Dawn, When I think of the use of a back up plan, it's mostly for when class activities I've planned can't happen for...xyz reasons. So I go to plan B. Here then, is where we want to have something that is pertinent, interesting, low tech, keeps students focused, and relatively easy to implement. Good back up plans can be integrated that students may not even know the difference. Some, like the computers in the lab aren't working, or the LCD projector buld burned out, are a good examp[les when having that back up plan is worth it's weight in gold! Barry Westling