Google Earth Video Tour narrated by Mr. Crawford.
Archive for March, 2009
Google Earth Video Tour
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009Electricity Problem Solved
Friday, March 20th, 2009A few days ago, I wrote about the different types of plugs and outlets that we might find in China.
I have found a compact converter that allows me to plug my MacBook in one end and the other end can be adjusted to plug into any of the types of outlets that I may find in China. This is just one of many different types from many different companies.
Click here to see the converter.
I’m glad I’ll be able to charge my MacBook so I can continue the blog while traveling.
Mr. Wood
Google Earth
Thursday, March 19th, 2009After mapping our travels in Google Maps, I decided to map our travels in Google Earth. Google Earth is a great application that can show you the earth using a wide variety of satellite pictures. The pictures are not live but they are taken frequently and you can zoom very close in on some places. To use either of the program files I have included here you need to first download Google Earth from this site. Then you can download either of the Google Earth files that I have uploaded here. The first file has pop-up windows with some information about the different places we are going to visit. The second file has the same places with no pop-up informational windows. (This is my first time posting Google Earth files so I hope everything works!)
If you have never used Google Earth before try using the search feature to find your house or other famous landmarks.
I hope you enjoy investigating our world through satellite images!
Zaijian
Mr. Crawford
Electricity Problem
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009In the world today, we are so totally dependent on electricity that we don’t even think about it. I’ve traveled abroad before, so I know that not all countries use the same shaped plugs and outlets for electricity. Also, most countries use 240 volt electricity. In the USA, we are accustomed to using 110 - 120 volts.
Click here to see what a plug and outlet look like in the US.
In China, there are three different types of plugs and outlets in use. The first one (Type A) looks like the North American plug with only two prongs. But it is 240 volts.
I discovered that the adapter for my MacBook has two prongs and will work in either 120 volts or 240 volts. (That was lucky!)
The most common type plug is Type I (Australian).
Click here to see Type I plug.
And not very common where we are going is Type G (British). It is found closer to Hong Kong. (Do you know why it might be more common in Hong Kong?)
So here’s the problem….
My MacBook can use 240 volts like I will find in China. But, what do I do if the outlets are Type G or I?
I share my solution in another post.
Thanks to Steve Kropla’s Help for World Travelers for the information and pictures that helped me understand all this.
Mr. Wood
I found one of our sister schools!
Sunday, March 15th, 2009I found our sister school in Binzhou, China on the maps in Google Earth and Google Maps! While communicating with our sister school computer teacher, Mr. Qing Shan Gao, he was able to send me the latitude and longitude coordinates of his school. In return, I sent him our school’s coordinates. Shoutian Yingcai Primary School is located at 37°23’51.04”N, 118°0’49.30”E Beecher Road School is located at 41°20’09.52”N, 73° 0’25.69”W . See if you can find these locations on a map or using Google Earth/Maps. What are some of the similarities and differences of where the two schools are located?
Did you want to learn more about latitude and longitude? Check out this New York Times site about Latitude and Longitude. Try out the crossword puzzle on their site for a real challenge. Teachers you may want to print out the puzzle and share it with your class.
Zaijian
Mr. Crawford
What’s in a Name?
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009Where is Shandong, China?
East of the Mountain
Shandong is a two syllable name - Shan which means “mountain” and dong which means “east”.
Shandong is the Province East of the Taihang Mountains. Shanxi is the Province West of the Taihang Mountains.
This map shows the location of Shandong Province in China.
Shandong Province
Even though we won’t be visiting the Taihang Mountains, they look very interesting. Click here to see some pictures at Wikiemedia.
Mr. Wood
(Map from Wikipedia)
iTunes Podcasts
Monday, March 2nd, 2009nǐ hǎo!
In order to start learning some useful phrases in Chinese, I started searching for free podcasts to listen to on my iPod. I figured with a few weeks of preparation and a considerable of time stuck in a car commuting each day, I could pick up a few useful phrases to help Mr. Wood and myself while in China. Not to mention the 13 hour plane flight!
I began with a search of podcasts that were available free in the podcast section of the iTunes store.
I am listening to two so far and have found them enjoyable.
Learn Chinese- Chinesepod.com 
Mandarin Chinese Lessons with Serge Melnyk
Hopefully these podcasts will help me learn some new words and phrases!
zàijiàn
Mr. Crawford
Another Connecticut China Connection
Monday, March 2nd, 2009I made an interesting discovery today while doing some more research for our trip to China,
The Education Office of the Chinese Embassy in Washington is located on Connecticut Avenue.
There seem to be many connections between Connecticut and China. 
Mr. Wood
My name is Mr. Wood.
Monday, March 2nd, 2009Nǐ hǎo!
Wǒ jiào Wood xīansheng. Wǒ shì lǎoshī.
Hello,
My name is Mr. Wood. I am a teacher.
I’m preparing for a trip to China with Mr. Crawford. On our trip we will be sharing our experiences using a mix of text, audio podcasts, photos, video podcasts, and anything else we can think of.
So, join us and send us comments and questions.
Mr. Wood