Jokes:  

How much does Santa pay to park his sleigh? 

• Nothing. It’s on the house

I feel shell shocked over this one:

I carry around a 6 foot book. 

• I’d tell you why, but it’s a long story.

Banks need to get better at restocking ATM’s around Christmas. 

• I’ve been to six of them already and they all say “insufficent funds”

• Plus the reception is terrible when it’s raining cats and dogs. 

My super power is hindsight. 

• Unfortunately, that doesn’t help us now.

Where did Captain hook buy his hook?

• At a second hand store

I visited a monastery once. I walked past the kitchen and saw a man frying chips. I asked him “Are you the friar?”

• He replied, “No, I’m the chip monk”. 

I was just looking at my ceiling. 

• I’m not sure it is the best ceiling in the world, but it is definitely up there.

Reports from the Front Lines

• The 50/50 structure
• Failing 
• Vaccine Allergies 

I’m Worried About My Students

The Twitterverse

Christopher Vilag  @StrongComputers·

I did an experiment today in Advisory. I logged in and didn’t turn on my mic or camera but only typed in the chat. I wanted to see how my students reacted. It was really interesting. Some students said it felt like they didn’t have a teacher and actually really distraught . . . . I had to explain to them that that was the feeling that some of their teachers have when they don’t hear or see from their students. It really put it into perspective for some of them. I hope they’re willing to at least give a smile to their teacher today.  

Doug Robertson  @TheWeirdTeacher

You know what motivates me, as a teacher? Hearing districts say things like, “We know students aren’t really learning under distance learning.” You know what? I’m breaking my tail and you’re telling parents it’s not working? Gee thanks.

Rich Czyz  @RACzyz

Have you checked out the #4OCF12Days yet?! Click for your chance to win 2 copies of #TheSecretSauce! 1 for yourself/1 for a friend! https://fouroclockfaculty.com/2020/12/ss12days-6/… #4OCF #pd4uandme #nt2t #edugladiators @specialtechie Pls RT/Share!  https://twitter.com/RACzyz/status/1337785304388939778/photo/3  

Rick Wormeli  @rickwormeli2

We Have to Prepare Students for the Next Level, Don’t We?:  https://t.co/UhnhijAAq3?amp=1  

Key to Motivation: Student Agency:  https://t.co/kAftRoYetz?amp=1  

NCMLE – NC Association for Middle Level Education  @NCMiddle

Are you sitting on the couch in your PJs this Saturday morning?? You could be earning CEUs!! Join us for the 2021 NCMLE Virtual Mini Conference events on January 30th and March 27th. See link below for more details.  https://t.co/YC3gVRUMn0?amp=1  

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

Strategies:  

New Year’s Resolutions

Forbes- Seven Strategies

Time – Make New Year’s Stick

If You Come to Earth

Resources:

Google Books

https://books.google.com/

Others:

https://www.gutenberg.org/

https://librivox.org/

Web Spotlight:  

Stipple Art

StippleGen is a free, open source, and cross-platform application from Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories that can create stipple drawings and “TSP art,” from image files.

https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/StippleGen

It’s Time to Stop Posting Lesson Plans

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

Trying to figure out what to watch. It’s either Christmas movies or serial killer documentaries. Either way, we slayin (sleighin).

I dropped a copy of “A Christmas Carol” on my foot. 

• It hurts like the Dickens. 

I got hit in the head with a drum. 

• I think I have a percussion

I have no idea what borrowing language is, but I’ll take your word for it. 

My battery has two large bumps on it. Upon testing, one came back positive. I hope it’s not terminal.

My friend went bald years ago, but still carries a comb with him.

• He just can’t part with it.

My friend found out his girlfriend is really a ghost. 

• He had his suspicions the moment she walked through the door.

Dry erase boards are remarkable!

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World Part 3

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of “Science Scope” a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read “The Online Teacher“ column written by Denise Wright.  Her article was entitled “Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World.”

This is the third in a three-part series on the three strategies for conducting science labs in the virtual world.  

Part 1 — Virtual Simulations

Part 2 — Science at Home

Part 3 — Use of Data Sets

Data sets are a great way to get students to analyze scientific data.  Online science courses can contain virtual labs that can be applied to real life applications.  In the online world, students have the opportunity to create their own experiments, analyze data, and participate in meaningful learning.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Student reports that Mr. McGirr needs to do more work.
• Siblings signing in.
• Second Monitor for Teachers

The Twitterverse

gerry brooks @gerrybrooksprin

The camera on one of my student’s computer was broken today. Every three minutes he would unmute and say “I’m still here even if you can’t see me…don’t forget me!” Blessings during stressful times!

Adam Bold  @MrBold05

Took some time to create an Among Us review game that uses google slides and @PearDeck, it could be used for any subject! feel free to use and adapt it for your use. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_TmwW4iRi6fLQAbtvzX8aeuq87ivpc6j?usp=sharing…

Diane Ravitch  @DianeRavitch

Teacher Burnout in the Pandemic

https://t.co/YHbEF9h2xX?amp=1

Yong Zhao, Ph.D @YongZhaoEd

Inventing the Future: Why International Borrowing is no Longer Sufficient for Improving Education – https://goo.gl/scholar/QFo6tN #ScholarAlerts

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

Advisory:  

Interviews 

https://slate.com/tag/interview-with-an-old-person

Resources:

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Ghosts of Segregation

Vestiges of racism and oppression, from bricked-over segregated entrances to the forgotten sites of racial violence, still permeate much of America’s built environment.

PDFDrive

PDF Drive is your search engine for PDF files. As of today we have 75,484,431 eBooks for you to download for free. No annoying ads, no download limits, enjoy it and don’t forget to bookmark and share the love!  

https://www.pdfdrive.com/#annotations:lYrv5DHiEeuU1gMPWhg22w

Web Spotlight:  

Gimkit

https://www.gimkit.com/#annotations:EQ8SVDNFEeuSZPPrJzLTKw

Looks Like You Need Iceland

https://lookslikeyouneediceland.com/#annotations:vhTibDV1EeuZu0fVlSD_Bw

Royalty Now

https://www.bigedition.com/s/royalty-now-saladin-portraits-911a9ad5bd644975

Random Thoughts . . .  

Check out these other Podcasts/Resources that we like:

• ArchiTechs of Learning:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architechs-of-learning/id1541761752  
• K-12 Science:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k12science/id1541918360  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

Brevity by Dan Thompson (https://www.gocomics.com/brevity/2020/11/14)

How can you tell if your donuts are bored? 

• They get that glazed look….

I used to play triangle in a reggae band, but I had to leave. 

• It was just one ting after another.

Did you hear that they are going to televise the World Origami Championship? 

• It’s on Paperview

I’m not always comfortable going to the store. 

• The cashiers are always checking me out. 

I misplaced my pizza cutter, so I’m using a Bryan Adams CD. 

• Yep, It cuts like a knife…..

Some people ask me where I store all of these jokes. I think that should be obvious….

• In a Dad-a-Base

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World Part 1

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of “Science Scope” a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read “The Online Teacher“ column written by Denise Wright.  Her article was entitled “Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World.”

This is the first in a three-part series on the three strategies for conducting science labs in the virtual world.  

Part 1 — Virtual Simulations

Part 2 — Science at Home

Part 3 — Use of Data Sets

Online science labs can be rich experiences that students enjoy.  Teachers can include labs in online learning by using virtual simulations that include written directions, a screencast explaining directions, and questions for discussion.

Reports from the Front Lines

• When 8th Graders “Repurpose” Google Meet Updates – The Raised Hand  
• Schticky Stuff – Google Meet Room Monitors, Google Meet Room Hostess/Hosts, 
• Failure Rates? – Greenville County Schools 
  • History Hits
• BackChannels
• Checklist Module in Moodle  

Advisory:  

Get To Know Your Students Better

https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-exercises-get-know-your-students-better-and-increase-their-engagement#annotations:Fwn4dCqNEeuqurPfi8w4Zg

The Twitterverse

Karen Vaites  @karenvaites

‘If 38% is our national proficiency rate and it’s also (roughly) the percent of students who learn to read without much effort, we really have to ask ourselves, “What’s the impact of our effort?!”’   

SCAssoc. for Middle  @The_SCAMLE

We are accepting applications for presenters!! Use the link to submit your proposal!! Link: https://scamle.org/event-3961523

Will Richardson-BIG Questions Institute  @willrich45

I think once a year, school communities should have a “‘ Why Do We Do This?’ Day.” Take the most embedded practices, put them on the table and ask that question. And then figure out if they want to live with the answer or change it. Might be eye-opening. #justsayin

Jennifer Gonzalez  @cultofpedagogy

Students are asking teachers to set up school-based @discord groups, but teachers are hesitant because of COPPA, FERPA, CIPA concerns. (Also, creepy strangers..?) It looks like some stuff is in place (link below). Teachers, what concerns do you have?

Don’t forget #mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm.  

Strategies:  

 56 Ways to Gather Evidence of Student Achievement

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nzhdnyMQmio5lNT75ITB45rHyLISHEEHZlHTWJRqLmQ/pub?slide=id.p

Redefining Annotation

https://ditchthattextbook.com/redefining-annotation-ditch-that-pdf-and-hyper-annotate/#annotations:nM7zdCtQEeujoZsts2gahg

Resources:

Slides Timer

Summarizing

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jC7CnwsfH28JOutuuTdC1Peh2IncYq1z2btxSA5LIOk/edit#slide=id.ga8f0823e1d_0_0

Digital Notebook

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ux0CZCiJK5WH4x4jM-UMXey97PzrpES8dKM1apJ3eYA/edit#slide=id.ga3c92daea4_0_27

Gettysburg AR Experience – American Battlefield Trust

Step onto the battlefields of Gettysburg and witness history as it happened through virtual recreations and augmented reality technology. Interact with soldiers and civilians who experienced what it was like to be at the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Be there when President Lincoln gives his famous Gettysburg Address. The Gettysburg AR Experience is now available for FREE via the App Store and Google Play.

https://www.battlefields.org/visit/mobile-apps/gettysburg-ar-experience?fbclid=IwAR1UY5DqaTDIegzL9yFQtqjLtVStOYDE803MyUFfm3c8u7CeX6C-7PAX7XQ

Web Spotlight:  

We Can Help Students with Trauma Face Life More Positively

Mood Weather Report: Learn More About Your Students

Childhood trauma survivors are more likely to feel insecure about their surroundings. Therefore, it is important to record their daily psychological state. To build up confidence and face every day actively, our school asks students to record their “Mood Weather Report” every day.

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol16/num04/we-can-help-students-with-trauma-face-life-more-positively.aspx#annotations:QVmjrCjXEeustDeRPXYEwA

Are You Smarter Than  Middle Years Kid?

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KfNJYJE9nhcZ90Mq7yyFBGhkI3J_Vw3pedvJFzM83Sk/edit#slide=id.ga3bc1442ab_0_0

15 Second Video Challenge

We invite middle and high school students to create a short video that defines or teaches any of the words in our Word of the Day collection. Contest Dates: Nov. 10-Dec. 15, 2020.

Teacher Mental Health Break:  The Homework Song  

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

I did a study on introverts, but I’m keeping it to myself.

I tried to write a bio on the Beatles, but I couldn’t get it to…Come Together, Right Now. 

I’m writing a blog post on procrastination. But I’ve stopped. Then I circled back. Then I zigged. Then I zagged. 

I wrote a blog post on Greed, but I’m not going to share it with you. 

If you have the ability to temporarily block an opening and move when someone needs to pass through, what does that make you?

• A door able

Do you know what Sin City is? 

• Las Vegas, NV

How about Den city?

• Mass divided by volume

Eileen Award:  

• iTunes:  
• Twitter:
• Facebook:
• Diigo:  
• District Email:  

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: Using Literature in the Science Classroom

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of “Science Scope” a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read the “From the Editor’s Desk“ column written by Patty McGinnis.  Her article was entitled “Using Literature in the Science Classroom.”

The Next Generation Science Standards contain numerous connections to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts as verification of the supporting role that literature serves when learning science.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Parent Feedback
• Due Dates
• The Copy/Copy/Copy Conundrum
• Knowing that the kids are reading, EVERY WORD
• Reset and Go
• Wordsearch

My Evil Twin

Advisory:  

Today’s chat question: what perplexes you about adults?  GREAT conversation starter Wooclap opportunity . . . 

The Twitterverse

Pernille Ripp @pernilleripp

Our youngest has declared tomorrow “Snuggle Book Holiday.” To partake you must drink hot cocoa, eat pumpkin dip, and read books by a fireplace or somewhere else warm. Please celebrate accordingly…

Diane Choe Moon @MrsDianeMoon

A colleague shared a video of a teacher putting stickers on her face every time a new student participated. I tried out the idea, and my classes were determined to get as many stickers on my face in an hour! Needless to say, I looked crazy by the end of it!

#whateverittakes

Mrs M Lapinskas  @mrslapinskasmfl

My top favourites for MFL elearning:  Quizlet, Kahoot, Quizizz, Linguascope, Languages online, Language gym, Kerboodle, Spanish Dict, Active Learn, Task Magic – what are yours? #MFLchat

Christie @ChristieNold

So… I can just invite my family into my classroom this Thanksgiving, right? Schools are magically immune?

Don’t forget #mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm.  Join host Todd Bloch for a scintillating discussion!  

Strategies:  

Why Do Teachers Love Sad Books Like Where the Red Fern Grows?

https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/11/why-teachers-make-kids-read-sad-books.html#annotations:trRFMiTjEeuosH8yiIvCVw

Resources:

Math Language/Content Objectives

https://robertkaplinsky.com/content-and-language-objectives-using-the-standards-for-mathematical-practice/

Formative Assessment

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qzntgblfkrptpau/DVD2.pptx?dl=0

ELL Support

Web Spotlight:  

Armistice Day Resource – Sabaton, In Flanders Fields

Greenville News (SC) – The Number of Students Failing

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/education/2020/11/11/number-students-failing-greenville-sc-schools-has-tripled-2020/6241547002/

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

My TV started playing random Netflix shows. It was weird…

• But I’ve seen Stranger Things

People who can’t tell the difference between whole numbers and decimals are missing the point. 

My wife asked if I could clear the table. 

• I had to get a running start, but I made it!

What Do You Get When You Pick a Pigs Nose

• Ham boogers  (yes, I know…Snot funny)

What is Yoda’s last name? 

• Layheehoo

I told my carpenter that I didn’t want carpeted. 

• He gave a Blank Stair

LumberJack #1: I can cut a log in half just by looking at it. 

LumberJack #2: That’s impossible.

LumberJack #1: I know it’s hard to believe, but I saw it with my own two eyes. 

My child will not eat fish, what can I replace it with? 

• A cat. Cats love fish.

Someone missed an opportunity. Why is a “randomized clinical trial controlled with a placebo” not called “trick or treatment?

A joke doesn’t become a Dad joke until it’s full Groan. (That should be Apparent). 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: Formative Assessment Probes

I was recently reading the September/October 2020 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read the “Formative Assessment Probes“ column written by Page Keeley.  Her article was entitled “Using Formative Assessment Probes with Real or Virtual Field Trips.”

Using a formative assessment probe prior to a real-time or virtual field trip activates students’ thinking about the concepts and phenomena they will be learning about during their experience.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Google Classroom -> Moodle
• Is it about the kids?
• Who is working hard? (and how)
• Timing (it’s usually hard to get everything in during a “normal” year)
• Substitutes

Advisory:  

Media Multitasking Disrupts Memory, Even in Young Adults

…“media multitasking”—or engaging with multiple forms of digital or screen-based media simultaneously, whether they are television, texting or Instagram—may impair attention in young adults, worsening their ability to later recall specific situations or experiences.

…media multitasking correlated with a tendency toward attentional lapses and decreased pupil diameter, a known marker of reduced attention.

…“We found evidence that one’s ability to sustain attention helps to explain the relationship between heavier media multitasking and worse memory,”

“Individuals who are heavier media multitaskers may also show worse memory because they have lower sustained attention ability.”

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/#annotations:z540oh-fEeu83weTHLtaLA

The Twitterverse

Yong Zhao, Ph.D  @YongZhaoEd

Starting now #edtech #edutwitter Interactive XR Learning Aids in Myanmar and Beyond https://youtu.be/jezseIvBh5Y

JJARC@jaemjenarchive  #JENO

Student’s Self-Introduction in Middle School

Catherine Stolarski @stolarc

Middle school math pedagogy from 1898. #AllenMath #allenlearns #iteawonclass #MTBoS

Don’t forget #mschat on Thursdays at 8:00 pm EST.  

Strategies:  

The Neuroscience of Viewing Your Past Like a Fly on the Wall

…recalling autobiographical memories from a third-person, observer-like perspective (as opposed to replaying a memory through your own eyes) can influence the vividness of one’s recollections.

St. Jacques and Iriye found that adopting a third-person, observer-like visual perspective when recalling autobiographical memories alters the functional connectivity between different parts of the brain compared to when someone recalls a memory in the first person through his or her own eyes.

St. Jacques speculates that choosing to adopt an observer-like perspective when recalling one’s past could have therapeutic value. In closing, she said: “This may be an effective way of dealing with troubling memories by viewing the past from a distance and reducing the intensity of the emotions we feel.”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202008/the-neuroscience-viewing-your-past-fly-the-wall#annotations:Z5vkUh-bEeuykJurHa6Pug

Resources:

Among Us Template

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1r0IYtaTi8bOoKkP9rdKM6pYV9yP7W1PxF2jmHxt83dc/edit?usp=sharing

Critical Reading: 50 Sentence Stems To Help Students Talk About What They Read

Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide

Your involvement in your child’s education can lead to better learning results and outcomes. This “Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide” will inform you, as a parent or caregiver, as you monitor your child’s progress as your child accesses and uses technology for learning.

This guide aims to help all parents and caregivers, including those who have limited experience with digital tools, those who are experts with these tools, and anywhere in between. Each section starts with foundational pieces and builds from there.

Web Spotlight:  

Other Data: 20 Signs You’re Actually Making A Difference As A Teacher

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

Whenever Tom Cruise is driving, his car is always on “Cruise Control”.

What do birds say on Halloween?

• Trick or Tweet

Geology rocks!

Geography is where it’s at

We all know that Halloween is Dracula’s favorite holiday. But what’s Dracula’s second favorite holiday?

– Fangs-giving

I threw a boomerang at a ghost the other day. 

• I knew it would come back to haunt me. 

Why did the witch turn someone into a road? 

• Forgot to use spell check. 

Why did the Cowboy adopt the Dachshund?

• He wanted to get a long, little doggie

I have a chicken proof lawn. 

• Yep, it’s impeccable

What is a skeleton’s favorite instrument?

• Trombone

Back in his day, Samuel Morse was considered to be….

• A dashing young man

If Watson isn’t the most famous Doctor, then Who is. 

Pre means before.

Post means after.

To use both of them together would be…

• Preposterous

There is only one thing that scares me about Halloween. 

Shawn says: Which is…

Exactly. 

My first time using an elevator was an uplifting experience. 

The second time let me down. 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: The New Normal

I was recently reading the September/October 2020 issue of “Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read the “Current Science Classroom“ column written by Chris Anderson.  Her article was entitled “The New Normal.”

What can we do, as educators, in the face of the worst pandemic in the last 100 years.? It can seem like an insurmountable problem, but in this podcast we share six things that are within our control that can have a positive impact on our school and community.

AND, A SPECIAL “Happy Birthday” to the one and only, the fantastic, Mr. Dave Bydlowski. 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Normalcy setting in?
  • Reading
  • Calendar/Planners/Organization
• Will this be permanent?
• Schools moving back to virtual

The Twitterverse

Typical EduCelebrity  @EduCelebrity

Is there a cure for the condition that renders students incapable of seeing an assignment posted online until a zero is posted as their grade?  

Phyllis Fagell, LCPC  @Pfagell

This 7th grader’s response to the question: “What do you think is the biggest challenge for middle schoolers right now, during the pandemic?” is Exhibit A of why I love middle schoolers so much.

NJAMLE  @NJAMLE

Middle School Mini-Conference (via http://smore.com) https://smore.com/q3g1y Brought to you by your friends @NJAMLE. We celebrate you the Middle School educator and your consistent grit and resilience. Join us for this live virtual event. #becauseyoudeserveit #njed @AMLE

Nick LaFave  @NFLaFave

Happy Halloween! The EdTech Graveyard: a page to remember EdTech tools that have passed away and provide suggested alternatives to help as you mourn your loss. https://buff.ly/2PA3evA #EdTech #HappyHalloween    #HappyHalloween2020 

Don’t forget #mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm!  Todd Bloch will have a topic all ready to go and another great discussion will ensue.  

Strategies:  

20 juicy questions to ask students (#5 will REALLY get them talking!)

https://ditchthattextbook.com/juicy-questions/#annotations:hGaeWBYgEeukDeMN8dPRKg

Resources:

IDA Treaties Explorer

While treaties between Indigenous peoples and the United States affect virtually every area in the USA, there is as yet no official list of all the treaties. The US National Archives holds 374 of the treaties, where they are known as the Ratified Indian Treaties. Here you can view them for the first time with key historic works that provide context to the agreements made and the histories of our shared lands.

https://digitreaties.org/

Web Spotlight:  

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

What is muffins spelled backwards? 

• What you do when the muffins come out of the oven

I attempted to exercise this morning.

• Didn’t work out

So I ate some Skinny pop, that didn’t work out either.

How do you fix a broken pumpkin?

• With a pumpkin patch

There once was a king who was only 12 inches tall. 

• He was a horrible king, but a great ruler. 

I tripped on a snare drum and hit my head.

• I may have a percussion

Kid runs in the room, “I mustache ask you a question, but I’ll shave it for later”

How does Mr. Miyagi eat his Babybel?

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Middle School Science Minute: Citizen Scientists

 I was recently reading the July/August, 2020 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. 

In this issue, I read the “Methods and Strategies “ column written by Meredith Hayes, P. Sean Smith, and W. Robert Midden.  Their article was entitled “Students as Citizen Scientists.”

Citizen Science involves individuals who are not professional scientists in authentic scientific endeavors, typically in collaboration with or supervised by professional scientists or scientific institutions.  

Increasingly, Citizen Science is making its way into schools and into science classes in particular.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Classroom culture:  establishing patterns and rhythms in the schedule.  
• “Hi Mr. McGirr!  I’m in class from . . . “
  • On my way to Mt. Rushmore!  
  • The back seat of our new family car!  
• Google Meet 
  • Student Interlopers
  • Students being able to keep the teacher from hearing their conversations in class.  
• These kids have bonded, They are my kids.
• From learning to scroll to advanced features
• Kids being used to what is happening – moderating their own learning
• H5P
  • Dictation
• Talk to the Kids – online vs in room
  • Pragmatics

The Twitterverse

MBL @skiandsurf1964

Ss did research on the French and Indian War and completed this activity “Caption This”. Impressed with Ss creativity, some blended both humor & history. This S took it to another level and wrote in French.  

Fixing Education  @FixingEducation

Maybe we should have potato chip companies determine class sizes in classrooms.

Rjoseph852 @rjoseph852·Oct 7

Let’s reach and teach, not test! The Lost Year Fallacy https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2020/10/07/the-lost-year-fallacy/… via @nancyflanagan @pepinosuave @blocht574 @pr05bps @pamlpugh   

@casandraulbrich @ncte @mieducation @BirminghamPS @TheJLV

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

Resources:

Together, Apart, and “Among Us” 

What it is: Among Us, a 2018 murder mystery game set in space, is attracting millions of new players.

Why it’s lonely quaranteen bait: Among Us didn’t get a lot of buzz in the US when it was first released, but was featured recently by a few prominent Twitch gamers and is now experiencing a meteoric surge in popularity. The premise of Among Us is similar to any “murder mystery”: Players have to find a randomly assigned “killer,” while the “killer” (who is also a player) bluffs their way out of being found out. The game is rated “E” and none of the “murdery” elements are very graphic in nature, but the game is suspenseful and intense as players test their skills of strategy and social awareness. With teens missing complex peer interactions, it makes sense that this game hits a bit different in 2020. And with a promised sequel now canceled to focus on improving the existing gameplay, more teens will probably be hopping on soon.  – From The Culture Translator – Axis.org  

Online Thinking Routines

Project Zero at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education has created a collection of Core Thinking Routines as part of their Visible Thinking Project. 

Web Spotlight:  

These Are Words Scholars Should No Longer Use to Describe Slavery and the Civil War

Let’s face it: a new generation of scholarship has changed the way we understand American history, particularly slavery, capitalism, and the Civil War. Our language should change as well. 

We no longer call the Civil War “The War Between the States,” nor do we refer to women’s rights activists as “suffragettes,” nor do we call African-Americans “Negroes.” Language has changed before, and I propose that it should change again.

 …he rejects “plantations” (a term pregnant with false memory and romantic myths) in favor of “labor camps”; instead of “slave-owners” (which seems to legitimate and rationalize the ownership of human beings), he uses “enslavers.”

 Specifically, let us drop the word “Union” when describing the United States side of the conflagration, as in “Union troops” versus “Confederate troops.” Instead of “Union,” we should say “United States.” By employing “Union” instead of “United States,” we are indirectly supporting the Confederate view of secession wherein the nation of the United States collapsed, having been built on a “sandy foundation” (according to rebel Vice President Alexander Stephens).

 The dichotomy of “Union v. Confederacy” is no longer acceptable language; its usage lends credibility to the Confederate experiment and undermines the legitimacy of the United States as a political entity. The United States of America fought a brutal war against a highly organized and fiercely determined rebellion – it did not stop functioning or morph into something different. We can continue to debate the nature and existence of Confederate “nationalism,” but that discussion should not affect how we label the United States during the war.

http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/160266

Random Thoughts . . .  

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