I had a wonderful visit at Riverchase Elementary School today. The students were wonderful, and their garden, STEM lab and media center are amazing! They welcomed me with this super-fun bulletin board. I've never been greeted by Yoda before!
Book signing in Homewood!
If you are in the Birmingham/Vestavia Hills/ Homewood area, come out and meet a whole slew of children's writers this weekend. (Secret Parent Tip: A personalized, autographed children's book is a wonderful teacher gift!) More info here!
You Tube Book Review
Avery's dad sent me a link to this fantastic book review of Cool Chemistry Activities for Girls that she made. I'm honored! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A3WOo6gEFw
Buzzfeed Biology (and other sciences)
So a friend tagged me on Facebook with a "What's your spirit biological macromolecule quiz?" from Buzzfeed. (I'm collagen, thanks for asking.) The questions were ridiculous and silly, but I thought--what a great idea! I can see getting kids to write quizzes... What step of photosynthesis are you? (Are you the sort to have your … Continue reading Buzzfeed Biology (and other sciences)
Herb Garden Grant
There are lots of garden grants out there, but this one is appealing because it can help a teacher start small. The Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant offers $200 to teachers in grades 3-6 to start an indoor or outdoor herb garden for their class. This would be perfect for a teacher in a … Continue reading Herb Garden Grant
Help for Field Trips (not at your school)
The other day, I described some resources for stay-at-school field trips (is this like a staycation? A staytrip? A stield trip?). At any rate, Target offers grants to help take your students on real field trips. Grants of up to $700 are available for schools within 100 miles of a Target store. For trips this … Continue reading Help for Field Trips (not at your school)
Engaging “Field Trips” (at your school)
The National Park Service offers a variety of programs straight from the Grand Canyon--Through the wonders of modern technology, a park ranger will "beam" into your classroom and lead your class through one of several explorations, including animal and plant adaptations, geologic history (layers, plate tectonics, etc.), the history of people groups in that area, … Continue reading Engaging “Field Trips” (at your school)
3 Fabulous Adventures for Teachers
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime for next summer? Consider these amazing trips. -Save the Rainforest's Trips to Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama. Fellowships cover most or all costs. Apply by October 1: http://www.saverfn.com -Earthwatch Teach Earth USA's Trips to work with turtles in Costa Rica, Coral in the Little Cayman, or climate change … Continue reading 3 Fabulous Adventures for Teachers
Upcoming Presentations
I'm doing a lot of traveling this fall. If I'm going to be in your area, please stop by and say hello! September 16-17: Elementary Science Staff Development Festival; Blue Springs, MO October 5: Author Visit at Riverchase Elementary; Hoover, AL October 6: Author Visit at Shades Mountain Christian School; Birmingham, AL October 7: Writing … Continue reading Upcoming Presentations
Face Swap!
The munchkins and I have been having a blast with a face swapping app recently. I've been wracking my brain for a science education use for it. So today we played at being physicists and face swapping with Einstein. This was the best of the girl munchkin: She wouldn't let me post what his face … Continue reading Face Swap!
Once Upon a Science Book 