What's Happening? Ready to share some STEM Capers at this event! On an energy scavenger hunt! 7th graders work in teams to deepen their understanding of energy conversion. Knox Middle School 8th graders work as Disease Detectives solving outbreaks! Students compared a variety of water samples to determine the concentration of particles contained in each sample and how they might affect the quality of water. Partners collaborate as they determine the pH of their unknown water sample while deducing the types of organisms that might thrive in that environment. 8th graders at West Rowan Middle School hunt for macro-invertebrates during their water quality lab. Students are stronger when they collaborate and solve problems together. Problem solving can be challenging and fun! Second graders learned how to use several science tools during their investigation of matter. Mr. Faith Elementary's 2nd grade worked with temperature probes to better understand transfer of energy. A cool physical change on a hot day can be fun!
Augmented Reality Sir Ken Robinson keynote Teach2Connect | Learn. Teach. Connect. I am thrilled that for the first time in many years I will have the entire month of July off from school. When I’ve been asked “what are you doing this summer?” my response has been “read, sun, and pack. “We are moving a few miles away in August so that is why “pack” is an answer. We will lose our access to an outdoor pool when we move so that explains the “sun” element. And I think to goes without saying the “read” is the piece I will most relish. So what shall I read? Professional Reads Mindset, Carol Dweck I started it months ago and put it down for Lean In, but I am fascinated about how this book can help us re-think how we perceive ourselves, others, and our ability to learn. Creating Innovators, Tony Wagner The children I teach are no the same as the children my teachers taught (aka, me). Now You See It, Cathy Davidson After hearing Dr. Reality is Broken, Jane McGonigal I am not a gamer. How Children Succeed, Paul Tough Rewired, Larry Rosen Want some more ideas for professional reads?
Handy Tips from TeacherRicks - Blog Log I thought I’d use my first blog to write about the conference that inspired me to start blogging in the first place. Last weekend (I can’t believe it’s only been a week) I attended a conference in Wichita, Kansas called Podstock. I guess though, before I can talk about Podstock, I have to explain how a girl from Arkansas ended up in Kansas. It all started about a month ago when I attended a teacher workshop taught by a new friend of mine, David. He introduced us to a new social network (okay it’s not really new, just new to me) called Plurk. About two weeks ago I attended another workshop called “The Wired Learner,” presented by another new friend, Kevin Honeycutt. I’m pretty tech savvy; its not uncommon for other teachers to come to me and ask for help. He also talked about that weird website, Plurk. One common topic of conversation that week on Plurk was an up coming conference called Podstock. Early, on July 15th, I began my journey to Podstock. I’m a processor, a chewer.
Measuring the success of your educational initiative The question I’m asked most often is, “How do I assess whether my technology initiative has improved learning”? My answer is always the same - “What are you measuring?” Don’t misunderstand me. There’s definitely value in assessment but I find that our horizons are often limited by the skills and knowledge we valued when we were growing up. I used to love watching Tarzan on television when I was a child. Our schools are stuck in that quicksand and we don’t have a lot of time to rescue them. So how will you know if your educational initiative is producing results?
Creative Class Starters | rajhill You’ve planned an exciting lesson for tomorrow! You’re ready! But there is just one thing. You are tired of the same ole same ole humdrum way to start class. Story Starter Give the students a lead in line using your favorite song lyric or a scary story starter.Concentration Review Have the students partner up with a game of concentration. Like this: Like Loading... groupmaps.com FourTeachersProject | Educational change through technology & collaboration Tips, Tricks, Tools Archives | Always Prepped Blog Always Prepped Blog This was taken from an infographic found here. However, we included direct links to Amazon for you, if you’re interested in purchasing a book or two (or three, etc.). Below are the 51 best books for teachers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 101 Great Classroom Games: Easy Ways To Get Your Students Playing, Laughing, And Learning. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 99 Ways To Get Your Kids To Love Reading: And 100 Books They’ll Love. 38. 39.
where notes are Creativity is imagination. how we question and…