Blogger challenge 2

Day 2: Write about one piece of technology that you would like to try this year, and why. You might also write about what you’re hoping to see out of this edtech integration.


I am working with Educreations. This lets me write and speak at the same time then load the work onto a video. The advantage of this from Show me is the site is not blocked and the editing lets me go and "do over" pieces instead of the whole thing.

My colleagues use it now and sing the praises. Me? I just do not have time.

Still playing with dolls

Somehow I ran across this website with paper dolls.  I think it was when I was looking for things for paper craft.  Like there are paper models of the Lunar Module which I am going to do sometime.  Along with some paper crafts from Video games I play.

Paper dolls

I printed some up for my students.  Yes I have played with them too.  Primarilly to work on my insufficient drawing skills.

I printed some up for friends' daughters.

I like the Bodacious ones, they are not skinny.

Craft day

Since I have had the day off I did many household chores.  Including putting a new strap on my new bag.  I like the bag but with my OCD, I like things in different pouches.

  Dumping in does not work.  Using my leather sewing machine I did this for my pens, moleskine pad and multitool.

Everything I read about the bag says the strap does not work for long.  I can see why, the support is off balance.  Two large compartments but the strap is connnected on one side.

I used some of the original straps and clips then sewed them to the large strap.  Then I put a D ring on the other compartment.  I adjusted so the new ones do not hold much weight but it could be enough to relieve the strain.

Toward the end I had trouble.  After much fuming and fussing I replaced the needle then had to rethread the thing and adjust the bobbin tension.  Lesson learned.  When the thing acts up, take the time and get the instructions troubleshooting guide.

Blogger challenge day 5

Day 5: Post a picture of your classroom, and describe what you see –and what you don’t see that you’d like to.

I think I have everything where I want it.
The wall where the poster changes

Reactions posters, periodic table, world map and my "smart board."

Some posters from a person who did the elements as a school project.

 My usual view.

 The pathway.  What they are going to do today

My desk. this time it is semi clean.

Books I've offered my students to read.  World War Zl.  Rufus the Lab Rat puppet and a Bear skull I bought from a yard sale years ago.

Other books.  Thanks to Math Curmudgeon for the ideas.

game ticket to ride

The youngest got another game for use.  Ticket to Ride.  The play is fast since you can do few things in your turn.  The goal is to build railroads across the country.  There are different routes you can take and you have bonuses for completing certain lines.

My husband loves it since he is a logistics specialist and lets him relieve those days.  (when I can buy him a rail car like Wild, Wild West I'll let you know)

There is a European version too.

Tumeric tea

I have given up coffee and alcohol for lent.  And trying to get healthier.  Since I cannot drink anything at night, really, except for water with slices (cucumbers, oranges, lemons etc) I am trying some other things.  No, I'm trying not to drink sodas either.  Normal tea has caffeine and defeats the purpose.  Tumeric tea.  This is good for me since the coconut has potassium and can help my leg cramps.  Which I'm getting since I have started working out.  I might use this mix in my morning Chai teas.

from http://wellnessmama.com/223/turmeric-tea-recipe/  most seem like this.

• 1 can of Coconut Milk plus 1 cup of water OR 3 cups of homemade coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric (where to find it)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (where to find it)
• 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste
• Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
• Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
2. Pour into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
3. Drink immediately

Gaming

Pandemic

My daughter purchased this one on the recommendation of Wil Wheaton and his Table Top web series.

The difference in this game it is cooperative.  Nobody "wins", either the group wins or falls apart.  It is not easy to win.  The goal is to stop the spread of disease world wide.  Different players have different abilities, healing, moving freeling, building things faster.  So there is a lot of negotiation.  We have trouble explaining to my husband that there is not "do as I say" power.

My daughter brought it to here school for a lockin and the students enjoyed it.  I would like to have it purchased for mine but the problem is when?  I have approached the local library to see if they would have a table top night.  I will try again later.

information

About graphics

There is a vintage poster on the web about Radiographic information.

"The poster is not only still highly informative, it also gives a wonderful glimpse into the time it was made. Just look at the illustrations for the different parts of the spectrum that were allocated for specific uses (note ‘mobile’ in particular)."

This poster, it is too large to put here, goto the original site.  


If I teach physics again, I will use this as the lesson plan.  After they finish a section we put it up.

I finally managed to put it up in class.

Blogger teacher challenge number 1

(So I'm out of Sequence)

What are your goals for this year.

1.  Get the Standards based learning under control.

this changed since we did not go SBE all the way, just the 10th level learners (9th graders)
Then there were too many of them, so I picked up a class.

2.  Use the full classroom.

The moved me out of the lab.  I am using an idea called "math 360" which is simply the students stand and work and I watch.  This can work with the Chemistry class, and the AP is slightly sluggish though they are starting to see the need for it.

Now I am going to slowly move away from worksheets and more Classwork.

3.  Use computer more for class.

With midling results....

4.  Exercise..

yea..right.  well I am starting again.

Groudhog day is a good day for goals.

New goal...be a presenter at a conference.