Flowers have been all the buzz recently at Hays, but not just because it is spring. Camino Real IT, Linda Garza, has been hosting videoconferences around the district with 1st grade students. The students prepared and presented projects over the parts of the flower. In this photo, Mrs. Michell’s 1st grade class from Blanco Vista prepares diligently for their presentation. This is the first time most of them used a laptop and they were excited. Great Job Kids and thanks Ms Garza for hosting such a FUN event!

Students from throughout the state of Texas participated in a videoconference with the Seattle Aquarium hosted by Philippe Cousteau. Students saw varied sea life while Philippe and Aquarium personel discussed adaptations of ocean animals. Via the internet, schools were asked to submit questions. There were hundreds of questions, but Philippe Cousteau selected a question from Blanco Vista Elementary to answer during this live broadcast. Below is a picture of Philippe answering the BVES question about the color of coral.

With the newly purchased CPS response system, the 5th graders at Blanco Vista got to review Science in a new and fun way. Each student was given a small remote control device with which to input their answers. Individual responses are not visible to the class, but they can see how they did on each question as a group. Later, the teacher can get a printout that shows how each student did on each standard. They were attentive and interested…there isn’t much more when can ask for during a review. Good Luck on the Benchmarks!

Mrs. Gregory’s first grade class at Blanco Vista conducted a videoconference collaboration with Mrs. Magro’s class in Michigan. The student individually presented stories about a Magnificent Moment in their life. In addition to the wonderful stories, each child was asked to illustrate their story. Most of the students in Mrs. Magro’s class had a Magnificent Moment involving snow…not too many of Mrs. Gregory’s students have seen snow. Everyone had fun and it was a great way lesson involving writing, public speaking, and technology.

Students participated in a videoconference with other 5th graders from throughout the district for an interactive lesson over the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Here students are analyzing a piece of art and then discussed it with other students at Kyle ES, Tobias ES, and Buda ES.