Audicity Beat

I created a beat using Audacity.  I used several instrument files downloaded from SampleSwap.org.  This images shows the mixing window with several of sounds I used to create my beat.  What you see are the sound waves the instrument makes.  There sounds I used and mixed are deep bass, tom, high top hat, and disco guitar.  Learning to cut, move and paste the file where it sounded good was a bit of a challenge.  But I got 2 seconds of a cool beat for me.  I plan on improving this beat with some more instruments.

Here is my beat.  It's called Big Bass Foot.  After clicking on it, you may have to download it or open it with you sound player like Music Player for Google

December Projects

Hi all, 

This project will take us through the week.  

1. Check out the projects you can choose from on the hyperdoc below.
2. Choose one project and fill out this form to let me know what you have chosen.
3. Final Project due Thursday.  Post your product on blog and write a brief reflection.  
4. 15 pts. for a complete or near complete project.  10 pts for posting and reflection.
5. Have fun.  You can work in pairs.  If you have an interesting project idea, see me, let's talk.
6. Friday - Class party - bring snacks to share 

Merry Christmas!

Mr. G 

Tough Line of Code

This line of code made Moana's canoe zig zag past rocks.  It was difficult and took me more than 7 times to get it right.   Even after Romina kept trying to tell me the answer, I did not listen because I wanted to do it myself!  I ROCK!

Happy Anniversary Rio Vista!

I Coded Moana and Maui!

Watch out Kakamora Warriors, Mr. G is coding!

Happy TGIF!!!!

It's Friday!  Hope you all have a great weekend.  

Is it time to start thinking about preparing for the holiday?  If you want to make a gift for a loved one, don't forget that you can design and print that special item in Tinkercad!

Click on this link for 5 Tinkercad Ideas

More Ready

Tell your classmates to come and get them!

Signature Quotes that Move Us

Customized Signature in Email:
In this project, students customized their emails with a personal signature.  They included basic information and a quote that has meaning to them.  Some students even created their own quote.  What you see here is a collection of those quotes the students chose.  Each student customized their slide to represent the feeling the quote holds for them.  Enjoy!

Period 2



Period 5



Period 6

More ready

Come & pick up at lunch

Done - pick up on Monday!

Starting now in clear

This one is starting today

Prints for Monday

Next prints

Latest prints

End of Trimester 1 Class Survey

Please take this survey.  When finished,

  TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF THE COMPLETION SCREEN AND POST IT IN YOUR BLOG TO PROVE YOU HAVE FINISHED THE SURVEY
Title the Post "Survey Completed"

CS Classes - End of T1 Posting Guidelines

This is a Google Slideshow describing what tasks you need to finish this class.  It will also describe how to finish building your student blog portfolio.  The slides are set to change every minute and can be paused.  

Below this post is a sample post for Typing Agent.

Typing Agent Post (Sample Blog Post For All CS Classes)

Reflection: I used Typing Agent this year almost every day for 10 minutes each morning.  I learned how to touch type so I do not have to look at the keyboard while I am typing.  I did not like doing it but after a while, I got better at using the home row without looking.  My typing speed has gone from 12 wpm to 25 wpm and my accuracy was 75%.  Now my accuracy is 92%!  I know I can get faster so I will keep using this program until I can type fast without looking at the keyboard and have 98% accuracy.

These are all the lessons I completed this trimester.

These are the units I finished.  Look, I mastered O keys!

Here are my test scores and my awards.  25 wpm and 92% accuracy!

SD Box

This SD box was created to solve the problem of lost SD cards in the Tech Lab.  Students use SD cards to save and print their 3D projects.  Often, they are left all over the desk.  Know we all know where to put the SD card!

Great Pumpkin Patch

We went to the Limoneira Pumking Patch this weekend.  Was terrific.  Check it and if you go, do the Corn Maize!

Coding in Tynker

All classes have started learning the basics of code by using Tynker projects.  Lots of mixed reactions, happiness, anger, joy , frustration.  One thing for sure is they are being challenged!

P6 Tired but Ready

P5 Cant Wait to Get Learning

P 4 Ready to Go

CS T1 P2

3D Printing ay CSTA!

Computer Science Teachers Association

Prints done

Christina, Christian,Luis,Adam, Angel R.  Email me if you can come by to pick them up.

Last Day of 2015/2016

Message

I'm Out Today!

Hi folks,

I'm out of class today but I will be on campus.  

I wanted to thank all of you for helping make the first 3D Road Rally an amazing success!  Please read my refection below.

Today's Plan - 

As we wrap up the year, it can be exciting to review what we have done.  Take a moment to look back at your blog and remember what you have created.  You all did some wonderful projects this year.  We will close the year with a brief reflection or thoughts about your work.  The big question for me is, Have you learned anything interesting in this class?

To Do's:

1. 10 MINUTES OF KEYBOARDING - KEYBOARDING GAMES ARE OK!
2. Write up a reflection about your participation (or nonparticipation) in the Road Rally.  A brief summary explaining your part, whether you had a car or not, and your thoughts.\
3. Bring your blog up to date - All grades are 50% based on the work you reflected on in your blog.  30% on you completed projects and 20% on your participation in class. 
1. What should be on your blog
1. Weekly updates
2. Any updates on community projects
3. Reflections on Scratch game, 3D car print, Road Rally participation, 
4. Final Project - Work on your final project -  I have looked at several blogs and found no post stating what your final project will be.  Please update that by posting what you want to create and present.  Some More Ideas - 
1. Finish something you have not finished
2. remake a project you made earlier in the year 
3. make a gift - Father's Day is coming up!
4. One thing you should not be doing today - distracting others from working on their posts or projects.  This includes off task behavior, distracting conversations, cruising around the classroom.  YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO - I TRUST YOU TO DO IT!

Make it a great day folks and thanks for making this class a place of creativity and compassion.

Mr. G

3D Road Rally Reflection

What a great day!  I have to admit that I have been stressing out about this event mostly because I did not know how it would turn out.  It turned out great.  So this project has been in the works for a couple of years.  Last year I could not get it going.  With the help of many students, we put it on this year.  The Road Rally was meant to be culmination of creative ideas, thoughtful and critical design, 3D printing, and modifying a design to make it better.  Most students went through this process and came out with an amazing product that they displayed in the road rally by racing or displaying.

Unfortunately, there were some problems.  The biggest problem for me was not being able to print everyone's car.  I felt that I did not start the project early enough and combined with losing a week due to testing, several students didn't get the attention needed to finish or print their car.  I also feel that more printers in the class would help this problem especially if students knew how to work the printing process.  Finishing the cars by painting them would have also been fun.  Organization at the rally did go quite as well either.  Many students stepped up and helped a great deal by setting up the track, organizing the event, and having fun by participating.  Improvements in planning will be important for next year's race.  Better communication to include 6th graders will also be a priority next year.

Anthony and Jordan did a great job in setting up the event.  The track design, starting gate, finishing gate, advertisement, and announcements helped the event happen and were also improved through the collaboration of many.  So many people cared and lent their time and knowledge to make it even better including Marissa, Owen, Yajaira, Jadon, Alyssa, Caleb, Elijah, Anatheresa,  Sergio, Marcos, Tristen,  Diah, Edgar, and Mr. Mike Vollmert to name only a few!  

Overall, we found one car to be the fastest, Mr. Brady's awesomly chisel car.  2nd and 3rd are still a little unclear.  In the Show class, votes are still being tabulated but will be released on Wed.  The event had many highlights especially: Mr. Klinefelter stating "these are amazing designs!" as he looked at the show cars, Campus Supervisor Elias getting in there and racing Brady's car, Mr. Vollmert enjoying testing each show car and evaluating each design, and finally, seeing the smiles of students as they passed by, excited to see these student designed cars racing down the track! 

Problem solving?

Fan to cool and light to heat, go figure!

Road Rally Trophies

Its not always easy or fun

First Week of June!

Starting to Wrap it all Up!

There are many things happening these next 3 weeks so try to keep up with your work in class.  Presentations will take time away from class during the last two weeks.   We also have some guests visiting on Wednesday as other events that may pull some of you out of class.  

Wed.

• 9:45 - 5th Grader Visit
• 3D Car designs due
• EOY Project Idea Post due - What is your last project going to be?

Monday, June 6 - 3D Road Rally!  - P4 will volunteer to set up.  Need to finish and print cars and trophies!

Tuesday, June 14 - Last day to turn in work/update blogs for grades. 

What should be in your blog:

• weekly post on what you have done that week

• • Scratch Game and Survey
  • Look at post from 4/7 for syllabus.  Rating of games and posting/reflection in blog by Friday, May 6 
  • 3D Road Rally Race Car 
  • Design your race car for either of two categories
  • Race Car Class
  • Style Car Class
  • Due June 1
  • Either/or Video Project
  • You will be creating, editing and publishing a short video and uploading it to your own YouTube video channel
  •  Or Passion Project
  • What do you want to learn about?  That's what this project will be about.  Go in-depth on a topic of your choice.  Teacher conference is required to set up your project.  You will need to sign up for a presentation date.  Presentations will vary so make sure you leave yourself and me time to plan & set up your idea.  Presentations must be scheduled by June 3
• Tech Team/Mouse Squad
• Community Projects - Group projects are on-going.  To complete the project, you will need to keep your journal of the project and present to the class.  You should include the following:
• original idea
• how it evolved and became what it is now
• how it affected the community
• your reflection
• Lot's of pics, video, or something to illustrate what you did
• Presentation times need to be set and include examples of how you helped our community.

Santa Maria RC Club

Oh yea!

Rio Vista 3D Road Rally Car Race - New Race Date!

Rio Vista 3D Road Rally Car Race

Ist 3D Printed car for our first Road Rally 3D printed car race

5/13/16 Lesson Plan

Hi all,

Please read the note on the tv.  I mean when I say I am sorry and I do miss being in class.  I have to get this testing stuff done before Monday.  

All periods need to keep working on their designs.  Please check your measurements.  Dimensions for the cars are on pg 2 on the tv.  Please do not start writing or editing my message.

All periods have 15 minutes of Nitro type and then working on your race car designs.  You will have different teachers today so please be respectful and keep the noise at level 2 as you collaborate on designs.  I look forward to seeing them soon.

P4 - Do good work, stay in your seats unless you are collaborating.  

P5 - You have SSR today so read and test and get some points!  Focus on your car designs and you can make more than one design.

P6 - Last class of the day can get squirrely so keep it under control.  Stay focused on what you need to be doing.  

Have a great weekend!  Come ready to Show what you Know!  State testing starting Monday!

Lesson Plans for Wednesday, 11 of May, 2016

I'm here on campus and will probably be dropping by during class.  I will be in class during 7/8th lunch.  

Jadon, Tristen, and anyone else who can help with respect, please assist any 6th graders that need help with their car projects.

P2 -

• Tech Team - Continue on your projects
• Road Rally - did not  get your extra parts or saw.  Measure out any cuts you need to make and build a test track.  People want to see it and try it out.  Continue with the launch gate and finish line.  Please stay focused.   
• Fix-it crew - You are on today.  Have you made arrangements for a table?  Start thinking about what screencast selfhelp videos you can start adding to the blog.
• Interview/video crew - need a time line, i'll review your questions and give you feedback, and please include me in any emails you send out.  What happened with Rosie yesterday?
• Tech Crew -  First print failed yesterday.  Had a total of 3 failed prints but go a good one at the end of the day using old Cura.  I think the fails happened because the bed was not aligned so I aligned it.  Go ahead and try printing Jordan's car today but keep an eye on it.
• Mr. Versitile - Owen, you got this.  I'll check back with your camera project.  If possible, take and post some pics of the groups working.
• Poster Maker - Yajaira - Thanks for making the poster.  Please try to finish and post it today.  
• If you have nothing to do? - Not true but you all need to be working on building your cars.

P2, 4, 5, & 6

• 10 minutes of keyboarding
• Hi All - You are all on building your cars today.  So have fun and keep the noise at level 2 or below.  

Anthony A. and Jordan E. working on the track for the 3D Car Race

Rio Art Show Bound!

Student's getting our 3D Printing display ready for the show!

What's in a Reflection?

What's in a reflection?  Let's define it first.  According to Google Search:

re·flec·tion

rəˈflekSH(ə)n/

noun

1. 1.

   the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.

   "the reflection of light"

   synonyms:

   sending back, throwing back, casting back "the reflection of light"

   • 
     
2. 2.

   serious thought or consideration.

   "he doesn't get much time for reflection"

   synonyms:

   thought, thinking, consideration, contemplation, deliberation,pondering, meditation, musing, rumination; formalcogitation "after some reflection, he turned it down"

   
   

We are applying the second definition, "serious thought or consideration"

When you write your reflection for each of your projects, I am asking you to look back at what it took, both physically and mentally, to create your project.  Our thought process is important and I want to understand a little of what it took you to create your product.

So you should include serious thought in your reflection.  Reflect on:

1 - what was the purpose of the project (the problem)?

2 - what did it take for you to create the solution (apps used, thought process, problems, solutions, failures, success, who helped, what you learned)?

3 - how do you feel about your product (give details) OR how else can the software be used (in other classes)

So basically, give it some thought and explain what it took you to complete the awesome project you produced! Here is an example reflection:

________________________________________________________________________________________

3D Design Project - Drawer Handles

The design below is an Iron Giant Drawer handle that I designed using Tinkercad.  I created it because I have a drawer at home that holds my TV but it does not have handles to open the drawers.  I created it by getting an image  of the Iron Giant, one of my favorite movies.  Next, I converted the jpg into an svg file using an svg converter.  Once I had the image,   I resized the image to about 110 mm x 95 mm.  I had to cut out the eyes using cylinders.  I also grouped a couple of mounts to connect the handle to the drawer.  I really like the way the project came out.  I will use the same mount to make more handles very soon.

END OF YEAR - What you need to know to keep your grades up and not panic the last week of school!

So here is a list of projects that need to be completed, posted about and reflected about in your blogs, and, in some cases, presented to the class.

All of these projects are due by June 3 unless there is another date for the specific project.  Presentations must be scheduled before May 20.
Link to Class Presentation schedule will be in your classes links.

Mouse Squad - P2

• Community Projects - Group projects are on-going.  To complete the project, you will need to keep your journal of the project and present to the class.  You should include the following:
• original idea
• how it evolved and became what it is now
• how it affected the community
• your reflection
• Lot's of pics, video, or something to illustrate what you did
• Scratch Game and Survey
• Look at post from 4/7 for syllabus.  Games are due JUNE 3
• 3D Road Rally Race Car 
• Design your race car for either of two categories
• Race Car Class
• Style Car Class
• Due May 20
• Video Project
• You will be creating, editing and publishing a short video and uploading it to your own YouTube video channel
• Passion Project
• What do you want to learn about?  That's what this project will be about.  Go in-depth on a topic of your choice.  Teacher conference is required to set up your project.  Start date is officially May 4th.  You will need to sign up for a presentation date.  Presentations will vary so make sure you leave yourself and me time to plan & set up your idea.  Presentations must be scheduled by May 20th.

Computer Applications P2, P4, P5, P6

• Scratch Game and Survey
• Look at post from 4/7 for syllabus.  Rating of games and posting/reflection in blog by Friday, May 6 
• 3D Road Rally Race Car 
• Design your race car for either of two categories
• Race Car Class
• Style Car Class
• Due May 20
• Video Project
• You will be creating, editing and publishing a short video and uploading it to your own YouTube video channel
• Passion Project
• What do you want to learn about?  That's what this project will be about.  Go in-depth on a topic of your choice.  Teacher conference is required to set up your project.  Start date is officially May 4th.  You will need to sign up for a presentation date.  Presentations will vary so make sure you leave yourself and me time to plan & set up your idea.  Presentations must be scheduled by May 20th.

Scratch Game Play Day!

Scratch Game Play Day

If you haven't started yet, it's time to come to class and play

RIO VISTA STUDENT MADE VIDEO GAMES!

So here is what you need to do:

• Go to our blog
• Open your classes game and survey Padlet
• You can use a split window if you have a large enough screen
• Play the game
• Write a comment about the game in Scratch
• Go to the student's Scratch Game Survey
• Complete the survey
• Repeat to and make sure you comment on everyone's game

About comments:

• Brief, respectful comments
• No game bashing
• If you witness a glitch, bug, or something does not work right, you have a couple of choices.  You can respectfully write a comment about it or you can verbally ask the person if you can help them fix it.  You may know how to make it work better!

About Ratings games in a Survey

• Rate the game, not the game creator
• Please rate games appropriately according to the game rubric
• Some people have more programing skills than others.  Higher ratings go to games that are beyond what is normally expected.

Google Earth Shows Earth!

Let Google Maps Show You Our Beautiful Earth!

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day Everybody!

We are alive today because this planet that we live on provides what we need to survive.  

Earth Rocks!

Here is some interesting info related to Earth Day.  There will also be a launch of a new oceanic study satellite named Jason 6 today from Vandenberg Air Force Base.  VAFB is so close we may even see the contrail of the rocket.  

Can you find VAFB and show us which direction to look at launch time?

Jason 3 Oceanic Study Satellite Launch

This Day in History - The First Earth Day

Earth Day 2016

I challenge you to create something amazing for the Art Show on May 3!

You can do pixel art, Google Drawing, 3D design and print or anything else we use in the room.  It will be counted as extra credit but you can have some class time to work as well as lunch, before and after school.  I'm working on a 3D sculpture.

Scratch Game Syllabus/Guide & Due Dates & Upcoming Project Previews

Here is a link to the syllabus/guide in case you want it for yourself!

Due dates are coming up so get on it folks.

• Second due date 4/12/16 - Needs - backgrounds, character, movement and levels all working
• Project Due 4/15/16 - Needs - game completed and working with few bugs/glitches

Second Year Students

Your guide will follow the above guidelines but is slightly different because you are creating a game or something cool and challenging using a text code. The easiest are provided at code.org/learn . Look for the section titled - Partner tutorials that teach JavaScript

More challenging ones can be created at Khan Academy. Don't forget to log in and save your work!

Presentations

Presentations will start in two weeks. Tell the class how you got the idea for your game, explain your struggles & challenges, and any other details important to your game. Afterwards, student will play your game and give feedback.

Sign up to present and share your game!

Finishing the Project

Posting on the blog and writing your reflection will need to be completed by the end of April so don't leave it to the last minute

As always, talk to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Upcoming Projects

• Mouse Squad - Community Projects - What do you think about this as a name for the projects that you are currently working on?  These projects all have different schedules that we will have re-verify in the next couple of weeks.  Can't wait to get these out to the community!

• Passion Projects - We'll have a formal announcement on Friday and planning meeting will start the following week.  We will need to meet and review your plans for this exciting project.  What are you passionate about?  What is a Passion/Genius Hour Project?(4 min video)

• 3D Art Exposition - Extra Credit - a sculpture, race car, or amazing tool.  Design, test, manufacture, test, and finalize your creation and enter it into the Rio Art Show on May 3

• Final Presentation - Present your digital portfolio to the class and to the world!  Review the challenges you faced this year in this class.  Show what you were able to accomplish and how you might use some of these tools in your future.

Problem Solved, Maybe?

Students being creative problem solvers.  How do you keep your ear buds untangled?  Idea, design, and print stages complete.  Now comes cleaning and evaluating the product.  Reflection will be needed and possibly some modifications.  Both are a valuable part of the creative process!