March 11, 2008

Videos “introduce students to careers they never dreamed of”

"I love these videos. As a science teacher, I find many of them most useful by serving many purposes. They introduce students to careers they never dreamed of or to opportunities they never knew existed. Students are introduced to the real people who work those jobs and have those careers, real people the students can relate to, just like themselves. They see role models, women in engineering positions, African Americans in cutting edge businesses, real people like themselves. In addition, they give them a sense of the innovation that is going on out there, something they too could be a part of. They're answers for the question, 'Why do we need to learn this stuff?' and 'How is algebra going to help me in real life.' The videos shows students first hand how science and math are used in the real world and how they might put their skills and interests to good use."

Rick Frey
Richards Middle School
Lawrenceville, GA

March 11, 2008

Futures Channel videos are multi-purpose tools for teacher!

I love the videos.

I use them to fill time, to introduce a concept, to practice writing, to show how math is used in the real world, etc. etc.

Keep up the good work!!

Pam Huskey
8th grade - pre-algebra and algebra 1
Buckingham County Middle School
Buckingham, VA

March 10, 2008

Website provides “double whammy” for students

I teach careers, and it's necessary that students use math. Anytime they can have a lesson that relates to the "real world," or can be taught something that they can apply to their own life is more useful than anything I can show them in a book. The videos are a great double whammy for my kids because they see the career in action and they see how math is important in that career. Thanks, Susan

Susan H. Childs
Mary Persons High School
Forsyth, GA

March 10, 2008

Students can SEE new technology in “The Wind Business”

I just wanted to let you know that these little clips work perfect for my AP Environmental Science classes. The students can actually see what I am talking about and learn about new technology. I also plan to use them in the new S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) class.

Thank you and keep up the great work!
Angela Bitterman-Wenson

March 05, 2008

Website provide vast amount of information and videos

Hello,

My name is Sirisha Kala and I am working as a Mathematics Lecturer at Salisbury University, MD. I came across your website recently and was amazed by it. The website is a great source for students to see many concepts in one place. It helps them build the connection between classroom education and the real world. I was very impressed by the vast amount of information available there, especially the videos.

Thank you,
Sirisha Kala
Mathematics Lecturer
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

February 12, 2008

North Carolina educator enjoys the high quality material

Thank you so much for the HIGH QUALITY WORK. I use your materials on a weekly basis. The real world connections------------science/technology---------careers---all are excellent. I have had Social Studies added to my hectic school schedule and the people, places, food, etc. have been the interest that my classes have needed.

Keep it coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Judy Evans
Surry County

January 16, 2008

New Mexico Teach on the Online School Edition

I have been impressed with the Futures Channel curriculum. The movies seem to be very select in their informative and concise content. The movie formats provide appropriate and interesting subjects for my students. I also appreciate that you have taken the extra time to include beneficial lesson plans that allow students to dig a little deeper in their thought processes; that lessens the "customizing" time I would usually take to get it to fit my own students. Future Channel’s Online School Edition has brought such an appreciated setup that our high school has signed up as a user.

Thanks,
Mark Drollinger
Bloomfield High School
Bloomfield, NM

January 16, 2008

“Fantastic teaching tool for anyone who wants to use it”

I first used Futures Channel last school year. I have the DVD disc set with the notebook full of wonderful information which was purchased for me by my school district. It is fantastic because the clips are short, to the point and easy to find and play. I often use more than one video during a class. Then, this year I decided to go to your website to see what else you have. To my surprise you have videos there too. So to make it possible for my students to review the information, I have set up the web links on my teacher page so the students can easily visit the page to review the information. It is really fantastic. What a wonderful source for a wealth of information. You have provided a fantastic teaching tool for anyone who wants to use it. The videos are excellent supplement material for my classroom content.
Thank you,

Ruth Smith
Technology Education Teacher
District 279, Osseo Schools
Brooklyn Jr. High

December 13, 2007

Futures Channel movies part of
STEM club

I LOVE THIS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a teacher of Gifted Students in the Cherry Creek School District and our lead focus this year is on the "STEM" disciplines. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. I started a "STEM" club where we have fun exploring all of these areas grades K-5. I show several of your videos to all of my students and they LOVE it! What a professional, easily navigated, FUN and interesting website for all ages. Thank you!

Mrs. Amy M. Sauerbreit, MAEd.
Gifted and Talented Teacher,
Peakview Elementary School
Centennial, CO

November 2, 2007

Resources teach design and innovation from the math and science perspective.

Ohhh My Gosh. I just found your incredible resource and have been geeking for over an hour. I have fallen in love with your resources to teach design and innovation from the Math and Science perspective. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This site made my day. I e-mailed it out to all of our teachers.

Jennifer Sims
International Baccalaureate Coordinator
Pacific Beach Middle
San Diego, CA

October 23, 2007

Second grade students “on the edge of their seats”

Yesterday's science lesson was about different kinds of energy and the "Wind Farming" (MAKE HYPERLINK TO MOVIE) lesson/video was a perfect example of one very powerful kind of "free and clean" energy. My second grade students were "on the edge of their seats" with this one!

Thanks again for inspiring students at all grade levels to enjoy Math and Science and for demonstrating how Math and Science are important in the classroom, as well as for future college plans and career paths!

Gwen Hunt
2nd grade teacher
Forest Ridge Elementary
Citrus County Florida

October 23, 2007

New Hampshire Teacher Shares Movies and Lessons with Younger Students

Hello! I have to say that I LOVE your videos and classroom activities that go along with them. I have been using them for two years!

I am a teacher of gifted and talented for grades 1 - 4 in Bedford, NH. I find that I can "scale down" many of the activities for children this age. The videos are just the right length to hold students' attention who are at this age.

For example, one of the films was about a female scientist who works with bugs. I presented the video with the whole class using a light box and then modified the follow-up lesson for first graders and they loved it.

I love the films because they stress the importance of Math and how many occupations use Math at all levels. I would say that I draw from your lessons at least once a week - even if it is to inspire me to create an innovative lesson on my own!

Another way that the lessons helpful are to help classroom teachers differentiate instruction within their classroom. Students who need a challenge can view the video and work independently or in small groups.

Thank you so much for also showing that women have important roles in Science and in Math. I know those videos have inspired many of my students - they now know how many opportunities there are out there in the professional world that they may have not even thought about!

Kris Possee
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Peter Woodbury School, Bedford, NH

October 17, 2007

Short movie length equals easy to show anytime

I use the videos when I have extra time at the beginning and end of the day because the students love the videos and are learning while being entertained. They are great at any time. I like that the videos are short and can be used in a short amount of time. They are wonderful!

Gwen Richards
7th grade Math
Dickerson Middle School
Marietta, GA

October 17, 2007

Movies Show How Math is “Integrated into Our World”

Your website is absolutely one of my favorites! I teach an advanced fifth grade math class, so these students are particularly interested in seeing how math is integrated into our world.

Keep up the great work!! These are awesome videos!!

Gail Joiner
Fifth grade
White Oak Elementary

October 17, 2007

“When we pull down the big screen and visit the Futures Channel, all eyes are focused on the lesson!”

Dear Futures Channel Team,

The Futures Channel is without a doubt the first one I recommend to colleagues.

My second grade students (third grade last year) love the videos and lessons that you send. Today we watched "The Forester"(MAKE HYPERLINK TO MOVIE) during our Science time and many students noticed that Science and Math are very closely related. The forester discussed measuring the heights of trees, the diameter, re-planting seedlings, etc. She also talked about forest fires, lightening strikes, and that in turn tied in with a writing prompt that we are working on about fire-safety tips. When we pull down the big screen and visit the Futures Channel, all eyes are focused on the lesson!

I visit the Futures Channel with my students at least once a week and view one or two of the videos that are related to the main video/lesson.

Gwen Hunt
Forest Ridge Elementary
2nd grade teacher
Citrus County, FL

October 17, 2007

Students Enjoy Real World Connection to Academic Subjects

I use the video clips as a warm-up. The students enjoy watching the videos because it shows them what real people are doing and how the academic subjects are applied.

Camelia Calvert
Technology Education
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Roswell, GA

October 16, 2007

Uses Futures Channel Movies Every Week in 9th Grade Physical Science Class

I really enjoy your videos - I teach 9th grade Physical Science and I let the students watch the video that’s emailed to me every week - no matter if it is in that week's objectives or not - the students like to discuss them and I can always find a way to integrate the material through science or technology.
I have also used the lesson plans that come with the videos. They were well designed. And I have shared this resource many times with the math teacher, as well as the band teacher (drumming) and the other science teacher.

Denise Wagner
South Harrison School District, MO

October 16, 2007

Great Site for Gifted Students

I am the gifted and talented coordinator at this elementary school and part of my job is to find resources for my colleagues This is a great site for all kids but especially my gifted because I can bump up their lessons.

Kathy Grewell
Graff Elementary School Website
Laurel, MT

Oct 16, 2007

Futures Channel Resources are Easy to Use, But Challenging to Students

I love your resources. They are so easy to use, but yet they challenge my students. I love how you are able to take the real world and apply the mathematical concepts. The activities and the videos make the classroom exciting and a great learning environment. Thanks so much.

Althea Gobble
Fannin Middle School
Blue Ridge, GA

August 17, 2007
 

"Wind Farming" video is all time favorite!

Thanks so much for sending these! I love them! I'm a choir teacher and some of these I can use in my classroom and some not. BUT, I still watch them.

My all time favorite is the one about the big windmills and wind farming. I rode right through a big wind farm in Scotland this summer. I've been able to get to within about 20 feet of the base of one in the central England. What a cool sound they make! I am totally fascinated by them and have been for several years. So I particularly appreciate you sending that one out.

Thanks for all you do for us!
Julia House,
Choral Director
Bay High School
Panama City, FL

June 25, 2007
 

Kudos for providing students with "wonderful learning opportunities"

I could not agree more. Kudos! Your site has offered my students and me wonderful learning opportunities. I look forward to using this site frequently in my lesson planning for math and science for my fifth graders.

Thank you for all your hard work.
Pam Bridges
Strive to Learn.
Fifth Grade

June 22, 2007
 

Movie Review: Inventing Toys

I thought the movie about designing the K’nex toys was great for several reasons:

1. It got my attention right away with the sound effects and bright colors of the toy.

2. Many of my students have no idea that there are people who have jobs like those in the movie.

3. I have SO MUCH trouble sometimes trying to connect what they are learning in 7th grade math to how it is used in the real world.

4. This movie would get students thinking "Wow!! I draw stuff all the time but I never knew I might could have a job that put my ideas to work!"

I teach at a low-income school. We are always looking for ideas to implement in the classroom, especially during the last 6 weeks of school after the students have taken the state mandated tests and feel like they don't need to learn anything for the remainder of the year. One lesson we have used is building bridges with Legos. We have Lego sets for them to use, and I discovered that unlike my own children, most of these children have never constructed with Legos, which also explains some of their lack of math concepts. Anyway, it would be great to include something like K’nex and allow them to use their own imaginations (and 7th graders have PLENTY of imagination) to design a toy. The lesson could be introduced with the movie. Again, thank you for The Futures Channel!! I have emailed my principal and encouraged her to check out your website to see if she might be willing to purchase the resources available through The Futures Channel. We want every student to succeed and do all that we can to accomplish that goal. Thank you for the movie preview.

Sincerely,
Sandra Thomas

June 06, 2007
 

Educational videos provide virtual field trips.

I just have to tell you how I LOVE this site. I can almost guarantee you that I can integrate it into my curriculum every week. I teach 2nd grade. Our school is in the middle of Microsoft headquarters but on the “wrong side of the tracks” so to speak. Our demographic data verifies a low to mid-income range with parents who would rather work 2 jobs than take welfare if at all possible. We have about 11 languages plus English – which is predominate – spoken in the homes. We all know that without experiences reading comprehension declines. Sadly we each get only one field trip per year by school bus and the PTA tries to pay for that and the kids try to pay the cost of the event itself. That may be a challenge for many families so a site like yours is more helpful than you may realize. Not only are we working with a technology driven generation but shorter and shorter attention spans as well.

Your site helps to:
Generate a visual image of a concept or process that may not be understood by non-English speaking families or families who do not provide experiences for their families.

Emphasize the mathematical/scientific thinking, problem solving, team work application and clearly states that in basic terms that relate directly to the conceptual process they may be wallowing in. For example I connected to “The Backpack Designer” after watching “The Shape of Phones” and he clearly stated the need for geometry in the design process. Another min or so added to the film would be wonderful to make those links a bit more direct and concrete rather than just assuming that if someone uses the term “ geometry” or whatever, the viewer will grasp the connection.

Provide student centered interest areas for expanding the vision of math and science knowledge. My 2nd graders are currently doing their annual research project on pirates which is their 4th project requiring research into a topic and the creation of a demonstration of their learning for an audience. They are also working on inventions to solve a need in the world so you can see how inspiring your video clips can be to kids.

We just finished our 2nd focus on measurement for the year that included cooking and establishing how to do surveys, create a bar graph with an x and y axis, determine a data range and label it. Not bad for 7 and 8 year olds! Now we can pinpoint those same skills and concepts in your videos.

I would love to see more lesson plans for younger kids instead of always 6th grade and up.

Thanks again for your programs!
Kathleen Marshall
Juanita Elementary
Kirkland, WA
kmarshall@lwsd.org

May 15, 2007
 

Futures Channel Videos: Motivation for students in science and math classes.

I was introduced to the Futures Channel today, and I am very impressed. This could be a great tool for substitute teachers to use. As a teacher of gifted students, the resources on the website could also be used to motivate students in science and math classes.

Sarah Pope
Bloomfield High School
Bloomfield, NM

May 08, 2007
 

The Futures Channel provides teacher with real world math applications.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I just discovered your site this evening as I was doing a last minute search for an introduction to my lesson for tomorrow's class. I am a 54 year old first year teacher and have struggled this entire year to teach math to 170 7th graders who want to be anywhere doing anything other than sitting in a my classroom working math problems!!!! Thanks to the videos you have available on your site, they are going to be able to SEE PEOPLE USING MATH!!!! GEOMETRY IN ACTION!! We are going to build spaghetti towers tomorrow and I really wanted to impress upon them the value of triangles in construction. I am thrilled to have found you and plan to share you with the other math teachers at George Junior High. Wish I had discovered you sooner but at least I will have a MUCH better, and certainly more resourceful, year next year!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Sincerely,
Sandra Thomas
George Junior High
Rosenberg, TX

May 07, 2007
 

Videos help students make real world connections!

Dear Futures Channel,
Recently a teaching colleague (Math) sent me a link of one of your weekly streaming videos. What a fantastic resource!!! I teach 6th & 7th Grade Technology Education in Baldwinsville, NY and we have an eclectic course of activities from Aquaponics, solar powered Lego cars and a unit on CO2 Car Design. Your video productions have really been a great way to bring the real world into our small scale projects. The students really enjoy them and can make the connection to what we do in class with what the subject matter of the videos.

Thank you for the incredible resource and the extremely well produced videos!

Sincerely,
Maurice Lepine
Technology Teacher

April 27, 2007
 

Futures Channel “answers the age-old question, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ in a real way.”

A significant part of my job is working with highly able (a broader group than the truly gifted) students in grades 3-5, primarily providing enrichment in the areas of reading and math. I used the “How Tall?” activity with my students as an extension of finding equivalent fraction. We found the heights of the students in the room using the proportions and then confirmed with measuring. We continued by going outside and using the formula on objects we could not measure like the flagpole. The students enjoyed it and got to see how some of the concepts they encounter in school apply in life. That is perhaps what I like most about your site, it answers the age-old question, “When am I ever going to use this?” in a real way.

Thank you again,
Joan
Joan Boss
Joseph Covington Elementary School
Oak Lawn, IL

April 24, 2007
 

"I wish you could see my entire class 'glued' to the monitor!"

 

More and more, my students beg to see what Futures Channel has for the week. It’s not only a part of my lesson, but it’s a treat for the class. I use it as a reward. Thank you for bringing such exciting, informative and captivating programs right into our classroom. The various professions have also awakened interest in many students. I wish you could see my entire class “glued” to the monitor! Often times we play the whole segment over, or parts of the segment. My class is made up of 15 Chapter One students. We all love all the experiments and the concrete examples, applications and thought provoking segments.

Angela Barriga
Hungerford Elementary
Maitland, FL

April 16, 2007
 

Movie Review: The First American Coins

 

During my viewing of the micro-documentary The First American Coins, I was struck by the entertaining and, yet, educational approach in which it was presented. The length of time and pace was appropriate for an introduction into the subject matter.

The choice to select collectors, businessmen and enthusiasts who were young was brilliant; for this field might be thought of as being dominated by older individuals. By selecting younger professionals, students would be more apt to connect with the presenter and, perhaps, even envision themselves in such a career.

The video would appeal to any student interested in the following topics: colonial times in the United States, mathematics and, of course, the history of coins in the United States. Each one of these topics were included and discussed by passionate practicing professionals who work in the field.

A teacher wishing to introduce any of the above mentioned subjects would have an opportunity to do so by using this method – an upbeat and modern video. I am certain that there are students who are genuinely interested in coin collecting and are not aware, for lack of exposure, that there are careers in this field. Perhaps they will be inspired to pursue their interest further based on the knowledge and excitement that the presenters demonstrated. This serves as an affirmation to any student who questions their quirky or unusual penchant for a particular area of interest. As one of the interviewees stated, he is as thrilled today working with rare coins as he was collecting pennies when he was a boy. He provides a fine example that one can follow an adolescent passion into a career as an adult.

Cecilia Chau
PS 19, Schoolwide Enrichment Programs
New York City, NY

April 9, 2007
 

Movie Review: Recycling Computers

 

As I watched this, I was struck with the complexity of the components of the computers and of the apparent need to recycle these prevalent items in our lives.

The video depicts the process in which this company disassembles and prepares the components for recycling. The 5th Graders I teach will be able to take real world knowledge of electronics that they have and be able to immediately connect to the video. I would hook this lesson first with a discussion of what electronics we have in our houses- it will definitely reflect the list given in the opening sentences of the video. The pace of the video is good with frequent mentions of pertinent statistics, such as how many workers they employ and how many computers they disassemble a day.

The vocabulary of the piece is age-appropriate for intermediate grades and the visuals of the actual processes will definitely peek interest in this age range. One of the best features of the video is the use of language and vocabulary such as hard drive, plastic, glass, cell phone, etc. that students are already familiar with and therefore will heighten their interest and participation in the video and subsequent activities. To properly "get" the statistics and data and really apply this knowledge, I would view the video, establish a word resource list and a statistic list as a whole group activity. Then, I would replay the video.

Follow up activities will be easy to derive based on the statistics and data in the video. Not only is this appropriate to include in an Earth Day unit, but also in a graphing unit or pre-algebra lesson (patterns). I am also envisioning a critical or persuasive writing assignment on this topic.

Roberta Haren
Fayetteville Intermediate School
Fayetteville, GA

March 29, 2007
 

Classroom ideas for "Designing Backpacks"

 

As I was watching the video "Designing Backpacks," I was in awe at the creativity that one has to have in order to come up with a design.

You could have students try to create a design for a backpack in class, determine its volume and maybe try to get them to create one from poster board or card stock to see what it would look like.

We will start with ideation. I really liked the part that said he created a lot of drawings for just one design and took some of the best parts of all the designs to come up with one that was best. I would stress the fact that you don’t create something the first time you try. You have to create a lot of designs to get just one right! That is so real life. So many of my kids think that you have to do things the right way the first time and while we test that, that is why we practice, practice and do more practice. It really models real life situations in a creative and fun way. If they write a paper, they like to just sit down at a computer and start writing. They don't put the time in to create a "web" and rough draft.

After ideation, I will have them determine the volume of their bag. I will probably incorporate recent findings as to the sizing of backpacks and problems that come from children wearing and handling backpacks that are designed for larger people. Ah, just thinking out loud, I may have one group design backpacks for elementary-aged students, another do middle school and a third group do high school/college. I really thought the part about sizing the shoulder straps emphasized the human component of the design; that we constantly have to think about who is going to use it and its practicality.

Once they have come up with a design, I will have them create a pattern for their backpack from poster board or some other flexible material. This would allow them to choose a color for their backpack. This may be difficult so I may have to stop the video on that section and help them identify all the individual pieces of the backpack.

This was a really good video as it affects almost every student in school. I am sure they have not put forth a lot of thought that someone has created that piece and the amount of time and effort that went into its creation. You could easily have a class discussion on if there were any other needs for backpacks besides for books, clothing or food as was suggested in the video and have them design one for a specific use. You could easily "hook" them on the need for a backpack designed for a laptop.

Good job, I really enjoyed the video and could see where it would spark a lot of creativity from students.

Nate Quarcelino
Greenwood High School
Bowling Green, KY

March 27, 2007
 

California teacher enjoys the Futures Channel's movies as much as his students.

I am so impressed with the movies, and enjoy each one as much as the students. We are fans of your program. Keep up the good work, and feel free to contact me at any time in the "future."

Regards,
Bill Gardenhire
Foothill Middle School
Prather, CA

March 27, 2007

 

Musician demonstrates the importance of math in drumming

 

I watched the video yesterday entitled “The Rhythm Track” and I enjoyed it very much. Many school age students are fascinated with music and watch television shows such a MTV, VH1, & BET. They aspire to be great musicians as well and I feel that these programs and shows do not always portray the musicians as “great” role models and gear their videos as if everyone has extravagant lifestyles, fancy cars, and a lot of money.

Unfortunately most of our students' lives are not like what is depicted within the videos and they end up with a false sense of reality. The gentleman in the video entitled “The Rhythm Track” is a fabulous role model and appears very professional. He exhibits a love for music and it shows in what he does. As with all of the videos I have watch so far, they display all kinds of professions with all types of people – it shows real diversity. It is very positive to portray every child's culture to show them that they can be anything they want as long as they stay in school and follow their dreams. Students are engaged when they can see everyday people doing everyday things. They are able to make those real life connections and aspire to be like the people that motivate them. The video demonstrates only one reason or career path to show why Math is such a valuable tool and there are so many other reasons and careers. The man in the video talked about multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition while demonstrating how he must use those skills within his profession. Most kids would not even realize that those skills were involved, because he made it look easy and fun! He kept me engaged and I enjoyed learning from all of the videos even as an adult.

I could see teaching a lesson geared towards upper elementary and middle school discussing fractions – equivalent fractions, reducing, multiplying, dividing, finding common denominators, etc.

You could also apply this video to teach students beats per minute, beats per second, compare which one has more beats, which rhythm requires more beats per second or minute, greater than or less than. Students could also journal write, compare and contrast, or investigate the different styles of music that were presented within a math journal.

Endless possibilities!!!! Thanks for the video and your efforts to enhance the education of our future and motivate our students!!!!

Melissa Herrera
Pasadena ISD,
Pasadena, Texas

March 09, 2007
 

"What a great promo for learning math."

 

Thank you. What a great promo for learning math. I will share this link with many teachers and their students! The Futures Channel does wonderful videos to engage students!

Marsha Shrago
Program Director
Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing
Georgia Institute of Technology

February 28, 2007
 

NASA videos show wonderful role models and careers.

 

Amazing website. This really gives students an opportunity to see real life jobs and activities that apply to lessons they are learning. The NASA video always gives students a representation of a wonderful role model and career.

Melissa Herrera
Pasadena ISD,
Pasadena, Texas

February 20, 2007
 

Movies are not only good for math, but science lessons too.

 

The programs are excellent. My students enjoy all of them. They are learning a lot and so am I. I allow the students to view them as a part of their science lessons. I certainly will share the information with the teachers in my school.
Thanks.

Fannie McGowin

February 3, 2007
 

Movie Review: The Skateboard Designer

 

The fast clip of the design and production scenes, interspersed with the quick tricks and acrobatic maneuvers of the skateboarders, keeps the viewer’s interest and demands a second look at the video frames.

I think that the first run grabs your attention, and you may want to replay a board trick or flip just to see it again. As a classroom application, I would want to quickly discuss the technical aspects of the sport and of the skateboard. Then, I would want to replay the movie pointing out the emphasis on precision measurements, structural design, and strength testing of the product.

I would pause the scenes of the design sketch, the caliper measurements, and the layers of maple regarding strength and flexibility as well as the inherent weakness along the grain of the wood. Depending on the abilities of my students and the course curriculum, I would emphasize algebraic and geometric design with precision in measurement. It would be good to have a couple of skateboards, one in good condition and one that has been damaged. Students could use the classroom set of calipers and tapes to measure the dimensions of the boards and indicate or predict stress points in the structure.

For a group or partners project, the students might design and produce a similar model using cardstock or basswood. The utility purposes of the "truck" part of the skateboard could be extended to heavy shop equipment, office equipment and furniture. The movie could be referenced in relation to many other integrated math-science lessons on forces of motion, speed, balance, and strength capacity measurements.

My own students are in a very rural area and do not have much personal experience with skateboarding. I believe that they still have a very positive response to the movie and to its applications and relationships to other sports and activities. They have much more experience with basketball, ATVs, heavy-duty trucks, heavy equipment, pipeline production, private and commercial construction.

This movie was a very nice, quick-paced and packed production with great shots and editing.

Sincerely,

Johanna Bowman
Plainview High School
Glenmora, LA

February 2, 2007
 

Great lesson ideas for "The Skateboard Designer"

 

I teach 6th grade math. I liked the video and I think my students would too. Skate boarding is something my students enjoy and we have a skate park here in Cody, Wyoming. I would use this to tie in with any type of measurement lesson. Ideas off the cuff: Maybe test different types of wood for stability and change thicknesses. Make a "mock" skateboard with different types of materials. Take real boards and change the position of the wheels to test the boards for various things such as speed, turning ratios and such. Hope this helps and keep the great real-world videos and lessons coming!!

Beth Blatt

January 23, 2007
 

"The Space Sling" perfect for students interested in science and engineering

 

This was an awesome movie. I plan to share it with students I know have an interest in science and engineering. Thank you!

Carole Smolnikar

January 23, 2007
 

TheFuturesChannel.com provides supplemental material

 

I forward the site to the teachers at my school and they use them as supplemental material. Everyone loves the information. Students too!

Lisa Magaz
Math Resource Teacher

January 09, 2007
 

Futures Channel great for thinking skills and career opportunities

 

I really enjoy using your materials with my talented students. It pushes their thinking skills and shows them additional avenues they may want to pursue later in life. The activities are a great addition...Keep them coming!

Joan Boss
Joseph Covington Elementary School
Oak Lawn, IL

January 04, 2007
 

Videos are "the bomb!"

I love these videos. They are the bomb!

Belinda Crislip Meadows
Greenbrier High School
Evans, GA