Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:24AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good morning and Welcome to the Camp Internet Teachers Chatroom. Today we are going to explore Camp's GIS resources. GIS (Geographic Information Science) makes use of tools like the Internet Map Server (IMS) and ArcView to allow you to view (visualize) data or information. It works by linking a piece of information to a location. One of the first things we all learn as we begin to explore GIS is that almost all information is connected to a geographic location. Whether it is a Mark Twain story that could be mapped by linking parts of the story to locations on the map where the main events in the story happened or a student mapping the plants and flowers in a school garden, GIS allows us to make visual maps of information students gather during the school year. GIS, with its new tools for "data visualization" provides an environment for dramatic science, math and database learning. When it is applied to literature or art it becomes a tool for exploring those parts of the curriculum as well. Goto: button to review parts of the GIS studies. Goto: button for a flash explination of how to read the Internet Map Server GIS maps. The flash was made by one of our Student Technology Corps members.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:31AM PST (-0800 GMT)
As you begin to learn about GIS and how it can best be used in your classroom be sure to take time to learn how to use Camp's IMS. IMS stands for Internet Map Server. It is a special tool, like a web server, that allows us to display GIS maps over the Internet. All the GIS maps currently under development by RAIN Network and Camp Internet are located at: button Be sure to explore that area - there are GIS maps on a variety of subjects. Goto: button to view the first gis of the Camp Internet Student Garden. Goto:button to explore the GIS of Camp Internet. Remember to follow the insturctions in the flash lesson to bring us data at the bottom of the maps.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:36AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The most current study area in the GIS Expedition is about the Origins of Maps and Mapmaking. Goto: button for the lesson. It starts with the oldest map we have on record, of Catal Hyuk.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:46AM PST (-0800 GMT)
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) technology is an accurate method for GIS data input. GPS uses a network of 24 satellites above the earth transmitting signals, and receiving equipment on the ground, to determine geographic location. GPS tools are one of the main things we used to make GIS maps. For the Camp Internet Garden map and the Camp Oak Tree Project map students are using handheld GPS units, going into the garden or field and gathering basic longitude and latitude information with the GPS unit. They can then link the latitude and longitude readings to specific information about a plant or tree which then becomes part of the GIS map. It can sound very esoteric but it really is like using a compass. You are gathering basing longitude / latitude information. Goto: button for the first lesson on GPS

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:50AM PST (-0800 GMT)
For an interesting example of pre-gis mapping, making use of an animated .gis picture goto: What this map as the information on each main stop point shows up on the map and as text. That is essentially what GIS does. It takes text information from a spreadsheet or database and links it to a map.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 8:59AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Very important as you work through your projects this year. The Field Report form for GIS projects is at button That form provides you with a tool for uploading files from your classroom. You can use this to upload an Excel file or a word document that lists your most recent project measurements and data. There is also a link on the form to a USGS site which will help you get latitude / longitude for locations that you may not have gotten the reading for.

Brian Bartlett: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good morning. We are here at the LAUSD training center. We are getting a little bit of a late start due to some internet connection settings.

Maria San Miguel Magnet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:07AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello Tim, Glad to be joining you this morning on this chat line. I'm very excited about using the GPS today. This way I will be able to get my kids involved in using it in our activities in our classroom. Also, am really jazzed about going to the Huntington today.

Weisbart@Malabar: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good morning. On the GIS software CD we were given, are we able to create our own maps using the information we collect with our GPS units?

Marcy. Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good morning Campers - Timothy, Camp's Director, has some great resources for you above to visit and get familiar with, and I wanted to also give you the link to the Huntington where you will be visiting so you can get familiar with the lay-of-the-land there. button I just called them and the passes are ready for you, and she said it is a really spectacular day there - the weather is great. I look forwards to seeing your field reports. If you have any questions, we will be here until 9:15 am so post away !

Marcy. Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How many teachers were able to attend the session today ?

Brian Bartlett: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)
There are seven of us here now. How many were there scheduled to come?

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Weisbart - about creating your own maps using the ESRI cd. There are some projects on the cd that guide you through the use of the included Explorer software. You can also send in your project information as your gather it using the GIS field report form and we will begin to create a map that can be viewed using the IMS. That way the project will become part of the Camp GIS mapping.

: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:17AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is there a instruction book for the Explorer software? It is pretty difficult to navigate through it and find out how to use it.

: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 9:43AM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are ready to participate in today's live chat on Rock Art. We are located in Mecca School

cmacy: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 10:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
where are the most common rock art areas that have been found?

cmacy: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 10:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How long have you been studying rocks?

cmacy: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 10:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do the rocks get their form?

cmacy: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 10:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)
how do they relate to each other?

cmacy: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 10:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
have you ever encountered with a native american or their rock art?

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 1:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are here now with LAUSD teachers in their Day 1 of Camp Training. Hoping to participate in this chat with Mr. Tyndall.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 1:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi folks - we just got back from meetings and are glad you are all online. Please post questions and I will be getting the Director online too !

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 1:48PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are demonstrating the use ofthis tool for filing Field Reports. With us today are teachers from LAUSD including from Verdugo Hills High School button Here's a slice of a picture ofour cheer squad

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 1:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Carl - if there are any questions for us to work on - just let us know. Otherwise we will enjoy watching the test field reports going up. There is a library of images for them to work with at ~lausd from previous field trips.

Caesar, Camp Trainee: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 1:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Demonstrating how to paste home page of my school . button

Caesar, Verdugo Hill HS: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 2:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Practicing the steps for pasting photo. I hope it works!!!!! : > )

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 2:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
*********** Here is something fun to see - your fellow LAUSD teachers, on their DAY TWO with Camp, went to the Adamson House in Malibu. To see their reports click on this button ..... to practice posting yourself, feel free to use their library of images located at button .... this week the DAY TWO are at the Huntington so their reports will be online soon too..... Your DAY TWO is scheduled for January - that is the field day to collect data and images for the field report...... In the meantime, you will be posting a CLASS INTRO field report and exampels of those are at button

Pasquale, North Hollywood: . . . . Tue, Nov 13, 2:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are the Lankershim Lions from North Hollywood, California. We are 4th and 5th graders. To find out more about us, please visit here button

: . . . . Wed, Nov 14, 3:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello fellow Camp Interneters! We are a sixth grade class located in Mecca, California. In fact, the name of our school is Mecca School and it includes grades 4-8. Over 900 students attend Mecca School.

: . . . . Wed, Nov 14, 3:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Mecca, California is located in eastern Riverside County. It is very close to the state’s largest body of water, the Salton Sea. Mecca is more like a tiny town then a city. Mecca School is the central activity destination for all community and political events in Mecca. In fact, if an event doesn’t happen at the school it just doesn’t happen. Mecca is a rural community with no businesses or malls. Agricultural fields surround the school and many of our parents work in the Agricultural Industry.

: . . . . Wed, Nov 14, 3:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
The most exciting event that occurred at the school was two weeks ago. Our school hosted our first Day of the Dead Exposition. Day of the Dead is an ancient ritual, which originated with the Aztecs. It is a ritual in which people who have passed away are remembered with special altars, flowers, and photos. Our school cafeteria was transformed on November 1 and 2 into a candlelit sanctuary of reverence. Nine altars were created and displayed for viewing. These altars contained incense, which were burned, favorite items and foods of a passed person, and photos of the deceased. Mrs. Macy, who teaches drama, wrote a historical skit, which was told by student storytellers seated on stage in the eerily lit cafeteria. Our students “Ballet Folkorico “performed special dances. Our Thursday evening performance was well attended and the cafeteria was packed. Most people who attended were from the community and did not even have children who attended Mecca School. It was a very special evening.

: . . . . Wed, Nov 14, 3:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Well, I hope this post is interesting to all readers………………………………. Talk to you on the net!

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Morning Campers - welcome to your DAY TWO GPS training ..... you will be spending the early morning in the lab, and then venturing out to explore the wonderful HUNTINGTON - see them online at button ... we look forwards to seeing your field reports that are the follow-ups due by Sunday night on the 18th.................... If you have any questions - please post them below with your NAME in the YOUR HANDLE box incl your school.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
provides an animation of how GPS works.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:21AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Morning and Welcome to the Camp Internet Teacaher's Chatroom. Took me a couple of tries but I got the correct animation uploaded showing one way GPS works. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) technology is a very accurate method for GIS data input. GPS uses a network of 24 satellites above the earth transmitting signals to receiving equipment on the ground such as your Camp Internet GPS unit to determine geographic location. Goto: button for basic units on GPS and GIS.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:22AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Campers ------- THIS IS NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH - and at Camp - ROCK ART WEEK .............we are having a really exciting week and wanted to make sure you are in touch with what has been happening - on Tuesday we had a LIVE Rock Art Chat with a scientist from UC Santa Cruz button and into next week we are having the Annual Rock Art DIG that you can try out today at button --- PLUS --- we have introduced and brand new ROCK ART GALLERY at button ........................... NEXT live chat is on a rare collection of Chumash Indian Baskets and how baskets were made. Mark you calendars - Tues Nov 27th 10am !!! Bring yout top 6 questions and students and join us in the #2 Trail Guide section under CAMPWIDE CHAT.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:29AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Here are some general facts on how GPS works: GPS satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within a millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of mile per hour and location to within a few feet. Receivers have been developed for use in aircraft, ships and land vehicles as well as for hand carrying. The Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated and controlled by members of the 50th Space Wing located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:35AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The GPS data you gather for class projects can be used to make GIS maps of your project. We have a GIS / GPS Field Report Form online at button which makes it really easy to send over information to Camp Internet as you gather it. The form allows you to upload an excel or word document from your computer to Camp and it allows you to enter basic GPS info right into the form. Be sure to use this resource. As you send in data - both latitude/longitude you gather with your GPS and the data that describes those latitude/longitude measurements - we will put it into correct format for viewing as a GIS map both on the Internet and on one of our Camp cd-roms.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:39AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:41AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The image above shows what the GIS map of our Camp Internet garden looks like. The map was made by students going into the garden with their GPS units, taking latitude/longitude readings at the location of each group of plants and then recording a brief note on what was at that particular location. Notice on the map at the bottom is the first part of the plant database (showing zuccini) -this provides a complete list of all the plants in the garden and some information about the plants. By sending your information over to Camp via the Field Report Form we can create maps like this.

Brian Bartlett: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:47AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Morning. We have a full house here this morning. Several questions about GIS and GPS, along with a variety of others. We are getting going with the web activities and GIS video.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:51AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Glad you are all there - have each teacher post a hello please.

jj: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 8:53AM PST (-0800 GMT)
good morning everybody

Margarita Banuelos: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:00AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Morning!!

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:00AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, everyone

.....: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:00AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am mb.

jl: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:02AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, everybody

.....jj: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
hello everybody...............=)

Anthony: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, I'm at LACOE

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello to teachers at LACOE - we have a formal chat planned with you this afternoon at 1pm, but welcome any questions through out the day.

R Rowley - Napa Street School: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello everyone

Carolina Lopez-Burbank MS: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:05AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good morning!! I'm excited to be here and hope to gain new ideas for the classroom. Anyone there from Burbank MS or Madison MS?

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are here with LAUSD teachers in their First day of Camp Training at LACOE. We are jumping right into this chat about GIS.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
If your time permits take a moment today and fill out basic information for the GIS / GPS Field Report Form. If you have not begun a class project yet note that when you fill out the form. If you would like some suggestions on project ideas let us know when you fill out the form. Goto: button for the Field Report Form.

Hatladyteacher: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:11AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello, I came to Camp Internet to learn more about using the internet today. I'm from Nightingale Middle School.

Joe, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do you organize 32 students around five computers?

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Do we have any teacher's in our group today who have worked with GPS units, either at home or school?

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe - create Teams (Camp Expedition Teams) of around 7 students each. Have the Teams select one student to do the keyboard activities (be the data input person), one student to be the archivist (take notes), and so on. You can create great Team activities this way. Give a name to eacy team (team coyote, team eagle, etc)

Rebecca Rowley - Napa Street School: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Like your question Joe, I have the same problem, independent work time with time limits works great for me

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:17AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe at Lankershim - our teachers tell us that Camp works well when you divide the students up into teams and then appoint one of the 5 computers per team. Then they work together on projects, collaborate and have a lot of fun facing challenges as a team.

Me, Myself and I, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:17AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How is the information processed in the GIS?

Trainees at LAUSD group of 4: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:18AM PST (-0800 GMT)
hello, we are exploring the chat

Anthony & Terry: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:18AM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are teachers at the camp internet training in Downey. Terry has been to training before but has yet to use it in the clssroom. Anthony has yet to be trained on camp internet.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:19AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Rebecca and Joe - yes on indepenent work time. Teachers tell us that they cycle the teams to the computers - some classes only have 1-2 computers ... and then the teacher is free to focus on other off line group activities with the other students on a more intimate ratio. The passports re designed so each student has the folio and a copy of the questions, so teams can work together to find the answers online and have a focus. The Internet DIGs also provide a good focus.

Me, Myself and I, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:19AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe, here...Great idea about the team computer time.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:20AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I recommend the new unit on the History of Map Making as a great place to start your students as they plan out a GPS project. Goto: button and be sure to explore the links within that web page. They will take your studnets to some fascinating information including a study of Catyl Hayuk, the oldest map we have found.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:20AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Teachers at LACOE - in your binders there is a master for the passport - it has the stickers on it you will use for student incentive rewards. If you photocopy that master so each student has one, it will provide a year long hands-on challenge.

Anthony: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:24AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I'm anxious to begin learning about GIS. I have no idea what it is all about.

Trainees at LAUSD group of 4: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:24AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Does the GIS program have the ability to focus in on a topic. Like, explorer routes?

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:25AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Me, Myself and I, Lankershim ES - re: how is the information processed in GIS. GIS Maps read data from a variety of sources. Most common is an Excel spreadsheet. That data, which will contain latitude and longitude coordinates, is linked to a map. When you ask a question using the maps search tool to bring up data you are working with a Database system, much like you would be using in an online Library Cardcatalog. The unique thing to this kind of database is that is links text based data to actual physical locations on a map. But - it is always very important to remember that you can make a map of almost anything so GIS mapping can go far beyond geographic mapping. But, all said, it is a Database system that links into a visual map (the same way good spreadsheet software will generate pie charts)

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:28AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Trainees at LAUSD group of 4 - re: does GIS have the ability to focus in on a topic. Most definitely. Towards the top of this chat you will see an animation of the Lews and Clark Expedition which is a mock GIS. I am working on a set of GIS map projects for the literature we study in Camp. Remember - almost everything can be connected to somewhere on Earth and therefore used as a GIS. Take our current GIS project working on the book Moby Dick. Each main activity in the novel takes place at a location we can get a latitude/longitude for and therefore we can make a GIS map of the book.

Trainees at LAUSD group of 4: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:32AM PST (-0800 GMT)
this sounds really terrific! What a wonderful way to teach maps to children

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:34AM PST (-0800 GMT)
DAY TWO group at SOTO - I am very interested to read your reports on the LURE of the WEST exhibit. We have a section on how California paintings and photographs shaped world's views of this 'new' land in our Backcountry section that you can also refer to at button - when touring, check to see if you recognize any of the Camp-featured artist's names when you get to the HUNTINGTON this afternoon.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 9:39AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I would recommend a stop in at the Global-Garden Expedition next week. New units in Reading include Mark Twain on Thanksgiving and a special History unit on the Wampanoag People, the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims have the first Thanksgiving. Goto: button to check out what is happening there.

Me, Myself and I, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe, here...Great idea about the team computer time.

Me, Myself and I, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How is the information processed in the GIS?

Joe, Lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do you organize 32 students around five computers?

jl: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, everybody

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, everyone

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 10:51AM PST (-0800 GMT)
#5 - the painted cave has pictures of sea creatures and suns.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 0:26PM PST (-0800 GMT)
For LACOE training site - - - I would like to draw your attention to the excellent reading resources available on Camp Internet that compliments history and science studies............... ..... In the ISL BC SW tracks there is a library of reading resources under Art & LIT - see ISL at button ... BC at button ... SW at button ....................... The really special features include: Original source materials from the true story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas that inspired Isl of the Blue Dolphins button , the first-ever on the Internet early Zorro story of his encouter with pirates in the channel waters button , and first on the Internet excerpts from Bandelier button and Cather button on Ancient SW ruins and community life. ........ ONLY ON CAMP INTERNET - so please enjoy - they are all 'good reads' for tachers and for students. And in GARDENS, as Timothy has mentioned above - see the Thanksgiving and acerbic Mark Twain commentaries.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 0:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Our JANUARY STUDENT PROJECT will be to write a book report on a title related to their Camp Internet studies, prepare it as a word document, and then their teacher will post their student entries as book reports online. ............ If they have a home computer they can use a Camp ebook. This may also be a good reason to send them home for the winter holidays with a reading assignment that encourages them to visit their local library! Or they can use a text book available from school.... If you can send us a scan of the book cover or an illustration, we will make it available for you to include in your postings. Then we will bring all students online to view this collection of book reports so they can learn from one another's work !!!

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:04PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Other great reads on Camp Internet - see the Robert Louis Stevenson section - and the love story button that brought him to California for a year. Did you know he conceived TREASURE ISLAND button on a California beach??? .......... The Chumash Rainbow Bridge story relates to Thanksgiving as their harvest celebration honors their Goddess Hutash button ........... And don't miss some of the greatest camping stories of all time - Muir and Roosevelt button .. Twain button ..Muirs first camping trip in the Sierras button or the night he nearly froze to death on Mt Shasta button .

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Afternoon Camp Internet Teachers. We are online to discuss current class projects, use of GPS and how to make your GIS maps and how to register your School Garden if you have one starting. School Garden Registry is at: button

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Afternoon Camp Internet Teachers. We are online to discuss current class projects, use of GPS and how to make your GIS maps and how to register your School Garden if you have one starting. School Garden Registry is at: button Even if you have not started your garden project yet let us know your plans and we will include your class in the GIS map being created during the year.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
If you have a GIS project under discussion or already underway let us know by registering your class in the GIS registry at: button

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:12PM PST (-0800 GMT)
A great activity to get your kids involved with now, as the season changes and we begin to have colder weather and rain is the Camp Internet Weather Project. For the past 5 years Camp students have been building really great weather maps, working with NOAA projects and learning to use online forms, observe and record the weather and work as teams. Goto: button to review the form and get your class involved in reporting weather. It will all show up later in the year as a GIS weather map record of your region.

Anthony & Teri: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are back from lunch

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:17PM PST (-0800 GMT)
SPEAKING OF WEATHER - in your packs are weather kits from the Smithsonian that you can use to set up a station at school and appoint students to take weather readings regularly to gatehr data. We have set-up instructions online in the Science - Meteorology sections.

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:17PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is the best way to grade or assess students' work that they do on the net?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:17PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Anthony and Teri - how many teachers are there today ?

Anthony & Teri: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)
There are 8 teachers eagerly awaiting your expertise.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Please post any tech implementation questions you may have ...

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:20PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are here at LACOE with Day 1 Teachers from LAUSD. We are discussing Academic Chat vs Caht for Entertainment, and soliciting questions from the "class" to address to Camp's directors. Carl

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:20PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is it better to teach typing skills before students chat? Slow typing speed would really hinder them.

Carolina-Burbank MS: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Any suggestions for a GIS warm-up activity?

Teri, LAUSD-J: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I work in a local district where many of the classrooms do not have internet access yet. Is there any way for these classrooms to participate in Camp Internet?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
As far as grading online work - we have been testing a type of quiz form that includes adding the teacher's email adress in an upper box so their work goes directly into the teacher's email. Some of the quizzes also have auto responses that note correct / incorrect and comments.

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What can we do for ELL students, since they won't understand very much of the Passport's questions.

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:24PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy, that sounds like an interesting form of quiz.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:25PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe - when you have slow typers who need to build up their keyboarding skills, they can work on book reports or other written assignemnts off line to build up those skills. When it is time for a chat, our teachers often select "the Scribe' to sit at the keyboard ( a fast typist) while the rest of the group composes the answers verbally. Works very well - nice team approach and builds on strengths. Soon as the slower ones are ready - do include them as typists so everyone has a chance over the year ....

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:26PM PST (-0800 GMT)
To help with grading or assessing students online work we can set specific quiz units to go to a teachers email. As for typing speed - often it is best to work in teams and have the best student work on the keyboard during the chat (as the team data input person)

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:26PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Teri - does your school have PC or Macs, even if not online ?

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Okay, I see your point -- except the only scribe working will be me. ; )

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
re: Joe at Lankershim: Teaching typing skills is always good for students, it does make it faster and easier for them to communicate with the comptuter. However, typing skills take time to develop, in the meantime, students can get acquainted with other types of computer activities. Both of my own children ( 17 & 18 yrs) are self taught typists/keyboardist, and they can type faster than me. I have a typing tutorial in my classroom for my students to use, it is helpful, but I keep moving forward with other computer skills.

Teri, LAUSD-J: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Our schools have both PC and MAC depending on the school

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Speaking of Spanish - see if this link works button .. I am testing out the translator we have in our Rural Communities project. Let's see if the straight link works ...

hatladyteacher: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Joe: I sent you the message about typing skills. I'm Mrs. Mason at Nightingale Middle School. I teach Introduction to Computers at my school.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:30PM PST (-0800 GMT)
A great way to get the GIS project underway is to have the class establish latitude / longitude measurments for classroom, library, and other locations on school grounds easy to get to. They key thing is to then guide the students through adding valuable descriptions to the latitude/longitude measurements. At the same time get the kids involved in learning about the origin of maps. Goto: button and read about the history of maps

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thanks, hatlady

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
The translator seems to be working, but takes awhile to load and will do the best it can, but online translators have yet ot be perfected. How I got it was to go to the main rain.org portal, then selected Rural Communites from right side icons. This took me to button ... one there I clicked on the left side bar's En Espanol, then clicked on Espanol traductor, which slowly reloads, and you can then click on education and then Campo Internet.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
An earlier question had to do with how best to measure or assess student learning after using Internet or Computer resources. I have found over the years that our use of the Field Report has proven to be one of the best tests of learning as you proceed through the year. Teach your students how to prepare really great field reports on each of the important study areas they work with in Camp. Make those Field Reports as important as any essay and review them with your students. In this way they get to show learning, demonstrate technology skills by preparing content for an online field report and provide a written record through the year of what they study and how well they understand it.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Teri - for the PC schools, we porvide CD ROMs of Cmpa Internet with updated CDs a few times a year as possible. These provide all of the content - plus a faster way to see the video. What they can not provide is the live interactive online learning, but as soon as the schools get connected, they can launch into that and will be very familiar with the program from the CS ROM. Mac version coming too.

hatladyteacher: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Terri: I worked in a classroom with 10 computers and a server but we were not connected to the Internet. What you can do is copy the website to a zip diskette and put the file on your classroom server in a shared folder or onto each computer individually. Then students can visit the parts of the site you copied. This is good for imparting information related to your curriculum. The down side is that the links will not be active.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:38PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hatlady is right - and there are a few web software you can buy that will do this for you - webwacker is one. (ps - are you wearing a hat ?)

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:40PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Any other questions ? If you are off to another unit in the training, let us know - and - have fun !

hatladyteacher: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:40PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy, Yes I wear a hat every day! Today it's a little brown beret.

Timothy - Camp: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good questions today. Be sure to come back to the chat archive to review what was said and lets see each other online for special teacher chats often during the year.

Teri, LAUSD-J: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thanks for the information bye

joe, lankershim ES: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thank you.

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ok. We are on to other topics on today's agenda. We'll check back to see if anything has been added.

Carolina-Burbank MS: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:46PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hatladyteacher, since you wear hats daily, I think it would be fun if the colors of your hats matched the seasons to help out with GIS weather ideas. Your brown beret matches the Fall.

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 1:47PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Carolina: I have summer hats and winter hats, of course.

Matt Turner/Tulsa: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy, when you read this, could you please write me back and let me know how to enter my gps field report.

Rebecca: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am practicing making field reports. This is a practice link button

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am demonstrating images and buttons in the chatroom, for use in preparing field reports............................ To create a button, type (or copy and paste) the url, or internet address, or the page you want to link to. Here is a link to more detailed instructions. button

Carl, Camp Trainer: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:26PM PST (-0800 GMT)
To insert a picture, first make sure the picture is a reasonably small size. 200 x 200 pixels is ideal, or close to that. Then, type (or copy and paste) the url, or internet address, of the image. This means, of course that the image must be on the internet, or that you haveuploadedyour owntothe internet. Here's more instructions for that button .......... And here is a picture that i am including of myself and two of my kids.

matt/danielle/lisa--tulsa el: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:39PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Carl--we're having trouble posting our gps field report using the form. can you help us???????

: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:56PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi campers - the GPS form to use is located at button adn access from teh interactive forms drop down box on the main portal

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi campers - the GPS form to use is located at button and access from the interactive forms drop down box on the main portal

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 3:59PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Instructions on how to post a Field Report in the chat environment - like this one - are located on the main screen of the teachers web button which takes you to button

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Fri, Nov 16, 4:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is the difference between the two ? The easy-to-submit FORM goes to the GIS team and is not visible as a published work online until a map is made. The FIELD REPORT posted in the chat room environment is visible immediately, and when you transfer it to the TEACHER TRAINING FIELD REPORTS (#3 on the main portal) it is is visible to the whole Camp community. Both are important ways to submit data. Use them both !!

rrowley: . . . . Mon, Nov 19, 10:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is there anyone monitoring the chat right now?

rrowley: . . . . Mon, Nov 19, 10:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am having difficulty getting into the e-mail, is it system wide or local to my area?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Mon, Nov 19, 4:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
To RRowley - what district are you with? There are several who have had their networks unable to connect to our email server, but we are working on solutions. from your school email, send a note to camp@campitnernet.net and tell us the details please.

Mrs. Stephanie Schroeder at Solana Vista School in Solana Beach, California: . . . . Tue, Nov 20, 10:52AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Solana Vista School is one of five elementary schools in Solana Beach School District located in the coastal San Diego County. It has a kindergarten through third grade configuration serving approximately 394 students which includes about 100 Limited English Proficient (Spanish) and 48 Special Education students in an integrated classroom setting. Solana Vista seeks to provide a broad-based educational program which instills enthusiasm for learning; develops a mastery of basic skills, critical thinking and problem solving; recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each child and enhances a child’s self-esteem; encourages a strong sense of purpose and good citizenship; and provides successful opportunities. Solana Vista has created an outdoor garden classroom which includes classroom plots, a greenhouse, and a composting area. Located in the coastal region of Southern California, our soil consists of poor quality fill dirt made up of a mixture of clay, silt and sand that has been excessively compacted. Very low rainfall and hot dry winds that make gardening a challenge in our coastal region are considered as we maintain our seasonal crops and native plants. These conditions reinforce the need for composting because our soil demands ecological enrichment. With the expertise of Dr. John Daily, a University of California Cooperative Extension trained Master Gardener and community member, the establishment of a composting programs is planned. Dr. Daily is associated with Quail Botanical Gardens, Encinitas, CA which has an extensive training program for community composting training. The garden and the concept of composting helps children understand the need to be stewards of nature. It is through the garden at Solana Vista where children learn the cycles of life and provides a meaning-based center for learning concepts tied to the school curriculum. In addition, our school principal has supported the development of the garden by enabling teachers to receive professional development training through Life Lab, funding us through grants, involvement with garden committee meetings, and reaching out for community support. It is with the caring nature of all members of the school community which has allowed our “Growing Discoveries Garden” to develop over time. Please press the button to further explore our garden. button Solana Vista “Growing Discoveries Garden” is utilized by two thirds of the staff. Over the years, teachers have attained an interest to implement garden activities in weekly lessons. We have 12 raised beds, a succulent section and two new garden areas which are in the process of development. One area is the Native Plant theme focus for the third grade. The second section is larger and will be utilized for crop plants like corn, pumpkins, gourds, cotton, peanuts, watermelon,...The plan is to create 24”x3” raised beds. A portion of the area will be sectioned off for outdoor classroom discussions where bails of hay would be lined up in rows for seating. This year is the first year my second grade class has been involved with the Global Garden through Camp Internet. They have learned about the Three Sisters Garden. Last week a small group of my young scientists learned about the GPS. They each had the opportunity to map two plants each using the personal navigator. Each child was successful in retrieving the latitude and longitude of the plants. Our class worked on the spreadsheet and we are now ready to send in the hard copy. We are preparing to do the research and investigation for the Passport as our classroom is getting equipped with a TV monitor and hook-up with the computer for whole-group lessons. We plan to get more involved as the school year unfolds. So far my class has been excited about Global Garden and parents have been extremely supportive of the impact it has on their children. They too want to get more involved and hope to be a part of the next Family Night.

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