Friday, April 11, 2014

5th Grade - Spring Break 4/2014 - We are technology

Technology is everywhere. Often, we think all things are created with things like computers. We also tend to think computers are what make everything better. But that is not always the case. Sometimes the greatest technology is the human mind and it's creative potential...




We've all seen a kaleidoscope  But have you ever seen one made with people? Made without any help from a computer?

Watch this video and look for the assignment below:


A quote from the description of the video:
...they fused architecture, dance, math and magic into a bespoke18-meter high triangular mirrored structure that hovered over a multi-colour moving floor to create the world’s first Human Arabesque (with no computer graphics). 
An Arabesque is a form of art that reminds me of a kaleidoscope.

The "Power of X" as they say, to me, means "the power of our minds & creativity." The power of our potential.


Your assignment:

After watching this video post a comment with your thoughts and reflections about what you saw. Use these questions as a guide:

  • Have you ever seen a human kaleidoscope?
  • Now that you know they made that video without computer animation, what do you think you can create & accomplish without computers?
  • If I asked you to create something amazing, without a computer, what would you define that as? What would you try to make?
  • If you could do anything in the world, but couldn't use a computer or any other technology, what would you do?



Please post your comments in full and complete sentences with proper grammar, spelling & punctuation.

Have a great Spring Break!



Remember - Comment as "Name/URL" and use your first name and last initial (proper capitalization, no URL)- please respond in full and complete sentences - double check your work before posting your comment.





57 comments:

RisellyT said...

Q1:No I have not seen a human kaleidoscope ever since I watched this video.
Q2: I think I can create & accomplish alot of things without a computer like...... hand written documents, my own image, my thoughts (not saying I cheat on a computer), my own definitions and etc. I can also accomplish alot of things without a computer. I can finish my homework for once. And etc.
Q3: What I would make without a computer is I would make a graph or planning to show what I am going to do on the device.
Q4: What I would do in the world without a computer is go outside and explore, travel, and ply in parks or beaches or in an environmental place.

We the people are smarter and faster then the computer. That shows that we can do alot of things without a computer.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!

Jessica M. said...

*Yes, I have seen a human kaleidoscope before when I was younger, on TV.
*I think I might be able to make an animated drawing without computers.
*I would define creating something amazing, without using a computer as the "Power of X." I would try to make a billboard.
*If I can do anything in the world, but I couldn't use the computer or any other technology I would probably try to make a cartoon.

WillaM said...

I absolutely loved "The Power Of X". It was the first time I'd ever seen a human kaleidoscope and I thought it was super awesome. Now that they made that video without computer animation, I think I could create & accomplish anything my heart desires to, but WITHOUT computers. If I was asked to create something amazing without a computer, I would define that as something , without using technology, that has never been done before and gets someone to say "Wow!". If I could do anything in the world without any technology, I would do DIY crafts because I enjoy them And they take up time while you're still having fun. The video "The Power Of X" has really inspired me to do more without computers and technology.

Kai S. said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope, until watching " The Power of X". After seeing the video, my perspective of technology/computers changed a lot. I realized that we can accomplish a lot without using computers. If I were asked to create something amazing, without a computer, I would define it as a " no-technology craft". If I could do anything in the world, but couldn't use a computer or any other type of technology, I would create a compost powered vehicle, which would be powered by the fibers in the compost.
Have a great spring break!!!

Justice C. said...

In my whole life I have never seen a human Kaleidoscope (not including now.) I never knew the existed, until now. I think I can create and accomplish making what my heart desire, with out of course, computers. If I was asked to make something without an a computer, I would define that as 'AMAZING." If I could do anything in the world, without using computers, I would do swimming(I really mean the pool kind of swimming.) After I saw this video, It helped me see that i can do so much things without computers, or using technology. But over all I think the video was great.

Izel R. said...

I really liked "The Power Of X". I have seen human kaleidoscopes before but not as cool as this one! I think I could create anything without computers. If I was asked to create something amazing without a computer it would be something new. If I could do anything in the world without technology, I would make bracelets and stuff. This video really inspired me to do somethings without technology.

AminE said...

Honestly I have never seen a human kaleidoscope.
What I can accomplish without a computer would be, writing my documents and not go online and see what an answer to a question is, I can also say m own stuff without getting the information from the computer.
If I was asked to create an amazing thing would be building a billboard so I can spread information and other stuff on it without any technology.
What I would do without technology would be go play outside with my brothers, sisters, cousins. I would go to parks and play in beaches.

Carter K. said...

As soon as I saw the video, I was amazed. Yes, I had seen synchronized swimmers make cool shapes, but not a human kaleidoscope. Knowing that this was made without computer animation, I feel as if things that we do on computers can happen in real life. Something that you could accomplish as an example is a short animation or animated art. And if you asked me, a random 5th grader, what I could make without a computer, it would probably be made out of legos. More likely something like a forklift or dump truck with no motors or electricity.
But what if I could do anything in the world, but not use computers or any technology would be playing board games. If technology is off the list, the next 2 things are playing a board or card game, then going outside to ride anything; a bike, a scooter, or try to roller skate.

Rosellyn T. said...

I haven't seen a human kaleidoscope. I'm not sure what we can do without it but for example we would have cars but they would not have computer controlled fuel injection. I'm sorry but i don't know what I can make without an computer. To me life would be harder without an computer/tech. If I can do anything in the world without an computer is go outside and find out how much NY is worth and the thing NY has that I haven't been to or haven't seen

Matilda M. said...

I thought that "The Power of X" was amazing. While my mom was watching over my shoulder, I thought to myself, "This can't be real?!" but to my surprise I convinced myself it was real. It's not an everyday sight that you see a human telescope, so no, I've never seen one before this video. I think that one person, or a group of people can accomplish a lot without computers, this being one of them. If I had to make something as amazing as the video without computers.... I would make a video of one occasion, like a video of different New Yorkers reacting to the heat in the summer in New York. Lastly, if I could do anything in the world but couldn't use a computer, or any other tech, I would probably start my own French Cafe. (Do cash registers count as technology??)


P. S. Isn't filming and using a camera technology?

Happy Spring Break!

Timothy M said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before this video. I thought what they did was very interesting. Now, after watching the video, and there being no computers I think I can create somewhat digital-looking images by using pointillism and such. I would define something amazing without technology as "The Arts". I would craft art, and sing or dance, or anything else. It wouldn't be using technology, but it is, indeed, amazing. I would explore the outside world with technology like ride a skateboard around the park or or play tag outside.

Miguel G said...

Miguel G

NO,i never saw a kaleidoscope with people.i was so amazed.

I think i could accomplish alot of things with out a computer.Finish my school work,homework.If i was to ask to build something with out tecnology I might able to make a animated cartoon,my own wrestlers.
Without using a computer or a bill board,games.

enjoy your spring break

Ayva H. said...

Q#1:no, i have never, ever, seen a human kaleidoscope.
Q#2:now that i see this video without computer animation, i realize that you can create and do many things without technology.
Q#3:if i were asked to create something amazing without a computer, i would define it as creative. the thing i would build would be a coffee machine.
Q#4:if i could do anything in the world, but without a computer, i would explore the world and travel as much as possible.

Jaela A said...

Jaela A
I was amazed when I saw the power of x. I've never seen a human kaleidoscope before. It was really cool. Yes I can do a lot of some without my computer. I can can do Homework and also I can read and etc.
Everyone have a lovely spring break!!!

Destiny C said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before this video . Now that I know that this could be created without computer technology I believe that many things can be created without computer technology like for example films , book designs ( graphic novel designs ) , videos . I believe that if I could create anything without computer technology it would be a flip book . I would most likely show it off and hope for it to help be a roadmap to success .

Joshua S said...

No, I have never seen a kaleidoscope with people but my grandfather made one.
* I think technology allows me to do a lot of things like school projects.
* I could make a calendar without computers
* I would go outside and play all day and do homework
HAVE A GREAT BREAK!!

Michelangelo P said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope, it was really cool, it must have been really hard to organize the people in the exact positions. Well, we've already created so much without technology, pyramids, stone hedge, ships and much more. We can still accomplish much, computers are just putting our heads in the clouds. I would think of that as an invention made with your bare hands and basic material, (wood, rocks). The possibilities of what to make are endless really.
If I didn't have any source of technology it would actually be cool. Waking up, having cereal, going outside until lunch, eating lunch, going back out until dinner, and sleeping.

George T said...

Yes, I have seen a human kaleidoscope before. My hope of creation has not changed, this is because I try to put creativity into my life. So I honestly believe I can create anything without computers.I define amazing as extraordanary,and I would attempt to make a gardening devise.I would make a business of gardening.

Elsa B said...

I was watching the video, and all I could think was, that's impossible. Yo can't make people sink into the floor without computer animations. But that's just the power of creative potential. So, no, I have never seen a human kaleidoscope, and I was amazed at seeing it for the first time.I think maybe I could make my own handwritten presentation without the computer, with animations and everything. Using mirrors, I could make animations. Wow, I never even thought about anything like that before. I guess it's just my creative potential speaking. If I had to create something amazing without computers, I would define it as amazing. When ever I'm stuck on something, or am bored writing, I go on the computer. So to make something without going to the computer I think is amazing and great.
If I could do anything in the world without computers, I would try something I have never done before. Usually what's holding me back is "But Mom, I want to watch TV." So if I could do anything in the world, without computers or technology, I would try things I've never done before.

Toby P. said...

I've seen a lot of amazing stuff in my life but not a human kaleidoscope. What I think I can create and accomplish without computers is a saddle for riding bears. If you asked me too create something amazing without a computer it would be a sculpture I made with whittling. If I could do anything in the world without a piece of technology it would be whittle a bow then practice archery on a tree.

Leandro G said...

1: No, before this video I had never even heard about a human kaleidoscope before.
2: Now that I have seen this video I believe that much more can be accomplished without computers. I think that we could build man made machines that can do lots of different tasks.
3: If you asked me to create something amazing without a computer I would describe that as an idea that comes from the heart. I would try to build robots that were extremely advanced and can help humans with stuff that they have yet to overcome.
4: If I could do anything in the world without using a computer I think that I would invent stuff to help make the world a better place.

Jakub S said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope until I saw the video "The Power of X." Now I know that without technology you can accomplish handwritten assignments like homework,research and more. If I was asked to create something amazing without a computer I would define it as something non-computer made. I would try to create a sculpture or a rube goldberg. If I could do anything in the world without a computer I would play sports outdoors.

Julian S. said...

I have never seen a kaleidoscope made by only humans before, now i know that humans can accomplish many more things. Something amazing that I could create could be a game, that's what I would do.

Lauren.B said...

I had never seen a human kaleidoscope before and now that I have, I know that it is amazing! I can't believe they made the video without computer animation. This makes me think that now you can do a lot more things without computers than I thought. Before if someone said they made a human kaleidoscope without a computer animation, I would think that it is totally impossible!
If you asked me to create something amazing without a computer, I would define it as inspirational and creative. Before I may have not wanted to try anything like it and think it was impossible,but now I would probably try to make it. If I could do anything in the world but not use a computer or any other technology I would go outdoors and go with my friends to a roller skating rink or try any other new experience for me.
I hope everyone is enjoying their Spring Break!

Madisyn S. said...

I have NEVER seen a human kaleidoscope before I saw "The Power of X." I thought it was AMAZING! I think I can accomplish a lot without computers.If I were asked to create something amazing, without a computer, I would define it as a " NON technology piece of art!" If I could do anything in the world without ANY technology, I would do DIY crafts because I really enjoy them. I enjoy them because while im in the car going to North Carolina I can do crafts. (Its a 12 1/2 hour drive...) "The Power of X" has inspired me to not worry about using technology so often and hand write documents instead of typing papers!

Declan M said...

1. I have never seen a human kaleidoscope until now. I have seen some very amazing things that people can do without computer graphics, but the human kaleidoscope was one of the most amazing thing that I have seen.

2. The human kaleidoscope had illusions (one at 00:27) . Now that know the illusions are possible without computer graphics I will use them in my art work and other things like that.

3. Like I said it the the amazing thing I would make would be a really nice piece of art. It would be a realistic drawings with lots of details and colors.

4. What I would do do would be: I would go outside and practice my skills in sports.

Hershel G. said...

I've never seen a human kaleidoscope in my life, and seeing it for the first time was amazing! I think I can accomplish a lot without computers. If I was asked to create something amazing without the computer I would define it as doing something without a computer. I would build a computer! Or try... And that probably doesn't count so I'd build a shack in the middle of the woods because why not! I've always wanted to anyway!

Erik V said...

I have never seen a kaleidoscope, but with people it makes it even more amazing! If I try I might build something without a computer.

Enjoy your spring break!

Jakob L. }:) said...

1.This is my first time seeing a human kaleidoscope.

2. I think I could create anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it after watching this video.

3.I think think that would be an awesome accomplishment, and I would call it, well the video already stole my idea "The power of X".

4.I would create a robot that did chores around the house for me and all the kids of the world.

P. S. Have an awesome spring break everyone!!!!!

Anthony O. said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope in my life until now. I think I can create and accomplish a silly cartoon on paper. I would write a song instead of doing something on the computer. If I could be anything in the world with out using technology, I would be a golf player.
HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!!!

Elias L said...

Q.1- I have seen many breath taking things in my life, but not one a astonishing as a human kaleidoscope.
Q.2- The Human Kaleidoscope had many illusions (48s-51s). Now that I know that these people can make such a thing without using any computer animation, I think I could try to make illusions such as these myself.
Q.3- If I was asked to create something amazing without a computer, I would define that as "Creative".
I would try to make (as I said before) something obtaining many illusions.
Q.4- If I could do anything in the world without using computers, I would travel as most as possible while I can.

Alexei A said...

No, I have never seen a human Kaleidoscope. I think you can accomplish or create anything*. Like websites, models, and animations. I would make an illusion. I would define it as not very good. I would try to get it done. I would probably get it done because I could do hide and seek with out technology.
*You will have to use 3-D printer for some things.

Jack S. said...

I thought that “The Power of X” was really amazing to watch. This was my first time seeing a human kaleidoscope. I think it was cool to see all the people splitting up, so it looked like different shapes and patterns. I already knew that you can make videos and other things without computer animation, and I think you accomplish a lot of things without it, like chinese acrobat performances, rube goldberg inventions, claymation videos, stop-motion videos, and art. If I was told to make something amazing without a computer, I would make a stop-motion or claymation film. You could make a video with a crazy adventure, or talking animals, or food, or anything. If I could do anything in the world without computers or any other technology, I would draw comics, and write stories. I think that the human kaleidoscope video was inspiring to use your imagination without computer animations.

ThaisM.C. said...

No I have never seen a human kaleidoscope. So that was kind of unbelievable. What I can accomplish with computers is my homework. I would define it as incredible. Also I would make a drawing like a piece of art. I f I can do anything without technology is travel the world, and instead of using a computer to translate I would learn the language.

Aaron N said...

Q1: No I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before

Q2:well I think any thing is possible so you can do anything without a computer.

Q3: Well i would create a robot that would do all my home work.


Q4: One thing I would create with out technology is new marvel series with new heros.

TavB said...

No, I have never seen a kaleidoscope.

That it was really hard, and they practiced a LOT.

A human pillow, because it is really hard.

Play soccer, it is a really fun sport.

Tristyn C. said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before, until this video.
I think that if people can do that with only the Power of X, imagine what they could do with the power of technology, with all of the technological advancements of our modern world. (Anything)
I would define it as complex. Since we have all of the new tech, performing tasks is really simple. Also, doing things without computers would hone our creative abilities. I would try (and probably fail) to create robots that could help humans create, invent, change, and spark new ideas.
If I could do anything, I would travel to outer space, I would make peace between nations (and planets, if I find life), join the army (I've always wanted to), and inspire.

Have a awesome spring break!

Issandro T said...

Q1: No, but this is really awesome!
Q2: A lot more than I thought. Now this can lead to stuff like a human car.
Q3: I would say that is a really hard challenge. I would try to build a moving boat with no sails on land.
Q4: I would do sports because I'm a pretty active kid.

Graeme L.M. said...

Before this video I had never seen a human kaleidoscope. I think you can accomplish almost anything without a computer from writing an essay to doing a otherworldly skateboard trick. Something amazing, created without a computer is something like a monument. If I could create anything in the world without using a computer I would make a plane powers by recycled water.

Shane S said...

I think the video was really cool because I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before.
I really liked how they used just a couple of people and made it seem like so many. I would like to try to make a video using pictures of different things and putting them together to create the movie.

ben W. said...

No i haven't ever seen a human kaleidoscope. Now that i see it i think that humans could create anything we put our minds to. I'm sure you could make anything, but not with a snap of a finger. If I had to make something without a computer it would be some kind of treaty to stop all war in the world. I would print it,or, if thats forbidden, i would write it by hand. If I could do anything without a computer i would write the document claiming world peace.

NoraH said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope. After seeing the video I think that we can all accomplish great things. If I were to create something without a computer , I would define it as something that does not use computers. If I could do anything in the world without technology I would do Do It Yourself projects because I love to do them.

Jake B. said...

I have never seen a kaleidoscope until watching that vidio. I would create a baseball cards for everyone on my baseball team. If I was aked to do anything and define that I would make anything that know one would believe anyone would do and make them say "omg". If I could do anything without using a computernI would play baseball, travel, explore see animals.

Owen C. said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope. And as the first time seeing one, I was completely amazed when I found out that there was absolutely no computer animation. After seeing this amazing work of art, I think that you can accomplish practically anything without a computer. If I was asked to make something amazing without the use of computers, I would define it as "The Possibilies of Accomplishments Without Technology." (Well, I had to make it sound official.) I would make a drawing, with no technological help whatsoever, of a drawing, of a drawing, of a drawing, of a drawing, etc. If I could do anything in the world without technology, I would go out and play a sport, since it uses your physical abilities, not technological ones.

Savion K. said...

1. I had never seen a human kaleidoscope.
2.Design a pencil drawn comic.
3.I would call it a work of art and try to
make a city in the sky.
4.Draw a full-length comic book.

Thomas G. said...

I thought "The Power of X" was pretty amazing because I have never seen a human kaleidoscope.
Now that I've watched this video i think i can accomplish many more things without the help of computers and technology. If I was asked to create something amazing I would describe as a wonderful, fabulous thing that might inspire more people into doing something amazing without computers. If I could do anything without computers I would become an inventor and create inventions that would help people with less fortunate luck then us. That video inspired me to do that.

Finn A said...

Before this video I had no idea what a what a human kaleidoscope was! When I saw this video I was amazed!I think that I could create almost anything without computer animation. If I put my mind to it I could do almost anything.If I were to create something without computers or tech I would make an robot and it is hand powered. If I could do anything in the world without using tech I would be a writer and only publish my books on paper not kindles.

Zora M. said...

No, I have never seen a human kaleidescope before. Now that I have seen the video of the human kaleidescope, I think I can accomplish making a 3D drawing of a person without using a computer.
If you asked me to make something I would make a clay jar. I would define going into my favorite television show through the TV as amazing.
If I could create anything in the world without using a computer or technology, I would create a machine that sucks people into their favorite cartoon.

Hannah D said...

No, I have never seen a human kaleidoscope before. One thing that I could do without a computer would be painting. Painting a mural, portrait or still-life. And if I didn't have paint, or any paper, I would use chalk and do it on the sidewalk or a concrete wall. I would define that challenge as Art. Any kind of art. Drawing, painting, chalk-ing, and even sculpting. From Painting a mural to sculpting a robot from pipe cleaners, I would do art any day. Again, if could do anything without a computer, I would do art. But, I might not have any materials to make art. So, I would practice basketball, do some skateboarding, or work on some cool razor scooter tricks. The possibilities are endless.
"No limits, Just epiphanies."
-American Authors' 'Best Day Of My Life'

-Hannah D

Amaya G. M. said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope
before. I think the world would be able to accomplish many everyday tasks
without help from computers. I would define it as a drawing, or a handwritten story. I would make either of those things. I would go and zip line in the rainforest.

Jack W. said...

No! I have never seen a human kaleidoscope until this video!

Without computers I think that I could accomplish a lot. I would create a stop and go short Lego film.

I would put a skateboarder in a giant glass tube hung from strong wires. He would skate round and round in the tube and I would film him from far away so that it would look like he was skating on air!

I would become a pro surfer!! This is one of the things that I love to do and it doesn't require technology (oh yeah, I'd have to build my own board out of wood).

Brisa K. said...


Brisa K.
Q1.
No, I have never seen a human kaleidoscope.
Q2.
After watching that video I realized that we can accomplish a lot without using computers. One example might be perhaps a movie without the use of computers. The possibilities are endless...
Q3.
If I had to make something awesome without the use of computers I would define it as creative. Because without the limitations of the computer you can create a lot more. I would try making a panorama of the city.
Q4.
If I had to create something amazing without computers it would probably be a huge flashmob.

OliverW said...

I have never seen a human kaleidoscope. I personaly think it was the best thing I have ever seen. Now that I saw that, I think I can make a Human 3D Zoetrope! If you don't know what a zoetrope is, it is a cylindrical device that creates an illusion of motion. If you want to see one in action just go to youtube and search Peter Hudson's 3D zoetropes. Have a good spring break.

Amelia O. said...

Q1: I had never seen a human kaleidoscope before watching the video.

Q2: I know they made that video without computer animation, one thing that you don't need a computer to do is make a piece of art.

Q3: I would define creating something amazing without a computer as really interesting and creative. I would make a mural.

Q4: If I could do anything in the world, but couldn't use technology I would dance and create projects.

Ian B. said...

I thought the video was interesting. There was a lot of work involved because several people had to do things in many positions. I haven't seen a human kaleidoscope before but I have seen a regular kaleidoscope. I think I can accomplish cartoons by drawing them without computers. I think it would be amazing to make a cartoon without using a computer because you would have to make a lot of sketches for every scene. If I could do anything in the world without using a computer, I would draw because I think drawing is fun

Lucy M. said...

I was very impressed with this video, "The Power of X". I have never before seen a human kaleidoscope, andI think it is truly amazing that humans could do that, especially without a computer. Now that I've seen this, I kind of think that if this was without a computer, with a computer, anything is possible. If I had to create something amazing without a computer, I would define it as "Whoa". I would probably try to make whatever I can. If I could do anything in the world, but not using technology,
I would draw. This video really inspired me to do something big, and maybe someday I will.

Ethan V said...

I never, but it was really cool!

I think they can create almost anything.

I would make a house out of IPhones.

I would jump off they Empire State Building!