Mark Cameron

Cameron's "Musical Pen Pals" project teaches students to compose original music soundtracks - writing songs and lyrics that accompany videos of the students in action. With help from a handful of tech-savvy parents and fourth grade teachers, the students use digital video cameras to record their school days. These videos, which show the students performing science experiments, reading stories, playing at recess or cuddling with the class pet, are then mailed to across-the-globe pen pals. Through musical composition, students improve critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate each other's talents and gain a greater understanding of cultural diversity.