The Cary Academy

Periodic Table of Podcasts
 Project Background Project Purpose Invitation to Collaborate! Information Regarding RSS Feeds Implementation of this Project in the Classroom Rubric and Standards Resources
I.  Replication in the Classroom:

A.  Logistics-  Listen to a audio file describing this project (click here, this is audio in progress).

B.  Teach content (Classification of Matter, Atomic Structure, Basic Chemical Reactions)

Resources:

www.chem4kids.com/ ; chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryforkids/Chemistry_for_Kids.htm; www.webelements.com/; www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/pertable_fla.htm

C.  Introduce the project to students using model podcast.  You can use the one in this project or create your own.

1.  You may want to have them explore podcasts through iTunes.  Explain to the students that they too will be able to listen to their podcasts through iTunes.  They will also be able to download the podcasts to their iPods. They do not have to have an iPod or iTunes to listen to the podcasts, all they will need is a computer.

2.  If you have a data projector and a teacher PC, you can explore iTunes podcasts on your computer and play them through speakers that are plugged into the headphone jack so that the whole class can hear it.  To subscribe to a podcast through iTunes, you must first have it installed on your computer.  Download and install it here or have the IT wizards at your school install it on your computer.

3.  Alternatively, students could download iTunes on their home computers and explore podcasts through iTunes.

D. Handout and explain the guidelines for the Periodic Table of Podcast.  You may modify this student instructional sheet for your purposes: Periodic Table of Podcasts Students Handout.

E.  Students should begin conducting their research and then create their script using the Periodic Table of Podcasts Students Handout.

F.  Do a tutorial on Audacity (PC platform) or Garageband (Mac platform, part of iLife) in the classroom using a teacher PC and a data projector.

G. Students should record their podcast using Audacity (PC platform) or Garageband (Mac platform, part of iLife) or Odeo or Podomatic.

H.  Finally, students should edit their podcast and add music using Audacity or Garageband.  Note that copyright is very important regarding the addition of music to podcasts or vodcasts.  "Fair Use" law in an educational setting allows 30 seconds or 10%, whichever is less, of a song to be used for classroom projects.  Note that Audacity requires .wav music files.  Students may be unfamiliar with music file types and may assume that they can download songs on iTunes and just use them...not so.  To play it safe regarding copyright law, podsafe music should be used.  Resources for this are denoted below.  Have students export their final projects as .mp3 files.  Music files may need to be converted to the correct type.  This can be accomplished using any number of free software programs that convert files and iTunes can be used to do this.

J.  .mp files could be placed on the web using free services such as Odeo or Podomatic.  In this way you will not have to deal with .xml files or web server upload.  This online software could also be used by students to capture their audio for the podcast as well.   Alternatively, place the .mp3 files on a web server (consult with your IT wizards).  Write the .xml file that will allow the podcasts to be downloaded and used in iTunes. Place the .xml file in the same folder (directory) as the .mp3 files.  Obtain the URL for the .xml file and subscribe to it in iTunes.  Done.  Songs will download into iTunes and students can listen to them on their PCs, in the classroom, or on their iPods.

***Technology Needed- Teacher PC, microphones or at least a computer with a built in mic (most have these), free software- iTunes, Audacity (PC), Garageband (Mac), space on a web server, and possible help from your school's IT wizard(s) or someone who understands audio editing and/or uploading files to web servers.

***Helpful Tutorials-

Audacity Tutorials (PC):  From SourceForge, from Dan Eliot, from the "How-to-Podcast-Tutorial", and from the Technology School of the Future

Garageband Tutorials (Mac): From Apple, from Comtech Lab, and from Atomic Learning

Podcasting Tutorials (General): From About-Radio, from the "How-to-Podcast-Tutorial", and from Wise-Women

Contact: Joselyn J. Todd, Cary Academy

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II.  Standards Addressed:

NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS (NETS) FOR TEACHERS

Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.
  • Teachers demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers:
  • design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
  • apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
  • plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
  • plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.
Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:
  • facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
  • use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
  • apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
  • manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers:
  • apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
  • use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
  • apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers:
  • use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice. Teachers:
  • model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
  • apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.

NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS (NETS) FOR STUDENTS

Social, ethical, and human issues

  • Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
  • Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

Technology productivity tools

  • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
  • Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Technology communications tools

  • Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
  • Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Technology research tools

  • Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
  • Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
  • Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

Subject specific standards will depend upon the project content focus.

NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS

Grades 6-8

Grades 9-12

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III.  Rubric

iv.  Resources

Odeo Studio

PodOmatic

iTunes

Garageband

Gizmo

PodSafe Music: PodSafe Music Network, PodSafe Audio, and Creative Commons Audio

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