Weather Matters

Tool #8

Both video clips are from You Tube. I have a real appreciation for the timing and arrangement of the items used in the films. And, 0f course, they have to do with science! The first clip show true, unadulerated theatrical performances by the individuals in the white coats. They convey their knowledge and love for chemistry and physics. The second video clip establishes the importance of parts making up the whole... each simple piece makes the complex piece work in complete harmony. Lastly, the music rocks, and I love diet coke, and mentos! But not necessarily together....

Tool #9 C

Anyone else want to go to the Houston Aquarium?



http://screencast.com/t/ZGVhYzI4OD

Tool #9

Although it has only been less than 24 hours since I got back from vacation in Massachusetts, I still see the clammers of Ipswich, MA, dragging home their succulent morsels...I might be just a little plane-lagged, but if you squint, and say, "Clams in butter, oh my!" three times, you may just see them too...oh yes, you probably have to click on that link below too...Squint real hard now, or it won't work....

http://screencast.com/t/OTg2NGRiNjct

Final tool 11- Reflection

The real surprise about this entire "trip" is that I purchased an Ipod touch for myself. A phone that enabled me to call, text, and snap photos of friends and family was all I really needed in my previous life...But now, there is no turning back! Pandora's box is open and who knows where my experiences will lead. Learning is exciting and I intend to have that kind of excitement in (and out) of my classroom with my students. One of the best items I learned about were Google Docs. I have helped my former housemate in planning a 40th reunion with his East Boston mates and I just love these great apps for my iTouch! Obviously, my life will never be the same. Change is good. Personal growth is required. It really is just common sense, but I must admit, I have resisted even my own logic....In order to utilize these technology tools in the classroom effectively (and readily), I have to familiarize myself with them outside the classroom. I see a lot more technology projects that incorporate more than just Google searches and PowerPoint slideshows! I also see a lot of communication opening up between students of varying grades and quite possibly different schools. This makes me very happy.

Tool #10

So that's what all the fuss is about! I wondered why I don't see more children outside playing sports anymore. They're all busy playing with these great apps! I grew up in a time when children were expected to play outside and T.V. time was monitored. Now that I'm older, I guess I will have to self-monitor myself with my new iTouch! I've perused both lists- the top 50 Free Education Apps, and the Apps for the I-touch for SBISD-which were very helpful- along with the video by a young man named Travis -to start my list of apps that I'm going to investigate (i.e. "get") today. I can hardly wait to start using them. Since I will be teaching science & math, I've readily checked off Google.Earth App, all of NASA's apps (NASA, NASA Lunar Electric Rover, NASA 3D sun, Free Equation Genius (math equation solver), Math Drills Lite, and the list goes on.... I can easily see on our "GAme Day" utilizing the itouchs with Math Drills Lite (app) to warm up my players for an interclass and intraclass competition on math skills... I also see it a station tool to research evolution and associated concepts with the Dinosaurs: The American Museum of Natural History Collections Application.


You may want to view this video to preview before researching the Jurrasic Period.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVdO0P7KVv4&feature=fvw