Dear Art:

  I have been thinking about a project idea that I want to briefly share with you.  Originally, I thought about the local scavenger hunt project, and shared that with you.  But, now, I have something even bigger in mind...a project that is of vital importance for the local community (of which I am a part), a topic that is important to our state and nation, and one that has global significance as well!   It's a little edgy, somewhat controversial, but usually those are the best types of topics for teaching!

  I am talking, in a word, about Peace.  2 nights ago another local youth was killed in a shooting that resulted from a previous argument.  He had argued with someone outside the PAL building and the other party threatened him, something to the effect of "keep talking, keep talking".   Then, 2 nights ago, he was shot (in the mouth).  This is just another example of the senseless violence that occurs on an almost daily basis here in Atlantic City .  

    I got to thinking about how bad the situation is, especially since this young man (20 y.o.) was one of my husband's former students.  I thought about how we might be able to focus on the issue of handgun violence, and it's impact on our nation's youth.   I also thought about how this project could help to focus our students on conflict resolution and change within the community.

    I really wasn't thinking technology at all...but then I realized this would be a perfect idea for STARW!!  Think about it, we could investigate the statistics on violent crimes pre-1900's, mid 1900's, and now.  We could examine the Constitutional right to bear arms, and it's significance in today's society.   We could then have a major culminating activity that focuses on a multi-media ad blitz.  We can produce print, radio, website, and TV spots all focusing on stopping the violence.  The children would use all of our equipment (the Internet, the digital & video cameras) to write, produce, and edit these public service announcements.  

  In the end, it wouldn't be just another technology project, but a life changing experience where our students would actually help to affect change in their community!!
  Can you picture this??

<snip>

And the rest is history....