Stimulating Science Simulations

Alright, I admit it.  I have been chomping at the bit for the April Currently to surface. I thought, this month I am going to move up in the links.  No more linking up as #100+ So what happened?  While I was busy finishing a paper for my current doctoral course, Farley decided to get a jump on April.  I think I still caught the wave earlier than usual but definitely not as close to the top as I wanted to be. Silly - I know.  Maybe next time.  For now, here is the April Currently.  If you want to join in, check out Allow me to elaborate.  I have been listening to the movie that my kids are watching.  Yes it is late, but hey ... we're all on Spring Break!  Which is exactly what I am LOVING!!  We often head to the beach for spring break, but this year we did not.  I'm thinking it would be nice to spend at least a day or two at the beach before returning to school, so I am stalking our vacation points re...

I missed February, but I managed to pull off March. Love being part of the Currently Link Up with Farley . So, I guess it is windy outside since I can hear the wind whistling through the windows.  March is coming in like a lion I suppose. Let me just say that growing plants hydroponically is a big hit!  My 4th and 5th graders are loving this part of our science lab right now.  They've been helping mix the nutrients and adding them to the system.  Our first attempt is with some flowers - bachelor's buttons.  They are really taking off and the kids are very excited about it.  (so am I - truth be told) Finished course #4 last week in my doctoral studies: Educational Research Methodologies culminated with the 1st milestone - the Topic Paper.  Thrilled to have pulled off an "A".  Even more thrilled to have a 3 week break from my studies. Our youngest son, who is about to turn 16 next month, broke a bone in his hand but we don't know when. ...

I'm a little slow about posting my January Currently. I joined the Currently bandwagon a couple months ago so it isn't built into my routine just yet. I am currently listening to the sniffling of runny noses. It is that time of year. Aldi's has their seasonal peppermint mocha creamer in stock and I am absolutely loving that along with our Keurig coffee maker Donut Shop Breakfast Blend coffees.  MMMMM This week I began Educational Research Methodologies, the 4th class in my doctoral studies. Along with a short annotated bibliography, I am working on a paper about my research goals. So, naturally possible dissertation topics are on my mind. My emphasis is in the area of e-learning. There are so many questions that could be explored, how will I ever choose just one? I've been wanting a new pair of black dress boots but I really don't want to pay the price for them. Especially knowing that we need to put new tires on my vehicle and that is going to be ...

Hi there! Last month I decided to join in the fun with Farley  . The way it works is really simple. Participants respond to the prompts and link up. Everyone follows the rule of 3 by visiting and commenting on the 2 links before their own and the 1 link after. It's a great way to build your professional learning network while getting to know each other better. Plus, it offers a quick and easy reflective tool.  I'm thinking there might be some ways to adapt this for my classroom.Until then... here it is I am... The Nutcracker Suite is the epitome of Christmas events in my book. Some teachers got tired of taking their 4th graders to see that ballet, but not me.  It is one thing I really miss now that I am not a self-contained 4th grade teacher any more.  I get my fix by listening and visualizing. Every year we have this big debate about where the tree should go and then I have to decide where my village should be displayed. I'm loving that both ...

I have seen others doing this thing called "Currently".  It is a monthly blog post that sort of updates the followers about things that are going on.  I can't promise my responses are terribly inspiring or even all that meaningful, but it looks like a neat way to connect with other educators. I love collaborating and so I figured... "Hey - why not give this a shot?!" So, here it is ... my 1st ever Currently. (btw - These seem to be originating over at the Oh' Boy 4th Grade Blog , in case you're interested in checking it out.) So, I guess the idea now is to expand on my Currently list a bit. With 6 people in our family, there is always something in the wash - enough said. I absolutely LOVE the Nabi 2 tablet.  I already had 1 for the classroom thanks to the Burroughs Wellcome funding (getting a whole bunch more with that $$ soon).  The other day, I received one through generous donations on DonorsChoose.  This tablet is perfect for the classroom.  I...