More Physics to Hook Kids

The physics of video games.  I know a few kids who would see this as a great career.

It turns out that the physics is very complicated, particularly the physics of destruction.

Well, who doesn't like to blow up stuff?

Can a Sonic drink cup break a car window?

According to the story here, yes.  Read the story, and the fascinating physics behind it.

Using Your Blog As A Way of Bookmarking

I've just started to realize that my own blog can be used to archive sites I want to view/use again.

For example, this site about learning styles.  Normally, I despise those posts about styles of learning - too often, people use them for an excuse - "Well, I'm a kinesthetic learner, so you can't ask me to read, you have to find some way to bring body-learning into this lesson".

Horse hockey-pucks.

That post approaches it differently, and contrasts different modes of learning, with the idea that students need to be aware of their preferred approach, BUT ALSO, learn to adapt to what is offered, and develop strengths not currently held.

Obviously, if you read this, you are part of the blogging world, even if just as a reader.  Only about 30% of teachers blog.  This post explores why that might be so, and gives reasons you might want to start, yourself.

In the fall, I plan to set up a PLC with at least one math teacher (I'm hoping other science and math teachers will join in).  I want to use some kind of blog, wiki, or other collaborative environment to improve our practice.  I prefer the online setting, because getting time in RL is really hard anymore - too many meeting, too little time.  By going virtual, I'm hoping to get more thoughtful participation.

What should be the role of memorization in the classroom?  This is a thoughtful post about why memorization needs to be a part of every student's classroom experiences, not just the academically challenged.

If ever I read a cogent argument for NOT jumbling all the kids together in one classroom, this is it.  Tracking gets a bad press - it's elitist, it's racist, it's undemocratic.

BUT, tracking, at least in some form, is necessary to get above-average students to perform at a level near their abilities.  The crabs-in-a-bucket story didn't start because every student just loved seeing some of their classmates excel.

All of the above came from the Carnival of Education - do go there!

Keep Track of Your Visits to Other States

I found a neat site that allows you to make a map of all the states you've visited.  Mine is below.

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.interactivemaps.org/visited_states/swfobject.php"></script>
<div id="visitedstates">
This application is created by <a href="http://www.interactivemaps.org" target="_blank">interactive maps.</a><br>    You can also have your <a href="http://www.interactivemaps.org/visited_states/" target="_blank">visited states map</a> on your site.<br><br>    If you see this message, you need to <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" target="_blank">upgrade your flash player.</a></div>

<script type="text/javascript">
var so = new SWFObject("http://www.interactivemaps.org/visited_states/visited_states.swf", "visitedstates", 728, 390, "7", "#000000");

addLocation('AL', '', '', '');    //Alabama
addLocation('AZ', '', '', '');    //Arizona
addLocation('CA', '', '', '');    //California
addLocation('DE', '', '', '');    //Delaware
addLocation('FL', '', '', '');    //Florida
addLocation('GA', '', '', '');    //Georgia
addLocation('IL', '', '', '');    //Illinois
addLocation('IN', '', '', '');    //Indiana
addLocation('KY', '', '', '');    //Kentucky
addLocation('MD', '', '', '');    //Maryland
addLocation('MI', '', '', '');    //Michigan
addLocation('NC', '', '', '');    //North Carolina
addLocation('NY', '', '', '');    //New York
addLocation('OH', '', '', '');    //Ohio
addLocation('PA', '', '', '');    //Pennsylvania
addLocation('SC', '', '', '');    //South Carolina
addLocation('TN', '', '', '');    //Tennessee
addLocation('TX', '', '', '');    //Texas
addLocation('UT', '', '', '');    //Utah
addLocation('VA', '', '', '');    //Virginia
addLocation('WA', '', '', '');    //Washington
addLocation('WI', '', '', '');    //Wisconsin
addLocation('WV', '', '', '');    //West Virginia
addToFlash();

so.addVariable("stageWidth", 728);
so.addVariable("stageHeight", 390);
so.addVariable("infoOver", "enabled");
so.addVariable("zoomFunction", "checked");
so.addVariable("bgColor", "666666");
so.addVariable("visitedColor", "F0A74B");
so.addVariable("notVisitedColor", "CDCDCD");
so.addVariable("countryBordersColor", "666666");
so.addVariable("helpTextColor", "000000");
so.addVariable("helpText", "Mark the area you wish to zoom in");

so.addParam("scale", "noscale");
so.addParam("salign", "lt");

so.write("visitedstates");
</script>

<table width="728" bgcolor="#333333" border="0" cellspacing="4"><tr><td style="color: #FFFFFF; font-face: Arial; font-size: 12px;">  Make your <a href="http://www.interactivemaps.org/visited_states" target="_blank" style="color: #FFCC33; font-face: Arial; font-size: 12px;">visited states map</a></td><td align="right"><a href="http://wpf.amcharts.com/" target="_blank" style="color: #FFCC33; font-face: Arial; font-size: 12px;">WPF charts</a></td></tr></table>

I'm not sure that it will display correctly on Teacherlingo, so I'll post it on my other teacher site.

Just tried that, but I still get a funky display - I'll keep tinkering.

The jobs market appears to be opening up

...at least in SC, where, under pressure from the legislature, we are getting stimulus money.  I just talked to a principal in another county, who has several openings for science teachers.

I'm expecting that, over the next few weeks, we'll be getting other calls.  Naturally, it's something of a shell game - the earliest calls will be from the smallest districts, who want to nail down their people early.  The larger districts will be slower to get the ball rolling.  Which will leave us with an interesting dilemma - do we jump at the first reasonable offer, or risk losing it, to wait for a better offer?

Sort of like the dating years - accept early, or wait and risk sitting at home Saturday night?

I'm In the Money, I'm In the Money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I came home from my professional development today (hey, I'd like to take off for a WELL-deserved vacation, but it's $100/day for 4 days) to a TREMENDOUS surprise!

I logged onto my dwindling bank account, and found an extra $9,000!

Yes, the school system finally kicked in the money they've owed me all year.

[Happy Dance]

End of the Year Clean-up

I'm cleaning and organizing (actually, I'm not that diligent about the organization part - as I'm running out of steam, I'm starting to toss stuff into any box it fits, rather than separating by subject, type, etc.) today.  Naturally, after about 4 hours straight, I'm due for a break.

Hence, this post.

It's tough to plan this year.  My district is cutting teachers, and, until I get a contract in my hot little hand, I'm going to assume that I won't be back.  I've heard nothing about contracts, so far.  [NOTE: I'm not alone here - NO ONE has any knowledge at present.  The last word from the district is that more cuts were necessary.]  When I called the main HR office, they said, "Unfortunately, we can't give you that information, as we don't know at this time,"

That's a lot of help.

So, it sounds as though the best thing to do is to sign up at unemployment on Thursday pm, then start beating the bushes for another job - just in case.  I'm actually in a better position than most - I have licenses in 3 states, and am certified in multiple areas - Chemistry, Physics, Computers.

It could be worse.

Carnival of Education

I love this round-up of educational posts - not only because I've had several posts chosen for inclusion in past Carnivals.   Don't forget to check out the 10 Reasons I Hate Grading Papers - so funny, you'd better not read it in class - you could have an accident.  Scroll down for the comments - some of them are priceless, even the ones who think Siobhan is the Ultimate Meany.

I also loved Bulletin Boards: 12 Ideas of Older Classrooms - well, actually, the classroom is not what's older - it's the kids.  I'm a high school teacher, and find too many of the ideas "cutesie".  These ideas are classy, and useful.

Honest, I Thought It Was a Joke!

Granted, this story is old (2002), but it applies to something that was said by one of my Hispanic kids (I believe from Mexico).  Apparently, the practice of bribing your teacher for a better grade is not uncommon.

The kids were asking about what kind of money I'd need to give them a passing grade.  I kidded back, and said they couldn't afford me.

I really thought it was the usual joking that takes place in the spring.

The Swine Flu Epidemic

I recently read the Newsweek article (March 11-18, 2009 issue) on Swine Flu.  It was fairly well-balanced, and outlined steps that people can take to avoid being a victim.

What it didn't explore thoroughly enough was the strong connection between keeping pigs and poultry/birds in near proximity.  Essentially, both pigs and birds carry flu viruses.  Because each species adds its own virus mixture, the resulting cross-genetic brew can move the newly created viruses from mildly distressing, to rapidly fatal.

The reason that Asia is the usual home for influenza is the huge numbers of inhabitants that keep both pigs and birds in the same place.  Mexico has the same problem, and that is why the new flu comes from there.

On one hand, for the Muslim countries to mandate killing pigs will not stop the spread of the flu; the pigs themselves do not transmit the virus in the meat.  But, they ARE on the right track with eliminating an ALTERNATE VECTOR (another organism that can harbor the virus, and pass it on to another organism - in this case, us) of the influenza virus.  Killing birds would also have the same effect, but it's harder - they can escape the death sentence by flying off (not yet an option for pigs).

What to do?  In America:

• Test all pig farms
• Forbid keeping poultry in the same place as pigs
• Follow sensible precautions, get any flu shots if you're vulnerable - elderly, chronic illness, or a teacher
• Allow students and school employees to stay home, without penalty, provided they have visited a doctor and have the paperwork to prove that it was flu
• That last alone could make the difference.  In many states, a student who misses more than 10 days will automatically fail.  And, in an effort to save sick time (not to mention the aggravation of preparing for absences), teachers often come in sick.  I know I did this year.

Obese Teachers Pay More for their Health Insurance?

When I first heard this, I thought it was an Onion satire.  But, it's true - several states are trying to make the obese pay an extra $25/month for their health care.

And, judging by the comments, it's a popular legislative move.

I'm against it.  No, it's not because I'm overweight (which I am), but because it's designed to penalize a minority for the benefit of the many.  It will hit the following groups harder:

• Women
• Short people
• Black people
• Disabled people
• People with chronic medical conditions

What I want everyone reading this to do is to write or call their legislators, and document your opposition to this type of legislation, whether it's called a "penalty" or, as the revised version in my state (SC) has changed it to - a DISCOUNT - coupled, of course, with an increase in cost of, coincidentally, $25/month.

Somehow, AIDS patients kept their condition from being discriminated against through punitive pricing of health insurance.  Why are the obese being singled out?

Because we're perceived to be:

• Lazy
• Couch potatos
• Overeaters, particularly of unhealthy foods
• No self-control
• Etc., etc., etc.

Listen, you obnoxiously self-congratulatory thin people who claim all of the above, many of us have other issues:

• Illness, often pre-existing the obesity
• Skeletal problems - I had a car accident a year ago, and still suffer the limitations on my mobility
• Shortness - try blaming us height-challenged for THAT!
• Stressful jobs - hey, we're teachers - of COURSE we're stressed!
• Family issues - death, medical problems, caring for elderly relatives
• Recent pregnancy
• Prescription-related obesity - I take steroids for my asthma
• Giving up smoking
• Etc., etc., etc.

Is it healthier to be anorexic?  Bulimic?  According to the suggested bill, yes.

 

Teaching Positions in NC

This a tough year for teachers.  So many teachers are facing a non-rehire, and many are considering leaving teaching entirely.

I can certainly relate.  It looked for a few days as though I would not be offered a contract, but, as of Friday, I am cleared to be re-hired.

IF I want to be.

That's a big IF.

On one hand, I survived the year without injury (so far).  I managed to have some good experiences, and now that I am reviewing for the End of Course Test, I find that the students retained more than I thought (at least, the ones that attended and stayed awake).  That's been a pleasant surprise!

On the negative hand, it's a 40-minute commute, and with gas prices again rising, it's a factor against returning.  Also, although the administration is better than the one that preceded it, it's not great, by a long shot.

Also, the district, through failure to expedite paperwork in a timely way, shorted me $ 10,000.

Yeah, that's ten thousand dollars.  Don't ask me what I think of that.

My colleagues are a mixed bag.  Some, I have cordial and even friendly interactions with.

Others have never even acknowledged me - I mean, NOT ONE WORD that was not required.  When I enter a room, they stop talking, and don't continue until I leave.  Not one time, which might indicate a personal conversation, but repeatedly.

A couple are mega-b****y.  Really.  All the time - it's not just PMS.

Only a handful do I truly trust.  The rest would turn on me in an instant (that's not paranoia, I've seen them do it to others).  It's complicated by rival sorority alliances.  I attended a commuter college, never got into the sorority thing.  These women are DIEHARD - they would commit a felony for a "sister".

I'm letting it slide for now.  Even after I sign a contract, in NC, you have the right to give a month's notice without penalty.  I may choose that option.  But, I don't have to make a decision today.

Linda's Top 10 Excuses for Not Passing Physical Science

The excuses parents hear - followed by what it REALLY means

1. My teacher didn't teach this
   1. What it REALLY means - I didn't show up at school until 1/2 way (or more) through the class, and she refused to immediately stop the class, return to the beginning, and teach it all again - but, this time, speeded up.
2. My teacher didn't help me
   1. When I finally got around to working, my teacher didn't serve me as my personal tutor, and ignore all the rest of the class, who HAD been working - so, it's really HER fault
3. My teacher never explains this
   1. I missed the explanation/lab/whatever, due to:
      1. Talking
      2. Drawing
      3. Sleeping, and/or
      4. Texting
4. My teacher's tests are too hard - any or all of the following apply
   1. I didn't read the textbook
   2. I didn't read the end-of-chapter summary
   3. I didn't ask questions
   4. I didn't listen to the answers
   5. I took no notes
   6. I copied everything in class/lab from the smart kid - it wasn't my fault that he/she wouldn't let me copy off his/her test
   7. I had a really important television show to watch
5. My teacher acts like his/her class is the only one
   1. And gets mad when I try to do my math homework in class
   2. And won't excuse my cutting class to complete my English paper
   3. And expects me to show up for tutoring after school
6. My teacher never is around
   1. When I show up after school, without an appointment, during the same time as the Faculty Meeting (which I knew about from the afternoon announcements)
   2. And won't give up her lengthy 22-minute lunch without an appointment
   3. And expects to keep her doctor's appointment, even though I have tears in my eyes and am begging and everything
7. My teacher hates me
   1. Just because I called her a b---h when she wouldn't give me help during the test
   2. Because she wouldn't give me a "breathing" D - and, I really was!  Breathing, I mean - every class
8. Nobody can pass this test
   1. Unless they like, STUDY, or something unreasonable
   2. So, of course, all those OTHER students, who passed, must have been given the answers in advance
9. The amount of work is ridiculous!
   1. A warm-up activity, EVERY DAY!  That is based on what was done the previous class!  (Like I remember!  That was YESTERDAY!)
   2. We only had 2 weeks to complete the study guide!  Which we ONLY got 100 points for!
   3. She even assigned a project!  That wasn't a poster!
   4. She even expects us to read the textbook!  Or, at least the chapter summary!  Now, that's WAY too much!
10. She won't travel to the state to insist that they not count my high-stakes test!
    1. She "claims" that the test is based on what we were doing in class.  As if I did any of THAT stuff!

Technology (And Other) Activities for the End of the Year

By now, most of us are in high gear for test prep on those important high-stakes tests.  But, after the test, what do you do to avoid "dead time"?

• Bring out the poster board (or, for the cheap, book covers with a blank side).  It's time to make safety posters.  This is an activity that most kids can do adequately, some SPECTULARLY.  Tell them that the best posters will get double points, AND be used with next year's classes.
• If you have a laptop cart:
• Simulations activities - for Physical Science, PHeT sims
• Build a class web page.  Bring out the electronic copies of all the 'stuff' they did all year.  Have them design the web page(s).  Give them carte blanche, but reserve the right to censor for language or inappropriate things.
• Wikis - same as above.  Have them list the best tips for succeeding in your class - VERY useful for the next year's students
• Inventory - set up as a spreadsheet, have them do the counting and data entry.  For equipment, get serial #s.
• File - there's always a few kids that like this.
• Clean - amazingly, I usually have a couple of kids who will even do this.
• Survey - either online or offline.  What did they like best, what did they like least, what could they have done without.  Great way to get feedback on the lessons.  Also, as they fill out the survey, they generally remember the activities - a great way to remind them "yes, we DID do interesting things in this class".
• Movie time
• Physical Science
• October Sky - the language is a problem for some - the father is QUITE profane
• Appollo 13
• The Right Stuff
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• Biology
• Osmosis Jones - stupid, but VERY funny in a gross way.  Good science.
• Outbreak
• General
• Stand & Deliver
• Rudy

That's just some activities to get you started, off the top of my head.  Comment to add more.

An Object Lesson in Why We Need to Save Paperwork if You Work in a School

I'm currently teaching in NC; in that state, they will pay you for all your years of experience - HOWEVER - you need the districts to fill out a form.  Not that long, and a little tricky in parts.

I've found that it's almost impossible to get schools to move on something like that in a timely fashion if you no longer work there - you're just not important enough to get their bods in gear.

I've been shorted about 15-18 years of experience - in essence, I'm being paid as though I were a first-year teacher.

Yeah, that's a WHOLE lot of money.

So, if I've been a little distracted, you can understand why.  That's the money that will feed us and put a roof over our heads.