This is some good info on whiteboards from Jane at the Modeling Workshop at
ASU. I used Whiteboards as an alternative to butcher paper sheets for class
groups to present their findings. Cheap, easy to use, and very effective.
-ML
------ Forwarded Message
From: Jane Jackson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: Modeling - Modeling Workshop Teachers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 08:00:57 -0700
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: whiteboards: basic information about them
WHITEBOARDS (9/00 revision)
You'll want to have whiteboards in your classroom on the first day
of class, when you use the modeling method of physics instruction.
------------------------------------
AN INEXPENSIVE whiteboard IS MARLITE, or kitchen/bathroom tileboard
or economy board. It can be bought at building materials stores, hardware
stores, and home improvement stores like Home Depot or Loews. It comes in
4' x 8' sheets, for about $12 per sheet. Have them cut it into 6 equal
pieces, each 24" x 32".
The Marlite boards last a couple of years (using them for 5
sections of physics) before they get too scratched up and stained to use.
If you wax the boards after you buy them, that preserves them. Use Endust
or Meguiars Mirror Glaze #26. You can clean stains with brake fluid. (Your
school custodian may know these tricks.) Wipe them with a rag, paper
towel, or whiteboard eraser, and don't leave writing on them over the
weekend. Clean them occasionally with whiteboard cleaner ($1.50 from
Sanford Expo), window cleaner, or isopropyl alchohol ( from grocery store:
70%) on a paper towel; then wax them. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
is the main ingredient of the commercial cleaners that you can buy. A
modeler said, "I always have to leave my whiteboards overnight with writing
on them - I use 409 to clean them and it works great!! My whiteboards are 8
years old and still look good." A modeler said, "When the dry erase marks
get difficult to erase, clean the erasers with a hose vacuum cleaner."
A handle is nice but not essential. Have the shop class use a
router to make a hole that's 6" long x 1 1/2" wide, placed 1" below the
top. Or drill a hole and use a saber saw (jig saw) with the highest
quality size 18 blade. The high quality fine blade is needed to prevent
tearing.
Instead of making the hole (or in addition), you could use an
easel to place the boards on when the students do their presentation. Make
an easel - it's easy. Art stores have wooden ones. Or drill a small hole
and hang the whiteboard from a hospital IV stand; these can be obtained in
thrift stores or from people who have had long-term illnesses requiring
IVs.
You'll probably need from 12 to 36 whiteboards and 18 to 36 dry
erase markers. For example, Larry Dukerich, our workshop leader, buys 2
Marlite sheets (that's 12 whiteboards) every couple of years; he finds that
12 whiteboards are enough for his 5 sections of physics. Some teachers use
up to 36 whiteboards.
Excellent quality whiteboards, with handle on the long side and rounded
corners, can be purchased in multiples of 6 for $7.95 per board + approx.
$2 per board shipping/handling from:
PLAYSCAPES, INC.,2600 Daniels Street, Madison, WI 53704 (800) 248-7529,
(608) 222-9600
fax: 222-8100. Jennifer Newcomb, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
These whiteboards are very durable; they don't scratch easily, they
don't discolor or stain easily. Indications are that they will last for 10
years or longer. The trick is not to leave stuff on them for days; wipe
with a rag or w/b eraser. Commercial cleaner or alcohol takes off stains.
Dry erase markers cost about $10 per dozen, wholesale. Sanford EXPO
work the best. Don't use black; it stains! Blue and green leave fewest
stains, blue and red show up well - get broad or chisel point. If you
can, have each student buy their own marker; it promotes responsibility
(i.e., they replace the cap!!). One teacher buys a classroom set of
markers and then has each student pay her for one. She gives them the
choice of keeping it with their supplies or else taping their name on it
and storing it in a coffee can in the classroom.
The new "low-odor" markers are difficult to erase. They leave a
very stubborn residue.
If you accidentally use a PERMANENT marker on the w/b: to remove
the stain, use hair spray, acetone, or fingernail polish remover; or write
over the permanent marker with a dry-erase marker; wipe as usual.
For whiteboard use in college physics, see
http://purcell.phy.nau.edu/AZTEC/bp_wb/
You can download this document at <http://modeling.asu.edu>. Click on the
high school page.
***********************************
Jane Jackson, Co-Director, Modeling Instruction Program
Box 871504, Dept.of Physics & Astronomy,ASU,Tempe,AZ 85287
480-965-8438/fax:965-7331 <http://modeling.asu.edu>
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