1) The technology group met together this week for training in "collaborative coaching and learning". We decided that we would observe and critique each others' technology lessons here at Corcoran rather than travelling to other schools to observe other science teachers. We think that it will be easier for us to collaborate with each other at Corcoran, and also that it could help to facilitate the creation of interdisciplinary lessons.
2) The ESF students have been working on their continents. They added biomes, and designed a new intelligent species. I think that these activities really helped my students process the information from the biomes and evolution readings. I am going to use the Create a Continent assignment with my Earth Science students to teach the global heat engine in the context of meteorology. Earth Science students have already learned about air masses. I set up 4 corners in the room, and passed out cards with the names of various air masses, and had students go their respective regions of origin. They seemed to enjoy the activity. The also enjoyed the cloud in a bottle demonstration.
3) I put together a couple pages of recent meteorology regents questions, and had students read through and work on them. They did not do as well as I was hoping. It seems that the vast majority of students understand the concepts, and can read the passages just fine. However, they often misunderstand what the questions are asking them. I am going to spend a large portion of the remaining time this year teaching how to decode the questions and follow "regents-style directions" to understand what is being asked. We have talked about how the exam gives TMI, and will push strategies such as process of elimination.
4) Two of my former students have suffered gunshot wounds this week. This concerns me deeply. I know that both of these young men are good-natured, friendly, peaceful people. They DID NOT deserve to get shot. Thankfully, both are recovering. However, there is a current trend right now for very young children to commit senseless gun crimes. As a society, a community, and as a collection of families, we need to develop means of addressing this dire situation. There needs to be a cultural shift away from violence. The schools are part of the solution, but not the entire equation. Schools should build stronger partnerships with parents/guardians and the community at large. If we work together, we can be a powerful and positive influence on our young people. However, I am calling out the families. You need to take action. You need to be proactive. You need to be involved. Then I can do my part, and together we can ensure that our children succeed.
5) "You can be any age and talk about Spongebob, Spongebob a classic"
"You are too good to be a high school teacher, you should be a college professor"
P.S. I am still getting used to the strange form of grammar that many of my students use on facebook. I am debating whether or not I should correct them or ask them to write in complete sentences.
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