We have finished our stop motion videos and I’m really proud of the work my sixth graders have done. It’s amazing how creative they are!

You don’t believe me? I’ll let the evidence speak for itself and you can draw your own conclusions…

TV (Blackboard News) – Directors: Alicia Bravo & Alejandro Ruiz

Merry Christmas - Directors: Adriana Hernandez & Alexandra Astete

Skate War - Directors: Iñigo Serrano & Adam Calin

The Magic Book - Directors: Cristina Martin & Lydia Moro

How we did it

At San Cristobal School we proudly use Max OS, the GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu created by the Department of Education of the Community of Madrid, so this article is from a Linux perspective.

After downloading the pictures from the camera to the PC we used Luciole, a very easy and simple application to make videos from images. Then we moved on to Openshot Video Editor in order to add music, sound effects, and include titles and the credits. We got the sound effects from Free Sound (http://www.freesound.org/) and the music from Free Music Archive (http://freemusicarchive.org/curator/creative_commons). And finally we uploaded the master pieces to Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/)

I really hope you like the final result. I will be very happy to read your comments!

Enjoy

So say we all!!

In coming days I will upload the official poster; Alex is giving it the final touches.

Enjoy

So say we all!!

Captain’s Log, Stardate: 2012.17

Colonial Nuggets turns TWO!

Following the departure of my First Colonials, I struggled a bit to decide where I wanted to take my blog in the future; they had set the bar very high!

But once again, I’m very fortunate to have the best students I could possibly ask for: Sixth Graders, my Pegasus Team, have proven to be a group full of pleasant surprises, with great potential and desire to face the future with confidence. And that’s the most rewarding thing to see! Fifth Graders, my Intrepid Team, are a diamond in the rough; they are destined for great things, believe me.

I could not feel prouder to see Colonials Nuggets, my dear blog, getting bigger and bigger every year. I’m thankful for my students, past and present, who work their butts off to learn and grow.

Thank you!

So say we all!!

This illustration shows an icy/rocky planet orbiting a dim star. This file is in the public domain because it was created by NASA

Dear 6th Graders,

Below you’ll find a few links that might be useful to prepare the new Science unit:

• My improved concept map (cmaptools): here
• Last year’s post on the subject: here
• NASA Television (NTV) is a resource designed to provide real-time coverage of Agency activities and missions: here
• NASA Brain Bites - Interesting answers to common questions about space: here
• NASA @ Home and City – Check out this interactive site where NASA shows the practical implications of how space travel has affected out lives and can be traced in the home: here
• NASA Image of the Day -A new space image every day. The pictures are of great quality, and feature planets, stars, the moon and other celestial phenomenon: here
• We choose the moon – An interactive recreation of the Apollo 11 mission from start to finish (cool!): here
• 15 Things you didn’t know about outer space: here

Videos:

A time-lapse taken from the front of the International Space Station as it orbits our planet at night.

Astrophysicists from the University of Zurich present the world’s first realistic simulation of the formation of our home galaxy.

After 34 years in space, NASA’s Voyager probes will soon cross the boundary of our solar system into interstellar space

This video explains how particles originating from deep inside the core of the sun creates northern lights, also called aurora borealis, on our planet.

I hope you find it interesting!

Enjoy

So say we all!!

Dear 5th and 6th graders,

Back to work!

I have updated the calendars, including birthdays, holidays and the timing of all the units and tests of English and Science/Geography for the Second term. You will find them on the left-sidebar.

You can also download a printed version; for 5th grade from here and for 6th grade from here

Enjoy

So say we all!!

I wish you all the best in this new year and may your wishes come true! Health and Happiness to All!!

So say we all!!

The exploration of space is explained through a number of evocative installations, from the first space rocket launches to modern exploration of space beyond our solar system. Over 400 original artifacts or replicas, including space capsules, engines, space suits, telescopes and satellites can be viewed throughout the exhibition.

Along with the entrance ticket, the visitors receive an iPod Touch with an audio guide in Spanish and other languages ​​that allow to fully understand all the info. Click here to get an idea of ​​what the facilities look like.

Prices are varied depending on whether adults, children, groups and more attend. They range from eight euros for children up to six years old, eleven euros for students and over 65 year , adults  pay 14 euros, and 34 euros for the family pack. For more information visit the official site: http://www.laaventuradelespacio.com/

My family and I had a great time and I recommend you visit it too!

Let me know if you finally go!

Enjoy

So say we all!!

Sixth graders karaoked Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas is you. I couldn’t record it but I assure you it was a great performance. Here you can see the moment in which some of them recited a poem, written by themselves (in Spanish) and the excellent performance:

Do not miss Alicia’s Blog to see more pictures and videos.

Wishing you and your family a fantastic Christmas break!

So say we all!!

He’s doing great at High School and his musical career is booming.

Congratulations Ramon!

Keep visiting us

So say we all!!

Yep! Molly paid us a visit. And the whole school was flooded with her her cheerful nature.

We miss you Molly!

So say we all!!