Royal Tyrrel Museum

Royal Tyrrel Museum Video Conference: A sure fire success

The Royal Tyrrel Museum have been working in the are of school presentations for several years. About 5 years ago they partnered with Sciq.ca to test the new technology. They have since gone on to develop a full slate of video conference programs to suit the Alberta curriculum. They are the only individuals I know of working more or less full time in the area here in Alberta.



They have very well rehearsed programs that are educational and entertaining as well. Their instructors are very professional and are good models for how to run a video conference.

I have been present for three sessions with them, and been pleased with the sessions. The teachers were very impressed and the students more so.

The following are quotes from Hillside students that attended sessions in November.

It was fun when we interacted with Colin (instructor), we had to put up our hand and he would pick us by the colour of our shirt and then we could shout out our answer. We even did this in a 'quiz'. - Brooke

I liked learning (through V.C.) because it was actually him on the screen - he could see us and we could see him! - Ethan

I thought it was really different. I learned that other kinds of animals were found other than just T-Rex and Stegosaurus. This was a lot better than just reading - he actually showed us fossils, he asked us questions and we could ask them too. It's interactive learning - just like a teacher being in front of you. - Hannah



Check out their offerings at http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/programs/index2.php?schools=4

Space Station Alpha e-Mission

January 15th after school 16 Math and Science teachers gathered at GPPSD Central Office for a video conference with the Challenger Learning Centre, http://clc.cet.edu/. We had a brief over view of the e-Missions offered by the centre with specific information about the Space Station Alpha program.

Then we were divided into four teams and embarked on a “routine” shuttle flight to the space station. There were a few issues with a solar flare and the resulting proton storm. The teams had to use math and science to insure the safety of the astronauts on board.

It took some hard work and a few tense minutes as we worked quickly to lower the risk to the astronauts. We almost lost them but did use the resources on board to lower the risk and successfully dock the shuttle on the space station.

This was a great learning activity and the teachers went away feeling that this would be a worth while activity for their Grade Nine students.

The door prize, an e-Mission for one class, was won by Crystal Park School.