Podcast #145 - American History Idol Project

Hello. Today's podcast is a description of a project we do the last week of school at South Valley Jr. High called "American History Idol". The last couple of days of school each year are tricky because books have been turned in and typically finals are over a couple of days before our actual last day to allow make up tests, etc. We do this fun activity which crowns an "American History Idol" as voted on by the 8th grade student body at our school. Listen to the podcast to learn more about how we set up and run this activity.

Please feel free to leave a comment to this blog if you have any addition information or thoughts. You can also email me at speakingofhistory@gmail.com

Direct link to Speaking of History Podcast #145 - American History Idol Project - MP3 Audio - 15:40 Minutes

Podcast #144 - May 2008 Bits and Bytes

Hello. Today's podcast is a random collection of thoughts and ideas - many about the upcoming summer months. Weddings, summer conferences and a new BlackBerry phone.

Direct link to Speaking of History #144 - May 2008 Bits and Bytes - MP3 Audio File - 15:30 Minutes

Presentation at Ladue Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri

Ladue Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri

Me and Ladue Middle School Math Teacher Joe Klein

Today I am giving a presentation at Ladue Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri to 6th, 7th and 8th grade teachers. I have enjoyed presenting to a variety of audiences this year but speaking directly to middle school teachers about using technology to enhance the curriculum is very rewarding.

The presentation can be viewed here on SlideShare (love that application).

Podcast #143 - Visit to Birthplace of Harry S Truman in Lamar, Missouri

Hello. Happy Birthday Truman! Today - May 8th - is the birthday of President Harry S Truman. On this date in 2008 he would be 124 years old. On my drive back from visiting William Chamberlain's 5th grade class in Noel, Missouri I stopped in Lamar, Missouri to tour the house where Truman was born. The podcast features a short interview with the guide at the site. I have also included a variety of photos from the site. Happy Birthday Harry!

As always, you can leave a comment on this blog post or you can e-mail me at speakingofhistory@gmail.com Thanks for listening.

Direct link to Podcast #143 - A Visit to Harry S Truman Birthplace in Lamar, Missouri - MP3 Audio - 10:00 Minutes

Show Notes :

Official Site of Truman Birthplace

Article on Truman Birthplace from the Truman Presidential Library

Podcast #142 - Visit with William Chamberlain's 5th Grade Class in Noel, Missouri

Hello. Today I have a very special podcast. I have been following the activities of William Chamberlain's 5th grade science classroom in Noel, Missouri for months on the web. Mr. C's class is an excellent example of a web 2.0 classroom using blogs, Twitter, uStream, YouTube, VoiceThread, etc. I was given the opportunity to visit a classroom as the Missouri Teacher of the Year and jumped at the chance to travel about 3 hours south to spend a morning in their class.

The podcast features a short interview with the students. The audio doesn't do justice to the energy and excitement in this classroom. I applaud Mr. Chamberlain for all his efforts in using technology the right way. Several times today while visiting with him about using technology in the classroom he stressed the point that he only chooses to implement technology in his classroom if it has a purpose in meeting his primary goal of reaching his students. Please check out Mr. C's class here.

Special thanks to Mr. C and all of this students that I met today. I hope they finish out the school year with the same energy and that they continue to use these tools in future years. I have a deep respect for Mr. C and I would love to have him teach science to my daughters. Thanks for allowing me to visit your school.

Direct link to Podcast #142 - A Visit to William Chamberlain's 5th Grade Classroom in Noel, Missouri - MP3 Audio - 17:20 Minutes

Podcast #141 - Teacher of the Year Activities in Washington DC

Hello. Today I review the week my family and I spent in Washington DC last week attending national Teacher of the Year activities. My visit to the White House and meeting President Bush was discussed in the previous podcast (Speaking of History Podcast #140) but this podcast will discuss the events which took place during the remainder of the week. I have also included numerous pictures from the week.

As always, if you have any questions or comments you can post a comment to this blog post or you can e-mail me at speakingofhistory@gmail.com

Direct link to Podcast #141 - Teacher of the Year Activities in Washington DC - MP3 Audio File - 16:40 Minutes