Science goes interactive! Every installment of "Dirtmeister's Science Reporters" offers students the chance to engage in the scientific process, and collaborate using Classport, the world's largest online classroom community.

Observe and experiment with classrooms around the world!

Here's how to get started:

	Review Dirtmeister's Science Reporters
	Once you're familiar with this activity, go to Classport and join their online community.
	You'll be asked to set up a classroom profile. You can mention in your profile that you are interested in participating in Dirtmeister's science projects.
	Once you are a member of Classport, you can search for classrooms in other countries and contact them. Classport provides tools such as instant translation, so you can communicate easily even if you don't speak the same language!

Once you have a partner class, try these tips for learning together:

	Have a Science Convention Here's how:
	1. With your partner class, choose a topic from "Dirtmeister's Science Reporters." 2. List examples of problems related to the topic and share the list with your partner. 3. Exchange solutions. 4. Vote on the #1 solution to the problem. 5. Have each class act on the solution, (e.g., build a model, write a letter to a local representative). 6. Email your partner class to tell them how your project turned out.
	Write a Dirtmeister science report with your partner class. Take turns making observations and filling out the Dirtmeister report form, so students have a collaborative experiment experience!
	Exchange Dirtmeister observation sheets with your partner. Try to draw conclusions based on each other's reports. Can you think of any reasons why different climates or altitudes could affect observations? Send the conclusions back to the original authors and get feedback.
	Have students write directions to a simple science experiment. Record the directions onto your computer. Send the directions to your partner class. Ask them to send you the results. Were the directions clear enough?
	Chart your class's top 10 examples of natural phenomena in your local area from one of Dirtmeister's categories. Exchange your "Top Ten" lists. Compare the lists. Consider why they might be different.
	Exchange information about erosion with your partner class. Using Internet links, and Classport’s maps and weather guides, set up a virtual trip to a city where erosion is a big problem. Invite them to "take a tour" and write about their observations.