Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad

Not Just Another Brick in the Wall: Engaging Italian and American Teens in Planetarium Technology

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Water faucets

How are the water faucets marked? Over here, there's an "H" for hot water and a "C" for cold water. Also, the handle for hot water is always on the left side of the water spigot and the handle for cold water is on the right. Is it the same for over in Italy?

Greg

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Headed to LSMSA again!

Hi all...I am going to be heading out to LSMSA to work on the D3 components. Mainly we'll focus on uploading the files and (cross your fingers) play them through D3 w/o any issues arising. I plan on bringing the files back to Shreveport and uploading them in the planetarium but the upload won't take place for a few days (we are currently undergoing a technical repair with the planetarium).

Speaking of files...I don't think I stated my expectations. Keep in mind I haven't seen anything outside of what's been posted on the facebook and/or blogs, so I am "clueless" as to what the final film will feature. I expect this to be a film that is going to be everything but a typical planetarium show...LOL! My initial thoughts were to help create something dealing with astronmoy, but as I've watched the progress, I've seen more and more how the film is focusing on aspects of common life for Americans versus Italians. I am very amused by the Italians video postings - they are hilarious! I never imagined comedy to be associated with a planetarium environment...but that is part of my cultural understanding. In reflecting over this project, I've discovered the word "planetarium" now needs to expand its connotation. I'd love to write more, but I've got to mosey on down the road. I'll provide more "fodder" when I return.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Cheers,
Greg

(Giorgia) Still working, but the end is near!

Dear friends,

all the students are working hard in order to complete their scenes.
They have hurried up and we all met every Tuesdays and Thursdays in the last weeks: in the photos you can see images of the students editing the last scenes, adding their music and some captions.

In the photo above, you can see my colleague Emanuele (the one on the left, with the black jumper) helping the students using the softwares for video and music editing. In the right, you can see Oscar while helping the students taking the last decisions for the storyboard.

The last photo below is a bit older, it dates back to the last skype call with the American students: in the rear you can see Adele and Matteo while talking through facebook and skype with Louisiana's group, making the last arrangements for the show.


At last all the students succeded in getting their passport for the travel to America. We are all looking forward to meeting altogether in April. Eleonora, Emanuele and Antonella are ready to set off with the students in this exciting adventure!
Oscar and I are so sorry not to be able to come to America! But don't worry: we will have valuable substitutes! Antonella (the vice headmaster of Vallauri) will come instead of Oscar, and Emanuele will come instead of me: he can be a valuable help for Greg and all the students, as he is expert both in Digistar scripting and in video and music editing.
I can't wait to see the results of this hard work! And we are waiting for all the American group to come to Italy!
See you very very soon!
Giorgia