How to extend Projector Lamp Life

Tips to Extend Projector Lamp Life

1. Do not handle the lamp without gloves. Oils and deposits from hands and fingers can cause hot spots, which may result in premature lamp failure.

2. Keep the projector air filters clean. Clogged filters and/ or vents will not vent heat properly, and can cause the projector lamp to overheat and fail.

3. Do not place anything on top of the projector or in front of the intake or exhaust vents. This will cause the lamp to overheat and fail.

4. When you replace the lamp housing, make sure the new housing is seated completely. Apply pressure at the base of the housing until it is completely secure.

5. Hot lamps are very fragile. Always move the projector after the lamp has completely cooled. Shock and vibration applied to hot lamps may cause the lamp filament to break.

6. Do not unplug the projector until the lamp has properly cooled. After the projector has been shut off, the fan will remain on for about 5 minutes. This aids in cooling the lamp evenly and completely and decreases the chance of early lamp failure.

7. Do not turn the projector on and off frequently during presentations. Each time the projector is switched on, the inrush of power causes stress on the lamp filament. Try to minimize on/ off cycles.

8. Some projectors offer "low lamp" or "economy mode" options. Use them whenever possible. These options have been developed to extend projector lamp life.

Activities to use with any Interactive Whiteboard

Language Arts

Story Starters

Skills:

• Identifying story elements
• Creative writing

Practical Tips:

1. This is a perfect activity for students to complete as a morning activity. Display "Story Starters" on Whiteboard and assign one student each day to spin the wheel. Students can write their creative stories in their Writer's Notebook.
2. Do you have an extra few minutes between classroom activities and need something to do? Display "Story Starters" on your Whiteboard and have a student spin the wheel. Give students time to start writing their stories. Students can finish their stories during the day or for homework.

Character Scrapbook

Skills:

• Identifying character traits
• Utilizing critical thinking skills
• Character development

Practical Tips:

1. Help students learn how to determine character traits of a character in a book. Use a class read-aloud to model on the Whiteboard how to complete the activity. Have students come up to the Whiteboard and write down what they know about a character. Once this activity is modeled, students can complete it independently in the computer lab or at a center.
2. Challenge students to critically think about characters in books you are reading in class. Complete the "Ten things I know about . . . " page, and have students use their critical thinking skills to determine which character of the book fits the descriptions displayed on the board.

Social Studies

Community Helpers

Skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary development
• Making connections to personal life

Practical Tips:

1. Want students to learn about community helpers and learn to read at the same time? Display each community helper and have students read along with the audio. Discuss with students what they have learned and any connections or interactions they have had with this community helper in their own community.
2. Determine students’ prior knowledge about their community helpers by completing a KWL chart with an Interactive Whiteboard. Display KWL on Interactive Whiteboard and have students share what they already know and want to know about community helpers. Then look at the slide shows and read about each of the community helpers included on the site. As a class, write down what they have learned about community helpers from the activity.

The Underground Railroad

Skills:

• Comprehending nonfiction and informational texts
• Analyzing and interpreting primary source documents
• Utilizing research and critical reasoning skills

Practical Tips:

1. Listen to the journey of the Underground Railroad as you would a video, on the Whiteboard with the whole class. Then work to use what they learned to fill in the "Secret Letter" by dragging the words into the blank spots on the Whiteboard.
2. Review the terms students need to know that were used on the Underground Railroad by playing an anagram game with the Whiteboard.
3. Review the steps of escaping using the Underground Railroad with a sentence arrange activity on the Whiteboard.
4. Use the "Compare Two Worlds" maps to discuss the differences between the North and the South before the Civil War and how the population and economy might have influenced people’s ways of thinking. This is good for whole class discussion and making inferences. Have students look at various maps and discuss with a small group or partner how the economy and population of the North and South influenced people’s lives. Invite students to share their thoughts with the class. Use the "Questions to Think About" to turn the activity into a discussion/competition between groups.
   

Science and Math

Weather Watch

Skills:

• Formulating questions
• Making observations and gather data
• Drawing conclusions

Practical Tips:

1. Use the Whiteboard to introduce types of clouds. Print out the PDF and have students go outside and spend time watching clouds. Take the quiz as a class when they are finished observing clouds outside.
2. Have students test their knowledge of weather and use their inference skills with the "Interactive Weather Maker."

Math Maven's Mysteries

Skills:

• Recognizing key words and information
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Applying math skills in authentic situations

Practical Tips:

1. Model with students how to problem solve by looking for key words and important information. Choose one of the mysteries to solve together as a class and print out a copy of the mystery for each student. Then read the mystery together, and on the Interactive Whiteboard model underlining key words and important information needed to solve the problem.
2. Choose another mystery and give students a copy. Have students work in pairs to underline key words and important information. Choose one group to explain their thinking on the Interactive Whiteboard. Students can discuss the similarities and differences of what they underlined.
3. Print out a copy of a mystery to have students complete as a warm-up. Once students have finished their work, go over the problem on the Interactive Whiteboard, underlining key words and information needed to solve the problem.

Learning Games and Teaching Tools

Poetry Idea Engine

Skills:

• Identifying types of poetry
• Writing poetry using syllables and rhyme

Practical Tips:

1. Display the "Poetry Idea Engine" and choose a type of poetry to teach. Each one explains the definition of the poem to assist with teaching. Have students create different poems for each type by dragging words into the blanks. After learning about each type of poem, have students create their own in groups, pairs, or individually.
2. Leave the poetry machine up to use at a center. Students can create a poem on the board,then write one at the center.

Building Language for Literacy

Skills:

• Rhyming
• Letter recognition
• Vocabulary development

Practical Tips:

1. Have students practice their rhyming skills with Reggie the Rhyming Rhino. Display the activity on Whiteboard and have different students choose the words that rhyme.
2. Nina the Naming Newt will help students identify places within their community and common items found in those places. This is a wonderful activity to use with a social studies unit about community. Display the activity on Whiteboard and have different students drag the correct items into the box.
3. All of these activities can be used for small group instruction, especially the "Leo the Letter-Loving Lobster" activity. Help a small group of students with letter recognition by displaying the activity on the Whiteboard and having students choose the letters that match the object. Students can also keep a word dictionary in a notebook and add the new words that they spelled.
   

Classroom Overhead Projectors

Did you know?

3M has announced they will ceased manufacturing overhead projectors. The basic overhead projectors are being phased out, to be replaced by the higher tech, but more expensive multi-media projectors. For those out there who wish to continue to use 3M OH projectors, ORDER NOW. We can offer special quantity discounts, call for details. SEAV has been assured by 3M that they will continue to honor service warranties on all units sold. Chances are other OH projector manufacturers will soon follow 3M. So for schools who either prefer or who’s budget requires the simple overhead, just give us a call. Soon the old workhorse will become a PROJECTOsaurus!!

Document Camera/Visual Presenters

The classroom document camera is an amazing tool that allows teachers to give students a more dynamic and interactive classroom. Regardless of the subject you are teaching, document cameras will help you make the most out of any lesson plan by allowing you to move past the whiteboard and into the world of three dimensional shapes. This will captivate your students and get them excited about learning.

New Life to 2-D

Classroom document camera can be an efficient tool to:

• Display notes and math problems
• Maps
• Magazines
• Newspaper Articles
• Zoom into specific details you want to present
• Share articles and clips without having to spend money on copies

The 3rd Dimension in Document Cameras

The most exciting aspect of using document cameras in the classroom is the extra dimension that it brings to your presentation. In addition to showing notes and written materials to your classroom with your document camera, you can display three-dimensional objects as well. This is great tool for any class.

• Science Classes - students can see the teacher dissecting a frog that is displayed so that all of the class can easily see. Or, you can show the difference between beetles and butterflies in a unique, new way.
• Geometry Classes - use your document camera to add a 3D twist to the complicated world of pyramids, cones and cylinders.
• Geology Classes - teachers can show up-close and personal different types and textures of rocks.
• Art Classes - Students can watch and see more clearly techniques on molding clay and making perfect brush strokes.

Using Captured Images from Document Cameras

For document cameras equipped with image capture, image capture can be an wonder teaching tool

• Capture images from the class, such as that dissected frog, and use them as auxiliary materials for study guides and tests.
• Put exactly what the students previously saw under the camera on a test
• Incorporate into PowerPoint presentations
• Use on school web sites as a study guide.

Document camera/visual presenters can bring a whole new world into your classroom. Students will want to be more interactive in the lessons when you bring it to them in 3D. If you need help selecting the right document camera for your classroom, give SEAV a call and we will be glad to help you! 800-434-6996

PA300+ Product Reviews

#1

“We purchased 176 PresentationPro units for installation in each instructional classroom in our district. We chose this model because of its sound crispness, voice audibility, it has more punch in the volume and the remote control accessory is a great benefit to our teachers.”

Bruce Rehmer
Technology Coordinator
Center School District #58
Kansas City, MO

#2

“When we visited South Side School in Johnson City, TN, a 4th grade teacher was using a wireless headset mic with a Belt Pack Transmitter and one wireless Presentation Pro in each corner of the room. She loved it! She did a pre- and post-test one month apart, using the headset and scores went up when she used the mic. This teacher felt that amplifying her voice led to greater student participation and learning. This is a power-house unit that's really suitable for a large crowd or several classrooms.”

Teaching K-8 Magazine
August/September 2003

#3

“It is appropriate for activities throughout the school district by any employee or student wishing to make a solid presentation to a large audience. The PresentationPro proved to be a very impressive unit—and it worked flawlessly right out of the box. We were also impressed with the fidelity of the unit. Music and voice reproduction was full range.”

Media & Methods Magazine

Benefits of Wireless Headphones

There are a lot of benefits to cutting the cord on your headphones in the classroom. Here are just a few that you might want to consider when determining whether you want to purchase a new set.

Keep Them from Getting Tangled - If you are trying to manage/control a younger grade level and you have kids running around more than sitting down, it can be pretty difficult to make sure no little bodies gets caught in wires while some students are watching a video or listening to music through headphones. This is why wireless headphones definitely come in handy. You never have to worry about them tripping over the cords, or getting tangled up in the wires - both definite safety hazards to children who have potential to get hurt easily.

Give Them the Freedom to Roam Around - With a wireless headset, you can give your students the opportunity to move around the classroom without cords being an issue. This benefit can help students that have the need to move around the classroom easier than ever.

No more chewed on cords to replace or repair!

Wireless Classroom Headset Products

There are several headsets on the market that are targeted toward the classroom setting. Here are a couple:

Califone HIR-HP1 Wireless Headphones - Multipurpose Infrared Headphones can be used for monaural language-based activities or with the flip of a switch, also for stereo computer-based programs.. They come equipped with a detached USB connector used to transmit wireless Infrared audio signals. There is no limit to the number of listeners so long as they’re within the 20’ transmission range with a clear line of sight between the headphone and transmitter.

The headsets are comfortable with full-adjustable straps and leatherette cushioning that helps to fit all sized heads. A few other features include noise-reducing ear cups, on-ear volume control, and replaceable cushions.

Hamilton W901 Multi-channeled headphone - This headset is perfect for all multimedia, lab and classroom applications. Superb sound quality without wires or interference from other electronic equipment. Students can move freely from the sound source for up to 300 feet without losing a signal. The headphones can be switched between 4 different frequencies with easy color-coded switches. Add additional transmitters to have up to 4 different channels of audio simultaneously. They also holds a 40-hour charge with an LED indicator light that lets you know when you're losing that charge so to not have the battery die in the middle of lesson.

Wireless headphones can make your classroom learning experience flow smoother than you could have ever imagined. They also eliminate the dreaded chewed up cord! So if you're thinking of making some enhancements to your audio/visual technology, consider going wireless.

Christmas Crafts - Do you do them??

Hello All,

~Christmas crafts~

You see them everywhere, at every corner. Whether it is candy making, baking, decorating, or gift giving ideas, they are all around us. They all look wonderfully delicious or fun, very enticing. But, how many of you actually take the time to do any? If you are anything like me, you have a list of things you want to create or make before Christmas arrives. My list is always long and my time is always short! So, this year I am being very selective and thoughtful when I choose from my list what to do.

I have picked a craft to do with my 5 year old daughter (Skylar) that will be gifts from her to family. She loves to create and give. Coloring pictures, drawing what she sees, painting anything, cutting and pasting, molding clay. You name it and she loves to do it.

This year we are creating personalized canvas tote bags for big sister, cousins, Grammi, and her teacher. These are simple and inexpensive to make and will allow for lots of creativity. I bought plain canvas tote bags and a big package of permanent markers. We have some stencils that we may use or just may wing it and go free-hand! How ever they turn out, they will be unique and one of a kind. Awesome for giving and receiving! For some (big sis & Grammi) these will turn into keepsakes to look back at fondly.

She is very excited about this project and can't wait to start! I will say I am looking forward to this as well. At this time of year we are bombarded with advertisements for every kind of new gadget or fashion trend sprouting up. I feel it is important to teach my children that it is not the amount of money that you spend on a gift but the thought that goes into it. Often the greatest and most cherished gifts we receive cost little but are very rich in thought, love and time.

Happy crafting to all and to all a Good Night!

Tammy

PS. I will post pictures of our masterpieces as soon as they are done!!

Happy Holidays and Welcome to SEAVs new blog! Come here to find in depth product reviews, information on new products, helpful classroom resources and just some fun stuff!


We are looking forward to hearing from any of you who have product(s) reviews or tips on how you use a product(s) in your classroom. This is a place to share your experiences and knowledge with others.


We here at SEAV hope you all have a very Happy Holiday Season and a blessed New Year!


Tammy & Sara
The SEAV bloggers!