tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50496456757447720172024-03-15T21:10:22.001-04:00Science in the CityI'm a curriculum developer and teacher focused on creating hands-on differentiated secondary science lessons. My goal is for all students to succeed by using technology, literacy strategies, and other tools. I have worked in a variety of settings, and am looking forward to sharing resources with you. Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-66900742457721142182021-07-09T17:08:00.000-04:002021-07-09T17:08:07.033-04:003 Time Management Hacks For Teachers<span id="docs-internal-guid-9eb182b9-7fff-2143-5820-98d95d5bdbb3"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h2>3 Time Management Hacks For Teachers<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F1ztuklqAXXSN59egvxX0Lxnc5fdAwUMvS8PYBNLgevqU5O5bR53vut7jJzTw-MoNKmltclwQ0EPDmO1yQUf71j-FsIdFVTdzbm9A1Cs6ErqFSgCu_ZVOdnpd1xHGCIp9PiNJO1cbZpz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F1ztuklqAXXSN59egvxX0Lxnc5fdAwUMvS8PYBNLgevqU5O5bR53vut7jJzTw-MoNKmltclwQ0EPDmO1yQUf71j-FsIdFVTdzbm9A1Cs6ErqFSgCu_ZVOdnpd1xHGCIp9PiNJO1cbZpz/" width="240" /></a></div></h2></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@jeshoots-com-147458?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">JESHOOTS.com</a> from <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-twin-bell-alarm-desk-clock-on-table-714701/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">Pexels</a><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Teaching can be quite a challenging task if you're not prepared. You need to ensure that you are well prepared to go ahead and give the best to your students. This will require adequate planning from your end. as well as an investment of both time and resources.</p>Taking the time to prepare your lessons will require that you understand the needs of your students. This will ensure that you can give them the best lessons possible, whether on quadratic equations or <a href="https://www.civicaustralia.com.au/">civic Australia</a>. In return, your students will comprehend what you are teaching and fully <a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2021/04/the-more-organized-you-are-more-your.html">participate in your classes</a>.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>What Time Management Hacks Can You Use In Teaching</span></h3><span>Good teaching is more than just passion and talent. Proper planning and time management are essential so that students can be given the attention they require. Good teachers have to stay tuned with educational standards while ensuring that their students are engaged and understanding the content. </span><div><span><br />This will require keeping the students involved by making their lessons engaging and fun, challenging the students to think creatively, and encouraging students to actively participate in the lessons. As a result, learning will be more fun for them. Here are three <a href="https://www.missouristate.edu/">time management</a> hacks that teachers can use.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Action Plan</span></h3><span>Your students look up to you, and you can't afford to fail them. You need to understand their needs well enough since this will help you in formulating an action plan. You can't afford to go with the flow since they are unique.<br /><br />Your action plan should describe what your lessons entail and how they will be delivered. Allocate the amount of time that you will require to accomplish this. You can then time yourself to ensure that you stick with the plan.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This is important because it can be very easy to get drawn into trying to make a perfect lesson plan, or lose hours searching online for better ideas. Limit your time, focus your efforts, and stick with the plan. Allocate a certain amount of time and then stick to that. </span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Have specific times set aside to go through your emails</h3><div><span>There is a lot of valuable information that comes through emails, as well as some things that are time-sensitive. However, if you are teaching, or working on lesson plans, or doing something that needs your attention, it can be very disruptive to constantly stop for every notification. There is nothing wrong with closing your email or turning off your notifications for an hour to two to focus and utilize your time better to complete a specific task. </span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Achievable Deadlines</span></h3>Give yourself deadlines when it comes to executing your duties. Whether it is going through assignments or planning lessons, have specific deadlines in ensuring that you get them done. You can also use task managers or to-do lists to help with this. My personal favorite is <a href="https://todoist.com/r/tara_list_qdtxqg" target="_blank">Todoist</a> because I can quickly and easily enter tasks and access them from any platform. If you are interested, here is a link to <a href="https://todoist.com/r/tara_list_qdtxqg" target="_blank">check it out</a></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>How Does Time Management Make A Teacher Qualified</span></h3><span>Most schools face a similar challenge when it comes to getting teachers who can <a href="https://mcgraw.princeton.edu/">manage their time effectively</a>. If time isn't well organized, the students will be the ones who will pay the ultimate price. They will not be able to cover their lessons or return graded work in a timely fashion which will affect student success and movement from one grade to the next.<br /><br />However, when a teacher is skilled in managing their time, they will ensure that they allocate proper and sufficient time to their lessons. They will find a way to ensure that the syllabus is completed during the school year. They will do this with a lot of ease. They become an asset to the school because of their impeccable time management skills.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>What are your best time management tips? What have you found worked well for you, or where do you struggle? Feel free to leave a comment. </span></div>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-21792028678092437222021-06-09T13:00:00.002-04:002021-06-09T13:00:28.294-04:00Helping Your Students Adapt To Online Learning<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">With such a huge increase in online learning, students are finding it more difficult than ever to cope. A large change in the style of learning is tricky to deal with, as most pupils are used to having a type of support from their teachers that is hard to achieve in a virtual classroom. Helping your students adapt to online learning will benefit their education dramatically, and it couldn't be easier to get started today. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some brilliant tips that you can utilize today to show your students how to make the most of online learning now! </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a8dd9b2a-7fff-5690-1e29-26d6b7111d98"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 416px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="416" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/89bF4djop8kreuhAfPqxA6rCZv54PDom3e9Ye-cu9ZZt7uzGxdAPh64MvZH-o-I-J0-RgOMvDgmue7GwI2TMdn4WLcJLRJCS68XFsOf5UZf5qrbCQ62hHZ4SxP32AQtjWx0_Gvfp" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="624" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-boy-watching-video-on-laptop-5905700/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image Source - Pexels</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make Yourself Available</span></h3><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most important things that you must always remember when attempting to support your students through online learning is to </span><a href="https://www.impactteachers.com/5-teaching-hacks-make-approachable-2017/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">make yourself available</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. You can have set times to respond to messages or emails, and set office hours on Zoom, but it is important that your students know how to reach you, and know that they will get a response. Having to work remotely can make it difficult for you to 'be there' for your pupils, as you can't physically stand by their side and talk through any issues they may have. Ensuring that you offer some kind of virtual replacement in the form of an email address or messaging service is essential, as this way your students will be able to get in touch with you at any time. Some kids may struggle when speaking in front of the class which might be the only option when performing an online lesson, so having the choice to virtually step to one side and speak in private (such as via email, messaging, or a Zoom breakout room) can be a real benefit. </span></p><br /><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adapt Your Teaching Style</span></h3><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the style of learning has changed, so should your teaching. Attempting to follow your old work plan will make things far more complicated than it needs to be. It's going to be much easier to start again with a new way of thinking. Virtual learning requires a different approach, so it's a good idea to perform some research on useful platforms such as an </span><a href="https://lanschool.com/resource-center/blog/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">edtech blog for K-12 teachers and administrators</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or an online learning center that you can use for inspiration. Some schools have been using virtual classrooms well before the pandemic struck, so it's a good idea to look to them in order to learn from past mistakes to avoid encountering any bumps along the way. </span></p><br /><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relieve Some Pressure</span></h3><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though of course your students must still meet reasonable deadlines, you should aim to relieve a little pressure when performing virtual learning. There are many struggles that a child can face when attempting to learn from home, from an increase in distractions to a lack of support, so it's vital that you don't maintain the same high expectations as you would in any normal school environment. Be lenient, or flexible, when necessary, and always listen to what your students have to say - their issues could be justified, so it's important that you give them the opportunity to shine in their own time. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Helping your students adapt to online learning has never been so simple when you can take the time to utilize the brilliant tips and tricks detailed above.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-86623360606067767782021-04-02T11:13:00.000-04:002021-04-02T11:13:03.387-04:00The More Organized You Are, The More Your Students Benefit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHJH7OfmrzIcPN5GFTcvQRfpKWx5bpPv5QRuC9wYQF-q3x3bPW_q0tN4saPC1xR0JrdjiSDh3fUrxqno1rLD3dLQR-xAxF2tn2Yan5K7KvqHrNcy3QvK-W6YQ3ftmFvJ0ThpXC56AW5GI/s1080/Science+in+the+City+Classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture of desks and organized classroom" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHJH7OfmrzIcPN5GFTcvQRfpKWx5bpPv5QRuC9wYQF-q3x3bPW_q0tN4saPC1xR0JrdjiSDh3fUrxqno1rLD3dLQR-xAxF2tn2Yan5K7KvqHrNcy3QvK-W6YQ3ftmFvJ0ThpXC56AW5GI/w400-h400/Science+in+the+City+Classroom.png" title="The More Organized You Are, The More Your Students Benefit" width="400" /></a></div><p> <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/ts-E3IVKv8o" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unsplash - CC0 License</span></a></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e9477b6-7fff-91c0-956f-347974d90ab7"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As teachers, we spend a lot of our time thinking about the needs of our students. After all, it’s our job to make sure that they receive the style of learning best suited to them. We don’t want children left behind. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But it turns out that we can </span><a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/03/17/10-strategies-support-students-and-help-them-learn-during-coronavirus-crisis" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">help students the most</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> when we focus on improving ourselves - how we do our job. Yes - we all know our subjects inside out. But many of us are lacking in the organization department. And that’s slowing us down, draining our energy, and making us less available to students.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this post, therefore, we take a look at some of the strategies that you can use to improve how you spend your time and deliver lessons. Here are some of the steps that work for all teachers. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Add Bins And Buckets To The Classroom</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Organizing for one child is a challenge. But when you have thirty in a classroom, it’s a nightmare. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The solution here for many teachers is to use labeled buckets and bins, arranged on racks. Storage containers allow you to neatly tidy away all of your learning tools and implements, without them cluttering up the classroom or storage cupboards.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How you arrange this is very much up to you. Usually, you can think of overall categories that allow you to make the best use of your available space.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create Paper Routines</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Classrooms have a habit of generating vast quantities of papers. Teachers have papers for teacher reports, students have them for graded tests and homework assignments. And you may even have papers for lesson plans. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s an idea: create a routine for all your papers by placing them in specific trays. One tray is for tests, another for student work, and another for staff documents you’re working on right now. This way, you can prevent them from getting muddled up and see how much work you need to do before your various deadlines. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep Your Notebook With You At All Times</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can’t emphasize this point enough: keep your notebook with you at all times. It’s critical because it allows you to jot down ideas and record information on the fly, instead of trying to recall it from memory later. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sites like </span><a href="https://nottai.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://nottai.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> show some examples of the types of notebooks that teachers use. Yes - they’re colorful. But they also include handy dividers that allow you to segment information logically. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep Your Lists Nearby</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can either use a notebook for this or a separate piece of paper. But always make sure that you keep your lists nearby. Most people keep their lists next to their computers or desk, according to </span><a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_76.htm" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.mindtools.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This way, you always have a record of what you’ve done so far, and what you still need to do. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make Sure That Every Item In The Classroom Has A Home</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly, you’ll need to ensure that there’s a place for every learning tool in your classroom and that </span><a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/11/how-to-motivate-students-in-classroom.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your students</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> know where they are. If things don’t have a home, clutter will quickly build up. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are your organization tips? Please comment below and share your best classroom tips!</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-46972086691138570982020-09-17T12:12:00.002-04:002020-09-17T14:35:28.108-04:00The Best Sources of Literature to Read in Science Class<span id="docs-internal-guid-bc3d2ba5-7fff-d8b8-986b-cb876090fd4c"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Encouraging students to read is such an important piece of education, at all grade levels and ages, and across all subject areas. Even as a science teacher, and although I am obviously a huge proponent of hands-on engaging science activities, I still consider reading so important. In fact, I have an entire section of </span><a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/search/label/Literacy" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">literacy posts </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on my blog. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we face a school year where things are quite different than usual, and where we are changing our teaching methods in many ways. Part of that change, or many of us, maybe an increased need for relationship-building activities with our students. At the same time, we are feeling pressure to make sure that we cover the curriculum.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpo7aPMEMWDgD7JLo9VA2aU6_vlXpzpWngnkGCbP5PzIV4K0OzE1Z0jSGlKg9g7Mzz6xCRL9zPY-K8qfGgtLbNS-nRR6OOhHDLU22bmUVBfnNaMbbhCczqRaHXWXocereKVrWYPH9gBpW/s800/Literature+in+Science+Class+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Best Sources of Literature in Science Class" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpo7aPMEMWDgD7JLo9VA2aU6_vlXpzpWngnkGCbP5PzIV4K0OzE1Z0jSGlKg9g7Mzz6xCRL9zPY-K8qfGgtLbNS-nRR6OOhHDLU22bmUVBfnNaMbbhCczqRaHXWXocereKVrWYPH9gBpW/w400-h400/Literature+in+Science+Class+%25281%2529.png" title="Resources to find literature for use in science class, as well as suggestions on how to use it." width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>I would like to suggest that you add in reading some books, or sections of books with your students. Reading can be a great way to engage students, to build community, to build literacy skills, and to engage them, particularly at a time when many hands-on activities may be off-limits. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many fantastic science books that can be used in any of the following ways (and more):</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used in an English class to supplement your science lessons</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used as an enrichment activity</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used as a more engaging resource than a textbook</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used as an engagement hook at the start</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used as a way to see applications and wrap up a topic</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 30pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Used as a tool to build </span><a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2018/03/help-your-students-struggling-with.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">vocabulary</span></a></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 30pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You do not have to use the entire book or a long book. It is easy to use a chapter or a short story. This can ensure that students start out on the same page, with a common experience. At this time when we are more divided than ever, it is important to create a place for students to connect. It’s even better if we can connect to our classroom and our lessons. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 30pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These books will allow us a chance to do both. Did you know that every year since 1973, the National Science Teacher's Association has published a list of </span><a href="https://www.nsta.org/outstanding-science-trade-books-students-k-12" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outstanding Science Trade Books for students grades K-12</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Prior to 2002 the lists are only grades K-8). Some years they even linked suggested activities. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.56; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you find this useful and fun. I think your students will really enjoy this addition to the class. If you do use any of these resources, I would love to for you comment below with what resource you used, and how you used it.</span></p></span><p> </p>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-73287113064647309902020-09-03T05:00:00.001-04:002020-09-03T05:00:04.939-04:00The Lifestyle Changes You Can Make After Lockdown<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to our lifestyle there is no denying that lockdown may have had us question some of our processes and the habits we have. As teachers, we are taking on new roles in the classroom, and approaching our jobs in ways that many of us never have before. However, we may also want to re-evaluate and approach some things differently in our personal life, or in our work-life balance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With time to think things through, did you decide to make some changes? The truth is, we may have come out of lockdown wanting to make some </span><a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/09/5-ways-to-make-most-of-your-commute-time.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">positive changes</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but where to start? Here are some of the lifestyle changes that you could make apart from eating well and exercising. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-95075f09-7fff-7122-5c06-2a0dcc3fa09f"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBD4MW6npFHbU-BgAjL3b08DyFvC-pT5veLVYEEtSWoIVrdn0aNgbuhzFIKBzzaVGIbDWaL-vn2tuX_hvPzugYcXtaPZDWeOS52pAZ8VRhnZRrY4GJDAnGXFNzK5VY5Y864JIsNiPzNOM/s1080/www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Lifestyle Changes You Can Make After Lockdown" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBD4MW6npFHbU-BgAjL3b08DyFvC-pT5veLVYEEtSWoIVrdn0aNgbuhzFIKBzzaVGIbDWaL-vn2tuX_hvPzugYcXtaPZDWeOS52pAZ8VRhnZRrY4GJDAnGXFNzK5VY5Y864JIsNiPzNOM/w400-h400/www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com.png" title="The Lifestyle Changes You Can Make After Lockdown" width="400" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/coffee-cup-of-coffee-lifestyle-cup-1276778/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image source - pixabay - cco license</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take better care of yourself</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the first things that you could do would be to take better care of yourself. This means booking those dental appointments, regular check-ups at doctors for blood pressure and tests, and even the eye appointment you have likely been putting off. If you need glasses there are some great </span><a href="https://www.eyeglasses.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">frames</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> online and they can help you in different ways of your life such as reading or long distance. Taking good care of yourself means that you will be at optimum health in all areas of your life. Leaving you time to focus on the other changes you want to make. This is not the time to skip these things. If anything we should realize that our health is top priority! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get more sleep</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no hiding from the fact that so many of us would like a little more sleep in our lives. Of course, you can do the obvious thing that would mean going to bed a little earlier, but is it really going to be the right thing for you? Instead, why not focus on </span><a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">getting a better quality of sleep</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. That means developing a bedtime routine just for you. Shutting off the technology at least an hour before bed. Relaxing in a warm bath and drinking a warm drink instead of something alcoholic or caffeinated. Getting better sleep can drastically change your mood and energy levels, which ultimately could have a positive effect on other aspects of your life. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Say yes more</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could you say yes more? Are you one of those people who are afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone or taking that leap of faith? If this sounds like you then maybe a good approach to the year would be to say yes more. Yes to that night out. Yes to that night in. Yes to a holiday, or yes to more responsibility at work. Yes, yes, yes. Of course, Don’t do things that feel forced. But if it is a situation that you think you may regret it if you don’t say yes have the courage to just do it. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Know when to say no</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, on the opposite end of the scale, you have people who just can’t say no. They say yes if it means inconveniencing them and they don’t want to do it. They say yes when they don’t want to do something. So a good lifestyle change for you would be to decide whether you should in some cases be saying no. Think about yourself and your family instead of others. It could really change the way you approach life. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s hope that some of these options have you considering other ways to take on the year ahead. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What changes are you thinking of making, particularly as we head back into the school year? </span></p><br /></span>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-86108172607417167112020-08-20T15:08:00.021-04:002020-08-20T15:08:00.149-04:00How to Download Google Drive Files in Multiple Formats<span id="docs-internal-guid-ef653f68-7fff-0acc-b084-f2ee61775350"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all have probably heard a lot about Google Drive by now, but what if you are a Microsoft school? Or what if you want to use a resource with less technology, or in a different format? Are all </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Science-In-The-City/Category/Google-Apps-One-Drive-247208" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">these Google Drive resources </span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">useless to you? NO!!</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In this post, I hope to detail how you can still use many of these resources. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDftGIOzHzJRgZXSRWXloazJ6eEXUgzVHpRH1AfeTVW0v1oWKkiJ5KxOctkRqKiVL_OU25GLOI-mqh85r4oS674EIyCOHQchki7yuI89eangp1t8s0bpKOlcUUpprikuThoXVlaIRVBfa/s1102/Download+Google+Drive+Files+in+Multiple+Formats.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="We all have probably heard a lot about Google Drive by now, but what if you are a Microsoft school? Or what if you want to use a resource with less technology, or in a different format? Are all these Google Drive resources useless to you? NO!! In this post, I hope to detail how you can still use many of these resources." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDftGIOzHzJRgZXSRWXloazJ6eEXUgzVHpRH1AfeTVW0v1oWKkiJ5KxOctkRqKiVL_OU25GLOI-mqh85r4oS674EIyCOHQchki7yuI89eangp1t8s0bpKOlcUUpprikuThoXVlaIRVBfa/w418-h625/Download+Google+Drive+Files+in+Multiple+Formats.png" title="How to Download Google Drive Files in Multiple Formats" width="418" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google Forms</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First of all, Google Forms are basically exclusive to Google. You cannot directly use Google Forms in another format. HOWEVER, they still work well on mobile devices, embedded, or with a simple link, as a way to quickly collect responses. So don’t let that stop you or deter you from using Google Forms. They work well on almost any device. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google Docs or Slides</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most resources that you encounter will be in Google Docs or Slides format. You can generally convert these to MS Word or PowerPoint in seconds. You can also print to PDF, with one caveat. Obviously, if you have interactive features they will likely need some modification to work well on paper, but that may not be a big problem. It’s easy to add directions such as “draw arrows” or physically cut out the pieces. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To make this change, use the steps in the following diagram: </span></p><div><span><br /></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 511px; overflow: hidden; width: 396px;"><img height="511" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GaTFeFbi7OlcjrMoU3Egv3-Zoe3TsWQi9UEEdWnHYg-3Ek82ZGuKbLJyAVwXtxKqOr5DdPFbLCDtmyruvy1ZcNl1XtKR7Q4sjhW1xDjAiLQ3X91u_gObwF6iJaIxXnjiG21o7NHz" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="396" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are the various file formats? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The two that will probably be the most useful and immediately recognizable are Microsoft Word and PDF. However, there may be others in here that are useful to you as well. I have found often people don’t know this menu is available. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have further questions, additional comments, or examples of how you have used this, I would love to hear it! Please leave a comment below, email me, or post in our Facebook group. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope this makes some of the many </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Science-In-The-City/Category/Google-Apps-One-Drive-247208" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google Resources</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that are available even more useful and accessible to you and your students. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-40422974073062726652020-08-06T15:01:00.005-04:002020-08-06T15:01:00.425-04:00Popular Q & A For Teaching Static Electricity<span id="docs-internal-guid-d009e7e7-7fff-34aa-2481-1c41b24f5d5b"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my most popular FREE resources is designed to teach about </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Static-Electricity-Lab-Activity-271170?aref=226igotz" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">static electricity</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It is written for middle school but would be appropriate for upper elementary, or perhaps 9th grade. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4PmqiIWT8O9O46ABz0aqWDitiVp1odyIG6wBdMeMryH6QkdEkiAxEt1a1Ej6wsncdEbY-8ieQjtV30NTwNR07z61PIt67El_zVDW-9VdEoaxE7UqtBdnJlSTAicoOrwjc-oqZkF_l78C/s1102/Q%2526A+for+Static+Electricity.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This middle school static lab is a lot of fun, and memorable for students. It includes an explanation, with diagrams, of static electricity, and then five stations of activities for students to explore static electricity. It also has summary questions for them to answer to process and assess their knowledge. In this post I answer some common questions, and explain ways to extend this activity" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4PmqiIWT8O9O46ABz0aqWDitiVp1odyIG6wBdMeMryH6QkdEkiAxEt1a1Ej6wsncdEbY-8ieQjtV30NTwNR07z61PIt67El_zVDW-9VdEoaxE7UqtBdnJlSTAicoOrwjc-oqZkF_l78C/w427-h640/Q%2526A+for+Static+Electricity.png" title="Popular Q&A for Teaching Static Electricity" width="427" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This middle school static lab is a lot of fun, and memorable for students. It includes an explanation, with diagrams, of static electricity, and then five stations of activities for students to explore static electricity. It also has summary questions for them to answer to process and assess their knowledge.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It used very basic household materials, so it would also be an activity that you students could do at home, if needed, or to show their families what they have been learning. The materials needed (to do all five stations) are: soda cans, inflated balloons, packing peanuts in a plastic bag, small pieces of wool cloth, puffed wheat cereal, black plastic strips </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some common questions and answers that I often receive. </span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can you explain more about the materials? What if I don’t have some of the materials? What can I use instead? </span></p></li></ul><br /><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"><colgroup><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Material</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possible Substitutions</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inflated balloons</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bubble wrap/bubble packing materials</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Packing peanuts</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut or break apart small pieces of a styrofoam cup or plate</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Small pieces of wool cloth</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another cloth can be substituted. Some types of cloth that work well would be something ‘furry’ or fuzzy, nylon, or even leather. </span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Puffed wheat cereal</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could use another similar cereal that is not too sweet and is in discrete pieces, such as cheerios. Something puffed may work better simply because it is so light. Puffed rice cereal would also be great. You can also use black pepper here as well. </span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Black plastic strips</span></p></td><td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You could also use a comb, small ruler, or another plastic strip. If needed, you can substitute the balloon here as well. </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What classroom management tips do you have for doing this lab with middle school students? </span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have done this lab as stations, but it is easily adapted. I wrote a more </span><a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2018/10/how-to-smoothly-and-successfully-run.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lengthy post</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about how to run stations that may be helpful. </span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Further Inspiration and direction</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In case you are looking for more inspiration or an engagement video to get your students started, it can be very engaging to do something very simple, that ties it back to real life. Static electricity causes lightning, so it would be eye-catching to have a picture of lightning up on the board and ask students for their ideas about what causes lightning at the start of class. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are also many readily available pictures of children with their hair standing on end, etc. Again, this could easily be used to capture student attention and engage them before starting the activity.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In either of these cases, it would be ideal to return to that picture after the lesson and see if students could further explain the cause of that phenomenon. </span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Extensions</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are looking to extend this further, this is the perfect lab to practice experimental design. Students can choose one variable to test (such as the type of fabric, or the type of cereal) and determine how it affects the results that they see. This could even be a chance to graph some data if you can collect quantitative data. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to try this activity in your class, with complete written directions and summary questions, check it out </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Static-Electricity-Lab-Activity-271170" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><br /><br /><br /></span>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-48950556579971524572020-06-04T00:00:00.000-04:002020-06-04T00:00:00.125-04:00How Teachers Can Support Students Studying At Home<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eyuu-IYdtOnP-cLHj0jd2dBIXvqnAuwEDGKZ6cIr3Oj68R3WD_5W7rh6SlOUEn1dMS34bgJrQwH66oI9nNQCdXDM7vQob-IZ6z9ddEWw4aV8jMn8njPH97vi2fpHKBiuXEG_ou7FBooO/s1600/%2528Pixabay+CC0%2529+At+the+time+of+writing%252C+many+children+are+studying+at+home+due+to+school+closures+instigated+by+the+COVID-19+pandemic.+Many+teachers+are+having+to+find+new+ways+to+support+their+students%252C+and+also+t.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eyuu-IYdtOnP-cLHj0jd2dBIXvqnAuwEDGKZ6cIr3Oj68R3WD_5W7rh6SlOUEn1dMS34bgJrQwH66oI9nNQCdXDM7vQob-IZ6z9ddEWw4aV8jMn8njPH97vi2fpHKBiuXEG_ou7FBooO/s400/%2528Pixabay+CC0%2529+At+the+time+of+writing%252C+many+children+are+studying+at+home+due+to+school+closures+instigated+by+the+COVID-19+pandemic.+Many+teachers+are+having+to+find+new+ways+to+support+their+students%252C+and+also+t.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/homework-boy-child-student-1815899/">(Pixabay CC0)</a><br />
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At the time of writing, many children are studying at home due to school closures instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many teachers are having to find new ways to support their students, and also their student's parents who have been encouraged to provide learning opportunities at home.<br />
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Of course, going beyond the pandemic situation, you might still find cause to support those pupils who have to study at home. There are instances when some children can't make it into school, for a variety of reasons, and there are reasons why schools might be closed too. We are thinking of the weather, for example, which can cause disruption for many. <br />
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When offering support then, you might want to consider the following suggestions.<br />
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<b>Provide activities in a range of formats</b><br />
You already know that children have a range of different learning styles, so try to vary the activities you send to them. Some children will benefit from recorded lessons that can be accessed online, whereas others might need to experience <a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/search/label/hands-on%20science">hands-on learning</a> when under the tuition of their parents. <br />
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It's important to remember that children from low-income families might not have access to computers and smart devices, so paper-based activities should be provided when digital learning isn't possible. You will already have printables that can be used at home but <a href="https://studentreasures.com/teachers-lounge/lesson-plans/second-grade/">click here</a> for some literacy examples. <br />
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Thinking about your students then, consider their individual needs, and then try to match them when preparing activities for them to do at home. <br />
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<b>Offer parents practical support</b><br />
In a lot of cases, older children will need little support from their parents, other than the encouragement to actually buckle down and work. Younger children will need more support, so their parents will need to have some understanding of how to teach their youngsters effectively. <br />
<br />
So, give parents clear guidance on what they need to do to support the needs of your students. Share activity ideas, give them instructions on how to deliver a lesson, and offer tips on time management. Remember that most parents won't have your expertise, so stay clear of jargon, simplify your instructions and share tips that can easily be adopted.<br />
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Be reachable too. While you don't want to inundated by calls from parents, you might still offer your services online. If your school has a Facebook group, make yourself available at certain times of the day, as you will then have the opportunity to support any parents who have questions or concerns about the lessons they are being asked to deliver. <br />
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<b>Go live!</b><br />
Skype and Zoom both offer group chat functions, so you will have the opportunity to connect with small groups of pupils at a time. Use these platforms to talk to your students, offer them encouragement and reassurance, and when its practical to do so, provide some level of teaching from behind your computer screen. This is also your opportunity to connect with parents, so encourage them too, and guide them if they need advice on any aspect of their children's learning. <br />
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Thanks for reading!Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-20716566212951746862020-05-21T16:52:00.000-04:002020-05-21T16:52:12.802-04:00How to know if you are successful as a teacher<h2>
How to know if you are successful as a teacher</h2>
One of the down sides of teaching is that you may never feel like you have done enough. It can be overwhelming. Particularly now, when we are doing distance learning and transitioning to new methods of teaching, in many cases while taking on responsibilities at home with our own children, it may not feel like you are “doing a good job” or “being successful.” <br /><br />First of all, there are answers, and no hard rules right now for what you should be doing. All bets are off. You are doing enough. You are doing your best to help your students and take care of yourself. You are doing it right. <br /><br />So how do you measure success? Many of our common measures of teaching success are not fair to teachers (as well know), or only tell part of the story. For example, test scores. We all know about that. Many of these ‘measures’ are out of our control and influenced by so many other factors, that they are really not measuring teachers’ success at all. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6T1aUTomUebXSLtzqD8l7VY1CagZhl6-Mg89KTVb2AUxuDitU2dZUjYebGwUJO5aHQRXfEwXBa8oP4X6oMqlbdd6RKyCJC9WfaAGFSC4IOMfGfyVOXq_pWmEz25FCqvJGGQ4Ao1koizs/s1600/How+to+know+if+you+are+%2527successful%2527+as+a+teacher.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="How to know if you are successful as a teacher" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6T1aUTomUebXSLtzqD8l7VY1CagZhl6-Mg89KTVb2AUxuDitU2dZUjYebGwUJO5aHQRXfEwXBa8oP4X6oMqlbdd6RKyCJC9WfaAGFSC4IOMfGfyVOXq_pWmEz25FCqvJGGQ4Ao1koizs/s320/How+to+know+if+you+are+%2527successful%2527+as+a+teacher.png" title="How to know if you are successful as a teacher" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
So how do you measure and evaluate your own success? </h3>
This question came up in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/21stcenturyscience">Facebook Group </a>a while ago, and I would like to share some of those responses here, as well as add a few others that are specific to some of the more recent events.<h4>
From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/21stcenturyscience">Facebook Group</a></h4>
<ul>
<li>From member Louette McInnes: New teachers take note. When I started teaching, an experienced teacher told me that if I had 'one really great lesson a day', that was success. He also said it would take me a year to get one course set up so I knew it would be really successful and do what I wanted it to do. He was right.</li>
<li>Don’t compare yourself to others - look at your own progress, look at the interactions and progress that you can see with individual kids</li>
<li>Are kids respectful (for the most part), are they engaged? Are they learning?</li>
<li>Are they thinking?</li>
<li>What do they know that they weren’t able to do when they came to you?</li>
<li>And more in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/21stcenturyscience/permalink/2644396945596187/">this post </a></li>
</ul>
<h4>
In addition, right now, some things are more important than academics. </h4>
<ul>
<li>Are you building or maintaining relationships with your students (and their families)?</li>
<li>Are you working to meet your students needs (both academic and otherwise), while taking care of yourself?</li>
<li>Are you helping students to make some progress, within their other constraints?</li>
<li>Are you doing the best you can? Not giving up? Trying some creative ideas, even if they don’t all work? Taking some risks with the hope of improving?</li>
</ul>
Then you are successful as a teacher! <br /><br />Keep building relationships, keep thinking, being creative, and building relationships with your students and the rest will come. Teaching is not a place for instant gratification. You won’t start your teaching career, or your school year, and have it all be successful. It’s a slower process. You will make gradual gains, and have ups and downs. But over the long haul, as you look back, you will absolutely see signs that you have been successful!! </div>
Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-53210942385215633472020-05-07T10:58:00.001-04:002020-05-07T10:58:19.817-04:00Integrating Math and Science in the ClassroomIt’s easy to focus on teaching just our curriculum. But often, in science class, we are expecting students to be able to use certain math skills but in actuality, their math skills may be a big source of struggle. <br /><br />As teachers, there is always a balance between teaching students our content area, and following the curriculum, but also teaching students other core skills that they will need for our class or for others. I am often asked about how to integrate more math into science class. Here are five strategies that I have found to be helpful. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ABWZXoGRsJDe1jEJajjPdevL4x0vi9QysfQ1sP9UFmQZT53kUzBIUQqN2RBitaUu5ohJbOeLh-6sI41vn6fvPgtI0bGkh4C9kNrUyLDBrV33uDhAIyUwiPa6dMVMchj1AWOaB7zoMr2/s1600/Integrating+Math+and+Science.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ABWZXoGRsJDe1jEJajjPdevL4x0vi9QysfQ1sP9UFmQZT53kUzBIUQqN2RBitaUu5ohJbOeLh-6sI41vn6fvPgtI0bGkh4C9kNrUyLDBrV33uDhAIyUwiPa6dMVMchj1AWOaB7zoMr2/s320/Integrating+Math+and+Science.png" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Five Strategies to Integrate Math into Science Class</h3>
<ol>
<li>Talk to your math teachers; find common ground on how you are teaching the content. It is confusing to students if we are teaching the same or very similar concepts but using different language, or slightly different instructions. Pull out key math concepts that you need the kids to know and talk to your math teachers. Find out if they cover those topics. At what grade level, how do they already teach it? This might include things like graphing, solving a proportion, converting units, or basic algebraic equations. Kids have a hard enough time transferring skills between classes, or retaining what they learn and applying it outside of class. Any time we can put in working with the math teachers to come up with a common language and skill set will absolutely benefit both of us. </li>
<li>Utilize opportunities to talk about number sense and practice if the answers make sense. Kids are often so stuck on doing the steps, and getting an answer, often using a calculator, that they don’t stop to think about their answer and consider if it makes sense. I like to put a stop to this, if possible, by starting the concept or math lesson with very easy numbers, and not letting them use a calculator. Keep the numbers SUPER easy so they build up some confidence and focus on the topic.</li>
<li>When it gets too complicated, it’s ok to use a calculator. After they’ve gotten the idea, I think it’s ok to use a calculator. Many times, kids get frustrated and overwhelmed by the numbers. If, in fact, they will be able to use a calculator going forward, then I think it’s ok for them to use a calculator moving forward in the class, and they have an understanding, then allow them to focus on the concept.</li>
<li>If there is a good climate for collaboration, take it one step further. Work with your math colleagues to use some of your data from science class for math. This can be done in many parts of math class, practicing graphing, data analysis, and more. Here is a great example <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/blog/successful-math-and-science-teacher-collaboration-administrators-role-ben-johnson">Successful Math and Science Teacher Collaboration: The Administrator's Role</a></li>
<li>Last, but absolutely not least, build up students’ math confidence. Many students can do the calculations, but they struggle to feel confident and to be comfortable applying their knowledge, particularly in a new situation. I cannot overstate how important it is for kids to feel comfortable. They will more willing to practice and take risks if they feel more comfortable.</li>
</ol>
I would love to hear if any of these tips help you, or what other suggestions you have to integrate math and science in your classroom. Feel free to comment below! Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-21959684867028477822019-12-20T17:20:00.000-05:002019-12-23T20:59:26.489-05:00How to Streamline your Lesson Planning<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How to Streamline your Lesson Planning</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwwk17NWFYPVZOnyxmUaz4hJEy-GrJd9v11WTGxSmMmdeOZU-lk7n21Qa7nTAL797FsQoKNxH4OfrPiRgMCt3uFuHUNWqD0jlig1aA0cNRX8PeCePwVofaMa70FbTCbI-jqyPRpuy8JqN/s1600/Lesson+Planning+Time.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reduce Lesson Planning Time" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwwk17NWFYPVZOnyxmUaz4hJEy-GrJd9v11WTGxSmMmdeOZU-lk7n21Qa7nTAL797FsQoKNxH4OfrPiRgMCt3uFuHUNWqD0jlig1aA0cNRX8PeCePwVofaMa70FbTCbI-jqyPRpuy8JqN/s320/Lesson+Planning+Time.png" title="How to Reduce Lesson Planning Time" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would like to suggest a few things:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Start with a similar structure like a template not only for the lesson plan itself, but for your unit, so you know what sort of activity you're looking for to plug in there. <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/How%20to%20Streamline%20your%20Lesson%20Planning%20Reduce%20Lesson%20Planning%20Time%20%20%20I%20would%20like%20to%20suggest%20a%20few%20things:%20%20Start%20with%20a%20similar%20structure%20like%20a%20template%20not%20only%20for%20the%20lesson%20plan%20itself,%20but%20for%20your%20unit,%20so%20you%20know%20what%20sort%20of%20activity%20you're%20looking%20for%20to%20plug%20in%20there.%20%20Here%20is%20a%20basic%20example,%20but%20obviously%20you%20would%20have%20to%20make%20it%20fit%20the%20structure%20that%20you%20prefer.%20It%20also%20may%20help%20to%20know%20what%20type%20of%20activity%20you%20are%20looking%20for.%20Are%20you%20looking%20for%20something%20hands-on?%20What%20skills%20do%20you%20need%20to%20address?%20Are%20you%20looking%20for%20something%20technology%20based?%20Are%20you%20looking%20for%20a%20writing%20assignment?%20You%20may%20want%20a%20mixture%20of%20those%20skills%20and%20types%20of%20assignments%20throughout%20the%20year.%20%20It%20can%20be%20very%20helpful%20to%20make%20a%20grid,%20or%20even%20a%20list%20of%20the%20different%20types%20of%20skills%20and%20activities.%20Then%20you%20can%20track%20when%20you%20have%20used%20them,%20or%20check%20them%20off%20as%20you%20use%20them.%20%20This%20allows%20you%20to%20see%20which%20type%20of%20activity%20you%20haven%E2%80%99t%20done%20in%20a%20while,%20or%20what%20you%20want%20to%20utilize%20more%20of.%20%20Again,%20then%20you%20know%20what%20you%20are%20looking%20for%20in%20your%20upcoming%20assignments.%20This%20can%20narrow%20your%20search,%20and%20be%20better%20than%20staring%20at%20a%20blank%20screen.%20%20It%E2%80%99s%20also%20a%20good%20idea%20to%20go%20back%20to%20your%20objectives%20and%20focus%20on%20what%20you%27re%20really%20trying%20to%20accomplish.%20What%20is%20the%20most%20important%20thing%20for%20students%20to%20know%20both%20in%20terms%20of%20skills%20and%20content?%20%20How%20are%20you%20going%20to%20get%20this%20across%20in%20your%20lesson%20next?%20%20Once%20you%20have%20some%20of%20these%20things%20narrowed%20down,%20absolutely%20don%27t%20be%20afraid%20to%20look%20at%20what%27s%20already%20out%20there!%20%20I%20think%20it%E2%80%99s%20better%20to%20get%20a%20clear%20idea%20before%20you%20just%20start%20looking%20though.%20It%20helps%20you%20more%20efficiently%20find%20something%20that%20fits%20your%20needs.%20You%20don%27t%20need%20to%20reinvent%20the%20wheel!%20%20If%20it%20already%20exists,%20or%20something%20very%20similar%20already%20exists,%20by%20all%20means%20use%20it!!%20%20It%E2%80%99s%20also%20ok%20to%20start%20with%20something%20and%20modify%20a%20little%20bit.%20Maybe%20there%20is%20something%20that%E2%80%99s%20a%20reading%20and%20writing%20activity%20but%20you%20decide%20to%20use%20the%20reading,%20and%20make%20the%20response%20in%20the%20form%20of%20a%20presentation,%20go%20for%20it!%20These%20tips%20won%E2%80%99t%20take%20away%20your%20lesson%20planning,%20but%20perhaps%20will%20save%20you%20some%20time%20and%20make%20it%20a%20bit%20more%20efficient.%20%20What%20are%20your%20tips%20and%20strategies%20to%20use%20your%20time%20more%20wisely%20when%20planning?" target="_blank">Here is a basic example</a>, but obviously you would have to make it fit the structure that you prefer.</li>
<li>It also may help to know what type of activity you are looking for. Are you looking for something hands-on? What skills do you need to address? Are you looking for something technology based? Are you looking for a writing assignment? You may want a mixture of those skills and types of assignments throughout the year. It can be very helpful to make a grid, or even a list of the different types of skills and activities. Then you can track when you have used them, or check them off as you use them. This allows you to see which type of activity you haven’t done in a while, or what you want to utilize more of. Again, then you know what you are looking for in your upcoming assignments. This can narrow your search, and be better than staring at a blank screen. </li>
<li>It’s also a good idea to go back to your objectives and focus on what you're really trying to accomplish. What is the most important thing for students to know both in terms of skills and content? How are you going to get this across in your lesson next? </li>
<li>Once you have some of these things narrowed down, absolutely don't be afraid to look at what's already out there! I think it’s better to get a clear idea before you just start looking though. It helps you more efficiently find something that fits your needs. You don't need to reinvent the wheel! If it already exists, or something very similar already exists, by all means use it!! It’s also ok to start with something and modify a little bit. Maybe there is something that’s a reading and writing activity but you decide to use the reading, and make the response in the form of a presentation, go for it!</li>
<li>These tips won’t take away your lesson planning, but perhaps will save you some time and make it a bit more efficient.</li>
</ul>
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What are your tips and strategies to use your time more wisely when planning?</div>
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<br />Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-85546196722504164202019-12-13T17:15:00.000-05:002019-12-13T17:15:02.356-05:00Why is it so important for teachers to have good time management skills? <h2>
Why is it so important for teachers to have good time management skills? </h2>
I'm sure you already know some reasons, but I'm going to go a little bit different direction. It's extremely important for teachers to have good time management skills in order to protect their boundaries their own health and their families. Just today, another teacher said to me “you’ve got to find time to play, or this job will drive you crazy.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHidZHBuvmwBtZ9wMgTPkf3YajYM_LYKlwI0eBpjBMHLpchPcECB_LJeSwahwMMh5hGfcRCnwfbrFPtTkYjUlhgtmvFUqxmU_7YWd3Ylm_dUuDQ9x9sBf7f3XLbEqhUCtZmH456Y6DJfyq/s1600/Time+management.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Manage your time so it doesn't manage you" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHidZHBuvmwBtZ9wMgTPkf3YajYM_LYKlwI0eBpjBMHLpchPcECB_LJeSwahwMMh5hGfcRCnwfbrFPtTkYjUlhgtmvFUqxmU_7YWd3Ylm_dUuDQ9x9sBf7f3XLbEqhUCtZmH456Y6DJfyq/s320/Time+management.png" title="Why is it important for a teacher to have good time management skills?" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
In other words, manage your time, so it doesn’t manage you! </h3>
One of the drawbacks of teaching is that the job is never done. There's always more you could be doing, so it's important to manage your time and manage your boundaries. You have to make sure that teaching and teaching-related tasks don't take over your life. So, when I say manage your time, yes, I mean productivity tips and working efficiently, but I also mean that it's important to manage when you're going to work, how much time do you have to allow for work? What tasks do you have to complete? And how are going to fit those tasks into that window of time?<br />
<h4>
Grading</h4>
For example, think about the amount of time that you are willing to spend on grading, in order to have some balance with your own life. Don't assign more than you can read. Set up the assignment in a way that will be easier to grade, such as making a rubric, have some peer review first, or grade only a portion of the questions.<br />
<h4>
Lesson Planning</h4>
Lesson planning….Yes, there are perfect ideal lesson plans that are engaging and inquiry-based and project-based, but it has to be a balance! It's okay to do some packaged lesson plans. Maybe not every day, but sometimes it’s totally fine. Sometimes you and the students both need an easier day! Choose carefully about where decide to spend your time. Make sure you are spending time on the things that are really valuable to you and your students. There may be things that you are good at, or you enjoy doing, but and they won't really have a benefit to your students. If you are doing them for fun, that’s ok, but don’t get confused between the two. Do you see a difference because of the work you put in on that task? Is it a good use of your time? For example, it's very easy to get sucked into formatting documents, changing weights of assignments and adjusting the layout on the page, but those are probably not an efficient use of your time.<br />
<h4>
A different mindset</h4>
Think of it this way. If you worked at an office job, in many cases your boss would manage your time for you. They want you to be accountable for the time that you're at the office and they allow you a certain number of hours off. They may even have billable time for certain projects, and a budget or limit of hours for those projects. Teaching is a little bit different. You have to manage your own time. You are (in a way) Your Own Boss. So manage it accordingly! Be the boss of your time1 Make sure that the time you're spending on the right things and would be reasonable if you were accountable to someone.<br />
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Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-47632578144660269882019-11-29T13:29:00.000-05:002019-11-29T13:29:02.462-05:00How to Motivate Students in the Classroom <h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How to Motivate Students in the Classroom</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvH4KjoGFnqVWGYONkFiozL-voDi4lYbomLqSRaDWlccuQPTPLaPbXahilE2eilF2Nf22Q1Nfd0wT7Vr78-5hkENX6PszUkSXmFJXzqcOGmuzDcbcr9NhwCKnzY4REkpR5dnFFrON_DkV/s1600/motivations.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvH4KjoGFnqVWGYONkFiozL-voDi4lYbomLqSRaDWlccuQPTPLaPbXahilE2eilF2Nf22Q1Nfd0wT7Vr78-5hkENX6PszUkSXmFJXzqcOGmuzDcbcr9NhwCKnzY4REkpR5dnFFrON_DkV/s320/motivations.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why are they unmotivated? </h3>
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How to motivate students in the classroom is such a difficult topic! So many students that I see are very disengaged for a variety of reasons. These reasons are discussed in depth <a href="http://www.jimwrightonline.com/mixed_files/NASP_Indy/wright_NASP_IN_motivation_supplemental_handout.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, along with some methods to address various reasons. However, there are some general statements that can be made as well. In order to get them motivated, I think it is really important to find out what those reasons are. There can be many varied reasons within one classroom. Are they disengaged because there's something going on with them outside of school? How can they focus on academics when they're concerned about where they're going to sleep or where their next meal is coming from? Are they disengaged simply because they don't understand and they have not been successful in school in the past? Are they disengaged just because it's not their topic of interest? And there are probably as many more reasons as there are individual students. </div>
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<h3>
What to do about it?? </h3>
<h4>
Lots of Encouragement</h4>
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So what can you do about that? It can be difficult to get students motivated, for sure! Again it's important to be positive with students. Don't assume that their behavior is coming from a negative place, or is directed negatively towards you. Telling them something like "you're doing a great job," or "you're off to a good start, let's see if we can finish this up" or event "do you need help getting started?" can go a lot further. Also, helping them see the bigger picture and see the progress and successes that they are making is so important. This alone be motivating. Constant encouragement that they can do it and that they will be able to have success will also be so important. </div>
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Bigger Conversations</h4>
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Having those bigger conversations, if the opportunity arises, with students about their goals, and about not following blindly what their friends are doing is important. They may not have someone else in their life often talking to them about what they want (graduation? College?) and how those goals fit into what's happening today. I have seen quite a few students who don't make the connection between what's happening today, and their longer term goals. </div>
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Engaging Lessons?</h4>
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Of course, you will hear recommendations to motivate students by making a lesson more engaging.While it is absolutely true making a lesson engaging and relevant to students is absolutely key, this is not the only way. Doing something that gets their attention right away is so important but then we don't want them to lose that motivation the minute that it's not as engaging. </div>
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I'm now working in a program with students who are recovering credits. They are all behind on credits to be in the program. In fact, much of their coursework is pre-packaged and is not particularly motivating or engaging all the time. It has been interesting for me to look at what keeps them motivated. For many students it's simply a desire to earn credits, to graduate, to be at the appropriate grade level, or to catch up to their peers. They are willing to do what they need to do. It's been an interesting lesson in making engaging curriculum vs. other motivating factors. </div>
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Our students are successful when they build positive relationships with the teachers, when they feel that they can be successful, and when they have some flexibility to get the help that they need. </div>
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Ultimately I think the motivation has to come from within the students. If that means taking the time to do some mindset/reflection type of work, build relationships and work on things that are not content specific I think it will pay off. There are <a href="https://www.nbpts.org/top-5-strategies-for-motivating-students/" target="_blank">other articles</a> that have researched and had similar findings about student motivation. </div>
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<br />Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-65116602486617342012019-11-15T09:23:00.000-05:002019-11-15T09:23:01.467-05:00Two Resources I Want to Share with YouIf you've been around here a while, you probably have been hearing me talk about two topics that have been on my mind a lot lately. Namely, teacher self-care and balance with the rest of your life, and giving teens role models of other teen scientists.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4opLBuB7yib8d-bdCENrDdo_YgByfgc_84lAN3e74G-c6Z2jE_4fvYDzRcka8A-7D6nQihhgfpLkuzOSisSCliTN9rjYolP7NqzGDZNuzcT9eax9A7Q1oR5EI6CXg-Jd7nxrZHrGiJ6BL/s1600/Copy+of+time+management.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline-width: 0px !important; user-select: auto !important;"><img alt="If you've been around here a while, you probably have been hearing me talk about two topics that have been on my mind a lot lately. Namely, teacher self-care and balance with the rest of your life, and giving teens role models of other teen scientists. As I have been digging into these topics I came across two resources that I want to share." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4opLBuB7yib8d-bdCENrDdo_YgByfgc_84lAN3e74G-c6Z2jE_4fvYDzRcka8A-7D6nQihhgfpLkuzOSisSCliTN9rjYolP7NqzGDZNuzcT9eax9A7Q1oR5EI6CXg-Jd7nxrZHrGiJ6BL/s320/Copy+of+time+management.png" title="Hands holding out a gift" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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As I have been digging into these topics I came across two resources that I want to share:<br />
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1) Angela Watson is the author of the 40 Hour Work Week Program (which I have not done), the Truth for Teachers Podcast (which I love), and many other teacher resources. Her newest resource is this book.<br />
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She describes herself as "productivity and mindset specialist, author, and motivational speaker for educators" and that she believes in "challenging the narrative of the overworked and unappreciated “super teacher.”<br />
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This book does a great job of that. She is not teaching time management and productivity tips, but really addressing the underlying issues, both systemic and individual mindset to help us view our jobs and manage teacher stress and constantly increasing demands in a healthier way.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=scienceteac0c-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0982312741&asins=0982312741&linkId=9fc12a7e1ca07b42a32d23de807f3fa8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
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2) As you know I have been working on creating resources about meaningful examples of teen scientists. In doing this work I have been lucky enough to correspond with a few of them. One was Stella Bowles. If you aren't familiar with Stella, here is a link to <a href="https://earlgrey5.wixsite.com/stellab" target="_blank">her website</a>. I am working on a differentiated reading comprehension passage about her now. However, in talking with her, I found out that among her other amazing work, she has written a book! The book is geared toward middle or high school students. It is currently in the classrooms of all the schools in the Canadian province where she lives, but she is looking to get it into more classrooms, including here in the US. I think this would be a fantastic cross-disciplinary project, or even a book to read in class. </div>
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It is both a great read, and yet another example of a teen really making a difference! </div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=scienceteac0c-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1459505514&asins=1459505514&linkId=33c6faa39caf855786c20f8525dab3df&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
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If you end up checking either of these out, I'd love to hear your feedback! </div>
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(note: affiliate links)</div>
Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-39917480160431125102019-11-01T01:00:00.000-04:002019-11-01T01:00:10.062-04:00Aiming for Respect and Discipline in the Classroom<h2>
Aiming for Respect and Discipline in the Classroom</h2>
If you are struggling with classroom management and feel like it’s a struggle to have your students respect you and follow your discipline, here are a few key suggestions. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkAS8seMktJwMG337Of4VqbkNE_NgwwmEexmwlo2k7Iw6IunMPJJ8yePE2BC3AGPiZ-xZjXn7O7mD7x3YXfwi9fHNV01JvTn9MNul64wvTD7koQMmqLLlNFMzuxi70l2K7-fZxhUa2mCf/s1600/Respect+and+discipline.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Tips and strategies to help build respect and improve classroom management" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkAS8seMktJwMG337Of4VqbkNE_NgwwmEexmwlo2k7Iw6IunMPJJ8yePE2BC3AGPiZ-xZjXn7O7mD7x3YXfwi9fHNV01JvTn9MNul64wvTD7koQMmqLLlNFMzuxi70l2K7-fZxhUa2mCf/s400/Respect+and+discipline.png" title="Aiming for respect and discipline in the classroom" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Background</h3>
Before I start, I want you to understand where I’m coming from. I have taught for 14 years in an urban district, with an overall free and reduced lunch rate of about 85%. Our population is mostly minority, largely African-American. I am not an expert on classroom management by any means, but as a small-stature, white female I have learned quite a bit over the last 14 years! <br /><h3>
Relationships</h3>
First of all, respect and classroom discipline all comes back to building relationships. Relationships are the biggest key! You've probably heard it over and over again but it can't be said enough. So, how do you build relationships with your students? Be a little bit flexible. Get to know them as people. Share parts of yourself with them as you are comfortable. It doesn't have to be anything too personal. But don’t be afraid to show that you have a sense of humor and that you are a real person. <br /><h3>
Be Flexible</h3>
Appreciate that they are people, not just students. That also might mean being flexible with how they do an assignment or giving them a little bit of a break on a particular day if you can see that they really need it. Treat an isolated day of non-compliance the way you would want to be treated if you weren’t feeling well or had an off day. However, when you see a pattern, treat it differently. But still with respect. Don’t humiliate and confront a student. Discuss it with him or her separately. Think about it, we go to work and we are not always at our best. We appreciate it when our co-workers help out, but we sometimes don't allow students the same flexibility. There may be a way to compromise with a student or to meet their needs while still getting them to do the work. <br /><h3>
You are the Adult</h3>
Remember, you are the adult, and they are the child. I say this not to hammer home the idea of the student ‘listening to the adult’ and ‘following directions.’ Instead, I am suggesting that you can outsmart them! If you can make some small concessions and at the end of the day they are still doing work then you win! Remember the big picture, and don’t get into a confrontation with them. Keep your eye on the goal - their classwork and their learning and figure out a plan together to help them get there. If they're doing what they need to be doing in some format, then you're winning even if they didn't do it exactly the way that you had in mind.<br /><h3>
Consistency</h3>
You can also help with discipline in the classroom by being really really consistent for a long period of time so that when students walk into your room they always know what the expectations are. They know that when you say something you will mean it. This doesn't mean being confrontational necessarily but being clear and then sticking to it. For example, if you ask students to be quiet when you're talking, and when they are talking, you may need to stop and remind them that it's your turn to talk and then wait. It will feel like you're wasting class time waiting. The waiting might be brutal. But, by establishing those norms at the beginning of the year, it will save a lot of trouble later. Similarly, if you expect students to pick up a folder or paper on the way in, and they walked by without doing it, remind them to come back and get it.<br /><h3>
Plan for Success</h3>
Lastly, another step towards respect and discipline in the classroom is helping the students feel successful and feel like their time is not being wasted. I believe that even our struggling students want to feel that they can accomplish what they're supposed to be doing in class. Many students may get frustrated. You may be seeing what appears as disrespect or discipline problems but if, instead, students can focus their energy in a more positive way you may not see as many behavior problems in class. <br /><div>
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Safety First</h3>
Also remember, safety first so if you are ever concerned about safety don't hesitate to have a student removed from your class.</div>
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Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-53423235389058094692019-10-18T00:30:00.000-04:002019-10-18T00:30:05.992-04:00Need Additional NGSS Science Resources? Start Here<h2>
Need Additional NGSS Science Resources? Start Here</h2>
If you are starting NGSS and finding it overwhelming, don’t be overwhelmed. It’s really not completely different than good science teaching practice has always been. We already teach students about thinking like a scientist, using evidence, problem-solving, and basic inquiry processes. Many of us are already using engagement activities or a discrepant event (not so different than a phenomenon). A discussion of the similarities and differences between inquiry and storylines is given <a href="https://www.nsta.org/about/positions/3d.aspx">here</a>. They do differ, but there is overlap, <br /><br />Yes, the curriculum and assessments might change, and your day to day teaching may change because of that, but it may not be as dramatic of a change as you may be afraid of! <br /><br />As you are looking to build lessons that support NGSS, here are a few links and resources that could help: <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpUAj4OX4285GDeQMm0bhOfm92Aw3_736pvl3sBUulCWsuFO9B-v998g-baFRn3V4wxL94picoTrMMb2Q1M2QmcSTiczWh7DDlJHQd_OIA3MsC7xM0AU66QjHnzwMuaoalE0z24C4yiw/s1600/Additional+Science+Resources.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Need Additional NGSS Resources? Start Here" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpUAj4OX4285GDeQMm0bhOfm92Aw3_736pvl3sBUulCWsuFO9B-v998g-baFRn3V4wxL94picoTrMMb2Q1M2QmcSTiczWh7DDlJHQd_OIA3MsC7xM0AU66QjHnzwMuaoalE0z24C4yiw/s400/Additional+Science+Resources.png" title="Need Additional NGSS Resources? Start Here" width="400" /></a></div>
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NGSS Lessons</h3>
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<a href="https://www.nextgenscience.org/NGSSLessonScreener">NGSS Lesson screene</a>r - this is a tool to check if your lesson is aligned to NGSS. A lot of your prior lessons might just need tweaking in one or two areas to fulfill the requirements. This is a very in-depth evaluation tool. They state that “a lesson is defined as a coherent set of instructional activities and assessments that may extend over several class periods or days; it is not just a single activity”<br /><br />If you find that you need some additional tweaks, storylines, phenomena, or other resources to get you started, here is a shortlist of places to start:</div>
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Tweaks, storylines, & phenomena</h3>
<a href="https://ngss.nsta.org/Classroom-Resources.aspx"></a><ul><a href="https://ngss.nsta.org/Classroom-Resources.aspx"></a>
<li><a href="https://ngss.nsta.org/Classroom-Resources.aspx"></a><a href="https://ngss.nsta.org/Classroom-Resources.aspx">NSTA NGSS Hub</a> - a hub of resources created by NSTA, and organized by topic</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nextgenscience.org/">Next Generation Science Standards</a> - The standards themselves but searchable by grade level, topic, crosscutting concept, etc. If you are getting ready to teach a particular topic, it can be really helpful to see where it connects with other topics, or what exactly the students are required to know.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ngssphenomena.com/">NGSS Phenomen</a>a - one part of NGSS that I really like, personally, is that it asks students to look at phenomena from the real world and to examine what is happening. As I mentioned, these are a lot like discrepant events or engagement activities, but they can also be used in other ways. This is a searchable database of pictures, videos and other phenomena. It also includes some pages on “How to Use Phenomena” and examples.</li>
<li><a href="https://thewonderofscience.com/">The Wonder of Science</a> - This is a treasure trove! Of course, not all topics are present, but it is searchable by standard, and then includes examples of complete units with storylines, phenomena, etc. I would definitely start here to get your brain going!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nextgenstorylines.org/">Next Generation Science Storylines</a> describes themselves as a project dedicated to providing tools that support teachers in developing, adapting, and teaching with strongly aligned NGSS materials in classrooms around the country. A storyline is basically a series of coherent lessons (coherent to students) that focuses on solving a problem. The steps should be driven by students’ questions. Again, for the topics that are covered, there are examples of complete units, with teacher handbooks and supporting materials. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/new-ngss-lesson-plans">Science Buddies NGSS Lesson Plans</a> - Lastly, if you are looking for something a little briefer, that will let you get right into the lesson plans, this is a good place to search.</li>
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I also wrote about NGSS <a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2018/02/how-do-new-ngss-standards-really-affect.html">here</a>. New York seems to be a bit behind, so I am not an expert, but I’m trying to share it with you as I learn. I’d love to hear from some of you who are ahead of the curve! </div>
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Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-72965861868388365892019-10-04T00:30:00.000-04:002019-10-04T00:30:01.308-04:00Four Unusual Subjects Your Class Could Study!<h2>
Four Unusual Subjects Your Class Could Study!</h2>
Children love to learn - that’s not a secret. They are small sponges right up until adulthood jades them a little, taking in every single tidbit of information that they are given. Those of us who were privileged enough to go to school and get a formal education all had a favorite subject at one time or another. The interesting classes that piqued our interest and got our creative and intelligent juices flowing seemed to fly by at school, whereas the other classes that we were least interested in dragged on by. <br />
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Education authorities across the globe are always doing research to ensure that they are offering<a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/05/can-i-really-be-scientist.html"> the best possible educational opportunities for children</a>. The system we have around the world isn’t the same as it was 20-30 years ago; it’s all changed now, with more on offer than ever before. Learning is supposed to be an interesting and pleasurable experience, and that means offering more interesting and fun subjects. Below, we’re going to talk about four subjects that are happening right now around the world that are a little different, but could spice up your educational offerings! These would be great additions for a filler kind of day, a class that is ahead, after a test, the day before a break, as an introduction, or just to get your brain thinking in a different way about your class. They could even be a jumping-off point for perhaps an elective, or a mini-unit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HsSssBczPMNjc8tjNCj9EsMvnsHZSVwLiBm-SeXLu_E_OURCEYRdh9y8PqVJFDDNf-iiEVEg0VjECMk7a3EgofhkbzExNnXbz3R2UBZjeFAzIC1J-ff-uAJh9hnQ0NKeyE-HOexqXTnU/s1600/Copy+of+Integrate+math+and+science.png"><img alt="Children love to learn - that’s not a secret. They are small sponges right up until adulthood jades them a little, taking in every single tidbit of information that they are given. Those of us who were privileged enough to go to school and get a formal education all had a favorite subject at one time or another. The interesting classes that piqued our interest and got our creative and intelligent juices flowing seemed to fly by at school, whereas the other classes that we were least interested in dragged on by. Here are four examples of unusual subjects studied in other places that might get your creative juices flowing for your own classes. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HsSssBczPMNjc8tjNCj9EsMvnsHZSVwLiBm-SeXLu_E_OURCEYRdh9y8PqVJFDDNf-iiEVEg0VjECMk7a3EgofhkbzExNnXbz3R2UBZjeFAzIC1J-ff-uAJh9hnQ0NKeyE-HOexqXTnU/s400/Copy+of+Integrate+math+and+science.png" title="Four Unusual Subjects Your Class Could Take" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-child-clouds-kid-346796/">Image Source: Pexels</a><br />
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Admiration for Nature - Taught In Japan</h3>
In Japan, there are always subjects that are a little different, but Admiration for Nature is a subject designed to teach young children to value the aesthetics of the world around them. Modern kids are so caught up in technology nowadays that they often fail to see the world around them, so this subject forces the screens down and eyes up for a moment to just see. Pupils still have to receive grades and take exams at the end of the year to show their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. <br />
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Cyber Security - Taught In Israel</h3>
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With a world moving to use <a href="https://www.itforedu.com/">cloud services</a> more and more, cybersecurity is paramount. Our world is a digital one and it’s now a vital area of knowledge as the internet permeates more and more of our daily life. Cybersecurity and data security are important, and while schools everywhere are now introducing Coding and Computing to their students, cybersecurity is a big part of the lesson. Children are being taught how to move around cyberspace and how to deal with negativity online. These lessons are important for the future of our society and it’s an interesting lesson to learn!<br />
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Surfing - Taught In Australia & Hawaii</h3>
Countries that have the privilege of having some of the most beautiful beaches around the world also recognize the importance of teaching children how to respect the ocean and ocean life. Surfing just happens to be a great Physics lesson waiting to happen. You can see some examples <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/science/surfingscientist/">here</a> and <a href="https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-physics-of-surfing-nick-pizzo">here</a>. Australians are teaching their best sport to their youngest minds, and these lessons ensure that children are burning some energy while also indulging in some much-needed fun!<br />
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Beekeeping - Taught In Bashkiria</h3>
There are more than 100 schools in Bashkiria that are running their own apiaries. The <a href="https://www.hiveandhoneyapiary.com/Teach-Kids-About-Bees.html">bees are integral</a> to our world continuing, and kids are learning to tend beehives, respect the work that bees do and harvest honey!<br />
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What creative and unique topics have you taught in your classroom? How do your students react? Feel free to comment or jump in the Facebook Group.<br />
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Students are so used to being taught curriculum out of a book or taught to a test, that its a great chance to have them spend some time on something different, and then even better if we can connect it back to science or STEM. Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-63531812330649142462019-09-23T10:21:00.000-04:002019-09-28T13:59:39.469-04:00Free Character and Social Emotional Learning Lesson PlansI know many of you help your students, and teach many other things than science. We all know that to be successful in school, students need to have their social and emotional needs met, and be ready to learn. As teachers, aren't we all so much more than just teachers of our content area?! Some of you teach these other life skills indirectly, or embedded in content lessons, and some of you teach topics other than science in actual homeroom/advisement course, etc. I was offered a this exclusive free resource for you for character development and social emotional learning to you, my subscribers.<br />
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<img alt="Characterstrong social emotional learning plans" height="191" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5271daf8e4b01cc8e6fb7b53/1558367588940-Y1EDCUFGZ6AZEROES2TB/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKNTIW3rUN1jWWFGFEQMWB17gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1Uf2wXDLUwkp8xlJwr__rIS4EdECZNFRtgCBgejbfJW-1m7cT0R_dexc_UL_zbpz6JQ/Screen+Shot+2019-05-20+at+10.52.30+AM.png?format=750w" style="background-color: white;" title="Characterstrong social emotional learning plans" width="400" /><br />
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The <a href="https://vrlps.co/tP1HhIY/cp">CharacterStrong blog</a> and podcast provides curricula and training for K-12 schools internationally. There will find inspiring and practical stories of educators implementing character development & social-emotional learning in their classrooms, CharacterStrong resources, case studies, and more. It also includes many resources to help educators take care of themselves, and support the whole teacher. There is an accompanying podcast as well. </div>
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3 Days of Free Character Development Lesson Plans </h3>
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(NOTE: THE LINK I WAS GIVEN AS AN EXCLUSIVE READER FREEBIE IS NOT WORKING AT THE MOMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY FOR AN UPDATED LINK). </div>
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HOWEVER, AT <a href="https://www.characterstrong.com/" target="_blank">THE WEBSITE</a> THERE ARE STILL FREE SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL, AVAILABLE FOR LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. </div>
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I WILL UPDATE THIS POST AS SOON AS I HAVE AN UPDATED LINK.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlIDmTYQChIttGRAouhERniGOBxw8A1nYRhOloAFQDw8Y6Tu90ZMBmB4JLEMCu6wPEUukK-lCG3lkZD2B-3N3oz_o7savyvSCtLIQdIBlg_GWhpinItHOj1F0Q44SlOn7FxThyFEEUVS/s1600/Free+Character+%2526+Social+Emotional+Learning.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Free Social and Emotional Learnig 3 Days of Lesson Plans" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlIDmTYQChIttGRAouhERniGOBxw8A1nYRhOloAFQDw8Y6Tu90ZMBmB4JLEMCu6wPEUukK-lCG3lkZD2B-3N3oz_o7savyvSCtLIQdIBlg_GWhpinItHOj1F0Q44SlOn7FxThyFEEUVS/s320/Free+Character+%2526+Social+Emotional+Learning.png" title="Free Social and Emotional Learnig 3 Days of Lesson Plans" width="320" /></a></div>
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How can I use these free social and emotional learning lesson plans? </h3>
Although many of you are science teachers, we all know that sometimes social and emotional learning and needs have to come first. Students may not be ready to learn science if their social and emotional needs are not met first.<br />
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Even if we can't always do this FIRST, per se, we can use sub days, extra class days because of assemblies or field trips, or times such as advisement to work on some of these skills. </div>
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As it is not our main content area, many of us may not feel adept at teaching these types of social and emotional skills. These 3 days of free lesson plans are a great place to start!</div>
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Please feel free to comment below if you use these how they go, or what you use to teach social and emotional learning in your classroom.<br />
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Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-17563373048322852132019-09-09T15:09:00.000-04:002019-09-09T15:09:01.163-04:005 Ways to Make the Most of Your Commute Time<h2>
How Can You Best Use Your Commute Time?</h2>
I don't know how long your commute is but one of the things that I really like to use my commute time for is to listen to podcast or audio books. What podcast do I recommend? It depends upon how you want to use your time. There are several great options!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp1-YpYXzp4I6yZXosvQf2O3VWRIyoxxglcIjybgjOTHQBw5tMhhANiwog3yH18fhNK9MfH1-6nYKELFnnvK-P45gljfJV_vlE8CfkgHp1BAO44aIA13vlJb8eKJeVq6HzBoTTrOGquoN/s1600/commute+time.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Make your commute time work for you! " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp1-YpYXzp4I6yZXosvQf2O3VWRIyoxxglcIjybgjOTHQBw5tMhhANiwog3yH18fhNK9MfH1-6nYKELFnnvK-P45gljfJV_vlE8CfkgHp1BAO44aIA13vlJb8eKJeVq6HzBoTTrOGquoN/s400/commute+time.png" title="5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Commute Time " width="400" /></a><br />
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Escape Reality</h3>
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Sometimes I enjoy podcasts that are audiobooks or story and give you an escape. They are just fun and make you energized and uplifted. That's completely fine! Some of my favorites in this category are:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/serial-this-american-life-V1NRH-2wzoB/">Serial</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/-tyxdXvDueg">NPR StoryCorps</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/NsAah-QWJl7">Six Minutes </a>(appropriate if you have middle-grade kids with you)</li>
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Professional Development</h3>
There are also educational podcasts if you want to get some professional development time while you are driving. Some of my favorite educational podcast are: <br />
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<li><a href="https://lnns.co/KAgeiavICHW">Google Teacher Tribe</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/zdYu3aA2V6_">Chalk Full of Life </a>(actually recently ended, but there are still many old episodes to listen to)</li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/yjHc4bq0Ovm">Cult of Pedagogy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/eHrLBVxAqM0">Truth for Teachers</a></li>
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Personal Growth</h3>
If you're looking for podcasts that are not just teaching related, but still allow some room for growth and learning, of course, it will depend on your interests. There are podcasts on almost every topic under the sun! However, two in particular that I think might appeal to a lot of people are: <br />
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<li><a href="https://lnns.co/yCE3tjWKcMX">3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms </a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/xsRnGt2zWOe">Brooke Castillo Life Coach School</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lnns.co/XLoTJ2Q8SUv">Ted Talks Daily</a></li>
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Audiobooks</h3>
Besides podcasts, other great ways to use your commute time include audiobooks (available for free through your library on the OverDrive App, Hoopla, or sometimes other options depending upon your library). You can always listen to music that will get you energized during the day or put you in a good mood. <br />
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Connection</h3>
If you have Bluetooth in your car, or a good hands-free setup, this is also a great time to catch up with family or friends and make a quick phone call for connection.<br />
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Bonus - Quiet Solitude and Recharge! </h3>
Additionally, depending upon your personality, if you feel like you've been talking to people all day and you need a break, then absolutely use this as a time for peace and quiet! It's perfectly fine to turn the radio off. Just enjoy the time to yourself in the car so that you come home calm and ready to face your family and the rest of your day<br />
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Some of you may need some peace and quiet some of you need a chance to interact or tune in to something else. You know yourself best, but don’t waste that time! Use it to your advantage! It can help you in one way or the other throughout the day.</div>
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Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-80512379189522152582019-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:002019-08-26T00:00:04.077-04:00Who am I - In Terms of Science? <h2>
Science Says: Who am I?</h2>
In 2014, Nicole Kidman, Mark Strong, and Colin Firth kept the audience on the edge of their seats in the thriller Before I Go To Sleep. Every morning, the character played by Kidman experiences a fresh start. She wakes up, not knowing where she is or who she is with. Her husband explains that she has suffered extreme brain damage in an accident several years earlier that left her unable to process any memory from the past twenty years of her life. For the rest of the day, the wife records her thoughts on a camera, which she consults in the morning with the help of her neuropsychologist. The thriller then evolves and unravels the mysterious accident that has led her to sustain a life-changing injury. <br /><br /><br />If we ignore the thriller element for a moment, the story of Nicole Kidman’s character is fascinating. Every morning, she can get to explore who she is. How many of us have been given such an opportunity to indulge in self-exploration? The truth is that not many people would be able to tell you who they are as clearly as the movie – which is also a book – projects. Answering the question of who you are can be tricky. The quest for an answer is enough to throw anybody into a profound identity crisis. Except if you rely on science. Science, as it happens, can reveal a lot about yourself. Here’s how it works: <br /><h3>
I am the person who can</h3>
More and more proud adults are showing off their STEM roots. Science, technology, engineering and math programs have become a priority all around the country as too few students are choosing to pursue degrees in these fields. As a result, teachers are constantly looking for<a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/07/how-can-we-attract-students-to-stem.html"> ways to attract new students</a>.<a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/07/how-can-we-attract-students-to-stem.html"> </a>Thankfully, public opinion has gradually warmed up to the idea of STEM. Many suggest that TV shows such as the Big Bang Theory or Sherlock have helped many young people to make peace with science. STEM role models have also become more vocal, giving the science community a strong and engaging voice. In conclusion, young girls and boys get to meet a variety of mentors and industry leaders who come from a scientific background. The message is the same everywhere; the STEM community is stronger together. For many, embracing STEM studies turn you into a do-er. You become the person who can send rockets to the moon, or who can find a new dinosaur species. You are the name the story will remember because you’re the one who made it happen. <br /><h3>
I am the descendant of someone great</h3>
Everybody loves looking through old family albums. Here’s a picture of grandma. Here’s your great-great-uncle you’ve never met. It’s always exciting to look through the black and white faces from the past and trying to find similarities. Do you have that person’s nose or this one’s eyes? Finding out who you are is always about knowing where you come from. Not everyone is keen on building their genealogical tree by themselves – it’s hard work, and it’s not always rewarding research. However, some specialists can take the pain out of thorough <a href="https://www.worthingtonclark.com/">genealogy research</a><a href="https://www.worthingtonclark.com/"> </a>for you. Finding relatives to an individual who has passed away is sometimes the only way for solicitors to discover unexpected beneficiaries. A genetic test could let you learn more about your family, and therefore about yourself too. <br /><br /><img height="273" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fnb9dunoLsXqX32UArK-KrH2F4kZ2bDazGuT7P2gFJJvkBCH78Xwa1mNNVXLANDScFGxeRPtOBpH5vqIfPK8DbfR52m5fC2_-LSNEvfgvIiFbBVK01okUIs5rImHb-1JhE-Drnlb" width="400" /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/battle-black-blur-board-game-260024/">Pexels - CC0 License</a><br /><h3>
My genes dictate what I can eat</h3>
While we’re in the field of genetics, it’s a good idea to learn the lessons that DNA can teach about your body and needs. There are currently plenty of tests available that can let you know more about your <a href="https://www.healthista.com/dna-genetic-test-review-three-different-diet-fitness-results/">dietary requirements based on your DNA</a> patterns.<a href="https://www.healthista.com/dna-genetic-test-review-three-different-diet-fitness-results/"> </a>The science is exact, however, if you want reliable results you should probably wait until the off-the-counter tests become more performant. Nevertheless, the human genome can reveal a lot about your health. You are maybe a lactose-intolerant person who didn’t know about their condition. Or your tendency to overeat could be marked by your genes. Knowing more about your DNA helps you to become the best you can be. <br /><h3>
Maths guides me through my identity crisis</h3>
Philosophers argue that the best way to address an identity crisis is to support your reasoning with maths. Indeed, a philosophical quest can’t rely on intuition. Instead, <a href="https://www.philosophersmag.com/essays/131-want-to-be-good-at-philosophy-study-maths-and-science">mathematics</a> becomes the ultimately philosophical language that navigates through logic to the most appropriate answer.<a href="https://www.philosophersmag.com/essays/131-want-to-be-good-at-philosophy-study-maths-and-science"> </a>To pursue a rational debate or self-introspection, you need to be able to engage ideas logically and rigorously until you can confirm or reject your assumptions. In other words, brilliant philosophers are mathematicians. <br /><br /><img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yd90JOIXt7HDs9sz48l83Qh0g7FdxYZt0JzpaTQ9sbEYmIY5SVkm4esx6StnxM_3hB9-HXzalwf4Z5D5n_1HL3jIZ1GFQQFWQyfmpsHAfy_YEVje9DAZB8xk_Ig2_ffNpvQIyAaw" width="400" /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/acer-computer-computer-science-laptop-1068333/">Pexels - CC0 License</a><br /><br />Am I the result of a complex human genome that defines how my body reacts? Am I the person who discovers a new dinosaur? Or am I the person whose distant cousin made a fortune? I could be all of these, and only philosophy can guide me to the truth. Science answers the darkest identity crisis for you.<br /><br />Students see science as so abstract, and distant from their lives, but this is a different way to take a look at the role science plays in defining who we are, and really grabbing kids attentions. Who am I? could be a great ongoing theme throughout the year! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-91644441849133697972019-08-12T14:43:00.000-04:002019-08-12T14:43:03.165-04:00What other inspirational teens do you know? Share and get a free resourceAs you know, I have been really digging into the idea of a growth mindset and creating readings and reflection questions for students on a growth mindset, and a series of young innovators.<br />
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</div><div>I have written the following set of blog posts, related to this topic:</div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/05/can-i-really-be-scientist.html" target="_blank">Can I really be a scientist?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/06/be-inspired-by-successful-teen-role.html" target="_blank">Be Inspired by Successful Teen Role Models</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/06/mindset-and-characteristics-of.html" target="_blank">Mindset and Characteristics of Successful People: Teaching It!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/07/young-upstanders-and-innovators-check.html" target="_blank">Young upstanders and innovators: Check 'em out!</a></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Upstanders-and-Innovators-Complete-Set-4405448-1551093566/original-4405448-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Upstanders and Innovators Complete Set (Growing)" border="0" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Upstanders-and-Innovators-Complete-Set-4405448-1551093566/original-4405448-1.jpg" title="What other inspirational teens do you know?" nopin="nopin"/></a></div>I have a long (and growing) list of inspirational and upstanding young people. However, I am also always looking for new inspiration.<br />
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Ideally, the people featured in this series would be a minority/low income/diverse backgrounds and overcome some type of difficulty to pursue a dream or create a science or STEM resource or invention.<br />
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My vision is that students be able to see themselves in these stories of students, and both better view themselves as scientists and be able to see the growth mindset characteristics in action and see their importance.<br />
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As of this writing, there are articles, written on two different reading levels, complete with questions for each of the following:<br />
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<ul><li>Trisha Prabhu</li>
<li>Boyan Slat</li>
<li>Kai Kloepfer</li>
<li>Deepika Kurup</li>
<li>William Kamkwamba</li>
<li>Shubham Banerjee</li>
<li>Jack Andraka</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9XpKUbe7SrF9930gQ97VAwaZBrY9cU8QBUQMhgJzNhYOiQ576vSy18bVwhkn7MthbIZBmuxTchd-AQRkSO97n-MGdQLX2c9e5teivjvEY4Ukl_8w2X3NJxUOM_OkNUG7QdzUxYsFIQYj/s1600/Copy+of+Inspirational+Teens+you+KNow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Share your inspirational teens and win a free teaching resource" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9XpKUbe7SrF9930gQ97VAwaZBrY9cU8QBUQMhgJzNhYOiQ576vSy18bVwhkn7MthbIZBmuxTchd-AQRkSO97n-MGdQLX2c9e5teivjvEY4Ukl_8w2X3NJxUOM_OkNUG7QdzUxYsFIQYj/s400/Copy+of+Inspirational+Teens+you+KNow.png" title="What Inspirational Teens do you know? " width="400" /></a></div><br />
You may see different news stories than I do, and I would love your help. If you know an inspirational teen, I may not know them. Please, take a minute and fill out <a href="https://forms.gle/D6usMQ2h5x87dvp97" target="_blank">this form</a>! Give me your suggestions, and if I use your suggestion, you will get a free copy of the resource that I create based on the teen you suggest!<br />
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</div>Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-44574672131909259592019-07-29T12:00:00.000-04:002019-07-29T12:00:07.689-04:00How Can We Attract Students To STEM?<h2>
How Can We Attract Students To STEM? </h2>
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<i><b>Note:</b> This is a guest post for Science in the City. Author Bio is listed at the bottom</i></div>
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Today’s generation of teachers know the value and importance of STEM education, as society continues to need people with skills in science, technology, engineering and math. Many teachers are acting as mentors for their student’s specific interests – educating them on STEM-related role models in current times and throughout history. <br />
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However, establishing role models in the STEM world is beneficial, but not always enough. One female-graduate STEM student commented that Jane Goodall had always been her role model, but she never met Goodall. The student says that in her opinion, real-life mentors are more important than role models. <br />
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Articles on how-to-teach-STEM appear almost daily in journals designed to help teachers reach students who express little or no interest in those subjects. To meet this challenge, educators are becoming aware that it takes more than reading chapters in a book or filling in blanks on worksheets. So how can teachers – with the help of those outside of the classroom - encourage the next generation to consider pursuing a STEM-related education and career?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8HZ7sfd9nFM702RYd7Mg0mdCyGnwmc6bdbPnpbQ8Jj5HiYdM13_jcX2OoAwcwGClylCBUqcd8WNQXF9JHWpYVaA0ge9H7y2YVVEkO5wuUMzq4TMsDZCEE6HdnrJEQim2QMy0M0CchcZp/s1600/ats-stem-2.jpg"><img alt="A graphic showing the components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8HZ7sfd9nFM702RYd7Mg0mdCyGnwmc6bdbPnpbQ8Jj5HiYdM13_jcX2OoAwcwGClylCBUqcd8WNQXF9JHWpYVaA0ge9H7y2YVVEkO5wuUMzq4TMsDZCEE6HdnrJEQim2QMy0M0CchcZp/s640/ats-stem-2.jpg" title="STEM" width="640" /></a><br />
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Stimulate and Encourage Curiosity </h3>
Students of all ages must be encouraged to ask “why” questions. Give students the opportunity to taste, smell, touch and watch. Provide them with items to play with and analyze. As one teacher stated, “We must simply give them the resources that feed their curiosity. Growing fruits and vegetables in a garden, building forts, and playing with blocks can all be uniquely valuable.” <br />
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Toddlers who play with blocks and build forts increase their spatial abilities. Hands-on learning opportunities, such as puzzles or cooking in the kitchen, can drive a young person’s life-long interest in a subject. <br />
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Provide Real-Life Exploration Activities </h3>
Most adults recall their elementary school science project of creating an erupting volcano out of ordinary household items. The thrill of experiencing the result of a hands-on project stays with them for a lifetime. <br />
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A few years ago, the Massachusetts state education department implemented a “Got Math” program as an experiment for elementary and middle school students using real-life situations to learn the importance of developing their math skills. For example: <br />
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<li>Students met with local businesses that taught them how to shop with coupons to reduce the cost of their purchases. </li>
<li>Students visited with architects who taught them how to use measurement and problem-solving techniques to design and build a foam model house to scale.</li>
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Other examples of real-life exploration activities include: <br />
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<li>Young students experiment with objects to learn why some float and some sink. </li>
<li>Older students may watch crime-solving television programs and learn how the use of science techniques help solve crimes.</li>
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There is really no limit to how students can learn through experimentation.<br />
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Role Models, Industry Leaders and Mentors </h3>
Exposing students to role models and industry leaders is a good thing. They learn about the success of anthropologist Jane Goodall, engineer and entrepreneur Elon Musk, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bill Gates of Microsoft fame, astronauts and NASA scientists, and other famous people. Students can see how they can similarly use STEM education in their lives. <br />
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Active mentors who guide students, and who can see the world the way their students see it, are priceless. Mentors are known for igniting their students’ life-long passion for succeeding in their chosen STEM field. <br />
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Introduce Students to STEM Jobs </h3>
STEM jobs pay well. According to one report, in 2018, the median earnings in the country for all non-stem jobs was $19.30 per hour. For STEM jobs, the pay averaged $38.85 an hour. As STEM talent becomes harder to find, the pay will only increase. Plus, it is expected that there will be more STEM-related jobs every year. As of 2019, there were approximately 2.4 million vacant STEM jobs in the country. Showing students these jobs can provide a financially bright future may entice them to pursue a career in that direction. <br />
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What are some examples of STEM careers? Below are a few examples you can provide to students: <br />
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<li>Creation and improvement of cellphones, computers, tablets and videogames </li>
<li>Cybersecurity </li>
<li>Anything to do with artificial intelligence </li>
<li>Manufacturer </li>
<li>Engineer </li>
<li>Geologist </li>
<li>Paleontologist </li>
<li>Volcanologist </li>
<li>Archeologist </li>
<li>Anthropologist</li>
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And as STEM- related fields keep expanding due to innovation there will be jobs available in areas not yet even known. <br />
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Educators who capitalize on the innate curiosity of children — and who give them the hands-on experiences they need to encourage exploration and inquisitiveness — can find a classroom full of motivated learners. The long-term results may be college students pursuing their dream of finding a well-paying STEM career. Society, in general, will also likely progress as STEM education will help lead it in that direction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jkaQzllCafDr1cSAMMhvvCqXcxoD3j0f4wWrqTl9xmwHJEO6ad_A3QP6VS9uQO0hHtMdtpUhFY9LDYFL9Tsh8aYgvrVzrGDnbLLLaixT-ip2cuizrukYKeAmeVauqVyDQhDyt38acPib/s1600/ats-stem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A graphic showing an adult working with students on an engineering project" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jkaQzllCafDr1cSAMMhvvCqXcxoD3j0f4wWrqTl9xmwHJEO6ad_A3QP6VS9uQO0hHtMdtpUhFY9LDYFL9Tsh8aYgvrVzrGDnbLLLaixT-ip2cuizrukYKeAmeVauqVyDQhDyt38acPib/s400/ats-stem.jpg" title="Mentors and Students Experimenting" width="400" /></a><br />
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Author bio: </h3>
Chris Hobbs has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience in various hands-on and managerial roles such as machine builder, reliability engineer, maintenance technician, maintenance management, consulting, and more. Chris is currently the Technical Training Program Manager at <a href="https://www.advancedtech.com/industrial-maintenance/factory-comprehensive-maintenance/">Advanced Technology Services</a> where he oversees the SkillPoint™ program comprised of electronic and mechanical courses to improve technicians’ skillsets and meet the needs of modern manufacturing.</div>
Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-37671548798599533812019-07-15T00:30:00.000-04:002019-07-15T00:30:04.992-04:00How and Where to Connect with Science in the City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v2DORhcVkMe3CWdkz6jttP8gGrCGHH-7D-A2fWjm2DA1eQpXmCvlbT-l3H2nZec4h20NF1cKR6eJz1gp1asod4zsZSQcum4d75nMop9w27uk1rIEXiXEhwN-ivpjZB44gSXcCSRHt5Nw/s1600/connect.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I love to connect with fellow teachers and learn from each other. Here's how" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v2DORhcVkMe3CWdkz6jttP8gGrCGHH-7D-A2fWjm2DA1eQpXmCvlbT-l3H2nZec4h20NF1cKR6eJz1gp1asod4zsZSQcum4d75nMop9w27uk1rIEXiXEhwN-ivpjZB44gSXcCSRHt5Nw/s400/connect.png" title="How and Where to Connect with Me" /></a></div>
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I love to connect with fellow teachers. We all learn from each other, and become stronger by communicating and sharing. <br />
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Some people prefer to connect in different ways. I am in a lot of places around the internet, and I’d love to connect wherever you are. <br />
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<li><a href="mailto:sciinthecity@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email</a>: Feel free to shoot me an email. I am usually pretty quick to response to email, and I love getting responses or questions from you. This is probably the most individualized way to communicate. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/12345" target="_blank">Mailing list</a>: I send out free resources, updates, sale announcements, and subscriber only exclusives.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> articles approximately every 2 weeks on various science and teaching topics (as well as the occasional guest post or giveaway exclusive for readers).</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sciinthecity" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>: My Facebook page is not super active, but you will see upcoming news, newsletters, occasionally new resources, some humor.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/21stcenturyscience/" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a>: The best place to connect with me as well as other science teachers from around the world. There are 2500 members, science teachers from around the world. We share resources, and ask and answer questions.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/SciintheCity/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>: I have many active boards of my own, and well as collaborative boards with other science teachers that cover many commonly taught science topics, as well as technology, differentiation, literacy, and more.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sciinthecity/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>: I am not super active on IG, but I do occasionally participate in giveaways, and post pics of things going on in class, or new blog posts.</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/sciinthecity" target="_blank">Twitter</a>: Again, I’m not super active on Twitter, but if you prefer twitter new articles are posted there, and sometimes other updates.</li>
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Hope to talk to you soon!! </div>
Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-68566464007549500742019-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:002019-07-16T20:12:43.370-04:00Young upstanders and innovators: Check 'em out!<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Young upstanders and innovators: Check 'em out!</h2>
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Throughout the last several posts <a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/05/can-i-really-be-scientist.html">here</a>, <a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/06/be-inspired-by-successful-teen-role.html">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/06/mindset-and-characteristics-of.html">here</a> I have discussed the importance of students viewing themselves as scientists, having role models and examples of scientists who come from diverse backgrounds, and explicitly teaching and reinforcing the mindset and characteristics of successful scientists. </div>
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How to do it? </h3>
The question is how to do this?! This all sounds great on paper, but not so easy to implement in the classroom. <br />
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I struggled with this myself, as well as ways to increase engagement, and work on reading comprehension. <br />
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It was for all of these reasons, and out of this need that I began to create a series of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Upstanders-and-Innovators-Complete-Set-Growing-4405448?aref=a5kzkzsf">reading comprehension articles </a>on young people who fit all of these characteristics. <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Upstanders-and-Innovators-Complete-Set-Growing-4405448" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="It is so important for students to have a mindset about how to be a scientist, having role models and examples of scientist stories who come from diverse backgrounds, and to teaching and reinforcing the growth mindset and characteristics of successful scientists. It was for all of these reasons, I created a series of science reading passages and lessons about these teens who are changing the world to be used in your high school science classroom." src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2NlvvqHBfb-hZd8Zq2tqwW_SIOWntIRCyoLrIdrmw6ESZ-AIgmLhH_kpGoHYG_tp5L2Nz2so-KzqYw8C5ifC8PeVei8skFdtbuBWOnHLoz1IrI1VXBUpPXmHygJWcbdoK8xWfw0X" title="Upstanders and Innovators Complete Set" /></a><br />
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What's Included?</h3>
<ul>
<li>This reading set includes a two page article on each person listed and their work, as well as reading comprehension and reflection questions.</li>
<li>This is part of a series or articles on students who are innovators and upstanders, and have made a difference in their world.</li>
<li>Each article is provided at two reading levels (approximately 10th grade and approximately 7th grade). Also included are two differentiated sets of response questions, as well as an answer key.</li>
<li>These articles can be used as sub plans, as a way to integrate growth mindset and literacy into class on a regular basis, as a station, as a means of engaging students in science and helping them to see themselves as scientists.</li>
<li>This set will continue to grow and include at least 10+ articles. The price will increase as more are added. By purchasing you will receive all future articles as well.</li>
</ul>
This addresses some of the concerns listed in the past 3 posts - students seeing themselves as scientists, qualities that make for successful scientists. See the mindset and characteristics of successful scientists, and give them positive role models.<br />
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What are people saying about them?</h3>
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<img data-pin-nopin="true" height="264" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BtSeo4nOebJrPUD68rJPpK0dyDFup-tF5EhcqKhg0PvoOfGFCmdYomg9lK3WRlnJ1E_WtURxSoR92zdSwb24RNb-daX4G2zC_mfkQvQdQjkyEDqW0pYosa2ryKF9EQfXh7heMIBN" width="640" /><br />
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<img data-pin-nopin="true" height="272" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IftJ18Z8QBqYH3qsgPhclzgtGpoIOHhUeHwlvCr0VVmiGSgtenowS_e9V4AB2hq5XajcWLxYpvvX6vUIhxyxfMW-rVpUQffwzJ3TJZESqliPI6Io0ajR67E2WnESHfKM8US2OsrK" width="640" /><br />
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<br />Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5049645675744772017.post-7407437859550641272019-06-17T20:53:00.000-04:002019-06-17T20:53:08.340-04:00Mindset and Characteristics of Successful People: Teaching It!<h2>
Mindset and Characteristics of Successful People: Teaching It!</h2>
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What characteristics make a successful scientist? </h3>
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Many students believe that these characteristics are innate characteristics that someone either has or doesn’t have. This could not be further from the truth. In reality, characteristics of scientists, and characteristics of successful people in general, can be learned. Mindset can change and develop! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP3L4sno3FHF8A6HYw5THd-ddy6x0P_5OHKD7K4DAX3AjywtCT_9Pc9ze06VCGijNTz9u3RiJ6qwC3zisaUeh9RyCzr0GZL91X5EZxA-MVk2_xLxsRizs0xOWieTEUb07RvIJeKW7zkmH/s1600/mindset+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Mindset and Characteristics of Successful People: Teaching It!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP3L4sno3FHF8A6HYw5THd-ddy6x0P_5OHKD7K4DAX3AjywtCT_9Pc9ze06VCGijNTz9u3RiJ6qwC3zisaUeh9RyCzr0GZL91X5EZxA-MVk2_xLxsRizs0xOWieTEUb07RvIJeKW7zkmH/s400/mindset+%25281%2529.png" title="Mindset and Characteristics of Successful People: Teaching It!`" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><a href="https://www.dataquest.io/blog/data-scientist-traits/">Dataquest </a>defines traits as “a mental habit with broad applications” and defines the five essential traits as curiosity, clarity, creativity, skepticism, and humility. In this article the author outlines steps to take to develop each of these traits. Again, these can be learned.<br /><br /><a href="https://humannatureconcepts.wordpress.com/category/10-characteristics-of-scientists/">Human Nature Concepts</a> also writes about the 10 Characteristics of scientists, and identifies them as follows: curiosity, open-minded, keen observer, resourceful, purposeful, good communicator, persistent, creative, critical thinker, and courageous. <br /><br /><div>
<a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_makes_a_good_scientist">Michigan State University</a> also answers the question of “What Makes a Good Scientist?” with a very similar list: curious, patient, courageous, detail-oriented, creative, persistent, communicative, open-minded, and critical thinker/problem solver. <br /><br />Lastly, the <a href="http://www.nobelprizeii.org/video-category/characteristics-of-a-scientist/">Nobel Prize Inspiration Initiative</a> has several different interviews on the topic of “What Makes a Good Scientist?” <br /><br />All of these have many qualities in common, as you may have noticed. Are these qualities that you see in your students? If not, how can we teach/emphasize these qualities to students? </div>
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How do we teach these skills?</h3>
We can (and probably do) teach many of this skills as part of science. I know we try to teach observation, skepticism, and problem solving (certainly part of the new science standards). I’m sure we teach lessons that work on creativity and resourcefulness (perhaps integrated with engineering design, or creating a presentation. But how to we encourage these throughout the year, and really get students to think of themselves as having these skills? Although these lessons are great, and they introduce these skills, students need to see them on a regular basis, and see them applied. Otherwise it’s far too easy for these to be removed from real life, and become another abstract classroom lesson <br /><br />We need to practice, demonstrate, and reinforce these skills on a regular basis to change students’ mindset, and self-image. <br /><br />As science teachers, it is likely that we practice those that are more traditional science skills throughout the year, such as observation, and communication, but what about things like persistence, courage, and curiosity. These can be encouraged in the classroom through both the frequent use of examples and role models, affirmations, and a change in classroom culture. <br /><br />These characteristics are very similar to the idea of growth mindset. Here is a great article on <a href="https://www.lexialearning.com/blog/6-tips-help-students-develop-growth-mindset-classroom">6 Tips to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset</a>. Interestingly, one of their strategies is to Read books with characters who face challenges and develop strategies to overcome them, in other words, to utilize role models, similar to those discussed in my <a href="https://www.scienceinthecityclassroom.com/2019/06/be-inspired-by-successful-teen-role.html">last post</a>.<br /><br />It is also a great idea to change the language in the classroom, to model it yourself, and to utilize affirmations and inspirational bulletin boards. Here is a <a href="https://bitsofpositivity.com/the-ultimate-list-of-free-growth-mindset-printables-for-kids-and-adults/">huge list of free printables</a> that you could certainly use in your classroom. <br /><br />It is equally important to tie these to real-life examples, however, such as other people who have demonstrated these skills. Some examples can be seen in this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Upstanders-and-Innovators-Complete-Set-Growing-4405448?aref=2wkuuuu6">Growing Bundle</a>.<br /><br />I’d love to hear your ideas for particular lessons or things that you do in class that help students practice and reinforce the mindest and traits of scientists. Do you have an particular lessons that are great ways to teach these skills? If so, feel free to comment below, or jump in our Facebook Group and share! </div>
Science in the Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912795185234572338noreply@blogger.com0