Meine Klein Welt

I’m Singing

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So in a regular segment for my Computer Applications class I introduced a piece of software called Songsmith. The idea is that you select a style of music, sing into a microphone, and Songsmith writes the music.

The software is actually both amazing and awful at the same time. Here is an actual recording I did in class to demonstrate how Songsmith works.

Klein ‘n Klass
[audio:http://kleinwelt.com/blog_media/audio/klein_song.mp3]

Klein ‘n Klass Remix
[audio:http://kleinwelt.com/blog_media/audio/klein_song_2.mp3]

Yeah, you probably won’t find me at the Grammys anytime soon.

Below is a commercial put together by the developers of Songsmith. Definitely worth the watch if you need a good laugh.

If you’d like to try Songsmith yourself, you can download a free trial here.

Robot Art

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robot_art So Tuesday I had the students in my robotics class attach a marker to their robot and attempt to draw a figure 8 on a large sheet of butcher paper.

After many attempts and minor tweeks, most of them were able to draw a shape that could be identified as an 8.  It was good for them to see how planning and preparation payed off more than just trial and error.

robot artist

At the end of class I instructed them to clean up  and throw out the paper, but they insisted on keeping this lovely display of “art” which is now hanging in my classroom.

One group even signed it and titled it “Robot Art.” Someday you may find this hanging in a museum. Remember, you saw it here first!

Quote of the Day

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Elementary Kiddos

“My vacation was so, so great! I dreamed I went to heaven and it was soooo nice.”

You can see how precious this face is, so you can envision how precious it was to hear this quote from her as she was bouncing in her seat and giggling because she “just had to tell” me something.

Battle of the Books

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Each year the library puts on a Battle of the Books where middle school students form teams, read a selection of books, and then face off in a game-show-style quiz about the books.

This year I am on the faculty team, which will take on the top student team in a high-stakes match-up.

I just completed my first book: The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson.

This is the story of a orphaned girl named Annika, found as an infant in a small chapel in the Austrian Alps, and adopted by the servants of three Viennese professors. She learns to love the city of Vienna, and enjoys helping out around the house and the kitchen.

As expected, she dreams of one day meeting her real mother. And one day her real mother does come for her. And that’s where the real fun begins.

I found the historical setting of the book(early 20th century Austria and Germany) to be intriguing, though the major plot developments were a bit predictable. Perhaps a more complex plot is too much to ask for from a junior high novel, so I will reserve any further criticism in that vein.

Overall the story was well-written, laced with interesting historical tidbits and quite an enjoyable read. I’d highly recommend it to any junior high student looking for a good way to pass the time.


 

Exploding Maroni!

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Maroni (Chestnuts)

Maroni is German for chestnuts. I love maroni. During the winter there are maroni vendors all over the city. It’s one of my favorite treats. Hot maroni on a cold day – yum!

Well, because my husband is very sweet, one day he surprised me by coming home with a small bucket of maroni for me to cook myself. Yay! I hopped online to learn just how to make this tasty treat. I turned on the oven, scored an “X” in each of the maroni, and popped them in the oven. About 10 minutes later, we heard a loud bang in the kitchen, then another, and another…

As I peeked into the oven, I saw chestnut everywhere. I made Matt take the pan out (because he’s braver than I am). What did I learn? Well, the “X” has to be big. Big enough to cover the side of the chestnut. Otherwise, the steam created by water in the chestnut will cause it to explode as it heats.

The second batch was made with large X’s and it was delicious! To see all the pictures from this adventure, click here.

Want to make your own hot chestnuts?

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (210°C)
  • Score the nuts with a BIG “X”
  • Place them in a pan “X” side up
  • Cook for 15-25 minutes
  • When the skins look like they have curled away from the scoring, remove the chestnuts
  • When cool, peel and enjoy!