I have come across several science teachers, STEM teachers, media specialists and MakerSpace organizers who have found themselves with a set of Lego Mindstorms that they aren't sure how to use. I was intrigued by this set of free online courses to help you get started. (You can even take a test and get "certified" … Continue reading Got Mindstorms?
Joining a pilot study, field test, or research study can be a fun great way to learn new content and new teaching skills. Typically, you get access to interesting, new curriculum and you get to implement it while working with a team. It's more social than traditional teaching, and it causes you to reflect on … Continue reading Participate in a Research Study
I'll be presenting tonight and tomorrow at the Tennessee Association of School Librarians. If you're coming to The Novel Conversation event tonight, I look forward to meeting you. Likewise, I can't wait to share "Curiosity Meets the Printed Page" tomorrow at 4!
I got this information in an email recently: Thursday, October 12th School Librarians Get to the Source FREE Webinar, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET TPS-experienced elementary, middle, and high school librarians discuss key considerations for connecting Library of Congress resources with K-12 classrooms. Tom Bober, Heather Balsley, and Jenn Hanson provide insight and strategies to promote inquiry … Continue reading Primary Sources for School Librarians
The children's writing community, under the leadership of Kate Messner, is offering an auction to raise money for relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey. Over 200 authors and editors have offered items--including many, many school and skype visits from big name authors (including Grace Lin, Sarah Albee, Katherine Applegate, Janet Fox, and more.) This would be … Continue reading Children’s Writers Respond to Harvey
Just opened the newest books in my collection. Last fall, I tried my hand at early readers--scoring at ATOS (Accelerated Reader) level 1 or lower. Very tough to write. But here they are: The Five Senses!
With the eclipse less than two weeks away, I'm compiling all of the resources I have posted about into one place. Do you have a favorite eclipse resource I haven't discussed? The Exploratorium has a ton of resources, including a "live streaming" of the event and this video explaining why the eclipse is occurring and … Continue reading Eclipse Resource Roundup
If you plan to watch the eclipse, you need to watch this video. My cousin Mark (see some of his writing here) brought this to my attention. It's on the long side--the key information starts about 1:47 and runs about 10 minutes. But it explains several things to watch for in addition to totality, and … Continue reading Play-by-play guide for Eclipse watching
Teachers (those of you in the South who start before labor day...), get your eclipse-explainer hat on! This is your chance to finally help your kids understand the Earth--moon-sun relationship. You'll never have them this motivated to understand it again. NASA has a huge collection of materials--you can access all of them from this launch … Continue reading NASA Eclipse Resources (plus MATH!)
It's exactly one month until Solar Eclipse 2017--time to figure out your viewing site. NASA has a fantastic collection of libraries, museums, national parks, and other places where groups will gather and experts will be on hand to answer questions. Search their official NASA event locations at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/event-locations!
Once Upon a Science Book 