After Februburied we are all looking forward to spring. The sun, the wind, the rain, the flooding...oh, that...must be spring sports season. And testing season! We'll squeeze it in between a chemistry and physics unit.
I love this time of year. Air quality is good. Students are anxious to get outside for PE, unless it is 1st period. Spring sports give us lots to discuss when looking at motion and energy. I look forward to watching the world turn green again. Minds start pondering summer adventures. 7th graders start sounding more like 8th graders and 8th graders are wondering what will be next in high school. I warn them all that science is more challenging every year and to keep learning.
The best part of the physics unit is the study of the conservation of matter gives us an excuse to do the S'mores lab and go play Frisbee to study motion.
Cheers for spring!
A science teacher for (ahem) years, I will share some of the better and best moments of life as a science nerd.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
2019!
2019 has arrived. Science classes are going to be adventure-packed when we begin again. Some new lessons and new ideas. Hope my students enjoy it!
I have a recommendation...Blue Earth II on NetFlix. Lovely scenery and incredible animals. And of course, the science in the Great British Baking Show is undeniable.
Interesting weather this winter...wind and rain, but little snow and the worst of the cold has stayed away. We shall see what remains of the dark months ahead...I am already looking forward to spring.
Charli wishes you a Happy New Year! Or maybe "get this off my head, please!"
I have a recommendation...Blue Earth II on NetFlix. Lovely scenery and incredible animals. And of course, the science in the Great British Baking Show is undeniable.
Interesting weather this winter...wind and rain, but little snow and the worst of the cold has stayed away. We shall see what remains of the dark months ahead...I am already looking forward to spring.
Charli wishes you a Happy New Year! Or maybe "get this off my head, please!"
Thursday, June 29, 2017
NASA, here I come!
In 10 days I will be at NASA Langley, working with Dr. Margaret Pippin as an "intern". While I have done some of my own projects and teach about air quality, this adventure will be different. I will get to do what scientists do--collect data!
I hope the weather cooperates. Experience tells me otherwise--hot and humid--not my favorite setting on the weather dial.
Last week was a different adventure, visiting Craters of the Moon and the Grand Tetons. A family trip mixed with a professional geology conference made the trip fantastic.
Now I have to get a lot done around the house and garden before the next trip!
I hope the weather cooperates. Experience tells me otherwise--hot and humid--not my favorite setting on the weather dial.
Last week was a different adventure, visiting Craters of the Moon and the Grand Tetons. A family trip mixed with a professional geology conference made the trip fantastic.
Now I have to get a lot done around the house and garden before the next trip!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Take time to wonder
With so much activity taking place online and in the virtual world, do you take time to wonder? Do you ever just sit or take a walk in silence and wonder? Notice the world around you, both inside and out. I wonder why brownies smell SO good? I wonder why there is no rain for months...but as soon as I wash the car, it rains. My corn did not grow very tall this year, but my sunflowers are reaching for the sky. I wonder why. I wonder how old that tree is. I wonder how a dog can sleep all day and then again all night.
In school we spend so much time trying to figure out difficult people questions. Maybe we need to spend more time just wondering. I know there are people who make things happen, watch what happens, and wonder what happened. Maybe being in the last category isn't all bad. Not every wonderment needs an answer, just time to ponder and appreciate the natural world.
I am going to try and include more time in my science class this year to wonder. Join me!
In school we spend so much time trying to figure out difficult people questions. Maybe we need to spend more time just wondering. I know there are people who make things happen, watch what happens, and wonder what happened. Maybe being in the last category isn't all bad. Not every wonderment needs an answer, just time to ponder and appreciate the natural world.
I am going to try and include more time in my science class this year to wonder. Join me!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Getting Geared Up For NGSS in 2015!
A new year looms ahead...an exciting year for sure! Last year was just a taste of looking at new science standards and approaches to science teaching. Now it is time to really work at it.
What does this mean? New methods of instruction. New methods of engaging students. New methods of assessment. In fact, a new look to my classroom. After years and years of rows, I will try small groups.
So much depends on interaction and group learning. Fewer worksheets. More discussion. Fewer quizzes. More thinking. Each class is a team of learners and I am the coach. If 10,000 hours are needed to become proficient at a new skill, then let's begin!
Here we go...
What does this mean? New methods of instruction. New methods of engaging students. New methods of assessment. In fact, a new look to my classroom. After years and years of rows, I will try small groups.
So much depends on interaction and group learning. Fewer worksheets. More discussion. Fewer quizzes. More thinking. Each class is a team of learners and I am the coach. If 10,000 hours are needed to become proficient at a new skill, then let's begin!
Here we go...
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