Post date: Jan 26, 2013 9:6:4 AM
G'mornin'!
I feel like I really learned many new things this week. At the onset of our current unit on chemistry, I divulged to each class that I am still at the relative beginning of my true understanding of chemistry, and that "we are in this (learning process) together". Well, nothing is better for learning something than the responsibility for teaching it, and after a week of research, videos, simulations, and late-night chats with college buddies much smarter than I, the amount that I "get it" has gone way up! Ionic, covalent, periodicity, proportional compounding.... it makes so much more sense to me now. Hopefully many of the kids feel the same way.
During class the kids and I investigated bonding with two "gizmos" (online manipulation/simulations and assessments). In addition we watched a great video today and it provided a good historical perspective of inventions & topics in chemistry -- hosted by a much more serious Bill Nye and enhanced by great graphics and animations. This week also marked the end of the students' daily science demonstrations. A few kids weren't prepared on their day to present, but for the vast majority, they did exactly what I had hoped for. Preparation was evident, presentations skills were good, and class attentiveness/support was great.
I've added a new page to my website that might be of interest to you. It gives some basic information about many of the high schools that DCS grads have attended. Robin, Shelly, Jodi and I will continue to add more schools to the table and more information about each. If you have suggestions or wish to contribute, please let me know. I hope that you find it useful.
As Mrs. Sindelar mentioned in her weekly summary, this year's report card comments are going to go far beyond the usual letter-codes to which most middle and high schools are limited. The students and 8th grade teachers are contributing to an online collaborative document for each student. The letter grades will appear on a traditional transcript-style report card, but the report card envelope will come home with the additional document as well. We would, of course, appreciate feedback on the process as well as the product, if you are so inclined. Some detail here.
Coming Up:
GPS class to SF on Friday 2/1
Parent meeting February 6th, 7:00 to 8:00
Weekly chapter quizes on the upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (of consecutive weeks)
School tours, round 2 on February 13
February 18 - 22: Another week off. (Teachers should never complain about their workload!)
March 6: Prospect and Westmont administrators come to DCS
March 8: 8th grade to "In the Heights" in San Jose
March 15: Teacher learning day (aren't they all?)
Love Y'all!
Chris