ENVIRONMENTAL Education- High School Challenge

 Announcing the 2010 Classroom Earth  

National High School Challenge

(I received this in my INBOX today and thought ... I MUST pass it along... an opportunity to receive up to $4,000!!!)

Announcing the 2010 Classroom Earth National High School Challenge

Apply now for the 2010 National High School Challenge, a program encouraging teachers to incorporate environmental education into all subject areas through innovative teaching strategies. Teachers from around the nation can receive up to $4,000 to make their ideas become reality.

Teachers from all subject areas should apply.

Deadline is Monday February 22, 2010.

Classroom Earth’s mission is to increase the ability of high school teachers to integrate environmental education into curricula so that students are prepared to be a part of environmental solutions.

For details and to apply go to:  http://classroomearth.org/challenge/2010 

___________________________________________________

Jessica Culverhouse

Program Manager

National Environmental Education Week

jculverhouse@neefusa.org

National Environmental Education Foundation

4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 160 Washington, DC 20008 www.neefusa.org

V (202) 261-6484 F (202) 261-6464

Knowledge to live by

Become a "Follower/Member" of this site and stay updated!!

If you're like me- you probably check out lots of blogs looking for materials that will help you in your classroom or even for your studies. I want all visitors to know that I continually update the site, so if you want to stay updated, please make sure to quickly add yourself as a FOLLOWER! This way- anytime I add links or a post, or need to tell you about an amazing new tool out there that could save you tons of time, you won't miss out on any of that. If you are a NSTA member- make sure you add yourself as a member as I will be adding LOADS of Science information on how to use foldables inside Science Journals, how to integrate children's and young teen literature into your science lesson plans, and much more exciting SCIENCE information! (YEAH for Science~!!)

I hope this information will help you on your search for information in the vast universe of the www and the http... it's such an endless place of information, let me help you do the searching!!

Science in the Classroom

When I was a student, science wasn't my favorite topic. Actually I HATED it!! It was boring, complicated, and I thought it was something I wasn't really good at!! Mostly, it was a subject that was lectured by my teachers and then, guess what?? We got a worksheet to fill out!! I retained nothing of what I learned in elementary science. In elementary school I have absolutely NO memories of a teacher conducting hands-on experiments in any of my classes. That is something that disturbs me on many levels... the first being that perhaps I'm developing dementia.

Could it truly be possible that I do not remember anything from elementary school? That can't be it!! I have other memories of my years in grades K-5th...like playing the recorder and the clarinet, dancing on stage (and getting ALL the steps wrong!!), reading books, writing, playing on the playground, and I can even remember where every classroom was located, the layout of the cafeteria, the clinic, and the courtyard! Which brings me to my second disturbing revelation... I could have been a doctor!! I thought I was never smart enough in science but that wasn't it at all; it was due to a lack of exposure.

I hadn't had the experiences that drew me in and sparked my curiosity (which later developed into a passion) by my teachers lecture style format to deliver the information. Had I experienced the process of INQUIRY and the use of hands-on ACTIVITIES, my life would be completely different today. 

After I became a more "seasoned" classroom teacher, I made sure that I incorporated as many inquiry-based activities as possible. I don't want to rob children of any experiences that will develop them into the future scientists and mathematicians that they may possibly be. I had written numerous grants to allow for the purchase of materials, I asked local businesses for donations, parents purchased lab coats and eye protection. Students would put on their lab coats and they truly felt like scientists- it is such a wonderful feeling to know you are changing the ways in which students see topics such as science and to have girls fascinated by insects, and looking through microscopes at the wing of a fly and not screaming "GROSS!" It's pure joy and love!!

I know that I may not make tons of money and I never did become a doctor but the world does work out the way it should- because I'm fulfilled in my work and making a difference everyday! So even though I might have been cheated out of a great science education- at least it lead to a greater good in the end.... (a lesson learned!!)

I will be posting some books that you can actually download and look at that have AWESOME Science activities, as well as links to sites that provide standards-based lessons!

ONE MORE THING: If you are not a member of NSTA- National Science Teachers Association- I highly recommend that you become a member and support all your fellow colleagues. Joining NSTA was one of the best decisions I made as a teacher and I've been a member for many years!!
NSTA

DreamBox Learning

I shared this with some other educators today... I'm often searching for resources (more often than blogging- unfortunately) that will help students/children and their teachers. When I come across something that I think is amazing- I will always share it with anyone who will listen!! Well, if you have a child struggling with math (grades k-5) then you must try the following website...

http://www.dreambox.com/

Dreambox learning (after doing my research) was developed by technology specialists alongside elementary educators. It's not just another site with 'games' to play. These games are actually individualized and tailored per student/child... and all the lessons that have been developed are based on NCTM's (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards. As a parent and/or teacher (I decided to get both subscriptions) you receive updates about each child's progress, unlike other programs where you have to log-in to check the status and progress... Dreambox will send you each student's status!!

Here's another aspect that I LOVE about this website... It will alert you as to how long it has been since a student or your child has logged on. (For example, my daughter hadn't logged in for a few days and I received an email letting me know... in a nice way... )

OK... I know I already said I LOVED the site but here's another great thing you need to know about Dreambox... the BLOG... a m a z i n g !!! This is one of the rare newsletters that I actually wait anxiously for in my "INBOX"... Why?? Their Newsletter includes links to other sites, book recommendations, ebooks, links to free activities, lessons to use in the classroom, activities to use at home to support learning, resources for monthly themes, kid-friendly events occurring online at amazing sites like NASA,  NCTM, and loads more...

One more thing... a math calendar of events will keep you busy all month long. Leave it on your fridge or print it twice so you can post one on your bulletin board too- Here's the link to January's calendar... (anyone have a kazoo???)
http://www.dreambox.com/blog/new-january-kids-calendar-to-ring-in-2010

I hope you check it out and find it useful as well. Let me know what you think... I believe in their product, as have others such as the Association for Education Publishing- they awarded Dreambox the Golden Lamp for Technology Innovation!

Learn why Dreambox is quickly becoming THE interactive math-technology tool to help support students!!
http://www.dreambox.com/

Using Comics in the classroom and Have your portrait drawn too!!

If you read the previous post about "Boy/Challenging Writers" then you will be up to date on why I am providing the following link to Ryan Alexander-Tanner's website. He is an artist who specializes in comics and I found him, luckily, through AERA! I had asked him if I could use his comics in the classroom to help my writers develop ideas, creativity, and even some dialogue...

I think comics are a GREAT way to engage writers. You will find that every single student, unless they've worked in groups, has generated an original idea for the same picture. Please make sure you ask for permission if you use an artist's work in your own classroom and follow copyright rules.

If you click on Ryan's "obligatory blog" you will find a link to have your portrait done... I was brave and had mine drawn... It's amazingly similar to my picture!!!

Wow- he's really good!!! Make sure to look at his comics and drawings... I wish I had that kind of talent!!!!

http://www.ohyesverynice.com/

Do you have BOYS who don't like reading???

As a classroom teacher, one of my main concerns was 'How can I get my reluctant readers interested in reading?'... I'd ask other teachers, attend professional development seminars, read books, and search the internet to find whatever available about the topic. What I read and researched seemed to connect to what was happening in my classroom... most often, it was my male students, (not all) but mostly, which would openly state that they disliked reading. They did not read for pleasure at home and being an avid reader and knowing how important literacy skills are for success in most occupations- I needed to change they way these students viewed reading. Not only for their success as students but for their futures and perhaps (this was always my secret wish) I could lead them to a new path, one that leads them to loving literacy. Whether my reluctant readers found a love and passion for comics, mysteries, reading blogs, or a love of technical or how-to books! So long as it changed their view of reading; I was elated!

Students aren't born with a hate/distaste for reading. This is developed over time, sometimes it is developed along with difficulties and obstacles along with a lack of strategies to overcome them. Educators know the importance of reading at home, as well as the importance for "read alouds" to take place at home but the reality is that it will not occur in every home. It did not for me as a child and yet I grew to love reading and was a very successful student. As I thought about this topic, I came across an article that focused on using comics and graphic novels to stimulate interest- I thought- HECK- I'll try anything! I bought a variety of books from the Scholastic Arrow, Lucky, and other sources that were financially feasible for me and brought them into class. As time went on, I introduced my students (all of them- not just the reluctant readers) to the various types of literature available to them and made it available, always, in our classroom library.

I found that my reluctant readers would pick up books that were typically nonfiction in nature:  books about cars, motorcycles, bugs, athletes, biographies of athletes, magazines, and even articles from the local paper that I would laminate and keep over time if I found the topic something appropriate for the classroom.

A few years ago (about 3 years)- I came upon a resource called "Guys Read." It came with a video which I played and found that "Guys Read" is a not for profit literacy project developed by one of my favorite authors, Jon Scieszka. (pronounced Sheska) He is the author of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Frog Prince Continued, The Stinky Cheese Men and Fairly Other Stupid Tales, Math Curse, Science Verse, the Time Warp Trio series, and many more amazing books. (find them HERE)

Here is a summary of what Jon Scieszka's research has found out about boys and reading...

After polling boys throughout the country about the activities they enjoy, the findings were similar in every city from Manhattan, NewYork to Manhattan, Kansas-

Here are the top 4 activities boys prefer and in this order:
1. Video Games
2. Sports
3. Eating
4. Reading

Disturbing, TRUE data: 8th grade boys are 50% more likely to be held back than girls!

What do WE (researchers, educators, administrators, reading specialists, parents, anyone working with kids!) need to do to make a change?!!

1. Acknowledge that boys are different.... because they are!!
* Boys across the nation have already voiced their interest in nonfiction literature. They enjoy reading action- adventure books, books about sports, memoirs from their sports favorites... We need to give them the freedom to read the above-

My belief is that once we have allowed them the opportunity to read about their interests, these reluctant readers will begin to enjoy reading- once you (the teacher) feel you have 'hooked' them into reading, then is the time to introduce other genres. If you push too soon- you will get resistance... this is me, speaking from experience, I've had it happen each way. Let them develop a love for books, then you've made a life long reader- KUDOS!

Guys read suggests:
2. Expand the scope of texts/materials available; include a wider variety of reading!

Texts other than literary fiction should be provided:  Magazines, newspapers (sports section), comic books, graphic novels, Magic Tree house books, start a Boys Only Book Club, boys are attached to the plot of a book versus the characters- tailor lessons to discussing plot development! Allow boys to run their books clubs
3. Recommend titles other boys have enjoyed!

Have boys share books and make recommendations regarding specific titles they have enjoyed. "Book Hooks" where children share a portion of a favorite book with the class to entice others to want to read the book and then have a sign-up list available for the book for interested students. "Book Hooks" are sometimes called 'book blessings' or 'authors chair' but any program in a similar format will do the job!

4. Find and Have Male Role models to share books and connect with your boy readers, especially your most reluctant ones.

SHOW that other MALES read too...Once boys see that other boys/men read, reading for pleasure will no longer be thought of as a 'girls-only' activity. Develop reading buddies with older boys from upper-grades in your school or surrounding schools.

Look into community leaders and your school's community/business partnerships, most likely you will have many males willingly wanting to come in to share a favorite book!

go to the Guys Read website- for more suggestions!  http://www.guysread.com/

5. EMPOWER BOYS! Put boys in charge of their own reading!

*Develop reading lists that they may choose from that contain "guy-friendly" titles.

*Consult with your colleagues, your media specialist, and local librarians- you would be amazed at the perspectives others may offer....

Remember to also check the Guys Read website for more recommendations! 

http://www.guysread.com/

(information adapted from Guys Read video available from Scholastic and/or Guys Read website.)

Ralph Fletcher also has wonderful information regarding what boys need as writers... check back for future postings on his book- Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices
His website has an abundance of wonderful resources- check them out at
http://www.ralphfletcher.com/index.html

Numeracy Helper- a Math Teacher's DREAM!! K-8

A while ago I came upon a newly beginning website called "Numeracy Helper." I subscribed to the newsletter as I am always willing to try something new and as each newsletter came in, I became decidely more and more aware of how hard the developer of this site works to create these resources for teachers. Not only does he work hard, but the resources are absolutely fabulous- they are exactly what teachers are looking for. The activities align perfectly with state and national (NCTM) standards. They can be used as whole group lessons, teachers can model them and then students can go to computer stations to finish as independent work. Another wonderful component is that there is a built in differentiation piece as most activities are input and output directed- therefore students must use what they know to work with the various modules! I have highly recommended this site to all the educators I work with in my district and now I'm letting everyone now that as of right now... Numeracy Helper is offering a free site license (and unfortunately- I didn't get this but hopefully you can!!) to all new newsletter subscribers- so don't hesitate... visit the site today...

http://www.numeracyhelper.com/