Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk real-world connections, books, vacation plans, teaching strategies and more. Dave goes Graphic (Novels that is). 

Jokes:  

You’ve heard of Elf on a Shelf? How about?

Cosine on a bovine

COwSine?

Prime on a lime

Goose on a Moose

---

Here’s a fun fact: 

• Nothing starts with N and ends with G

---

My friend was at a local bar & grill when a woman at a table a few feet away from me sneezed and her glass eye came out and he caught it.  He handed it back to her and she popped it in and said thank you. She was a beautiful woman. Gorgeous face stunning body and a beautiful smile to boot. The woman of his dreams, right in front of him. A few moments pass by and she comes up to him and asks for his number and he looked around the room. Surely she must’ve been mistaken. He said “ who me?!!!?” She said “yes of course you. I don’t usually do this kind of thing but you just sort of caught my eye.”

---

I went out to dinner the other night. I had reservations…

• But I went anyway

---

I’m working on a new skill

• I’m levitating birds

---

---

---

If you melt dry ice, can you take a bath without getting wet?

---

You know what they say about cliffhangers….

Middle School Science Minute  

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

K12Science Podcast:  Graphic Novels

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  

In this issue, I read an article entitled “Picture This! The Versatility of Graphic Novels in Science Class” written by Rachelle Haroldson.  

The popularity of graphic novels is not surprising.  They are colorful and engaging, marrying text to images, with diverse characters doing everything from struggling with their tennis game to solving engineering problems to battling villains from the Multiverse.

http://k12science.net/graphic-novels/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Vacation Time
  • MAMSE Conference Presentation
• The Christmas Season
• TikTok Challenge

The Twitterverse  

John R. Sowash  @jrsowash

Here is a list of my favorite Chrome Apps and Extensions for K-12 classroom! #techTools #Chromebook #ChromebookEDU

EL Magazine  @ELmagazine

“Decades of research [reveal] how educators can support & teach key skills like self-regulation. Nowhere in the literature do researchers recommend that we shame children into being compliant.” @leeannjung @domsmithRP  Tear Down Your Behavior Chart!

Typical EduCelebrity  @EduCelebrity 

If we want students to stop using TikTok, then teachers need to start using it. It will no longer be cool for them.  

AIMS

@aimsnetwork

Proposals Open December 6, 2021 – January 2nd 2022 Calling all Exploratory Teachers! What can you #share to help #transform another exploratory #classroom or school? https://buff.ly/3oAlINH

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

Pretesting

We investigated the relative efficacy of pretesting (i.e., errorful generation) and posttesting (i.e., retrieval practice), two of the most prominent practice test types in the literature to date. Pretesting involves taking tests before to-be-learned information is studied, whereas posttesting involves taking tests after information is studied.

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxap0000345

https://www.thoughtco.com/importance-and-uses-of-pretests-7674

Resources:  

The Birthday Problem

https://nowiknow.com/the-birthday-problem/

Common Language (Other than English or Spanish)

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/VC_US_CommonLanguagesV9.jpg

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/most-common-language-spoken-in-the-u-s-map/

Slang of the Week

Yassification: Applying several layers of something that should be good to glam up or make something sound/appear better, even though the result ends up being something cringey or contrived. (Ex: That selfie she thought looked good got completely yassified with all the FaceTune she used.)

Web Spotlight:  

Something to Carry You Into The Break

Seraphic Fire’s rendition of “Goodnight Dear Heart”

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss what is going on. They discuss self-assessment, field trips, and more. Dave discusses language in science.

Jokes:  

Have you tried blindfolded archery?

• You really don’t know what you are missing.

---

What bigger than a tuna?

• A threena

---

What rock group has four guys who don’t sing?

• Mount Rushmore

---

I dreamed someone broke into my apartment and stole all my stuff. Then replaced it with exact replicas.

I asked my roommate does something seem different to you this morning?

He said, “Do I know you?”

---

How do cats make coffee?

• In a purrcolator

---

I had to stop going to the chiropractor. 

• He kept trying to manipulate me. 

---

How do you tell when you are out of invisible ink? 

---

---

My friend is dating a guy who is crossed-eyed. I don’t think that it’s going to work out. 

• They just don’t see eye to eye.

---

How much does Santa pay to park?

• Nothing, it’s on the house. 

---

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Theory, Law, and Hypothesis

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  

In this issue, I read an article entitled “Why Do Certain Terms in the Language of Science Cause So Much Confusion?” written by Matt Bobrowski.  

Language in the science classroom includes both technical/scientific terms and non-scientific words.  Some problematic words include theory, law, and hypothesis.

http://k12science.net/theory-law-and-hypothesis/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Take Your Victories Where you can
• Teacher talk
• Self-Assessment journey
• Tech to Curriculum
• Future Field Trips

The Twitterverse  

AMLE  @AMLE

Need some stocking stuffers for the middle school educators in your life? Shop the AMLE store by Dec 17 & receive 20% off your purchase, including The Successful Middle School: This We Believe and pre-orders of our newest titles. All orders also include a free AMLE tote bag.  https://twitter.com/AMLE/status/1469381492052791296/photo/1  

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

We’ve reached the point of the school year where teachers look to long-term weather forecasts desperately looking for a potential snow day.

Jack Berckemeyer  @JBerckemeyer

Parents – you are not helping your child when they get in trouble at school and you respond by saying next time don’t get caught. Time to support schools, teachers and your child. Ownership of responsibility is critical to the success of a child.

Connor Ewing  @ConnorMEwing

Students Don’t Read Syllabi, Exhibit 58623

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

Resources:  

THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN HOW WE LOOK AT CAR CRASHES & HOW WE LOOK AT SCHOOLS

“…human error is described as the reason for 94% of crashes – it’s called “the critical reason.”  But, as the article goes on to explain, the real cause of most crashes are systemic issues like road an vehicle design.”

 “the idea that human error causes nearly all crashes is a useful talking point.”

Schools, and their teachers, are held by many in the public to be primarily responsible for student success or failure, even though research has constantly found outside factors, including institutional socio/economic ones like racism, have been found to be the primary influencers of academic achievement 

https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2021/11/30/the-similarities-between-how-we-look-at-car-crashes-how-we-look-at-schools/#annotations:Zz1W-lUcEeymmO9pDHlKNg 

Ways to Say No – Elge Slienotiene of LKPA  

Web Spotlight:  

Where Do We Find The Time? – AMLE

“Many schools aren’t designed for teaching. Most are designed to protect the status quo, emphasizing curriculum’s traverse and compliance more than solid student learning that lasts. Entering our third decade of the 21^st century, we know this entrenched cattle call from class to class limits student learning. We know we can do better.”

Where Do We Find the Time to Do All This Stuff?

Immigrants Day

December 18th

A broad range of factors continue to determine the movement of people. They are either voluntary or forced movements as a result of the increased magnitude and frequency of disasters, economic challenges and extreme poverty or conflict. Approximately 281 million people were international migrants in 2020, representing 3.6 per cent of the global population.

All these will significantly affect the characteristics and scale of migration in the future and determine the strategies and policies countries must develop in order to harness the potential of migration while ensuring the fundamental human rights of migrants are protected.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day

AXIS – The Culture 

State of Emergency

What it is: The US surgeon general issued an advisory this week, warning of a massive mental health crisis amongst young people, including an increase in suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety.

Slang of the Week:  

“This would have been my thirteenth reason.”: A phrase used mostly on social media as an irreverent nod to the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why; indicates that something is so dumb or offensive that it’s enough to push someone into a mental health abyss.  

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy start with a long discussion of online learning and lots of real-world experiences. Dave is going to Touch, Talk, and Text Science. 

Jokes:  

The invention of the shovel was groundbreaking.

---

But it was the invention of numbers that really counted.

---

I’ll be if Big Ben in London ever stops working, crews would be working around the clock to fix it. 

---

How do stars prepare for a party?

• They planet

---

How does Moses make his coffee?

• He brews it

---

What sound does a piano make when thrown down a coal mine?

• A Flat Minor

---

---

Why does Snoop Dogg carry an Umbrella?

• Fo’Drizzle

---

A guy walks into a restaurant, but doesn’t know what to get. He tells the server, “I’m not very hungry, I just want something easy.”

The server says “maybe the chicken strips for $6?”

The guys answers, “maybe he does, but that doesn’t help with my hunger”. 

A Random Dad from across the restaurant yells: “Good One!”

---

I got a new car the other day. I couldn’t figure out my seatbelt. 

• Then it clicked. 

---

How do you turn soup into gold? 

• Add 24 carrots

---

The inventor of the Ferris Wheel never met the inventor of the Merry-Go-Round.

• They traveled in different circles.

---

I’m thinking of getting into the crane business.

• I hear it’s really booming

---

There’s a large oil company that is announcing that they are going to produce fuel from insect urine. 

• I think it’s BP

---

What do you get when you mix a joke with a rhetorical question?

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

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

Touch, Talk, Text

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read an article entitled “Touch, Talk, Text” written by Sarah J. Carrier, Jill F. Grifenhagen, and Danielle Scharen.  They wrote an article entitled “Touch, Talk, Text.”

Traditional approaches to science instruction often include reading science text, some hands-on science experiences, and teaching science language in isolation.  They propose instead that teachers integrate touch, talk, and text in their science instruction to support authentic scientific inquiry and disciplinary literacy for students.

http://k12science.net/touch-talk-text/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Writing letters to other students (like maybe in China)

The Twitterverse  

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

School Leaders, it’s unfair to ask teachers to buy their own classroom supplies. Instead, have the PTO start a grant program where money is given to teachers for these expenses. Solicit donations to this fund from teachers since they are benefiting from this after all. #edchat

Brian Briggs (he/him/his)  @bribriggs

For day 4 of the #createwithchrome Advent of Activities, the great @mrshowell24shares a THIS OR THAT Holiday Edition! Check it out!

Brad Dale  @bradjdale

New features on your Chromebook Dec 1, 2021 Create a video, scan a doc, and a QR reader. https://timetotalktech.com/2021/12/new-fe

Vince DiGrandi  @Principal_MrD

This Decade-Long Experiment In Teacher Evaluation Is An Unsurprising Failure

https://t.co/PsziIkfOwa

Alan Stein, Jr.  @AlanSteinJr

THIS is culture…

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

15 Second Video Vocab Challenge

To see what we mean, check out this compilation of 60 winning vocabulary videos. In less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode, you can practice words you might already know, like distill and nocturnal, and learn some new ones — how about obsequious, callow and peregrination?

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/learning/our-9th-annual-15-second-vocabulary-video-challenge.html

Reading Strategies

Background knowledge and strategy instruction were associated with significantly larger effects…

Interventions that included instructional enhancements (graphic organizers and technology) demonstrated significantly lower effects (g =.45) than those that built background knowledge or focused on comprehension strategies.

https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2021/12/03/new-study-examines-what-helps-students-most-with-reading-comprehension/

Resources:  

Mouse.org

Want to change a website? (*Or, know that this is possible, kids do.) 

https://x-ray-goggles.mouse.org/

Richard Byrne has a nice example: 

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2021/12/view-whats-behind-website-with-mouse-x.html

Spinner Wheel

You can enter your own options. Can be used to provide differentiation options for kids. 

​​https://spinnerwheel.com/ 

AMLE Playbook Challenge!  

“The middle grades are a pivotal time in students’ development, as they begin to form their identity and envision the future. Career exploration is a cornerstone of this process and is associated with both positive educational and employment outcomes, keeps students engaged in school, and helps them develop a better sense of self. That’s why ASA and AMLE have teamed up to create Career Exploration in the Middle Grades: A Playbook for Educators that offers a roadmap that ANY school can use to create an impactful program for their students.”  Video:  https://youtu.be/P1hz-_DS2Oo  

https://www.amle.org/playbook-challenge/?fbclid=IwAR2boTj-iwT8kDdLFLI06b-nd27VC892YTCu_h2gDK5wgw7mcU7IclattAA

Web Spotlight:  

Ubuntu

AXIS – The Culture Translator

Squid Game Sponcon

What it is: YouTuber Mr. Beast released a real-life, blood-free version of the runaway hit show Squid Game. The slickly produced video was sponsored to the tune of $3.5 million by a mobile game called Brawl Stars.

Unreal Estate

What it is: Speaking of screens, your Gen Zer’s first home may only exist in virtual reality. There’s a real estate boom in the metaverse, er, metaverses, and developers are snapping up virtual properties (and yachts) for millions of dollars.

YikYak Is Back

What it is: The controversial anonymous gossip app YikYak returned to the internet this week, promising to behave itself better than last time.

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about tablets, a few ratholes, add-ons, and more. Dave has the Language of science. 

Jokes:  

---

---

What if your Dad was a minotaur, and your Mom was a Mermaid. 

• And you got human half from each and are just some guy. 

---

Albert Einstein’s little brother Frank was some monster. 

---

My friend Joe just went on the Dolly Parton diet. 

• *Shawn- “How did that work out?”
• It made Joe Lean, Joe Lean, Joe Lean

---

---

I have a friend who considers herself the Robin Hood of Memes. 

• Stealing from one group to feed another

---

Just a thought, there are more airplanes underwater than there are submarines in the air. 

---

How much does a roof cost? 

---

---

I bought a can of evaporated milk. When I opened the can, it was empty. 

---

I have a friend who is great at selling home security systems. If they aren’t home, he just leaves a brochure on their kitchen table.

---

What has four letters, occasionally has twelve letters, always has six letters, but never has five letters.

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Middle School Science Minute  

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

The Language of Science

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  

 In this issue, I read the section “Editor’s Note” written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn.  Elizabeth wrote an article entitled “The Language of Science.”

 The language of science is much more than just knowing technical or content-specific words or phrases. Understanding science requires the development of an academically social language. Students need opportunities to see how language can be used to describe, represent, question, refute, and reach a consensus when learning to make sense of the natural world.

http://k12science.net/the-language-of-science/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Some districts report that they are assuming a spike in COVID is coming and they’re just going to take the next two weeks virtual as a pre-emptive strike on an attendance problem.  
• School Closing Tracker: https://districtadministration.com/school-closings-tracker-where-covid-shut-down-schools-again/ 

The Twitterverse  

Elizabeth Curtis  @Eli2003_10

Differentiating for English Learners posters have been placed in every EL classroom and every teachers lounge in our district. Can’t wait to see how our Gen Ed teachers will use these strategies! QR code on the poster provide a TON of resources! @PLSD @PlsdSupt @AlesiaGillison

John R. Sowash @jrsowash

Do you accessorize Google Drive with add-ons? What are your favorites? Here are some of mine:

WORLD Radio @TWERadio

Listen to Sarah Schweinsberg take us with her on a tour of #Plymouth, #Massachusetts to discover what life in the #colony was really like. #Thanksgiving  https://wng.org/podcasts/a-walk-through-plymouth-1637816933  

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

ONLY $39 for Premium AliceKeeler membership Black Friday Special Save 84% on premium membership! Only $39 for the rest of the school year! https://sowl.co/s/roFay

Chris Quinn  @ChrisQuinn64

Our children are great observers and learners! What we model matters! #Friday #edutwitter #teaching #leadership #parenting

AppleInsider  @appleinsider

Apple AR headset to feature M1 Mac levels of processing power, says analyst

https://t.co/27jYu49hwV?amp=1

Gratitude HQ  @gratefuledu64

Simple actions that can make a big difference in your life… #FridayFeeling #selfcare #mentalhealth #grateful  

John R. Sowash  @jrsowash

Annotate Meet is a free Chrome extension by  @MathDenisNJ

that will allow you to draw on your screen while presenting through #GoogleMeet. A great tool for quick demonstrations or impromptu lessons! Install link: #edTech #remotelearning #ChromebookEDU

Stephanie Howell  @mrshowell24

Love this upgraded version of Tearable slides for history! Thanks

@scottmpetri #edtech #ditchbook #tlap #ETCoaches #hacklearning #GSuiteEdu #GoogleEDU #celebratED #cuechat #k12artchat #masterychat #edchat #LeadLAP #eduprotocols #ShareStuffSunday #googlei #educoach

Ian Jukes  @ijukes

The noise is coming from HERE

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

H5P.org Gamification

H5P is working on a way to gamify the content you create.  “The Chase” turns your H5P activities into a game students can compete in.  With the popularity of Quizziz and Blooket, this should be a nice open source addition to the stable.  https://h5p.org/june-2021-roadmap-update  

Web Spotlight:  

PianoTV  

What are you passionate about?  Well, she’s passionate about pianos.  And TV.  You might be too.  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0PmHG0RvQHazlEsFU-4uQ

Unfiltered: Teens get real about the fake lives lived on social media

*Warning: Explicit Language

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/unfiltered-teens-social-media-1.6250963#annotations:MZPcBkumEey4_98Rqte24w

Random Thoughts . . .  

Food you need to try:  Cepelinai

https://www.linoslithuanianfood.com/product-page/cepelinai

 

Michigan Marching Band – Pregame Show 11-27-2021  

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=notif&v=596257688277652&notif_id=1638031774995373&notif_t=live_video

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss kids “scamming” Mr. McGirr and looking to self-assessment. Dave shares Nature’s Notebook. 

Jokes:  

What do you wear to a Thanksgiving dinner?

• A Har-vest

---

What’s a pumpkin’s favorite sport?

• Squash

---

I saw a dwarf climbing down a prison wall.

• I thought, “that’s a little condescending” 

---

Did you know that Raymond Burr had a brother? 

• He was a lumberjack. His name was Tim. 

---

Life is like a helicopter.

• I don’t know how to operate a helicopter

---

Hey, I got a new electric car.

• Now I need a “current” driver’s license
• When I park, I have to park in parallel

---

There’s no training to be a trash collector.

• You just pick it up as you go along

---

---

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Middle School Science Minute  

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

Nature’s Notebook

http://k12science.net/natures-notebook/

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Citizen Science” written by Jill Nugent.  Jill wrote an article entitled “Taking the Pulse of Our Planet with Nature’s Notebook.”

Nature’s Notebook, a project of the USA National Phenology Network, invites participants to help scientists “take the pulse of our planet.”  With Nature’s Notebook, your students will have the opportunity to observe, document, and share seasonal changes in your geographic area.  For more information, please visit:

https://usanpn.org/natures_notebook

Reports from the Front Lines

• New Hampshire & the Law 
  • https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-group-offers-500-catching-teacher-breaking-critical-race-theory-law-1651003  
• Kids “Scamming” Mr. McGirr
• Mr. McGirr is sitting pretty
• Mr. McGirr, please delete my attempts…sure, it’s midnight, but can you get on this?
• Troy’s Self-Assessment journey
  • Moodle Forum
  • Blog Post

The Twitterverse  

Alex Shevrin Venet  @AlexSVenet

Middle grades teachers! I’m excited to be giving a keynote at the FREE Middle Grades Collaborative conference on January 29. Deets and registration: https://middlegradescollaborative.org/conference/  

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

6 Chrome Extensions for Teachers https://alicekeeler.com/2021/11/07/6-c  

Slava Bobrov  @slava__bobrov

Two neurons sensing each other. And trying to connect: #neuroscience  https://twitter.com/i/status/1459398961404518402  

Jcorippo  @jcorippo

Gentle reminder for all of us right now. #eduprotocols  

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

Good administrators allow their staff to wear jeans on Fridays. Elite administrators allow their staff to wear sweatpants.  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

The Greatest Enemy of Creativity In Schools Isn’t Testing, It’s Time

“Creativity is one of those ineffable skills that’s important—especially for jobs of the future—but hard to pin down. We know when we feel creative, and we know what creative work looks like. Measuring and assessing such work in a way that keeps kids inspired is another matter,”  

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-12-18-the-greatest-enemy-of-creativity-in-schools-isn-t-testing-it-s-time/

Resources:  

Slinky Drop

https://www.gifbin.com/bin/092011/1317143770_slinky_dropped_in_slowmotion.gif

6 Toilets From History, and What They Taught Us

Across the world, and throughout history, different peoples have developed different ways to deal with their own waste. And while they didn’t always nail the design, their efforts to keep themselves safe have led to the thrones and sanitation systems we know and love today.

Web Spotlight:  

Living in the Coldest Place on Earth

https://www.wired.com/2015/01/amos-chapple-the-coldest-place-on-earth/

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Professional Development for staff, a few ratholes, and how teachers can continue to grow. Hey, Dave has PD tips too. 

Jokes: 

What do you call a guy standing in a hole? 

• Phil

---

---

---

I have a new pen that writes underwater. It’s amazing. It writes other words as well. 

---

How do you get down off an elephant?

• You don’t. You get down off a duck.

---

Did you know the first french fry wasn’t cooked in France?

• It was cooked in Greece

---

I fear that Elon Musk is going to get into a scandal. It would last for, like, ever.

• Elongate

---

I finished writing my book on penguins. 

• In hindsight, it would’ve been easier to use paper.

---

I had a happy childhood. My Dad used to roll me down hills in tires. 

• Those were Goodyears

---

I called Siri “Alexa”. Now neither one will talk to me. 

---

My friend has a new boyfriend. However, he’s in another nation. 

• Imagination

---

A farmer caught his cow smoking weed. 

• The steaks have never been higher

---

Why should you keep a knife in the freezer?

• For making cold cuts

---

Hey, did you know that Bruce Lee had a brother? That brother was a vegetarian. 

• Broco Lee

Middle School Science Minute  

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

The Importance of Professional Development

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “From the Editor’s Desk” written by Patti McGinnis.  Patti wrote an article entitled “The Importance of Professional Development.”

Professional Development is best conducted via opportunities to learn in the workplace through Professional Learning Communities, instructional coaching, or any vehicle that focuses on improving student achievement through teacher practices.

http://k12science.net/the-importance-of-professional-development/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Quality Professional Development 
  • Coaching
  • Self-selected

The Twitterverse  

Typical EduCelebrity  @EduCelebrity

Good administrators allow their staff to wear jeans on Fridays. Elite administrators allow their staff to wear sweatpants.

Sam  @SamIAm2021MD

I am blown away by this COVID vaccine video, one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time

https://twitter.com/i/status/1459051952831189013

Rick Wormeli@rickwormeli2

Middle School Educators: This is one of the best books to maintain middle school focus this year and in the years ahead – Take a look! @AMLE @DruTomlin4Edu @blocht574 The Successful Middle School This We Believe promotional video with Rick… https://youtu.be/TQZTwE6QqJw via @YouTube  

𝐓𝐂𝐄𝐀@TCEA

8 Ways to Scaffold #Writing for English Learners   @ValentinaESL

#ell #mllchat #learning #langchat #teachertwitter #readingwritingELs #EB

Moodle Users Association  @moodleassoc

Replying to  @VertalerJoost

Hi Joost, yes all our Town Halls are recorded and available for members to view at their own time and pace. You will find them here:

Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW – #MaslowBeforeBloom @DrP_Principal

Stress Response In Kids… Fight, Flight, Freeze… #maslowbeforebloom

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

“We are always demanding teachers to innovate and create. We want them to use tech to make all the units. But teachers need time.” –  @maprats

Justin McMillan  @justinwmcmillan

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

Student Self-Assessment

https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=428873

Resources:  

Open ClipArt

Since 2004, Now with 168094 clipart.

In the Open Clipart collection, all graphics are stored using the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format. Major standard supported all across the web, SVG files are very portable and can easily be scaled, edited or printed without deformation.

” All of Openclipart’s content is public domain due to expired copyright, failing to reach the threshold of originality, or being deeded into the public domain to the greatest legal extent possible by its owners.

https://openclipart.org/#annotations:gQp1DD9mEeyg5oOcAXkM3A

SMART – Servier Medical ART

3000- Free medical images to illustrate your publications and Powerpoint presentations

https://smart.servier.com/#annotations:a8jOokFxEeykE_d5oqZQKg

Web Spotlight:  

16 Powerful Little Known Facts to Help Manage Your Life

https://charliestephen6.medium.com/16-powerful-little-known-facts-to-help-manage-your-life-821fe4006120#annotations:GfF3MEHDEey1GYuLjOFFyw

Slang of the Week

Bugman:  A man who loves being part of consumer culture, loves buying the newest technology, and doesn’t appear to be ashamed of the part they play in the collective “hive-mind”  (hence:  he is a bug man).  Example:  Is Mark Zuckerberg a person, a robot, or the king of the Bugmen?  

Estonian Poet Marie Under – Six Poems

Who was Marie Under and why is she so important for Estonians? Like many Estonian cultural greats of the turbulent 20th century, who lived during the oppressive Soviet occupation, her story is full both of joy and sadness.

https://estonianworld.com/culture/six-poems-estonian-poet-marie/?fbclid=IwAR1ShKLhQztl3D907c4y4kv_QKoOi3k4IL0F4DdjsvVH4ZQsWmiups6BoBo

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

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Summary:

Shawn and Troy start with a rathole, Dave gets down and dirty. 

Jokes:  

Why are there POPTarts but no MOMtarts?

• It’s a pastryarchy

---

Last night I dreamed that I weighed less than a thousandth of a gram. 

• I was like 0mg. 

---

Is an argument between two Vegans still called a “beef”. 

---

Steve Winwood began his solo career in 1977.

• He would’ve started earlier, but he was stuck in Traffic.

---

If you have any vegetable jokes, please lettuce know. 

---

---

Bigfoot is sometimes confused with Sasquatch.

• Yeti never complains

---

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Soil Scientist

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Career of the Month” written by Luba Vangelova.  Luba wrote an article entitled “Soil Scientist.”

Soil scientists study the soil, for the purpose of understanding it in its natural state, or in its capacity to serve human purposes.  The podcast features Janes Hartsig, a soil scientist working in the role of vegetation manager, an Invenergy LLA in Denver, Colorado.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Why Vocabulary?
• Remote Learning
• Ice Breakers Virtually
• Moodle Student Tracking 

The Twitterverse  

Andrew Wheelock @AMWheelock

Really love the connections between @pixar and education. Great work  @jmattmiller

https://ditchthattextbook.com/pixar/

Tara Maynard @tmaynard5

Just got done presenting about Formative Assessment at #AMLE21 If you missed it, here are the slides. Formative assessment is great but if you don’t change instruction or do something with the data, then it’s pointless! #mschat #miched  https://t.co/YcfJt64sSd?amp=1  

Erika Garcia  @flyingmonkey13

Today was a long week. I’m exhausted. Y’all, this education thing is no joke.

Ian Jukes  @ijukes

Time for school!  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

 AXIS:  The Culture Translator

1. Resigned to “Lie Flat:”  Data shows that 4.3 million American workers quit their jobs in August alone, capping  five month trend of mass resignations all over the country.  Sociologists are interpreting this as Gen Z’s reinterpratation of how the world of work should work.  
2. Slang of the Week:  Trap House – Originally used to describe a house where illegal drug sales occur, now used by younger people to describe the location of a party where there’s alcohol or simply a wild party.  

Web Spotlight:  

Can Data Die?

The Lenna image may be relatively unknown in pop culture today, but in the engineering world, it remains an icon. 

https://pudding.cool/2021/10/lenna/#annotations:nEFEYjzTEeyOrE8VMdrBQg

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

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Summary:

We take a deep dive into Spaced Practice and what that looks like. Dave brings up the Energy!

Jokes:  

---

I have never been to Cahoots. I hear that you can’t go there alone. 

• You have to be in Cahoots with someone

---

I’ve also never been to Congitio, but I hear when you are in Cognitio, no one recognizes you. 

---

I’ve never been to Sane either. I hear that you can’t fly there, you must be driven. 

---

A pun is not completely matured until it is a full groan. 

---

A sweater I bought was picking up static electricity, so I returned it to the store. 

• They gave me another one, free of charge. 

---

Did you hear about the new superhero? Typoman

• Writer of wrongs

---

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Tricky Energy Terminology

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Science 101” written by Matt Bobrowsky.  Matt wrote an article entitled “What is Energy?”

Energy is one of those scientific terms that is commonly used outside of science and outside of the classroom with a variety of colloquial meanings.  This is another case where students don’t enter the classroom as blank slates but come with preconceptions about what energy means.  It’s a good idea to first find out what your students already think energy is, and then later they can compare their original ideas with what we know about it from scientists.

Reports from the Front Lines

• It’s been about 10 years . . . 
• Green Stamps Check – Spaced Practice  
• Badges, Bitmoji, Design
• Tech Coaches- what is their role

The Twitterverse  

Jack Berckemeyer  @JBerckemeyer

Feeling “Teacher Tired”? ” Administrator Tired”? Reset the classroom with the tips in this free webinar from our webinar series. Share this with a colleague who needs it and check out our webinar series- link in bio 

https://t.co/h479ztHi0o?amp=1

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

I love walking through old schools. You’ll often find remnants of special construction designed for some educational fad that was done for a few years before being abandoned for something else.

Mary Reichard @ReichardWorld

Camaraderie of colleagues used to be emphasized. We can do it again. Team. Be able to disagree without rancor or public spectacle. @jennyrough and I seek to do that in #legaldocket

AMLE @AMLE

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Director for Middle Level Programs Katie Powell @Beyond_the_Desk

on the release of her latest book Frustration Busters. She offers timely strategies we can all use during this challenging school year. Grab your copy https://okt.to/l8crUg

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

The Most Popular Lullaby From Every Country

https://mornings.co.uk/popular-lullaby-by-country/

Teens Know They’re Addicted to Social Media. How to Help Them Cut Back

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-teens-know-theyre-addicted-to-social-media-research-shows-what-can-help-them-cut-back/2021/10?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=tu&M=64190457&U=1030907&UUID=5a9d0ec8f5882da5968bcc87c68b5a21

How to Use the Method of Loci – The 2500-Year-Old Memory Hack

https://www.missiontolearn.com/method-of-loci/

Resources:  

AXIS The Culture Translator

UnGoogle Me

What it is: Google will now allow minors (and their legal guardians) to request photos of themselves be deleted from their search database.

Why it’s good to know: The process is simple and straightforward. By going to Google’s “Help” page and supplying URLs of photos that you or your teens would like to be removed from the internet, the process of purging the image from the internet search giant begins. It’s widely accepted that “the internet never forgets” what’s been put on the web, and many young people have learned this the hard way as old memes and photos they posted come back to haunt them as adults. This is the first widely-available and easy-to-use tool that will make it possible for young people to protect their online reputation without paying hefty fees. On the flip side, Google stresses that removing an image from Google doesn’t mean it disappears from the web completely; it just makes it much harder to find.

Teach English via Elge Sleinotiene and FIPLV on Facebook:

 

Ohio Middle Level Association

Join us November 17 for Virtual PD with OMLA’s Team of the Year. We can’t wait to listen, share and learn together! Register through the link on our calendar to keep the learning from #OMLA2021 going at: https://www.ohiomla.org/events  

Picture Clean Up

Your results may vary.

https://cleanup.pictures/

Web Spotlight:  

How much money does a single person need to live (by state). 

https://livingwage.mit.edu/

Random Thoughts . . .  

Instructional Design: 

From: 

To: 

To: 

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

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Summary:

Performative Arts and evaluation. How do we evaluate teachers? Dave has 360 degree view. 

Jokes:  

The movie “Lincoln” grossed over $275,000,000 in theaters. This is very surprising. 

• Historically, Lincoln doesn’t do well in theaters. 

---

What’s the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts? 

• Beer nuts are $1.98, Deer nuts are under a buck

---

Which state has the smallest soft drinks? 

• Minn-a-soda

---

When does a joke become a dad joke. 

• When it becomes apparent.

---

Which is faster, a pregnant or non-pregnant horse? 

• A pregnant one. Double the horse power

---

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

---

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Editor’s Note” written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn.  Elizabeth wrote an article entitled “Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning.”

One of the most important starting points when implementing three-dimensional teaching and learning is the placement of students within the learning environment.  Are students the drivers of the learning, or are they passive recipients of a well-crafted lesson focusing on content and practice?

http://k12science.net/three-dimensional-teaching-and-learning/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Performative Art
• Evaluation
• Jobs
  • https://video.dptv.org/video/teachers-who-arent-teaching-xjkczl/  
• Virtual?

The Twitterverse  

TeacherGoals @teachergoals  

Textrovert:  no calls; texts only.  

ASA Impact @ASA_Impact

Why is #middleschool the perfect time to begin #careerexploration? Check out our collaborative playbook with @AMLE, featuring insights from real middle-grades educators who’ve walked the walk!

https://twitter.com/ASA_Impact/status/1451653350588551177/photo/1

9to5Mac.com  @9to5mac

Google Drive for desktop updated with full Apple M1 Mac support https://9to5mac.com/2021/10/22/google-drive-desktop-mac-m1-support/

By @technacity

Luria Petrucci  @LuriaPetrucci

If you’re looking for a green screen, there’s a quick sale going on for the collapsible Neewer ones! https://amzn.to/2ZinNUB

Proof Mango // Online Course Proofreading  @ProofMango

We all know how important it is to add interactivity to our courses. But how? I stumbled upon H5P when I was creating my course. It let me add flashcards and interactive presentations easily. Great way to stand out as a course creator.  https://t.co/SXXMc9ztgT?amp=1  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

Authoring H5P Interactive Content and Releasing as OER by @sushumanaro

Video:  https://youtu.be/qpNWiN5NAqA  

Web Spotlight:  

Axis – The Culture Translator

Tik Tok Tics:  What it is – This week, the Wall Street Journal (paywall) reported that doctors across the world have seen a significant increase of teen girls with ticks in their offices over the last year.  Some believe that “Touraette syndrome influencers” on TikTok may help explain why.  A team of Chicago based doctors published a similar study earlier this year.  Perhaps it is a manifestation of William Blake’s “We become what we behold.”  Axis suggests these questions to engage teens to think about influencers:  

• Can you think of anyone (friends, musicians, directors, etc.) that you would consider a genius?
• Can you think of specific songs, movies, or conversations that have shaped the way you think about life?  
• Is it possible to know how something will affect us before it affects us?  

Teachers Are Barely Hanging On. Here’s What They Need.

An incredibly honest, frank perspective from a leading Education influencer. 

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/barely-hanging-on/

Learn to let go of sleep battles with your teen

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/15/health/teen-sleep-schedule-wellness/index.html#annotations:n7gofi7QEey8YZOPI3SGFg

Where is Vilnius?  Here’s a video to help you.

https://youtu.be/1OYbDuM4Y3s

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

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Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss getting tired. The kids are returning to “normal”. Dave has a spoiler alert. 

Jokes:  

What fruit do ghosts eat?

• Boo berries

---

What do you call a typo on a tombstone?

• A grave mistake

---

How do flat earthers travel?

• On a plane

---

What do they call the employee of the month at a crematorium?

• Top Urner

---

I have a friend who lives on a houseboat. He fell in love with the girl next door. 

• Sadly, they drifted apart

---

I told a joke on Zoom yesterday. 

• Apparently, it wasn’t remotely funny

---

Hey, I have a friend who is becoming a SuperHero:

• He’s becoming TypoMan

Yep, he’s the writer of wrongs. 

---

I’d like to give a shout out to all the Librarians:

• Oops, I’m sorry

---

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Spoiler Alert

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Teacher’s Toolkit” written by Daniel J. Bergman.  Daniel wrote an article entitled “Spoiler Alert! Avoiding Hazards to Science Inquiry and Classroom Creativity.”

Spoilers can infiltrate our classrooms.  Science education “spoilers” are elements or behaviors that sabotage, short-circuit, and short-change the learning process and student creativity.  Here is a listing of several possible science education spoilers—hazards to authentic learning and creativity:

1. Objectives
2. Terminology
3. Cookbook Labs
4. Teachers
5. Students

http://k12science.net/spoiler-alert/

Reports from the Front Lines

•   When setting an assignment in an LMS to time out on Friday at 3:00 and then the emails come in asking if it can be reopened . . . 
• Troy’s 6th Grade story . . . 
• Student Expectations

The Twitterverse  

Devorah Heitner  @DevorahHeitner

Excited to offer this FREE webinar for parents with @YourTeenMag! I’ll be w/ Dr. Nanika Coor and

@michelleicard we’re here to answer your questions re: middle schoolers & screens. #mschat #PTchat #ILedchat reg here: https://ytmparentingcourses.com/middle-school-social-media-webinar cc

@HeidiStevens13 @parentandteen

NCHE  @historyed

Did you miss today’s History Matters (…and so does coffee?) w/@jbf1755? While we’d love to see you in person, you can now watch the episode from today (and every day!) at our web, YouTube, and Facebook pages. #yayhistory #historymatters @HistoryNewbie #sschat @MatthewTMissias

ABC News @ABC

The CDC said that social isolation, coronavirus-related deaths and stress weighed heavy on Americans, forcing many to confront new mental health challenges.  https://t.co/ia1TfFGsod?amp=1  

Dr. Joanne Freeman  @jbf1755

Ok. I offer this story as a cautionary tale. Like everyone else, I’m out of practice traveling, esp. for business. So on the one hand, I made seamless travel arrangements to Philadelphia for today. On the other hand, my talk in Philadelphia is NEXT Friday. And there it is.  

𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐂𝐄𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞!  @TCEA

Engagement Strategies ——— Teacher Trap #teachchat #educoach #learning #teachertwitter

https://twitter.com/TCEA/status/1444455009354141696/photo/1

Jack Berckemeyer

On 10/11-I will be doing Berckemeyer’s 21 days of Joy and Optimism Blitz. Here’s the catch it’s only on Instagram. I will be offering ideas to help educators lift their spirits, giving things away, and hopefully make you laugh. Like Cher, I only use one name for Insta-Berckemyer.  

TeacherGoals@teachergoals

Guilty. 

CindySmith  @CindySmith

Why do people in Saskatchewan lock their offices? So their coworkers don’t distribute spaghetti squash! We all got new “paper weights” today! Thanks @RobinDubiel for sharing your bumper crop!  

Dr. Joanne Freeman  @jbf1755

8hHad a great idea today. How about heading to Philadelphia? (A JOKE—last week I went there by mistake. Today I actually DO have a lecture there. ) Amtrak and I, together again…

NCMLE – NC Association for Middle Level Education  @NCMiddle

We are one week away from the #SowToGrow Virtual Fall Symposium! Get your NCMLE membership renewed to take advantage of this free professional development!   

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

Curriculum Pacing Guide Loss  @jgvanides

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

Practical Ed-Tech Guide

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2021/10/get-your-free-copy-of-practical-ed-tech.html

MiddleWeb – Do You Sometimes Miss The Mute Button?

https://www.middleweb.com/45926/do-you-sometimes-miss-the-mute-button/

Interruptions as signs of enthusiasm.  

Document Analysis Worksheets

Document analysis is the first step in working with primary sources. Teach your students to think through primary source documents for contextual understanding and to extract information to make informed judgments.

Use these worksheets — for photos, written documents, artifacts, posters, maps, cartoons, videos, and sound recordings — to teach your students the process of document analysis.

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets

Web Spotlight:  

Walk the Great Wall

https://artsandculture.google.com/project/great-wall-of-china

School Surveillance

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/oct/12/school-surveillance-dragnet-suicide-attempt-healing#annotations:3_Ks1ixEEeyEl8NFauiN3w

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

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