Optics and Light Science Research Videos by DCS Grade 7 & 8

 The following work is from Mr. Elias Wipf's Grade 7 and 8 class at Decker Colony School. Thank you to this group for allowing me to showcase their work here on the blog.

About our Research Project

These fantastic WeVideo creations were created in our grade 8 Optics and Light unit. All of these research projects were to show that light and wavelengths have energy that can be used in all kinds of applications. We all picked a topic to research, did the research, created a script for the narration, recorded and edited video, uploaded it on YouTube, and made a QR code for it so that people can access it.

Abigail:My project was X-Rays. Once the research was complete, the rest was easy. All in all I think the greatest challenge was the research, and uncovering the meanings of the complicated scientific terms. Although at some points it was challenging, I am pleased to know what is happening as the doctors and nurses are taking X-Rays.

Jesse: My research was about Satellites and Satellite dishes. In the beginning of my research, I had absolutely no idea what a Satellite or a Satellite dish was. I didn’t even know that they were used for live broadcasting. As I started researching my project, it became more and more clear in my mind. After a little more research, I can proudly say that I am now a Satellite and Satellite dish “expert.”

Gabriel: My research project was a microwave. At first my microwave research went awful. I only had about two sentences when the other students had twenty. I slowly started to advance. I was writing more words than the day before. Then I got permission to record. I wasted an entire half hour because I messed up big time. I wanted to throw my laptop through the wall. After a few minutes, I finally got it right. Now I can watch a microwave oven cook food and know exactly how it works.

Matthias: My research project was about motion sensors. I hardly knew anything in the beginning of my research. When I finally started researching, I got an Idea about how it works. I kept building on my information until I knew enough about it to start my video. So here is my finished video for you to enjoy.

Cookies for Tanzania: A service learning project & video contest winner!

Congratulations to the Decker Colony School students in Mr. Elias Wipf's ELA class for winning the Next Vista for Learning Service via Video contest!  Their wining video, Cookies for Tanzania, tells the story of how their school has been supporting projects in Tanzania through their fundraising efforts over the past few years. This contest was created to encourage young people to "tell stories of people serving their communities" through video creation. 

The Cookies for Tanzania fundraiser sales were put on hold this year due to COVID, but this group of students found a way to continue contributing to the cause by raising awareness with their video.  Four students collaboratively planned and created the video, including sourcing images, writing a script and narrating the video to tell their story.  They also worked with students, parents and community members to obtain the permissions required for people appearing in the video.  The resulting video is a great showcase for this service learning project -- be sure to watch it below!

The video is now featured in the Next Vista for Learning video library.  

Congratulations to Matt, Gabe, Jesse and Abby on a job well done and to Elias for supporting his students in their video production project!

Book Trailers released by Decker Colony School!

One of the projects I have done with students this year is creating Book Trailers.  The latest book trailer releases come to us from the Decker Colony School Grades 7 & 9 class.  This group of students began by planning their trailers with a graphic organizer.  We viewed some sample book trailers (both professionally-created and student-created) and set criteria for their work.  Next, students had an overview tutorial of WeVideo.  We reviewed the basics of how to use this video creation tool, which we are currently accessing as part of our Edwin pilot.   Students eagerly got started with this video creation project. 

When I returned to visit this classroom last week, it was evident that students had worked diligently to create book trailers which convey the mood and message of their chosen novels.  I was impressed by their video design skills, including their choice of music, images and fonts to enhance their trailers.  These book trailers sure do the job of hooking a viewer - I want to read them all now that I've watched these!

Check out their awesome work below:

Camp Blackeagle by Sigmund Brouwer
Book trailer by Matthias


Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Book trailer by Alex


The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman (39 Clues)
Book trailer by Gabriel


The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Book trailer by Daniel


The Night They Stole the Stanley Cup by Roy MacGregor
Book trailer by Jesse