help them set it up and would make it as easy as possible.

    hmartin at austinisd dot org

  29. Janetta Garton // April 11, 2008 at 2:38 PM  

    I'll share this with our 4th grade teachers. Hopefully one of them will be interested in helping you with Missouri.
    Janetta Garton
    jgarton.edublogs.org
    jgarton@willard.k12.mo.us

  30. smadlinger // April 11, 2008 at 2:55 PM  
    This comment has been removed by the author.
  31. smadlinger // April 11, 2008 at 2:57 PM  

    I am a teacher of teachers in the St. Louis, MO area. I provide staff development in the area of technology to K-12 educators. This is a really neat project! I also have a 4th grade daughter. We could Skype with you if needed.
    smadlinger@gmail.com
    Skype smadlinger
    Twitter cyberteacher

  32. Rebecca // April 11, 2008 at 2:58 PM  

    I am a Special Education teacher in North Carolina. I teach Middle School students with severe disabilities.

    rebecca_little@alexander.k12.nc.us

  33. Bulldoghub // April 11, 2008 at 3:23 PM  

    I have several classes of 4th graders who also need to do research on states. We are in the area of Lancaster County, PA and can answer questions. Need to get my district Skypable.
    Twitter - laprofesora
    denise at splitfocus.org

  34. Anonymous // April 11, 2008 at 3:29 PM  

    Do you have anyone participating from Hawaii? If not, count me in. I teach 4th grade and have the best class! This should be great!!!

    Questions: What is Skype name? How do we get contacted? I've never done this before so please guide me!!!

    Thank you..
    Wren Lum Lee

  35. JLWagner // April 11, 2008 at 3:58 PM  

    Smiles, this is getting exciting!!!

    Jen

  36. mrichme // April 11, 2008 at 6:44 PM  

    I'll be glad to add my hat in the ring for the state of Maine. My fourth graders would be excited. Skype name: mrichme

  37. Unknown // April 11, 2008 at 8:32 PM  

    I teach 3rd grade on the opposite end of the MO from St. Louis. We are about a mile from the KS state line and about 5 miles from OK. Skype name jsigler1

  38. shaggyhill // April 11, 2008 at 10:31 PM  

    Anytime..
    Paul Bogush
    skype:shaggyhill
    http://collaborationnation.wikispaces.com
    http://pbogush.edublogs.org

  39. Techy Nana // April 11, 2008 at 10:47 PM  

    This is a great opportunity to use & learn Skype. In CA near the Rose Bowl and can get 5th graders who just finished trip-fold ads for "their" states.

  40. Techy Nana // April 11, 2008 at 10:49 PM  

    LOL... My email is kwarren@gusd.net

  41. IMC Guy // April 11, 2008 at 11:56 PM  

    Thanks for all of your interest! This is truly amazing.

    If you didn't leave me your contact info, please do so. I'll be contacting you shortly.

  42. ruthless // April 12, 2008 at 7:54 AM  

    I'd love to help out. I would be happy to be interviewed. I'm sure my second grade students would love to be involved as well, if you'd like. We are from Illinois.

  43. rwillard // April 12, 2008 at 8:01 AM  

    Second grade class in Kansas would love to join your project.
    rwillard@usd345.com

  44. Rachel // April 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM  

    I am interested in participating with a fifth grade class from MI. I don't know if I have access to Skype at school, but we do have e-mail. I am currently on vacation at my daughter's house so the account name says Rachel. My school e-mail is: vonckbethany@wrcs.k12.mi.us

    This sounds like an exciting project!
    Beth

  45. Ms. O. // April 12, 2008 at 5:19 PM  

    I have a third grade class in Adrian, Michigan. We would love to participate! I haven't tried Skype with them, but I would like to, and I can take in my Webcam from home.

    twitter: lisakay
    email: loverton@adrian.k12.mi.us
    class blog: http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=118052

  46. Patti Harju // April 12, 2008 at 6:57 PM  

    Another Michigan school...I teach 2nd grade and have a webcam. Be happy to help.I teach in a K-8 Catholic School in Grand Rapids, MI and could get any other grade level to help as well. I am Scout7 on twitter. Sounds like a great project!

  47. MrsKay // April 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM  

    Hello from Phoenix, Arizona! My first graders are getting ready to research the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. We would love to answer any questions you may have about the desert, our city or our state. You can e-mail us at kay.sutterfield@ls.dvusd.org

  48. Glizzo // April 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM  

    I teach 3rd grade in Bellingham, WA. My class just finished a 6-week unit where they chose a United State to study and complete a report and presentation project. This would be an excellent culminating activity for us. Please count us in!

    My skype name is: glizzo88

  49. margm // April 13, 2008 at 6:24 PM  

    Hi, not sure if you would be interested in chatting to students in australia or not, but I am an Australian teacher with a year 6 class. If you are interested in organising some sort of link up, let me know. My skype name is treefrogs.

  50. Sue // April 14, 2008 at 9:28 AM  

    I would love to try something like this with our 4th graders. We're from suburban Chicago. I do not yet have a skype account, but can work that out. My email is suz7416@gmail.com.

  51. John Phillips // April 15, 2008 at 5:44 AM  

    I am in Battle Creek, MI and have been trying to find contacts for a similar project. I would love to be involved. I see K-5th grade students each day. Skype name: jphillipsbc

  52. IMC Guy // April 15, 2008 at 9:29 AM  

    http://hmstateproject.wikispaces.com/

    Here's the wiki - fill in your info if it's missing.

  53. Anna // April 30, 2008 at 1:19 PM  

    @digimom here. I can get you any classification you want - teacher, admin, grandparent, community worker, soldier, student - from Texas.

  54. Jeff Lewis // April 30, 2008 at 1:56 PM  

    This is a great idea! So good I wish I had thought of it, and will probably steal it in the future.

    We are in Colorado, don't know if you have any one from here yet. We are fourth graders at room24.blogspot.com and studied Colorado history this year.

    I am on skype (jeff.lewis08). We are experimenting with video conferencing using the webcam as well. We are conferencing on leadership this Friday using WiziQ!

    email me direct at eurolewis@gmail.com

    Good Luck!

  55. vgreen50 // May 4, 2008 at 2:01 PM  

    Vicki in Delaware - the first state would love to join the project! I'm a instructional tech coach - and have access to all the 4th Grades in the Red Clay School District. We have access to a camera too! What a great project!

  56. IMC Guy // May 4, 2008 at 8:21 PM  

    @vicki green - Send me an email, chadlehman@gmail.com with your contact information. Glad to have you on board!

  57. ahood // May 14, 2008 at 4:54 AM  

    If you are still doing this project and need someone from NC or if you do it next year and are keeping contacts, I would love to offer up some K-5 students for this. Email me at ahood@lenoir.k12.nc.us. We have Skyped with other classes and "guest speakers" and done collaborative wikis about our community with penpal classes.

  58. dateacher // August 12, 2008 at 10:51 AM  

    I am doing the same kind of project with my classes. I teach technology to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Trussville, Alabama which is a suburb of Birmingham. We are in the process of getting SKYPE loaded on our school computers, but my email address is kristina.stacks@trussvillecityschools.com. We would love to SKYPE/email any of you bloggers!

  59. camellaherrin // May 13, 2009 at 10:49 AM  

    I will gladly volunteer a class of North Carolina fourth graders for you! Skype name: camellaherrin

    We are a Mac platform school with Smart Boards and they would love to Skype.

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