HSD Videoconferencing

On April 24th, Mrs. Miller and her health class participated in a MAGPI sponsored event titled, “Inner World Discovery”.  This videoconference helped the high school students explore the immune system through an interactive multimedia presentation which took a trip through the human body.  The program was designed by Phillip Silverstein, Riddle Memorial Hospital’s emergency room doctor.   Dr. Silverstein discussed the complexities of understanding the immune system as well as explained the devastating effects of HIV.  Our students enjoyed the event and many had their first experience with videoconferencing.

Mr. Wise took two classes of Sports Marketing students for a virtual field trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Friday, April 24th!  His first semester students enjoyed the Careers in the NFL Program so much that Mr. Wise decided to visit again for the second semester.  The Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio and offers distance learning programs to schools nationwide.  Each program is supplemented by classroom activities which are aligned with national standards.  The Careers in the NFL Program examined the importance of education and careers available in and around the National Football League.  The students watched a 15 minute careers video which focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and the variety of careers available with the organization.  Our students asked great questions and were very well prepared to discuss career options with the Hall of Fame presenter.  Visit their website for pictures and more information:  http://www.profootballhof.com/hall/DistanceLearning.jsp

Pam Felegi’s “Special Interest” students virtually joined Dr. Shu Yang and three other schools in a program titled Frontiers of Material Science. Dr. Yang is the Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of PA. Dr. Yang’s discussion outlined the basic concepts of hydrogels with a focus on how they respond to external stimuli. She gave several examples of swellable gels in our daily lives including diapers and silly putty. Videoconferencing was new to many of the students who participated in the event. All expressed an interest in experiencing similar opportunities!

Mr. Newman and Miss Lessard took their 10th grade Cultures class to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Tuesday, March 31st without even leaving the building! Their virtual visit program was titled “We’re All in This Together”, The American Home Front during WW II and was viewed from the Distance Lab at the High School. The presenter tackled the four challenges of the Home Font: making materials, food shortages, protecting the country and keeping America optimistic! The students viewed photos, posters, songs and speeches and discussed the triumphs and mistakes that were made on the home front. The students enjoyed the program and learned from the videoconference but suggested to the museum that the next trip include more of a audio-visual tour of the museum’s exhibits.