If you haven't joined the fledgling "Gaming Group" you might want to check it out. Today there was an, I think, "essential," article about Quest To Learn - a new video game based school in NYC. Frank Baker hipped me to the article.
Note: It is from the British version of The Economist so you'll read about "maths" and other such linguistic curiosities :)
An excerpt...
Periods of maths, science, history and so on are no more. Quest to Learn’s school day will, rather, be divided into four 90-minute blocks devoted to the study of “domains”. Such domains include Codeworlds (a combination of mathematics and English), Being, Space and Place (English and social studies), The Way Things Work (maths and science) and Sports for the Mind (game design and digital literacy). Each domain concludes with a two-week examination called a “Boss Level”—a common phrase in video-game parlance.
In one of the units of Being, Space and Place, for example, pupils take on the role of an ancient Spartan who has to assess Athenian strengths and recommend a course of action. In doing so, they learn bits of history, geography and public policy. In a unit of The Way Things Work, they try to inhabit the minds of scientists devising a pathway for a beam of light to reach a target. This lesson touches on maths, optics—and, the organisers hope, creative thinking and teamwork. Another Way-Things-Work unit asks pupils to imagine they are pyramid-builders in ancient Egypt. This means learning about maths and engineering, and something about the country’s religion and geography.
Full post here - I would love to hear what folks think about this school concept.
BTW - For the record - I'm awful at video games - even Pac-Man.
Follow up on yesterday's Mr. Duey post - Mr. Duey is now in the MC POP mix! If you like his stuff or want to know more about this work send him a shout out via the Ning! Great to have you here Mr. D!
This article is a bit too complex for me to embed into a discussion forum - scaling these ideas down might give you ideas on how to get your kids out of the classroom doing authentic assessments!
Hello everyone,
My name is Matt Reimer and I am currently a junior at Aurora University. I am in the process of putting together a Chemistry lesson plan and I am in need of some assistance. This lesson plan must be geared towards high school students. I am thinking of molding my lesson plan around the periodic table of elements. I am specifically looking for an interesting and fun way to introduce the unit to my students so they will be able to understand and know the basic concepts of the periodic table.
I am also looking for ideas for a final project to wrap up the unit. I was thinking that this final project could be done individually or in groups. If anyone one has any ideas that would help me build my periodic table unit feel free to respond to this post. Thank you very much for all of your thoughts!
Hello, members! I am cross-posting this information in several groups, so I apologize if you receive it more than once!
I've recently become extremely interested in and discovering information about green living, sustainability and green schools - it's incredibly exciting. As a curriculum designer and professional development professional, I have discovered wonderful ways to make all the disciplines come to life through a focus on green/sustainable projects for students.
I recently relocated back to Austin, TX from Pensacola, FL. I've been away about 3 years. Austin has an entirely new skyline - from new highways circling the metro area to many new skyscrapers downtown. All I can think of when I look at these steel and glass superstrucures, or when I see mile after mile of apartment roofs with nothing but plain shingles soaking up the sun, I wonder why in the world they arent taking advantage of new designs and making this city truly green. I have discovered vertical farming, vertical gardens (indoors and out), the new Eco City in Germany which is 100% sustainable, green schools that are 100% platinum LEED certified (in the US!) and much more!
I would also like to let you know of some of our upcoming workshops and hope that you can attend. Please visit our web site and sign up for our newsletter, too!
We need you to participate with other teachers in designing curriculum and instruction that make the curriculum come alive for students - real world and relevant.
You will love any and all of the following workshops coming soon to New Orleans (French Quarter), San Antonio (on the Riverwalk), and Las Vegas (on the Strip of course!).
Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom - Dec. 1 & 2, San Antonio
Designing the 21st Century Classroom - Dec. 3 & 4, San Antonio
Differentiated Instruction - Dec. 10, New Orleans
After School Programs for 21st Century Learners - Dec. 11, New Orleans
Service Learning - Dec. 12, New Orleans
Brain-Based Learning - Jan 19, Las Vegas
Social/Emotional Learning - Jan 20, Las Vegas
Designing the 21st Century Classroom - Jan 21 & 22, Las Vegas
English Teachers have two big ones (NCTE & English Companion), and NCSS (Social Studies) is getting larger but I'm not seeing a key math/science teacher Ning? I found these...
Hello all:
Wanted to share this Chemistry science inquiry supplemental book 460 pages - free for k-8 -just download. Developed by American Chemical Society.
"The book helps students:
Ask scientific questions and investigate them
Design experiments
Record observations
Draw conclusions
Communicate their findings
It also includes extensive science background for teachers, including:
Strategic questioning
Teacher demonstrations
Detailed procedures for experiments
Student activity sheets
Preparation notes
Assessments
You can download the entire book for free in PDF format."
Helen - thank you so much for sharing this - if you have a hot minute do you think you could copy and paste it above into the discussion forum so it can be archived? I think it is a really cool resource and I'd hate for it to get lost in the comment wall. You rule! Ryan:)
Last week I was introduced to a very useful free online resource: Teachers' Domain http://www.teachersdomain.org/ Here you will be able to search for videos, interactives, activities, and lessons for a variety of science topics. Most of the videos are from PBS programs.
Hello,
I am writing this comment in response to Anne Shaw's posting concerning the versatile curricular directions that green design and sustainable technologies offer educators and students. Anne, you apparently are the director of the website "21st Century Schools." I did not have much of chance to check out your website yet, but it was exciting to read about all the opportunities to integrate green design technology into a differentiated learning environment for students. I intend to check out your site in the future as we have an entire house building (models only) project that goes along with green design and sustainable development principles. Our students present their products to professional from the community at a symposium in Wheaton, Illinois each April, and we are very excited to see this year's crop of new ideas.
#scichat is next Tuesday at 9:00pm EST on Twitter! I am not sure of the subject yet other than it has to do with science.Here is a link that explains what #edchat is and how you an participate. #scichat works the same way. Let me know if you have any questions.
1. you have a really cool project did write the post below in a way that is does not feel spammy - that said, double check our sharing policy so you're in the know.
2. Please consider moving your wall post up above us BECAUSE (drum roll) that way your resource has a URL and a "reply feature."
Unfortunately, big ideas / resources on the comment wall (here) are not easy to respond to and get buried over time.
When you post a ? or resource in a special interest group discussion forum - your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Also, because the discussion forum posts have URLs it will be archived AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning for the Week in Review!
Thanks for all your great work - as always - please share more cool resources when you can!
I am a fifth grade science teacher in Ohio and have complied a list of resources that I would like to share with anyone who's interested. Although these sites are for my fifth grade students you could use them for grades 4-6. I have catergorized them by topic (Earth, Physical and Life Science) and there are several subgroups under the specific standards here in Ohio. The websites are spilt up by-teacher lesson plans and activities from a number of sites that specialize in STEM activities; kids' websites where they can practice or learn content (or just have fun and play); and resources like animations and simulations for smartboards. I try to keep the websites up to date but there are 35 pages and hundreds of websites (I guess I'm a little bit of a website junkie). Please feel free to peruse these websites. I welcome any feedback and appreciate any good websites that you may come across.
PS. The document was too long so had I had to split it into 2 documents
Hi Julie this list of resources is great do consider moving your wall post up above us in the discussion forum BECAUSE (drum roll) that way your question has a URL and a "reply feature."
Unfortunately, big ideas on the comment wall (here) are not easy to respond to and get buried over time.
When you post a ? or resource in a special interest group discussion forum - your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Also, because diss forum posts have URLs it will be archived AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning for the Week in Review!
Thanks for all your great work - as always - please share more cool resources when you can!
QUESTION: I am looking to design a mini-unit on Human Population for my Environmental Science class (Juniors and Seniors in HS) - any great POP resources out there?
Hi Karen - can you bounce your question up above in the discussion forum (literally right above us) that way your question 1. won't be lost on the wall, 2. has a url that can be shared on when we crowdsource and 3. gives a nice space for resources and discussion! If you do that it will be exciting to broadcast this on our next CS!!! Thanks for getting in the mix! Ry:)
Karen - thanks for moving it up - now it is totally sharable. If Nic doesn't add his site up there I will - this is a really exciting topic you're looking for help on.
Nic - great to hear from you, man! Can't wait to get a BK update!
For those physics teachers finishing up projectile motion this time of year... I do a set of three "CSI: Crime Scene Investigator" forensic challenges with my students... easy to implement and fun to "ham up" a little to get your kids into it. And a great way to get the kids to transfer their projectile motion knowledge in new and exciting ways!
QUESTION: Help! Hopefully I am not the only teacher up the day before we go back to school from break. I think my students are in major need of content area reading (specifically science). I want to start by doing some activities in class to help them learn to read science but I don't really like anything I'm finding. Anyone have any ideas?
Hi Elana - thank you for asking that great question. I and others probably have list of great ideas but it might be better if you post it above as a Crowdsource ? Big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time :(
When you post your ? above it has a URL and it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on Crowdsource Tuesday so you can get MORE feedback!
Also, if you post above - what grade level are you looking for. I will give more suggestions above but the NYT Learning Network is always an awesome place to start - see: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/science/
and I caught this article yesterday and it was interesting/creepy but obviously not great if you're working with 5th graders :)
Hello Science Teachers! I am strategizing on planning a long-term project for 6th, 7th and 8th grade Science students. It is an urban setting with limited research resources. If any of you would feel comfortable sharing any projects you have assigned I would really appreciate it! My email is jwilkens@wi.rr.com, Thanks,
Hola everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows about resources of how to teach Science to English Learner students. I will be teaching Biology 10-11 starting in the Fall 2012. I should expect students with different levels of English proficiency. Also the school has students that speak more than 19 different languages. I will appreciate any help! =)
Hey Gabriela, I am currently teaching science to non-native English speakers. I don't have resources for Biology, but I do have a couple tips for you. First, try to avoid lecturing as some students will totally miss the boat. Most of the time I give my kids stuff to work on so that I can help them individually and in groups. Second, as you have a variety of languages, design groups with different backgrounds so the students are forced to communicate in English. Third, make use of a consultation table - students in need of extra instruction can come to you while the rest of the class works - this is a nice way to differentiate. Finally, try to design some assignments that are out of the book in order to mix things up and get group work going well (eg ppts, videos, posters, blogs, etc). Hope this helps!
Hi Pete! This is great!!! Thank you so much for the feedback...I am already thinking on how to use all your tips!!! I know it will be a challenge but it will also be a very rewarding experience! How did you figure it out?? Trial and error, school training, ....? Do you have suggestions for good students' blogs?
Hey Gabriela, I wouldn't say I have it all figured out, but I make things up as I go and take examples from a few other teachers. One idea for a blog is to use it as a tool to differentiate. Have the top students make a blog with tips and explanations for some kids who struggle instead of doing the regular homework. You would have to monitor it for free answers and set up concequences beforehand, but it could add a nice dynamic to your class.
Gabriella and Pete, thanks for talking about this topic. I have a number of ELL students integrated into my Physics 9 class and it has been a difficult transition to make for me. My ELL kids all happen to be high-math and low-reading, while my native speakers are all over the board. I used to start the year with a discussion/writing-based bit to get them used to critical thinking and labs, but this has become more difficult.
One useful thing was to go back and change my test questions to use exactly the same language as other questions I have given them before. I also added a lot of diagrams and I encourage them to draw a picture if they can't find the word. I really like the idea of a blog where the students can share not only words but links and pictures and short video clips that might be useful.
My ELL students did manage to have the highest scoring alternative assessments in the class when we did a physics video project.
Hi Jan, Gabrielia, Pete and all science people gathered here. First off, it is awesome your using the wall here for discussion and at this point I'd just keep doing that - FWIW if you post your question above us in the discussion forum.
Big questions on the comment wall (here) are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time :(
When you post your ? above it has a URL and it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on Crowdsource Tuesday so you can get MORE feedback!
All done! =) Thank you, Ryan! Pete and R. Randall, I just started a discussion by copy/pasting the same original question. It will great if you copy/paste your comments/feedback so we can keep track of them. Thank you for your feedback!
I would have the students use newspaper and make models of the different bones to form a skeleton. Pass out a few books with pictures of skeletons and show how roll newspaper to make different shapes of the bones. Connect the "bones" with paper clips. let the kids go for it. The could use their own bodies to determine the length of the bones.
Hi Karen! Great question - Unfortunately, things like this - when posted on the wall - tend to get buried / lost. For that reason do consider re-posting the question up above us in the discussion forum as a crowdsource question. That way you have a dedicated URL and I can share your ? on a Crowdsource Tuesday!
Flocab - don't hesitate to embed the video up above in the discussion forum so we can share the resource on a Week in Review - stuff on the wall gets buried over time! Ryan
Anna, I think Ryan usually recommends posting questions like this above us in the Discussion Forum. That being said, crazyteacherlady (http://www.crazyteacherlady.com/) does lots of cool stuff with PBL, and some of it is in Bio. I'd poke around on her website and see what I could find.
Hi Anna - yeah, Emily nailed it - if you this is a great question. Unfortunately, big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time.
Would you consider moving this question above us to the discussion forum? When you post your ? above your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Because forum ?s have URLs it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on crowdsource Tuesday.
I thought you might like to see some science units posted on Teachers Pay Teachers that I created with "POP!" in mind for younger students - Grades 1-2
I'm working on a 5th grade science unit on elements and atoms. Do you all have any resources you could share? Particularly, I'm looking for short descriptions of some of the elements and a graphic organizer for students to write about a few elements and their properties.
Hi Jessica! This is a great question. Unfortunately, big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time.
Would you consider moving this question above us to the discussion forum? When you post your ? above your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Because forum ?s have URLs it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning oncrowdsource Tuesday.
Ryan Goble
If you haven't joined the fledgling "Gaming Group" you might want to check it out. Today there was an, I think, "essential," article about Quest To Learn - a new video game based school in NYC. Frank Baker hipped me to the article.
Note: It is from the British version of The Economist so you'll read about "maths" and other such linguistic curiosities :)
An excerpt...
Full post here - I would love to hear what folks think about this school concept.
BTW - For the record - I'm awful at video games - even Pac-Man.
Sep 3, 2009
Ryan Goble
Sep 16, 2009
Ryan Goble
PopSci U: Seven of the Country's Coolest SciTech Courses
Sep 17, 2009
Matt Reimer
My name is Matt Reimer and I am currently a junior at Aurora University. I am in the process of putting together a Chemistry lesson plan and I am in need of some assistance. This lesson plan must be geared towards high school students. I am thinking of molding my lesson plan around the periodic table of elements. I am specifically looking for an interesting and fun way to introduce the unit to my students so they will be able to understand and know the basic concepts of the periodic table.
I am also looking for ideas for a final project to wrap up the unit. I was thinking that this final project could be done individually or in groups. If anyone one has any ideas that would help me build my periodic table unit feel free to respond to this post. Thank you very much for all of your thoughts!
Oct 14, 2009
Ryan Goble
Oct 22, 2009
Anne Shaw
I've recently become extremely interested in and discovering information about green living, sustainability and green schools - it's incredibly exciting. As a curriculum designer and professional development professional, I have discovered wonderful ways to make all the disciplines come to life through a focus on green/sustainable projects for students.
I recently relocated back to Austin, TX from Pensacola, FL. I've been away about 3 years. Austin has an entirely new skyline - from new highways circling the metro area to many new skyscrapers downtown. All I can think of when I look at these steel and glass superstrucures, or when I see mile after mile of apartment roofs with nothing but plain shingles soaking up the sun, I wonder why in the world they arent taking advantage of new designs and making this city truly green. I have discovered vertical farming, vertical gardens (indoors and out), the new Eco City in Germany which is 100% sustainable, green schools that are 100% platinum LEED certified (in the US!) and much more!
I would also like to let you know of some of our upcoming workshops and hope that you can attend. Please visit our web site and sign up for our newsletter, too!
We need you to participate with other teachers in designing curriculum and instruction that make the curriculum come alive for students - real world and relevant.
You will love any and all of the following workshops coming soon to New Orleans (French Quarter), San Antonio (on the Riverwalk), and Las Vegas (on the Strip of course!).
Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom - Dec. 1 & 2, San Antonio
Designing the 21st Century Classroom - Dec. 3 & 4, San Antonio
Differentiated Instruction - Dec. 10, New Orleans
After School Programs for 21st Century Learners - Dec. 11, New Orleans
Service Learning - Dec. 12, New Orleans
Brain-Based Learning - Jan 19, Las Vegas
Social/Emotional Learning - Jan 20, Las Vegas
Designing the 21st Century Classroom - Jan 21 & 22, Las Vegas
Would love to see you there!
Anne Shaw, Director, www.21stCenturySchools.com
Nov 19, 2009
Ryan Goble
English Teachers have two big ones (NCTE & English Companion), and NCSS (Social Studies) is getting larger but I'm not seeing a key math/science teacher Ning? I found these...
Middle School Portal to Math & Science Pathways (about 600 teachers) and
Mathematics 24X7 but that's more for "Mathematics Enthusiasts"
Any other Nings we should know about?
Jan 15, 2010
Helen
Wanted to share this Chemistry science inquiry supplemental book 460 pages - free for k-8 -just download. Developed by American Chemical Society.
"The book helps students:
Ask scientific questions and investigate them
Design experiments
Record observations
Draw conclusions
Communicate their findings
It also includes extensive science background for teachers, including:
Strategic questioning
Teacher demonstrations
Detailed procedures for experiments
Student activity sheets
Preparation notes
Assessments
You can download the entire book for free in PDF format."
http://www.inquiryinaction.org/
Feb 26, 2010
Ryan Goble
Feb 27, 2010
Lisa VanGorden
Mar 4, 2010
david krodel
I am writing this comment in response to Anne Shaw's posting concerning the versatile curricular directions that green design and sustainable technologies offer educators and students. Anne, you apparently are the director of the website "21st Century Schools." I did not have much of chance to check out your website yet, but it was exciting to read about all the opportunities to integrate green design technology into a differentiated learning environment for students. I intend to check out your site in the future as we have an entire house building (models only) project that goes along with green design and sustainable development principles. Our students present their products to professional from the community at a symposium in Wheaton, Illinois each April, and we are very excited to see this year's crop of new ideas.
Mar 9, 2010
Thomas Bosher-Perran
http://teacherbootcamp.edublogs.org/2009/07/30/what-is-edchat/
Jul 2, 2010
Ryan Goble
Jul 2, 2010
Ryan Goble
http://blossoms.mit.edu/
Has anyone used this - have an opinion on the resources there before I bounce it up to the forum?
Aug 23, 2010
Ryan Goble
Two things:
1. you have a really cool project did write the post below in a way that is does not feel spammy - that said, double check our sharing policy so you're in the know.
2. Please consider moving your wall post up above us BECAUSE (drum roll) that way your resource has a URL and a "reply feature."
Unfortunately, big ideas / resources on the comment wall (here) are not easy to respond to and get buried over time.
When you post a ? or resource in a special interest group discussion forum - your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Also, because the discussion forum posts have URLs it will be archived AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning for the Week in Review!
Thanks for all your great work - as always - please share more cool resources when you can!
Ry:)
Feb 11, 2011
Julie Sippola
I am a fifth grade science teacher in Ohio and have complied a list of resources that I would like to share with anyone who's interested. Although these sites are for my fifth grade students you could use them for grades 4-6. I have catergorized them by topic (Earth, Physical and Life Science) and there are several subgroups under the specific standards here in Ohio. The websites are spilt up by-teacher lesson plans and activities from a number of sites that specialize in STEM activities; kids' websites where they can practice or learn content (or just have fun and play); and resources like animations and simulations for smartboards. I try to keep the websites up to date but there are 35 pages and hundreds of websites (I guess I'm a little bit of a website junkie). Please feel free to peruse these websites. I welcome any feedback and appreciate any good websites that you may come across.
PS. The document was too long so had I had to split it into 2 documents
Science Websites.doc (that's part 1) Science Websites part 2.doc
Jul 18, 2011
Ryan Goble
Unfortunately, big ideas on the comment wall (here) are not easy to respond to and get buried over time.
When you post a ? or resource in a special interest group discussion forum - your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Also, because diss forum posts have URLs it will be archived AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning for the Week in Review!
Thanks for all your great work - as always - please share more cool resources when you can!
Jul 30, 2011
Karen Finter
Oct 25, 2011
Ryan Goble
Oct 25, 2011
Nicola Vitale
Karen,
try http://www.populationeducation.org/ for population resources -
great lessons, activities math and science related.
I think you can even get a free "trip to 7 billion" poster...
Oct 25, 2011
Karen Finter
Oct 25, 2011
Ryan Goble
Karen - thanks for moving it up - now it is totally sharable. If Nic doesn't add his site up there I will - this is a really exciting topic you're looking for help on.
Nic - great to hear from you, man! Can't wait to get a BK update!
Oct 25, 2011
Dan Fullerton
For those physics teachers finishing up projectile motion this time of year... I do a set of three "CSI: Crime Scene Investigator" forensic challenges with my students... easy to implement and fun to "ham up" a little to get your kids into it. And a great way to get the kids to transfer their projectile motion knowledge in new and exciting ways!
http://www.aplusphysics.com/educators/activities/gangster.html
http://www.aplusphysics.com/educators/activities/hoteljumper.html
http://www.aplusphysics.com/educators/activities/roadrage.html
Oct 29, 2011
Ryan Goble
Oct 30, 2011
Elena Ramos
QUESTION: Help! Hopefully I am not the only teacher up the day before we go back to school from break. I think my students are in major need of content area reading (specifically science). I want to start by doing some activities in class to help them learn to read science but I don't really like anything I'm finding. Anyone have any ideas?
Jan 8, 2012
Ryan Goble
Hi Elana - thank you for asking that great question. I and others probably have list of great ideas but it might be better if you post it above as a Crowdsource ? Big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time :(
When you post your ? above it has a URL and it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on Crowdsource Tuesday so you can get MORE feedback!
Also, if you post above - what grade level are you looking for. I will give more suggestions above but the NYT Learning Network is always an awesome place to start - see: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/science/
and I caught this article yesterday and it was interesting/creepy but obviously not great if you're working with 5th graders :)
Happy New Year and thanks for getting in the mix!
RRG:)
Jan 9, 2012
Jan wilkens
Hello Science Teachers! I am strategizing on planning a long-term project for 6th, 7th and 8th grade Science students. It is an urban setting with limited research resources. If any of you would feel comfortable sharing any projects you have assigned I would really appreciate it! My email is jwilkens@wi.rr.com, Thanks,
Jan
Jan 12, 2012
Dan Fullerton
Hi Elena -- what grade level are you searching for?
Jan 12, 2012
Gabriela Gonzalez
Hola everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows about resources of how to teach Science to English Learner students. I will be teaching Biology 10-11 starting in the Fall 2012. I should expect students with different levels of English proficiency. Also the school has students that speak more than 19 different languages. I will appreciate any help! =)
May 14, 2012
Pete Cook
Hey Gabriela, I am currently teaching science to non-native English speakers. I don't have resources for Biology, but I do have a couple tips for you. First, try to avoid lecturing as some students will totally miss the boat. Most of the time I give my kids stuff to work on so that I can help them individually and in groups. Second, as you have a variety of languages, design groups with different backgrounds so the students are forced to communicate in English. Third, make use of a consultation table - students in need of extra instruction can come to you while the rest of the class works - this is a nice way to differentiate. Finally, try to design some assignments that are out of the book in order to mix things up and get group work going well (eg ppts, videos, posters, blogs, etc). Hope this helps!
May 15, 2012
Gabriela Gonzalez
Hi Pete! This is great!!! Thank you so much for the feedback...I am already thinking on how to use all your tips!!! I know it will be a challenge but it will also be a very rewarding experience! How did you figure it out?? Trial and error, school training, ....? Do you have suggestions for good students' blogs?
May 15, 2012
Pete Cook
Hey Gabriela, I wouldn't say I have it all figured out, but I make things up as I go and take examples from a few other teachers. One idea for a blog is to use it as a tool to differentiate. Have the top students make a blog with tips and explanations for some kids who struggle instead of doing the regular homework. You would have to monitor it for free answers and set up concequences beforehand, but it could add a nice dynamic to your class.
May 15, 2012
R. Randall
Gabriella and Pete, thanks for talking about this topic. I have a number of ELL students integrated into my Physics 9 class and it has been a difficult transition to make for me. My ELL kids all happen to be high-math and low-reading, while my native speakers are all over the board. I used to start the year with a discussion/writing-based bit to get them used to critical thinking and labs, but this has become more difficult.
One useful thing was to go back and change my test questions to use exactly the same language as other questions I have given them before. I also added a lot of diagrams and I encourage them to draw a picture if they can't find the word.
I really like the idea of a blog where the students can share not only words but links and pictures and short video clips that might be useful.
My ELL students did manage to have the highest scoring alternative assessments in the class when we did a physics video project.
May 15, 2012
Ryan Goble
Hi Jan, Gabrielia, Pete and all science people gathered here. First off, it is awesome your using the wall here for discussion and at this point I'd just keep doing that - FWIW if you post your question above us in the discussion forum.
Big questions on the comment wall (here) are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time :(
When you post your ? above it has a URL and it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on Crowdsource Tuesday so you can get MORE feedback!
10 cents of moderation worth much much less :)
May 15, 2012
Gabriela Gonzalez
All done! =) Thank you, Ryan! Pete and R. Randall, I just started a discussion by copy/pasting the same original question. It will great if you copy/paste your comments/feedback so we can keep track of them. Thank you for your feedback!
May 16, 2012
Ryan Goble
Coolness! It will broadcast shortly!
May 16, 2012
Karen Southwick
how do I make a 3rd grade unit on the human skeleton pop?
Oct 10, 2012
Peter Lauzon
I would have the students use newspaper and make models of the different bones to form a skeleton. Pass out a few books with pictures of skeletons and show how roll newspaper to make different shapes of the bones. Connect the "bones" with paper clips. let the kids go for it. The could use their own bodies to determine the length of the bones.
Oct 10, 2012
Ryan Goble
Hi Karen! Great question - Unfortunately, things like this - when posted on the wall - tend to get buried / lost. For that reason do consider re-posting the question up above us in the discussion forum as a crowdsource question. That way you have a dedicated URL and I can share your ? on a Crowdsource Tuesday!
Just an FWIW...
Oct 10, 2012
Flocabulary
Hi all! We at Flocabulary wanted to share our Solar System rap with you... we hope you get a kick out of it.
Feb 5, 2013
Ryan Goble
Flocab - don't hesitate to embed the video up above in the discussion forum so we can share the resource on a Week in Review - stuff on the wall gets buried over time! Ryan
Feb 6, 2013
Anna M Rivera
Hi There,
I'm new to this board, so let me know if I'm to follow any particular protocol. OK.
My question has to do with PBL. (Project Based Learning) Has anyone done any PBL lessons on DNA, Heredity, Inheritance, etc.
Please advise. Thanks Anna
Feb 14, 2013
Emily Van Ark
Anna, I think Ryan usually recommends posting questions like this above us in the Discussion Forum. That being said, crazyteacherlady (http://www.crazyteacherlady.com/) does lots of cool stuff with PBL, and some of it is in Bio. I'd poke around on her website and see what I could find.
Feb 15, 2013
Ryan Goble
Hi Anna - yeah, Emily nailed it - if you this is a great question. Unfortunately, big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time.
Would you consider moving this question above us to the discussion forum? When you post your ? above your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Because forum ?s have URLs it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning on crowdsource Tuesday.
Feb 15, 2013
Anna M Rivera
Thanks Emily & Ryan.
Feb 15, 2013
Marcy Prager
I thought you might like to see some science units posted on Teachers Pay Teachers that I created with "POP!" in mind for younger students - Grades 1-2
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Light-and-Shadows-A-Comp...
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Frog-and-Toad-are-Friend...
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/An-Integrated-Butterfly-...
Best,
Marcy Prager
Sep 3, 2013
Jessica Martinez
I'm working on a 5th grade science unit on elements and atoms. Do you all have any resources you could share? Particularly, I'm looking for short descriptions of some of the elements and a graphic organizer for students to write about a few elements and their properties.
Mar 6, 2014
Ryan Goble
Hi Jessica! This is a great question. Unfortunately, big questions on the comment wall are not easy for folks to respond to and get buried over time.
Would you consider moving this question above us to the discussion forum? When you post your ? above your "affinity group" peeps can give you feedback. Because forum ?s have URLs it will be in there for the next person with a similar ? AND I can broadcast the question to the whole Ning oncrowdsource Tuesday.
I have some atomic ideas ... Ryan:)
Mar 8, 2014
Darci Sosa
Has anyone showed their students or read with their students "Gifted Hands"?
May 29, 2014
Darci Sosa
@ Jessica I have shared many of thess vidoes with students...
Periodic Videos by the University of Nottingham
They have done a great job of creating videos. Be sure to check out the "extra videos" tab
May 29, 2014