The "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

I came across a photo of the "Boneyard," as it is called, in a recent issue of National Geographic. I decided to find out a little bit more about it and share that information with you on the blog. Located in Tucson, Arizona, this base provides storage for nearly 4,000 military planes. Apparently all are able to return to service if necessary. The footage in this short clip is fairly amazing when you consider that what you see surrounding the base are all neighborhoods. That gives a sense of scale as you try to grasp the size of the airfields--close to 2,600 acres. Find out more on your own and share it in a post or two.

Virtual Immigrant Experience (Ellis Island)

It really is hard to imagine going through all that many immigrants did, yet it is a certainty that more than a few of you have ancestors who passed through Ellis Island. So many people from so many places all converged there, and with them they brought so many traditions and ideas with them. Feel free to share family history that relates to Ellis Island or related stories of relatives coming the United States during this time period.

How Airplanes Fly

As we consider what the Wright Brothers were able to accomplish in 1903, some of you may want to look more carefully at the science behind flight. I for one continue to be amazed that planes (especially huge passenger aircraft) can fly. This video is far more detailed than some of you may prefer, but for those scientists out there, take a look. It is a bit dated, but it does a nice job of explaining things.

Upton Sinclair and The Jungle

Sinclair's book had an impact on American society that few others have had. This certainly gives you a look at the less pleasant side of early 20th century America. While it was a time of optimism, excitement, and comfort for many, there were clearly those whose experience was quite the opposite. What are your reactions to the video clip?

Theodore Roosevelt: Great Footage and Photos

You can read much more about Roosevelt at: http://www.biography.com/articles/Theodore-Roosevelt-9463424?part=0.

You also might enjoy hearing Roosevelt speak. Click on the following link to listen to a recording: http://bit.ly/d68GpD It really is amazing to hear his voice. Is it what you expected?

Teddy Roosevelt: Conservationist

The footage in this is awesome. I've always thought Roosevelt was such an interesting character. Certainly he was an early role model for organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited too, as he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

Having visited a number of national parks, including Yosemite, I am grateful that such places have been preserved for all Americans. I'd be interested to hear which parks you have visited. Would you recommend that your classmates visit them too?

The Panama Canal: Photos, Information, and Time-Lapse Footage

There are a variety of things to notice in this student created production. Pay particular attention to some of the older photographs. The time-lapse footage at the end is pretty cool too. It is something to follow the route of a vessel through the canal, locks and all.

For an extensive written history of the canal, head to the Panama Canal Authority website: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/history/history/index.html. A number of photos can be found at: http://canalmuseum.com/photos/index.htm.

2010-2011 School Year: Let The Blog Begin Again!

This is a photo of two of the Blue Angels (FA-18's) at the recent NAS Oceana Airshow. I highly recommend the show. It was unbelievable. I look forward to sharing cool and interesting videos and information with you all this year. I hope you all will be active contributors, and I look forward to reading your comments along the way. ENJOY LEARNING!