Post date: Oct 13, 2012 4:24:5 AM
Its A Fine Life.
Thanks to all 80 of the 8th grade kids and the 25 adults who spent the day tinkering at the Exploratorium's hundreds of exhibits -- it is the best way I can think of to pique curiosity and learn science. I felt so fortunate to be a part of such a powerful confluence of curious and playful kids, helpful and knowledgable parents, and a most valuable "local" resource. The trip has got me thinking about two things... first, how to replicate & build some of the exhibits to have in the classroom full-time; and second, the idea of an optional "Science in the City" trip to the Exploratorium's new location in the Spring, as well as other cool places in SF such as the Musee de Mechanic, cable car museum, Crissy Field climbing wall, SF Firehouse, Maritime Museum, etc. If you (kids and parents) are interested in pursuing these ideas and working towards their fruition, lets chat!
This Week in Science:
During the first part of the week, the kids saw a video on momentum, did an "each-one-teach-one" on Newton's laws of motion, took a quiz on chapter 6, and finished up their online animations on a topic in forces and motion. Good, productive days.
By the end of October, kids should be done with their "simple" (ha) Fall science experiments. Each group is at a different phase of the process and are informing me and you (parents) to various degrees, so I've had them create a "control sheet" to keep us (and them) aware of their progress. In addition, this sheet gives a snapshot of their progress.
Yesterday, Dr. Ismail reviewed the scientific method with each class and did some activities that really helped the kids understand the nature of gravity, air resistance, and the ideas of Aristotle, Galileo, and Newton. It looks like he will be able to do this kind of thing about once a month, and for his knowledge, energy, and resources, I am eternally grateful!
Conferences:
Last thing... conferences are in the afternoons of October 22 to 26. They are to be student-lead goal-setting conferences. Next week the students will set goals in/for all 3 classes, and during the conference itself the kids can cover those goals with parents and homeroom teacher. Each teacher plans on meeting with primarily our homerooms (Monday thru Thursday slots) and others if necessary (Friday slots). I used the "Appointment Slots" feature of Google calendar to have parents sign up for days and times, so please click here to access that calendar (click forward a few weeks, and claim an available spot).
Odd Requests:
1. Someone who is interested in helping me plan & propose some landscaping in the middle school alley (pavers & planters)
2. Someone who can get us about 20 square feet of firm 1"ish foam (for cushions that will go over blue crates)
3. Someone who has access to a color printer that can print 11x17
4. This ol' house needs help... anyone know a small-job plumber, an electrician, and/or a roofer.