Rock Our World (ROW) 9

The topic that Mr. Johnson has been requesting since ROW 5 has finally been chosen for the upcoming round of Rock Our World. The topic is called: Go Green! Together, students at Glenfir will join with students from around the world to explore the effects of global warming, environmental issues, charting our carbon footprints, and, of course, Going Green (recycle, reduce and reuse!). This activity will include using video equipment and iBooks to make short films and songs that will be shared with the world. Students will also learn how to access online collaboration forums called Moodles. Mr. Bakx will be joining Mr. Johnson to add a technology rich programme, which will include numerous scientific experiments as well as inquiries inquiries. The project culminates with a live video conference between all of the participating classrooms around the world. In past rounds, ROW has been sponsored by groups including Apple Education, NASA, the Discovery Channel, and SMART Technologies.

Mr. Johnson has worked in education in British Columbia and in England since he graduated in 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in History, and a Minor in English from the University of British Columbia, Kelowna. During his Bachelor of Education training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Mr. Johnson began exploring the role of new media technologies in education as a member of the Fine Arts and New Media in Education cohort. Since joining the school in 2005 as the Director of Technology, he has worked to promote technology in all subject areas.

Mr. Bakx holds his Master's degrees in chemical engineering (cum laude) and education, both from Delft University of Technology. Since 2000, he has taught courses in chemistry, physics, earth science, general science, and most recently biology. Mr. Bakx is committed to connecting the science curriculum to the 'real' world and students' everyday lives. Mr. Bakx believes his teaching should prepare his students for the future. Students' future lives will all be different, but most likely will involve working in an environment that requires continual learning and adaptation. Their future society will most likely face challenges of oil depletion and climate change. The main objective is for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the natural processes that enable and shape life on Earth, and of the impacts that human activities and technologies have on these natural processes. Ultimately it is the hope that students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to and prosper in a sustainable society.