Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about the importance of the first days of school, building relationships, and more. Dave has students focused on Astrophotography. 

Jokes:  

I always wanted to look into why I procrastinate, but I keep putting it off.

---

Me: I feel awful!

Doctor: Tell me what happened.

Me: I was eating an apple and…

Doctor: Wait. How many apples do you eat?

Me: One a day.

Doctor: You’re on your own.

---

I heard there was a new store called Moderation. 

• They have everything there

Shout out to my grandma, that’s the only way she can hear.

---

My new thesaurus is terrible. In fact, it’s so bad, I’d say it’s terrible.

---

Cooking Tip: If you’re tired of always having to boil water every time you make pasta, boil a few litres at the beginning of the week and freeze it for later. You’re welcome!

---

Bought a new jacket suit the other day and it burst into flames. Well, it was a blazer

---

I’m reading a book on the history of glue – can’t put it down.

---

What did the hat say to the scarf?

You can hang around. I’ll just go on ahead.

---

I went to the zoo yesterday and saw a baguette in a cage. 

• It was bread in captivity.

---

My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. It got so bad I had to take his bike away.

---

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Astrophotography

I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers.

In this issue, I read the “Scope on the Skies” section.  In the section was an article entitled, “Capturing Photons,” written by Bob Riddle. 

One way to make astronomy more accessible and engaging to students is to introduce them to astrophotography.  The most direct way is probably with the student’s own smartphone.

http://k12science.net/astrophotography/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Students
• Opening Days
• Rules Quiz

The Social Web

Katie Powell  @Beyond_the_Desk

Boredom Busters officially released 5 years ago today! So grateful to ⁦

@burgessdave      @TaraMartinEDU   ⁦⁦@DHarrisEdS, and all those who work behind the scenes in the  @dbc_inc⁩ community for bringing my books to life. It has been such an honor.

otacke @otacke@chaos.social

Aaand yet another #H5P content type brought to you by #NDLA: Escape Room. https://www.olivertacke.de/labs/2024/07/23

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

Word of the day is ‘struthious’ (18th century): prone to ignoring unwelcome facts and letting a situation worsen without any intervention. From the Latin for ‘ostrich-like’.

Word of the day, as schools reopen, is ‘merry-go-sorry’ (16th century): a mixture of joy and sorrow.  

Bill of Rights Institute  @BRInstitute

Join us Monday night as we co-host #sschat with  @ConstitutionCtr

. See you Monday, Sept. 9th at 8:00 PM ET! We will be sharing our #ConstitutionDay resources!

Moodle | Online learning, delivered your way.  @moodle

We are pleased to announce that Nolej is now a Moodle Certified Integration! Nolej uses cognitive psychology and generative AI to transform teaching content into engaging, interactive H5P activities. https://moodle.com/news/empowering-educators-with-moodle-certified-integration-nolej/ @nolej_ai

Strategies:  

Typing

Practice touch typing by retyping famous novels. Not only will you improve your typing skills, but you’ll also enjoy some of the greatest stories ever told!

A good place to start is our step-by-step guide that kickstarts your adventure into the world of touch typing.

https://entertrained.app

Resources:  

H5P Content Types – Escape Room and Vocabulary Drill

Escape room lets you set up an escape room inside H5P and use pass codes to advance the story.  Vocab Drill is just that.  Drill.  

Escape Room:  https://www.olivertacke.de/labs/2024/07/23/ndla-brings-you-yet-another-h5p-content-type-escape-room/  

Vocabulary Drill:  https://www.olivertacke.de/labs/2024/07/18/ndla-brings-you-vocabulary-drill/  

AXIS The Culture Translator

In Grand Fashion

What it is: This Sunday, some families will celebrate Grandparents Day by making phone calls, reminiscing, and otherwise being grateful for the impact that grandparents have had on their lives.

Why it’s catching on: “Grandparents Day” is not simply the latest hyped-up “holiday” to get thrown on the calendar in an attempt to sell cards and flowers. Grandparents Day was actually first recognized as a national holiday in the US back in 1978. It was the culmination of years of effort from activist Marian McQuade, who herself was the grandmother of 43 children. Economic, cultural, and sociological factors are contributing to a rise in multigenerational households—and people are living longer, too—which means that the role that grandparents play in families is being revisited.  

QR Code Generator

https://fietkau.software/qr

Your Name in LandSat

https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/apps/YourNameInLandsat-main/index.html

Block Posters

https://www.blockposters.com

6 Ways to Tell if Students are Using AI

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/6-ways-teachers-can-tell-students-are-using-ai

2024 Back-to-school science toolkit for teachers and administrators

Download your back-to-school science toolkit, featuring activities, research, webinars, and guides to help you reach new levels of engagement and strengthen relationships with your peers and students.

Find dynamic tools for administrators, teachers, and caregivers—all designed to activate student curiosity and build your community of scientists and supporters.

You’ll find:

• Administrator exercises to set goals and help every student thrive.
• Grade-banded, first-day classroom activities for students.
• How-to guides and webinars with strategies to apply to your practice today.

https://go.info.amplify.com/fy23_science_backtoschool_national_toolkit_pdf-toolkit_getintouch_optin

Web Spotlight: 

It began with sibling rivalry. Now he has 181 Guinness World Records.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2024/08/27/david-rush-guinness-world-records

Random Thoughts . . .  

Talk Like A Pirate Day 

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a parodic holiday created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers of Albany, Oregon,^[1] who proclaimed September 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate (that is, in English with a stereotypical West Country accent).^[2] It has since been adopted by the Pastafarianism movement.^[3]

September 19th. 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about AI, technology, algorithms, and more. Dave addresses trustworthy science. 

Jokes:  

---

How many optometrists does it take to change a light bulb? 1 or 2? 1… or 2?

---

I went to the store to pick up eight cans of sprite… when I got home I realized I’d only picked seven up

---

There’s not really any training for garbagemen. 

• They just pick things up as they go.

Why did the barber win the race? 

• He took a short cut.

A worm is a pretty lousy prize for getting up early if you ask me.

---

What happens when you anger a brain surgeon?

– They will give you a piece of your mind.

---

---

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Trustworthy Scientific Information

I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers.

In this issue, I read the “Commentary” section.  In the section was an article entitled, “Finding Instructional Resources for Teaching About Scientific Misinformation,” written by Andy Zucker.  

The nonprofit Media Literacy Now has developed a first-of-its-kind online database where teachers can find and access instructional materials to help student resists false and misleading information.  To access the database, please visit:

https://medialiteracynow.org/science-resources

http://k12science.net/trustworthy-scientific-information/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Welcome Back To School
  • Teachers Returned
  • Kids next week
• Teachers Return Next Week
  • Students after Labor Day
• Phones in classrooms
• Portfolios
• Shawn’s Stable of Instructional Support
  • PCT, Pharmacology, Additional Social Studies Courses & adding teachers to that course.  

The Social Web

Susie Dent @susie_dent

Time for another clarion call for ‘hurkle-durkling’ (18th-century Scots): lounging in bed long after it’s time to get up.  Word of the day is ‘overmused’: to be weary from excess thinking.

Matt Magnuson  @MattMagnuson@flipboard.com

5 free AI tools for school that students, teachers, and parents can use, too
https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-free-ai-tools-for-school-that-students-teachers-and-parents-can-use-too/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into For Youth: What Will They Need? @for-youth-what-will-they-need-MattMagnuson

Strategies:  

Gamification: Pros and Some Cons, According to Research

Gamification has become a popular educational approach, having demonstrated solid potential as a learning tool. However, it’s not always clear exactly which gamified elements are helping, and in some instances, it can foster counterproductive competition and enhance extrinsic motivation rather than the more effective intrinsic motivation.

Overall, gamification should earn an achievement badge. found the intervention had small but significant positive effects on cognitive, motivational, and behavioral outcomes.

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/gamification-pros-and-some-cons-according-to-research

Resources:  

AXIS The Culture Translator

“Very Mindful, Very Demure”

What it is: If you’ve heard an uptick in your teen’s use of the word “demure,” you’re not alone. A new TikTok trend has exploded in popularity, and it’s got teens commenting on all things demure, all things mindful.

Where it comes from: Women are using the term to describe anything that demonstrates the qualities of patience, passivity, and mindfulness. The trend is not necessarily about leaning into these things as virtues, but about presenting yourself as reserved when it’s to your advantage.  

ChatGP Cheat

What it is: Although chatbots like ChatGPT are mostly trained on news and encyclopedias, data suggests that they’re used most often for help on homework and for writing erotic fiction.  

When Schools Want to Ban Cellphones—But Parents Stand in the Way

https://www.edweek.org/technology/when-schools-want-to-ban-cellphones-but-parents-stand-in-the-way/2024/05

Web Spotlight: 

Bored? Scientists say mindless scrolling through online videos makes it worse

Scrolling through videos on TikTok or YouTube to avert boredom may have a decidedly unintended consequence: It can make people feel more bored, according to the paradoxical findings of a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

In experiments with more than 1,200 participants, many of them university students, Tam systematically showed that people switched to new videos when they were bored, believing the ability to switch would alleviate boredom but becoming more bored when they did.

Erin C. Westgate, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida who studies boredom and was not involved in the new research, said one of her thresholds when reading a new study is whether she would change her behavior based on the findings. In this case, she said, the answer is “a very chagrined yes.”

It turned out that when it came to articles, the effect was different than for videos: Boredom was similar between people who read one longer article compared with those able to skip between shorter ones.

The new results add to a growing body of scientific evidence that boredom is on the rise, despite — or perhaps because of — a world teeming with content that people can access at all times of day. People who are bored often turn to their phones, but then report being more bored, some studies have found. Scrolling on the social media platform X was linked to increases in boredom.

“When you’re immersed, you don’t feel bored. When your attention is spread, you’re almost by definition not satisfied,” Inzlicht said

Boredom is an uncomfortable emotion that serves a purpose, signaling that there is something more pleasurable to do, which can motivate people to explore their environment and stop investing time in an activity that has little to offer. But people seem increasingly intolerant of it, and Inzlicht has a counterintuitive tip for avoiding boredom: Lean into it. Sit with the discomfort of boredom for a bit before flitting to something else.

“If we’re so addicted to escaping boredom, so intolerant of boredom, it would be like a foraging animal going tree to tree, but never searching long enough to see if it bears fruit,” Inzlicht said. “Eventually, that animal will die.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/08/23/boredom-video-tiktok-youtube

How Khan Academy (And Others) Fudged Their Research

Always check the data. Always. 

Computer tutoring is the hot thing, and the big players have all sorts of sexy research numbers to back them up. Are the numbers bunk? They sure are. 

Did you notice a key phrase?

“For students who used the program as recommended.”

So how many students is that. Well, Holt checked the footnotes on the Khan Academy study and found the answer–

4.7%

https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2024/08/how-khan-academy-and-others-fudged.html

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about returning to school (and parents who come back), why teachers succeed, and more. Dave waters down transparency.

Jokes:  

I had my timepiece lying on the seat next to me on the bus when this big dude got on and was about to sit. I had to say…

…whoa! Not on my watch.

---

I tried taking some high resolution photos of local farmland, but they all turned out a bit grainy.

---

My boss is going to fire the employee with the worst posture.

I have a hunch, it might be me.

---

I was going to get a brain transplant, but I changed my mind

---

Whiteboards … are remarkable.

---

Because the platypus can both lay eggs and produce milk, it’s one of the few animals that can make its own custard. 

---

Expect the worst, it’s the least you can do.

---

Geology rocks, but Geography is where it’s at!

---

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

---

Every machine in the coin factory broke down all of a sudden without explanation. It just doesn’t make any cents.

---

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Secchi Disk Dip-In Project

I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers.

In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” section, written by Jill Nugent.  She wrote an article entitled “Summer Science With the Secchi Dip-In Project.”

The Robert Carlson Secchi Dip-In Project is a demonstration of the potential of volunteer monitors to gather environmentally important information on our lakes, rivers, and estuaries.  For more information, visit:

https://www.nalms.org/secchidipin

http://k12science.net/secchi-disk/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Taking a Break
  • Podcast Listening – 
• Vacation
• Back To Work
  • Curriculum Work
  • Vertical 
  • Kick-off meetings

The Social Web

Iamyesyouareno  @iamyesyouareno

The only store not looted in this South Africa mall is a book store. The jokes write themselves.

The only store not looted in this South Africa mall is a book store.

The jokes write themselves. pic.twitter.com/mQDhbZovVB

— iamyesyouareno (@iamyesyouareno) August 12, 2024

Kagan Publishing & Professional Development  @KaganOnline

Calling all Kagan educators  Are you passionate about making a difference in the educator community and spreading the word about Kagan? If so, we want you to apply to become a #KaganAmbassador!  Find all the details here: https://kaganonline.com/ambassador/ #kaganambassadors #kagan

CAMLE  @camlecolorado

Kick off the 24-25 school year right! Register today for this year’s CAMLE Conference. Join us on 9/28 for outstanding sessions like this one- Lauren Morford from Brentwood MS helps us “teach less,” & let our students take ownership. Register now! https://camle.wildapricot.org/event-5695160

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

There is always the ‘snecklifter’: someone who lifted the ‘sneck’ or latch of the tavern door and peered in to see if they knew anyone who might stand them a drink.

Resources:  

Periodic Presidents

Click to access PTOTP-Super-sized-Printable-Blank-Cells.pdf

https://periodicpresidents.com/

GenType

Make an alphabet out of anything

https://labs.google/gentype

This Not That Bell Ringers

BIG news! Edition 4 of my “This, Not That” bellringer puzzles is now released, just in time for back to school. One change for these bellringers is the format from Google’s Jamboard, which is ending soon, to Google Slides or Canva Presentations. I’ve changed all previous bellringer puzzles to those formats as well.

https://blog.tcea.org/this-not-that-bellringers/

AXIS The Culture Translator

Hauls of Learning

What it is: It’s back-to-school season across the US—which means “back to school hauls” are trending on TikTok.

What parents should know: Total back-to-school spending is projected to drop slightly, with parents of K-12 graders spending an average of $586 per student. Since the cost of school supplies has increased by 24.5% over the past four years, that means parents are prioritizing deals and trying to stretch their dollars farther. This economic reality has done little to slow down the onslaught of “hauls” on TikTok where students share items they’re excited to use in the new school year. In the past, these hauls tended to focus on school supplies like backpacks and notebooks (and sometimes still do), but posts are just as likely to include expensive fragrances and high end makeup. Low-slung, baggy sweatpants, cropped cotton tees, animal prints, Converse sneakers, and horseshoe jeans are just some of the trends that teens will be eyeing this season.

Tough Topics

What it is: A new Gallup poll reveals that teens’ mental health, social media experiences, and plans for the future are the things parents worry about very often. Four in 10 parents surveyed say it’s difficult to discuss these particular subjects.

What teens have to say about it: It’s ironic—and maybe a little telling—that the things parents worry about the most appear to be the subjects that they find most difficult to discuss with their teenagers. When a parent is worried about a topic, it would seem their default response is to avoid bringing it up—but teens are actually craving these very conversations. According to the survey, 93 percent found it helpful or very helpful to talk about their mental health, and 83 percent say it’s helpful to talk about social media use. Gen Zers also say they don’t actually want someone to advise them when things make them upset, but rather just want parents to listen.

Just a reminder, you can get the AXIS The Culture Translator Dictionary here:  https://axis.org/resource/a-parent-guide-to-teen-slang/  

Web Spotlight: 

What Motivates Teachers to Enter the Profession

New research suggests that the reason someone chooses to become a teacher could determine how successful they will be in the role.

What if why you choose to become a teacher determines how successful you will be in the role?

Recent evidence has also pointed to declining interest in becoming a teacher, aligned with the decreased professionalization, prestige and pay of the sector. Yet noble individuals press forward and choose to educate our children anyway. 

Historically, people went into teaching for relatively straightforward reasons: They desired a stable career, enjoyed having summers off, or had family members who were teachers. However, across the essay responses, we found that those motivations were not the most prevalent, nor were they related to teacher outcomes — but others were.

The two most frequent drivers were altruism (the desire to do selfless good) and intrinsic motivation (an enjoyment of teaching, helping or interacting with students or children). Other interesting but less frequently cited motivations include the impact of prior teachers, love of a content area, and a family connection to teaching.

…individuals seeking their elementary certification were more likely to enjoy working with children, whereas middle and high school preservice teachers were interested in teaching a particular content area.

…men were less likely than women to report that they had “always wanted to teach.”

While altruism was the most frequent answer given, it wasn’t the one most strongly correlated with effectiveness.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2024-08-05-what-motivates-teachers-to-enter-the-profession

3 Secrets to Help You Win Gold at Work, According to Greatest-of-All-Time Olympic Athletes

1. Seek group support for your individual creativity

2. Build on the innovation that others have already discovered

3. Dream, and then work like crazy

https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/3-ways-to-innovate-like-an-olympian-at-the-office/281372

Random Thoughts . . .  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about AI, summer, and more. Dave has a phenomenal section on phenomena. 

Jokes:  

I got an A on my origami assignment when I turned my paper into my teacher

---

The value in origami is in creasing.

---

Odorless perfumes are non-scents.

---

Imagine the self control required to work at a bubble wrap factory …

---

I had a dream where I weighed less than a thousandth of a gram.

• I was like 0mg.

---

If you’re struggling to think of what to get someone for Christmas. Get them a fridge and watch their face light up when they open it.

---

It’s kind of weird that “dial it in” and “phone it in” mean nearly opposite things.

---

I had an operation on my funny bone today.

• The doctor said I will be in stitches for two weeks.

---

To be Frank, I’d have to change my name.

---

---

---

Rare photo of a roundabout reproducing through mitosis.

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Phenomena in the Classroom

I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association.

In this issue, I read an article entitled “Phenomena in the Classroom,” written by Patty McGinnis.  

An engaging phenomena is determined more by how the students generate compelling lines of inquiry that create real opportunities for learning.  Paul Anderson’s “Wonder of Science” website has an extensive list of phenomena organized by grade level and standard.  It is available at:

https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenal

http://k12science.net/phenomena-in-the-classroom/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Planning Parent Contacts
  • Keeping Track of Ideas
  • Resources
• Time for?
  • Pi Time
  • Curriculum Time
  • Oracle of Ancient Civ
  • Independent Study
• Student Access to Book Material Online

The Social Web

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

I’m coming (back) to Scotland for some of the final dates of my tour. I will definitely be mentioning some of my favourites from the Scots dictionary, including ‘tartling’: hesitating when introducing someone because you’ve completely forgotten their name.  Word of the day is ‘willanthropy’: the act of leaving a gift, however small, to a charity in your will.  

BigBlueButton  @bigbluebutton

Yes, we are integrating H5P into BigBlueButton. Why? Because the goal of the virtual classroom is not to meet, it is to learn. H5P extends our built-in tools for active learning and live analytics to ensure every student learns.  @H5PTechnology  #edtech

Kris Kashtanova  @icreatelife

This is another use of AI for good. Steve Gleason is a football legend and an ALS activist. He is using AI (Adobe Firefly) with eye tracking to create images from his pre-diagnosis artwork. ALS causes loss of muscle control, so AI is a way for Steve to make art.

Trending:  Katato – a loud annoying person with a high pitched voice that can’t take a hint.  

Resources:  

AXIS The Culture Translator

Really Anxious

What it is: Lenore Skenazy, founder of the LetGrow project, makes an argument that smartphones are “trust-blockers” for parents.

Why it’s worth thinking about: There’s a lot of discussion around how smartphones can shape child development in unhealthy ways. (So much discussion, in fact, that Axis just created a whole free toolkit breaking down everything you need to know before you give your son or daughter a phone—check it out!) But there hasn’t been as much talk about how much parents have grown accustomed, and maybe a little bit addicted, to being able to call their kids at any time, track their movements, and send them a heart-eyes emoji whenever they feel like it. Parents are relying on phones more and more as a parenting tool, but Skenazy wonders if this constant communication only serves to facilitate these parents’ own neuroses.

New Teachers

https://www.middleweb.com/51048/25-of-our-best-posts-for-new-ms-teachers/

Web Spotlight: 

Sydney Letter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgtHJKn0Mck&list=TLGGqWOPRo8tEqMyNzA3MjAyNA

Random Thoughts . . .  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy share some jokes, middle school endorsements, and more. Dave gets us thinking about Science education, the why, and the cost.  

Jokes:  

Elton John’s E-reader was swept up in a tornado…like a kindle in the wind

---

Three people turned up to play the part of The Cloud.

• It was overcast.

---

It was an easy move from installing air conditioning units to being a Chief Information Officer.

• Both jobs are all about losing efficiency when people start opening windows.

---

Just bought a boomerang from a ghost.

• That’ll come back to haunt me.

---

I’m an American Sign Language interpreter, so for me, every single job is a near Deaf experience.

---

What’s the difference between gray and grey?

• One is a color and the other is a colour.

---

---

People saying ‘boo! to their friends has risen by 85% in the last year…. 

• That’s a frightening statistic.

I made a playlist for hiking. It has music from Peanuts, The Cranberries, and Eminem. 

• I call it my Trail Mix.

---

Scientists finally did a study on forks. 

• It’s about tine!

---

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Why Teach Science?

I was recently reading the book, “Transformative Science Teaching: A Catalyst for Justice and Sustainability,” written by Daniel Morales-Doyle.

In this book, Daniel looks at two questions:

• “Why teach science?”
• “How does my teaching reflect the world in which my students live and project the world they would like to see?”

http://k12science.net/why-teach-science/ 

Why Shawn does Science:  https://www.backyard-ballistics.com/  

Reports from the Front Lines

• Crowdstrike
• MAMSEBoard Meeting
  • Hall of Fame
• Prep for Teacher Return
• Book Study
  • Start with Why by Simon Sinek
  • Boredom Busters by Katie Powell  

The Social Web

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

Word of the day is ‘forslug’ (14th century): to neglect something important, or squander a good deal of time, through sheer sluggishness.  

A few smiles, dictionary-style, for those in need: the collective noun for penguins on land is a ‘waddle’, eggs were once known as ‘cacklefarts’, someone in a bad mood would be described as ‘ill-willy’ (or worse, ‘evil-willy’), and to be totally bewildered was to be ‘bumfuzzled’.

Rick Wormeli @rickwormeli2

Yes! Middle School has significant impact on future success — The Middle Matters https://ascd.org/el/articles/the-middle-matters  via  @ASCD

ZUM-Apps  @ZUMApps

Super creative! Who wants to be a millionaire as #H5P #GAMEMAP of @floriandagner

as a template for more #Gamification ! This is the #H5PWorkflow collection Gamification with H5P https://apps.zum.de/gamification Thanks for sharing! https://apps.zum.de/apps/33868 #OER #OERde #moodle #freieBildung

𝗧𝗖𝗘𝗔  Next Up: AI for EDU Conference  @TCEA

Evaluate your resources with this easy-to-remember acronym: CRAAP! Currency Relevance Accuracy Authority Purpose https://sbee.link/w8kjn6rxam via Sequoia High School Media Center #mschat #hschat #teachertwitter

Strategies:  

How Actors Remember Their Lines

In describing how they remember their lines, actors are telling us an important truth about memory.

Actors face the demanding task of learning their lines with great precision, but they rarely do so by rote repetition. They did not, they said, sit down with a script and recite their lines until they knew them by heart.

Repeating items over and over, called maintenance rehearsal, is not the most effective strategy for remembering. Instead, actors engage in elaborative rehearsal, focusing their attention on the meaning of the material and associating it with information they already know.

…actors search for meaning in the script, rather than memorizing lines.

Script lines are carefully analyzed to understand the character’s motivation. This deep understanding of a script is achieved by actors asking goal-directed questions, such as “Am I angry with her when I say this?”

At the age of 58, John Basinger began studying this poem as a form of mental activity to accompany his physical activity at the gym, each time adding more lines to what he had already learned. Eight years later, he had committed the entire poem to memory, reciting it over three days. When I tested him at age 74, giving him randomly drawn couplets from the poem and asking him to recite the next ten lines, his recall was nearly flawless. Yet, he did not accomplish this feat through mindless repetition. In the course of studying the poem, he came to a deep understanding of Milton.

https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/how-actors-remember-their-lines

9 Habit-Stacking Tips for Low-Key Summer Prep

• Habit Stack #1: Visualize the upcoming year.
• Habit Stack #2: Identify specific, doable sanity savers.
• Habit Stack #3: Prioritize one goal.
• Habit Stack #4: Reach out to a teaching buddy.
• Habit Stack #5: Note the good things.
• Habit Stack #6: Do some homework (but not too much).
• Habit Stack #7: Learn names.
• Habit Stack #8: Create friction for distraction.
• Habit Stack #9: Practice self-compassion.

https://www.middleweb.com/50960/9-habit-stacking-tips-for-low-key-summer-prep/

Resources:  

Want to spur your child’s intellectual development? Use audiobooks instead of videos, says researcher

Listening to audiobooks requires children to focus and pay attention to the spoken word, promoting the development of listening skills.

Audiobooks are a valuable tool for expanding a child’s vocabulary and enhancing language skills. 

https://phys.org/news/2024-07-spur-child-intellectual-audiobooks-videos.html

Electoral-Vote.com

National Elections are in November.  Keep up with the current polls across the country with www.electoral-vote.com ‘s Electoral College map.  He updates it very frequently and it is a good visual to help students understand how the Electoral College works.  

Magna Carta:  Cornerstone of the Constitution

https://a.co/d/jaQuHYh

Web Spotlight:

REVOLUTIONIZE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP WITH THE HERSEY-BLANCHARD MODEL

The Hersey-Blanchard Model (pictured above) identifies four distinct leadership styles that instructional coaches and principals can employ when working with teachers. Each style combines different levels of directive and supportive behaviors to meet the needs of teachers at various stages of development.

https://blog.tcea.org/revolutionize-school-leadership-hersey-blanchard-model/

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about conferences, H5P, summer, and more. Dave sets the goal on Science education. 

Jokes:  

To develop massive thighs all you need to do is diddly squat. 

---

A survey you fill out after staying in a motel is an…

• Innput.

---

A truck loaded with Vicks Vaporub overturned on the highway. Amazingly, there was no congestion for eight hours.

---

Tomorrow is the day that I really start procrastinating.

---

Did you hear about the submarine industry? 

• It really took a dive…

Statistically 6 out of 7 dwarfs aren’t happy…

---

Librarians operate by the book.

---

Don’t buy flowers at a monastery. Because only you can prevent florist friars.

---

Does ke$ha go by k€sha in Europe?

---

---

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast: Goal of Science Education

I was recently reading the book, “Transformative Science Teaching: A Catalyst for Justice and Sustainability,” written by Daniel Morales-Doyle.

In this book, Daniel challenges the goal of science education.  

http://k12science.net/goal-of-science-education/

Reports from the Front Lines

• PSU (PowerSchool University)
  • Formatted Presentations
  • Multiple Screens
  • SWAG – Give Aways
• H5P
• Shawn’s Upgraded Laptop
  • Multiple screen use
• Back to School Parent Communication
• MAMSE

The Social Web

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

Niche tweet, but if we’re talking about impossible situations, the expression ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’ began as a bold translation of a Latin proverb ‘a fronte praecipitium, a tergo lupi’: literally ‘a precipice in front, wolves behind’.

Word of the day is ‘ultra-crepidate’ (19th century): to comment at length on a subject you know virtually nothing about.

D2L  @D2L

Reflecting on #D2LFusion 2024! A global gathering shaping the future of education with participants from 16+ countries. From D2L Lumi to H5P Group, we’re advancing learning innovation. Explore:  https://t.co/ZAfWelwscT  

EducationInvestor Global  @EduInvestor

Norway: D2L acquires ed tech firm H5P Group https://educationinvestor.co.uk/canada-d2l-acquires-edutech-firm-h5p-group/

otacke @otacke@chaos.social

You asked for it: My view on “#D2L all in on #H5P” https://www.olivertacke.de/labs/2024/07/12 

Resources:  

Econlowdown

Economic lessons and activities for the middle school classroom from the St. Louis Federal Reserve.  Free sign up, link your classroom to the activities.  To access Econ Lowdown:  Visit the following URL:  https://www.econlowdown.org.

National History Day

Each year, students around the world discover history through National History Day^® (NHD) by creating historical research projects. Through the process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking.  

https://nhd.org/en

Michigan Youth In Government

Time to plan for your Youth in Government projects!  

https://www.myig.org/Middle-School

Michigan Social Studies Olympiad

Time to plan for your Olympiad!  

https://www.mcssmi.org/Olympiad-24

AXIS The Culture Translator

Nobody Wants to BeReal

What it is: An article in The Free Press documents the rise and fall of the social media app BeReal, examining why it never took off the way it could have.

Web Spotlight: 

Informative Images

Informative images convey a simple concept or information that can be expressed in a short phrase or sentence. The text alternative should convey the meaning or content that is displayed visually, which typically isn’t a literal description of the image.

In some situations a detailed literal description may be needed, but only when the content of the image is all or part of the conveyed information. Whether to treat an image as informative or decorative is a judgment that authors make, based on the reason for including the image on the page.

Part of ADA compliance responsibility

https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/informative

Brickfield Labs Tips Cube:  https://www.brickfield.ie/tips/   

Random Thoughts . . .  

Lithuania “Century of Song” Celebration

“Lithuania’s very first Song Festival was organised exactly 100 years ago in Kaunas. Then it lasted for two days – and the centennial event this June will continue a whole week. The programme includes 14 events, all of them part of the long and ever-growing tradition.”

https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2305028/37-000-performers-to-celebrate-centenery-of-lithuanian-song-celebration

https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2251372/tradition-that-survived-wars-and-occupations-lithuania-prepares-for-centennial-song-festival

Music:  https://youtu.be/v4mrhODa77M?t=7270  and https://youtu.be/p5f20vbQK-8  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about summer plans, COVID impacts, and more. Dave takes on AI in Science. 

Jokes:  

Sore throats are a pain in the neck!

---

How many seconds are in a year?

• 12.

January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 2nd…. etc

---

C-flat: Perfect boating weather.

---

I’ve made the decision to take a role at this startup that makes knives.

• What they’re working on is cutting edge!

---

The best friends to take to dinner are your taste buds.

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How do locomotives know where they’re going? 

• Lots of training

Mrs Doc was worried about meeting new people on our upcoming cruise. @speecherkelly said: Don’t worry. We’ll all be in the same boat.

---

“Be nice to everyone. You never know who might have a pool.”

-Gandhi

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Every morning when I go out, I get hit by bicycle. Every morning!  

• It’s a vicious cycle.

---

How does a thermos know if the drink should be hot or cold?

---

When she heard me sing, my music teacher told me I should be tenor. 

• Tenor twelve feet away from every musical instrument.

---

Remember, the best angle to approach a problem from is the “try” angle.

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  AI:  Friend or Foe?

I was recently reading the March/April 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.

In this issue, I read “Editor’s Corner” written by Ann Haley Mackenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, in a big way.  Do you see it as a friend or foe in your science classroom?  The possibilities for AI are endless.  Do you feel comfortable with AI developing further?  Are you skeptical of AI?  Do you see the many possibilities of AI for your science teaching?  Should we fear AI?  These are all questions being considered by users and developers.

http://k12science.net/ai-friend-or-foe/

Reports from the Front Lines

• PowerSchool University
• Year 17
• COVID or Just figuring out
• Thinking in Public:  Bad Therapy, Cultural Seduction, and Children in Crisis – https://youtu.be/xlKppernd-M  or  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-in-public-with-albert-mohler/id390278978  

The Social Web

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

Word of the day is ‘ultra-crepidate’ (19th century): to comment at length on a subject you know virtually nothing about.

Mr H5P  @mrh5p

Learn how to create interactive content for your students with #H5P. Join webinars by the H5P team on new AI tools, live engagement tools branching scenarios and about the product roadmap.  https://h5p.org/h5p-webinars-2024  

Ron King @mthman

Algebra Ss are working on parallel & perpendicular lines by designing a city on paper, then converting their maps to @Desmos. Maps include shading & using the polygon command. Bonus is offered for Ss willing to add motion. #mschat #mathchat #mtbos #edchat

𝗧𝗖𝗘𝗔  Next Up: AI for EDU Conference @TCEA

 7 Effective Ways to Teach Vocabulary in the Middle School Classroom https://sbee.link/ckarvw4efj via Teach Like Midgley #mschat #ela #engchat #writing

Resources:  

TeacherServer

TeacherServer is a cutting-edge educational platform designed to support teachers in their daily tasks. Our mission is to provide high-quality, easy-to-use tools that enhance teaching and learning experiences.

TeacherServer.com operates using a local AI server rather than relying on remote services. This means our platform processes your requests much faster than other AI servers like ChatGPT and Gemini. For example, whether you’re generating lesson plans or creating quizzes, the response time is significantly reduced, ensuring you can complete your tasks without unnecessary delays.

Your privacy is our top priority. Unlike other services that might store your data, TeacherServer.com ensures that your data and sessions are not saved. Everything is processed locally, meaning your information remains private and secure. You can confidently use our tools without worrying about your data being stored or shared. For instance, when you use our Assignment Feedback tool, your assignment details are not retained, ensuring complete confidentiality.

At TeacherServer.com, we believe in providing high-quality tools without any cost. Our platform is entirely free to use, with no subscription fees, no ads, and no distractions. This allows you to focus on what matters most – enhancing your teaching and educational outcomes. You can access all our tools, from the K-12 Curriculum Quiz Maker to the Vocabulary Builder, without any financial commitment.

https://www.teacherserver.com

WordMark

Helps you choose fonts for your creative projects

https://wordmark.it

Colossal Cranium

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwiAPYRT1JCna3GYf-vkCg

Moodle Glossary Block:  ForBetterLife.org

Looking for something to hang out on the side of your Moodle classroom page that rotates information each time a student loads it?  How about with messages about character?  ForBetterLife.org has a daily email with such messages.  Imagine taking 440 of those and putting them in a Random Glossary Block.  Well someone did!  Character Glossary – Random Glossary Entry Block  

AXIS The Culture Translator

Slang of the Week: “Dusty”

“Dusty” can mean multiple things, but luckily, they all share the word’s original meaning: to be covered in dust. For many young people, the term has evolved to refer to someone who is maybe a little older or slightly out-of-touch. They’re “dusty” like a cup in the back of a cupboard that’s been forgotten. It also refers to someone who is past their prime or out of practice.

There’s No Place like Noplace

What it is: A new social media platform called “noplace” is currently the most popular app on the Apple app store. 

Why it’s attractive to Gen Z and Gen Alpha: The trend of nostalgia for the 2000s continues to grow, and MySpace and other early forms of social media might be the next vein to tap. Enter “noplace,” which seems to be trying to refocus on social connections instead of today’s social media, which leans heavily on being entertaining. Noplace gives users a customizable profile, a wall for friends to post on, and a feature where users highlight their “top ten friends.”  

Web Spotlight: 

CHAPEA

Mission Overview

Mission 1 will be the first of three one-year simulated Mars missions. The overarching goal of the mission is to assess human health and performance in relation to Mars relevant resource limitations in isolation and confinement. To collect sufficient data, the crew members will live and work in a simulated Mars habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, complete with communication delays and environmental stressors. The crew will also participate in various activities, including crop growth, simulated spacewalks, habitat maintenance, and science experiments.

Mission 1 began June 25, 2023 and will end on July 6, 2024.

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/chapea/chapea-mission-1

Random Thoughts . . .  

We can agree that speeding in a school zone is dangerous. Now, cities are installing cameras that read license plates and automatically send a ticket. Most cars now have GPS built in. Should we just use GPS to issue tickets? 

Which of the following was a world boxing champion?

1. Lyndon Johnson
2. Ronald Reagan
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Franklin Delano
5. Abraham Lincoln
6. Pat Paulsen
7. None of the above

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about summer work, History Resources, and more. Dave shares the powerful advantages of Zoos and Aquariums. 

Jokes:  

Now that all the Horses are housed can I say they are 

• Stabilized?

A towel gets wetter as it dries.

---

A constipated pathological liar told me he wasn’t feeling well. I could tell he was full of crap!

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What creature is smarter than a talking parrot? 

• A spelling bee.

Someone asked me, what’s the ninth letter of the alphabet? 

• It was a complete guess, but I was right.

Can anyone tell me if you need a current license to drive an electric car?

---

Came home to find two guys stealing my gate. 

• Didn’t want to say anything in case they took a fence.

I’ve been trying to come up with a dad joke about momentum . . . 

• but I just can’t seem to get it going.

I used to be addicted to deli meats but I quit cold turkey

---

My local newspaper is running a competition where you can win a holiday for you and a friend in Dubai.- I was going to enter but I don’t have any friends in Dubai!

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I must have a prodigious quantity of mind; it takes me as much as a week sometimes to make it up.

— Mark Twain, “The Innocents Abroad”

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I’d like to do some drawings of bread, but I can’t find a roll model.

---

People often ask me why I wanted to be a Film Editor. 

• Well – to cut a long story short…

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I used to work for an origami company but they folded.

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For Sale: Thick layer of dust.

• As seen on TV.

Eileen Award

• Laundon Tucker

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  Field Trips to Zoos and Aquariums

I was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Connected Science Learning” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.

In this issue, I read an article written by Benjamin Krause Recchia and T.J. McKenna. The article was entitled, “Field Trips to Zoos and Aquariums: Solving Pedagogical Challenges Using the Next Generation Science Standards.”

Though zoos and aquariums have become increasingly focused on conservation education, their unique and diverse learning opportunities have been underused.  Active learning pedagogy aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards can facilitate expansion of education at zoos and aquariums beyond their conservation education niche.

http://k12science.net/field-trips-to-zoos-and-aquariums/

Reports from the Front Lines

• History Day for my nephew
• Moodle Stuff
• Letters for Parents
• Summer is getting busier
  • AI Training
  • Annual Training
  • Phishing Training
  • Hiring
• Summer Fun
  • Pedal Boat

The Social Web

Modern Men’s Guide  @ModernMenGuide

Six Male Personalities of Modern Men Explained: (What Each Type Brings to the Table) Open Thread –

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

Word of the day is ‘bang-a-bonk’ (19th century): to sit lazily on a river bank and forget the world for a while.  

Mr H5P  @mrh5p

How to create a ‘Sort the Paragraphs’ activity in #H5P To see the finished example and more tutorials, check out http://mrh5p.com and subscribe to the H5P Builders newsletter. https://mrh5p.com/h5p-examples/how-to-make-a-sort-the-paragraphs-activity-with-h5p/

#instructionaldesign

elisabetta lando  @LandoEli

Flipped learning for maths using H5P – interesting to see how long it takes to prepare. The pay off is a substantial increase in grades and good student evaluation as well as everything ready to go for next year #LearningatCity24

Church of Jeff@jeffowski@mastodon.world

tom_geraghty@tom_geraghty@mastodon.online

The Pac-Man rule is: “When standing as a group of people, always leave room for one person to join your group.”

The Pac-Man rule provides the actual physical space for someone to join a conversation, and it also sends a strong visual signal that *you are welcome here.*

https://

psychsafety.co.uk/the-pac-man-

rule/

Kevin Beaumont@GossiTheDog@cyberplace.social

Since it’s come up again – if you use new Outlook and Mail in Windows 11, it automatically syncs all your email and contacts into Microsoft’s cloud – even if you use a third party mail provider.

There’s no option to decline.

Pretty obviously, consider the risk.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/sync-your-account-in-outlook-to-the-microsoft-cloud-985f9e19-d308-4e85-9d1d-0c6f32f8e981

Strategies:  

“I Can’t Hear You with All of Your Talking”

I was demoing a student writing conference for a group of teachers. They specifically asked me to work with a student named Estrella. Her teacher found conferring with Estrella extra challenging – no matter what the teacher tried, Estrella remained quiet and seemed disconnected. So I gave it a try, even though I doubted I could make any further inroads with her.

I modeled a strategy for Estrella, I decided to pause and say nothing for what felt like an eternity – about 30 seconds. We could see that Estrella was thinking. Then she began to take what I taught and use it. A light bulb lit up in our heads. We realized that simply saying nothing and giving each individual student  the time they need to process and act could be incredibly powerful.

I’ve learned that silence is not just the absence of noise – it’s a powerful pedagogical strategy that fosters an environment of mutual respect, active engagement, and collective discovery.

“Silence is the space that allows us to listen. Silence helps to create belonging.”

https://www.middleweb.com/50917/i-cant-hear-you-with-all-of-your-talking

Ditch the Drill and Choose to Thrill: Personalization with Student Choice

Agency in the classroom is about giving students more control over their learning through greater autonomy and purpose. Many factors drive it, but the underlying premise is to move learners from a state of engagement to empowerment so that they exert more ownership over their learning. While there are many high-agency strategies to choose from when personalizing, choice stands out.

1. Choice in content: Students can choose to learn the content with the teacher in small groups or independently through a flipped lesson or self-pacing task (reading, video, notes, slides, etc.). No matter the path chosen, checks for understanding along the way inform the student of their understanding. 
2. Choice in the process: Students can choose scaffolded and relevant tasks to complete in a must-do/may-do format, choice board, or playlist. While they work, the teacher uses data or evidence to pull individuals for intensive support.
3. Choice in product: With a well-designed rubric, students choose how to demonstrate learning through creating a product.  For examples, click HERE and HERE. 

https://esheninger.blogspot.com/2024/06/ditch-drill-and-choose-to-thrill.html

Resources:  

Comic Book +

Welcome to the main page of our massive public domain comic book archive. True gems to download or read online. So many, it is impossible to read them all!

The majority of our books belong to what has been termed the Golden Age of Comics. This began primarily with newspaper reprints and then “went up, up and away” with the introduction of Superman. Styles changed, new genres superseded old and then a new era dawned, the Silver Age of Comics, of which we also have many examples.

For what was once a massive industry, the publishers and their successors often took little care of their work. Many of the comics were either not copyrighted correctly, or the copyright was not renewed. Through this oversight thousands of comic books lapsed into what is called the “Public Domain”, which means that there is now no legal owner. That is why we can bring you all of these FREE and LEGALLY!

So take our word for it, if you browse around you are certain to spend a great many happy hours here!

https://comicbookplus.com/?cid=1507

Journeys In Film

We transform entertainment media into educational media by designing and publishing cost-free, educational resources for teachers to accompany carefully chosen feature films and documentaries while meeting mandated standards in all core subjects. Selected films are used as springboards for lesson plans in subjects ranging from math, science, language arts, and social studies to specific topics that have become critical for students to learn.

Journeys in Film’s programs engage students in meaningful examinations of human rights, poverty and hunger, stereotyping and racism, environmental issues, global health, immigration, and gender roles.  Our teaching methods are successful in broadening perspectives, teaching for global competency, encouraging empathy, and building new paradigms for best practices in education.  

We also develop discussion guides for films that don’t necessarily lend themselves to academic standards, but cover topics and themes that are valuable for classroom discussions and in other settings, such as after school clubs, community screenings and University classes.

https://journeysinfilm.org

DARESAYCheck-in generator

https://checkin.daresay.io

Open RSS

https://openrss.org

Amnesia

Amnesia is an interactive learning experience. You can choose to learn about a specific topic, which will take you to a relevant time and place, or you can directly enter a time and place to explore. Select an option to start your journey.

https://www.playamnesia.com

AXIS:  The Culture Translator

Tall Order

What it is: Socks that come up to your shin are the true marker of a stylish individual, according to Gen Alpha and Gen Z.

Why it marks a generational divide: Many readers might remember that in the early 2000s, socks seemed to get shorter and shorter, until “no-show” socks became the norm. Today, many agree that the most stylish socks hit much higher on the leg. Visible white crew socks extending over a pair of black leggings, sometimes even paired with a gigantic pair of open-toed slides, are worn by teens without an ounce of shame—a look that Millennials would have probably called “cringe.” Crew socks have become a sign that the wearer is aware of current trends. But while Gen Z might say they’ve grown used to never seeing their ankles, many Millennials seem to be attached to the socks of their youth.

LRT – Song Festival

Centenary studio of song fest.  “Dainų diena Kaune „Miškais kalnai žaliuoja“. Ved. Gerūta Griniūtė. Tiesioginė transliacija iš Kauno Dainų slėnio (subtitruota, su vertimu į gestų k.).”  Day of songs in Kaunas “Mountains are green with forests”. Lead Geruta Griniūtė. Live broadcast from the Kaunas Valley of Songs (subtitled, with translation into sign language).  https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/tiesiogiai/lrt-televizija  

Web Spotlight: 

How France Adopts An Open Source-Based Education Strategy – Free of Big Tech

France’s move towards a comprehensive open source-based education strategy, 2023-2027. The aim is to achieve digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on big tech companies like Microsoft and Google, which are widely used in education systems, including in Denmark.

Kauffmann said that France has never officially embraced big tech in schools, which makes the project easier, and that the public generally is skeptic towards monopolies and the abuse of private data. The country is thus undergoing a cultural shift in the digital education sector, promoting the use of free, open, and interoperable code, data, and content, referred to as “digital commons”. This approach encompasses not only free licenses but also community involvement and governance.

“One of the key actions is to offer authoring tools to our teacher and tools based on open source software. No Google Classrooms. Not Microsoft Teams. We have chosen Moodle Elea as a learning management system,” explained Alexis Kauffmann who also pointed to other tools to learn to code and mathematics like Jupyter. They have there an app platform with open-source tools like Nextcloud, Big Blue Button, and Collaboration. They even have their own ‘github’ (owned by Microsoft) called La Forge, where teachers share code.

“I am not saying it is easy. The biggest obstacle is political courage to resist the lobbyists both at a national and European level,” he said and pointed to other risks like the quality of big tech’s products, being isolated in Europa, and artificial intelligence. 

https://dataethics.eu/how-france-adopts-an-open-source-based-education-strategy-free-of-big-tech

Random Thoughts . . .  

[BFTP] The one question I’m asking at ISTE 2013

https://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2024/06/bftp-the-one-question-im-asking-at-iste-2013.html

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy share summer plans, hint, Moodle is involved, resources and more. Dave goes National on the park. 

Jokes:  

I have decided to give up tap dancing, it’s too dangerous.

I fell off and twisted my ankle in the sink.

---

Did you know you should never brush your teeth with your left hand?

Because a toothbrush is much more effective

---

I have a friend who always uses stilts. 

• I look up to him

I just burned 2000 calories in 20 minutes.

---

Did you hear what the sun did to the couple that was out riding on a bicycle built for two?

Tanned em.

---

Sad to ponder but every belief has a lie in it.

---

I got into a fight with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

• The odds were against me.

---

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  National Parks

I was recently reading the May/June 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.

In this issue, I read the “Right to the Source” section written by Danna Bell.  This section included an article entitled, “See America and Its National Parks.”

Today over 300 million people annually visit the 429 individual designated properties that are managed by the National Park Service, covering 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories.

http://k12science.net/national-parks/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Gettin’ Busy w/Moodle

English-Latin Medical Terminology Glossary:  https://moodle.net/resource/32qmKBha/english-latin-vocabulary-glossary-of-medical-terminology  

Michigan History Day:  https://moodle.net/resource/Ve30t2dV/michigan-history-day-2025  

Michigan Social Studies Olympiad:  Coming Soon  

• 8th Grade Celebration
• Apple Conference

The Social Web

Rothmus   @Rothmus

Fixing Education  @FixingEducation

Breaking Education News NEW: Massive brawl breaks out at a Los Angeles high school graduation for students on probation. The incident happened at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA when someone jumped off a 2nd-story balcony to target one of the students.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1803405886494310853

Susie Dent  @susie_dent

A pretty etymology to kick off the day: the ‘daisy’ takes its name from the Old English ‘dæges ēage’, ‘day’s eye’, because the flower opens its petals at dawn and slowly closes its ‘eye’ again at dusk.

NCMLE  @NCMiddle

The  @NCMiddle  ‘Middle School Matters’ Conference planning is well underway!  We heard your feedback and are preparing to make 2025 the best yet!   Stay tuned for exciting details coming soon…

John R. Sowash  @jrsowash

Exciting news, Google Docs is adding tabs!  Now you can organize multiple docs into a handy notebook just like in Google Sheets. Get ready for this game-changing update coming soon to everyone!  Details: https://bit.ly/3JnSB9Z

Resources:  

Atomic Hands

https://www.youtube.com/@atomichands

AXIS The Culture Translator

Inside Out 2

What it is: Inside Out 2, the sequel to Disney-Pixar’s movie about anthropomorphized feelings, made more money worldwide on opening weekend than any animated film ever.

Why it’s a breakout success story: It’s been a while since the beloved animation studio had an uncontested hit. Continuing the story of Riley from the first movie, Inside Out 2 explores the conflict that comes with puberty and its new associated emotions: Ennui, Embarrassment, Envy, and Anxiety. 

A Cautionary Tale

What it is: US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is urging Congress to require a warning label on social media platforms.

Why it’s such a big deal: Public concern over teen technology use has reached a fever pitch. During his tenure as Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy has issued warnings about the loneliness crisis and the teen mental health crisis—and emerging research connects social media to both of these big issues. 

     In the 19th century, McMunn’s Elixir was pushed as a remedy to sleeplessness, anxiety, pain, frustration, and generally unpleasant feelings. For some people, it worked as advertised! The downside was that it was actually pure opium, so the side-effects were… well, the standard side-effects of taking opium.  

     It’s easy to look back at the past and laugh at how silly those people were. How could they not know that giving opium concoctions was a bad idea? And while we have the advantage of hindsight, it took time to learn exactly why taking pure opium was a bad idea. With regard to emerging research on the effects of social media, we might be in the middle of a similar process.

How to spot manipulated videos, including deepfakes and shallowfakes

Manipulated videos are becoming more pervasive online and often spread misinformation and disinformation. 

Misinformation is when a person shares deceptive or false information unintentionally, while disinformation is shared with the intent to deceive.

Some altered videos may seem harmless, such as ones that appear to show celebrities performing stunts. Other times, there could be a nefarious intention behind the videos — like when a world leader’s likeness is copied for political or propaganda purposes.

https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/fact-sheets-verify/how-to-spot-manipulated-videos-deepfakes-shallowfakes/536-ee3b260f-fe31-4bab-b13f-e6e168c8b2ca

You’re Dead To Me – BBC Podcasts

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past.  Updated: weekly

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07mdbhg

Web Spotlight: 

Charles Plumb

https://medium.com/jacob-morgan/this-is-the-true-story-of-charles-plumb-5eeb7eba334e

Extinct Languages 

An extinct language may be narrowly defined as a language with no native speakers and no descendant languages.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_languages_by_time_of_extinction

Inside the debate over The Anxious Generation

https://www.platformer.news/anxious-generation-jonathan-haidt-debate-critique

Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html#:~:text=Dr.%20Vivek%20H.%20Murthy%20is,Public%20Health%20Service%20Commissioned%20Corps.

The Surgeon General’s Fear-Mongering, Unconstitutional Effort to Label Social Media

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/06/no-online-speech-should-not-have-warning-labels

Pessimists Archive: Surgeon General

https://newsletter.pessimistsarchive.org/p/when-the-surgeon-general-warned-about

Random Thoughts . . .  

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Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about ending the year, summer plans, and more. Dave discusses the importance of Math in Science. 

Jokes:  

Manatees should all be named Hugh.

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Why does Harry Potter struggle telling his Cooking Pot and Best Friend apart?

• They’re both Cauldron

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Why do pirates not know the alphabet? 

• They always get stuck at “C”.

Sometimes I tuck my knees into my chest and lean forward.  

• That’s just how I roll.

Six-Factor Authentication is when, in order to check your account balance, you need to show how you’re connected to Kevin Bacon.

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What’s the best thing about elevator jokes? They work on so many levels.

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I just swapped our bed for a trampoline. 

• My wife hit the ceiling.

Never buy flowers from a monk. 

• Only you can prevent florist friars.

I went to an outdoor restaurant in the rain once. 

• It took me two hours to finish my soup. 

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I made a bicycle by folding up some paper in my desk drawer. It doesn’t move though – it’s a stationery bike.

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There’s a new type of broom out, it’s sweeping the nation.

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Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

K12Science Podcast:  The Importance of Math in Science

I was recently reading the May/June 2024 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.

In this issue, I read the “Science 101” section written by Matt Bobrowsky.  He wrote an article entitled, “What Activity Can I Use to Illustrate the Importance of Math in Science?”

Matt summarized 7 ways in which math is not only useful but essential in science:

1.  Being Clear and Precise

2.  Measuring

3.  Modeling and Simulation

4.  Problem-Solving

5.  Discovery of Patterns and Relationships

6.  Verification of Results

7.  Predictive Power 

http://k12science.net/the-importance-of-math-in-science/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• OER Moodle
  • https://louis.oercommons.org/ 
  • MootiMeter – Mootimeter currently has the following polling tools: * Quiz, * Poll, * Wordcloud
• Cell Phone Management
  • Cell Phone Hotel
  • Can’t be used in class
  • Parent expectations
• 8th Grade “Ceremony”
• Summer Plans

The Social Web

Devon   @devonzuegel

Need to get this flag for my office

The Best@ThebestFigen

https://twitter.com/i/status/1801305532407353827

Susie Dent@susie_dent

This is right up there with ‘palindrome’ not being a palindrome, ‘lisp’ being unsympathetic to those who have one, ‘abbreviation’ being anything but, and ‘dyslexia’ being tricky to spell. Any others?

Shottr  @shottr_cc

Good news! If you have a license, you could now get a token to enable image uploading service via an automated page here: https://shottr.cc/get_token.html

Phyllis Fagell, LCPC  @Pfagell

I don’t have all the answers to the smartphone problem, but my six-year-old niece takes a walkie talkie with her on solo walks to neighbors’ homes, and my brother calls her from HIS walkie talkie when it’s time for her to come home.

Resources:  

Learner Lab

The Science of Learning. Simplified.

The website that helps you and your group get better at getting better.

Learning is the most important skill. Great learners can solve problems, adapt, innovate, and build new skills. The best news: anyone can become a better learner. We dive into the science, connect the dots, and share it in a way that you can understand it and use it.

https://thelearnerlab.com/learner-the-audiobook

Cellphones Turned My Teaching Career From ‘Awesome’ to Exhausting

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/cellphones-turned-my-teaching-career-from-awesome-to-exhausting/2024/06

AXIS The Culture Translator

Fizzing Out

What it is: A new anonymous, private messaging app called Fizz is, perhaps unsurprisingly, wreaking havoc in high schools and colleges.

Why it’s causing trouble: The Stanford students who designed Fizz call it “​​an uplifting digital space for Gen Z.” In reality, it has become a place to spread rumors, cyberbully, and share harmful photos, as one high school in Vermont learned. Apps designed to be anonymous message boards often become havens for the worst impulses of humanity (see: YikYak). These apps can create a catch-22 for teens, who may feel the need to make sure people aren’t talking about them on the app, which, in turn, increases app engagement. Fizz can provide fuel for conversations about integrity and how we behave when no-one is looking, but it’s also a space in culture where parents and trusted adults might advise teens to simply opt out.

Web Spotlight: 

Chuck Jones

This is great: a 25-minute interview with legendary animator Chuck Jones as he sits and draws some of his iconic characters (Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck). He told this anecdote about how Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were both influenced by a particular space-themed cartoon of his:

https://kottke.org/24/04/watch-chuck-jones-draw-bugs-bunny-daffy-duck-and-porky-pig

Bonus Link of the Week:  Chad Frye, Illustration Guy has been posting 50th Anniversary of Donald Duck drawings he did during his career at Disney.  You can find them here:  https://www.facebook.com/ChadFryeIllustrationGuy  

Random Thoughts . . .  

The Fediverse

https://alex.kirk.at/2024/06/13/your-wordpress-as-your-personal-mastodon-instance

https://fossacademic.tech/2024/06/12/Maven.html

https://fedi.tips

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