the launch pad

As you know, I'm all about teenagers launching stuff (literally) and themselves (figuratively) into space. Here's the latest (courtesy of boingboing):



Then again, why wait until you're a teenager? At last week's DML Conference I met Sylvia of Sylvia's Super Awesome Mini Maker Show"-- and she and her dad (Tech Ninja James) are indeed SUPER AWESOME. Check this out:



I know some of you are headed for engineering programs next year, so here's the how-to.

March 7

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix)" by Elvis vs JXL; "I'm in Love With My Car (1991 Remix)" by Queen; "Party to Damascus Remix" by Wyclef Jean Featuring Missy Elliott]

When you remix (think about it, every story you tell is a remix of the language we all use!), how does the outcome reflect you as a person? Think about it: when you tell a friend what happened at lunch, your story-- even though it includes the same words we all use and the same ingredients (people, places, events) that others have access to-- is unique. How?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Remix quiz
3. Remixing the textbook

HW:
1. Remix the textbook (I)

March 6

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Yesterday we looked at a structured definition of "remix." Describe how lecture notes can be a remix, and describe how your own creative process is a combination of others' work and your own "take" on it.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Remix quiz postponed until tomorrow (Wed 3/7)
3. Work in groups of <4 to explain to each other how you remixed the last two weeks' curriculum on your blogs. Each group should take notes and turn in an "exit ticket" (1 per group is fine) to your period's crate on the back table.
4. Please ask TAs to check your textbooks and create period-by-period list; stow books in your lockers, you'll need them tomorrow.

HW: Get some rest and stay healthy; getting sick sucks. (for those of you online getting the scouting report, I'm sick and won't be there today-- please email with questions and let me know how it goes.)

March 5

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers; "When the Whip Comes Down" by The Rolling Stones]

What motivates you more, the promise of something good or the threat of something bad? Does this vary by task or context? How does it influence your personal sense of motivation, inspiration and creativity?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Remix

HW:
1. Finish/review both "remix resource" vids
2. Review/update your blog
3. Bring your textbook tomorrow

remix resources

Here is Kirby Ferguson, creator of the Everything is a Remix series, explaining his theory of creative inspiration, remix, and cultural commons, and citing some of history's best-loved "individual" creators and explaining how what they did was a remix, i.e., an extension and a part of the work that came before them.

2011/08 Kirby Ferguson from CreativeMornings on Vimeo.

Here is an example of an augmentative remix (contributed by course alum Maddy Hunt) in which a live talk by Sir Ken Robinson is reconfigured into two different visual media:

Pulp iambic pentameter

Last week you all realized just how difficult it can be to write in iambic pentameter-- check out this adaptation of a scene from Pulp Fiction (even if you haven't seen the movie and/or don't catch every word, note the description of mayonnaise beginning at 1:26).

March 1

JOURNAL TOPIC:
(Choose your own)

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. LA briefings

HW:
1. Remix the curriculum.  Using whatever tools you want (from pen/paper to your own computer software to social media platforms--blogs, mindmaps, Facebook etc.), remix the Dickens lectures and/or poetry analysis lectures.  "Remix" means tell the story in a different medium in such a way that it makes more sense to you. Post the remix to your blog by Monday 3/5.