Digital storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. As with traditional storytelling, most digital stories focus on a specific topic and contain a particular point of view. However, as the name implies, digital stories usually contain some mixture of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips, and/or music. Here are some digital stories that were created by our students.

Monticello High School

The Physics of Sitting- Kelly Keesler

In spirit of our STREAM Winter Wellness newsletter, I would like to share with you the physics of sitting. As you sit in your chair, tirelessly planning and teaching your virtual lessons, you may have noticed that your back is not all too happy with this pastime. Why is it that prolonged sitting hurts our back more than our traditional teaching where we find ourselves on our feet all day long? The answer is found in the profound world of physics.

While we sit in a chair, gravity pulls on our body and therefore effects our spine. Our heavy heads press down on our spinal column like a lead paper weight. Even with proper posture, our vertebra compress and our discs get squished like play dough. The majority of your body weight is concentrated at your tailbone with some weight distribution between both hips. This compression and concentration of weight from your upper body can cause pain in your coccyx (tailbone) and lower lumbar.

In addition, lack of movement causes muscles in your back to become more rigid as they attempt to hold and distribute more of your weight. Those muscles remain stagnant causing more pain when trying to transition to a standing position.

To help alleviate these issues, I reached out to one of our alumni (Class of 2014), Dr. Jonathan Harned who is a licensed physical therapist. He offered the following simple solutions for your physical well-being.

• If you prefer to sit while working, try to do so with proper posture. Roll your hips under and engage your abdominal core muscles. This aligns the spine and reduces disc bulge. Your core aids in taking some of the load which will decrease the strain on your lower back muscles.
• Create a workstation where you can stand. The best position for your computer keyboard would be to keep it in line with your elbows.
• It never hurts to keep moving and stretching. Staying loose gives those tight muscles a break and is great for overall spine health.

These unprecedented times have set the stage for uncertainty and a myriad of challenges. It is not uncommon for us to find our minds racing to keep up with the next challenge we face. Why not keep your mind focused on the task at hand by increasing your physical health through good posture and well-being? You just might find that when you “lighten the load” on your back, you’ll have a much lighter load on your mind.

PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH SCIENCE WELLNESS UNIT

In Principles of Health Science students completed a unit on Health and Wellness. Some activities from the unit include a "Positivity Paper," Mindfulness Techniques, Meditation, Yoga and eating healthy. Below are snip-its from our work.

Here's what students shared after the YOGA session, " I feel happier, because my body feels better (Luke B.), "I feel a little calmer and more relaxed than completely stressed out" (Ava T.), "Definitely felt some of that 'yoga energy' " (Adan S.), "I was more friendly / kind to my little siblings" (Awa D.), "I'm more uplifted and relaxed" (Cavan L.)

Here is what students shared after the Meditation session, "I chose the mindful breathing because it was the most relaxing to me and made me feel calm. I think I might try mindfulness of thinking. I think meditation works for me because after doing it I felt relaxed." (Jasmine R.), " I chose the mindful breathing meditation activity because I feel like knowing how to be able to relax and take charge of your breathing could help in many situations that may be stressful. I might plan on trying another and if I did it would be the SOBER breathing space. I feel like meditation does work for me because allows me to be able to get rid of stress very effectively." (Alyssa G.), "I used the “SOBER Breathing Space” meditation technique. I choose this one because breathing is something we do involuntarily, so it seemed easy enough to start with. I liked it because it was pretty easy, and it's something I can do anywhere. I’m interested in doing the walking meditation because I like walking so it would just be a better walk. I’m not sure if it really works for me, but I do want to continue trying it." (Mohamad N.)

POSITIVITY PAPER

Information they needed to incude in the "Positivity Paper:" Border:One or more quotes that inspire or describe you. Top left box:(Using words/quotes or images) –One thing that makes you happy in life (this can be as simple as a type of flower or a sport). Top right box:(Using words/quotes or images) –The most important person/pet in your life who helps you get through the day. Ride-side triangle:(Using words/quotes or images) –An exciting goal or dream that you have for your life. Left-side triangle:(Using words/quotes or images) –Your favorite song or music genre –include song lyrics!! Lower right box:(Using words/quotes or images) –Something you can do to relax when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Lower left box:(Using words/quotes or images) –At least one item on your bucket list that you would like to complete one day!

Students made children's books using Book Creator. Students chose one of the body systems that we studied. The explained in detail how the body system you chose works, identified the major organs of the body system and their function, and described two interesting facts about their chosen body system

·

The Engineering Design Process is the heart of STREAM