Stimulating Science Simulations

Mrs. Harris is hosting a science teacher blog hop and of course I joined in.  One of the main goals for my website and blog is to locate and share great STEM ideas with others so I am hoping it grows and we all can find some new blog sources for great ideas. If you found my page through the blog hop, please take time to leave me a message.  If you haven't seen the blog hop then hop on over to Mrs. Harris Teaches and you can find some other great science blogs or even add a link to your own science blog.  

I have just added a brand new simulation unit that matches NC Essential Standard 5.P.1 Bowling Ball Basics  is a 13 page unit with fun characters and scenario cards. It is a hands-on/minds-on simulation that works best when students are given plenty of time to test their theories using some basic supplies as models of a bowling alley. Check out the cute scenario cards. If you can use it, download it. If you know someone else who can use it share it with them. Pin it, blog about it, share it on facebook and twitter. In other words, you have my permission to spread the word so that many people can benefit from this fun unit. It would be greatly appreciated if you would take time to submit the feedback form after you have had a chance to try it out.

The North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators annual conference begins today.  I will be presenting two sessions tomorrow. Here's the info. if you are going to be at the conference I hope you'll stop by and visit with me in between sessions. Don't forget to tweet about your experiences to! #NCAEE12 Date:  Monday November 5 2012 Time:  10:30am-11:45am Room:  Pebble Beach max 64 Your Session Title: Stimulating Science Simulations Session Abstract: Does teaching science scare you? If you don’t absolutely love teaching science but find yourself stuck teaching it anyway, this session is for you. Inquiry based science instruction is a key component to the Essential Science Standards. This session provides resources for the reluctant science teacher. Date:  Monday November 5 2012 Time:  4:00pm-5:15pm Room:  Colony A max 60 Your Session Title: All Teched Out Session Abstract: Make technology work for you. This session focuses...

Today we took the 5th grade students to Agape for an environmental educational experience.  What a blast!  If you have never gone into the woods with a group of urban kids, you have no idea what you're missing.  They get excited about the simplest things! Here's a brief run-down of our day and some pictures too. On the bus ride, students pointed out deforestation taking place and we took note of tornado damage that occurred in the north part of our city last year.  Believe it or not, most of the kids hadn't seen the damage even though it is in our own city.

Geography was never my thing.  It definitely shows when it comes to teaching about landforms.  I just don't get into it like I should.  Well, admitting your weakness is the first step toward overcoming it.  At least I hope it is.  This year I am trying something new.  Instead of hanging a lovely bulletin board display on the wall, it will spend some time on the floor.  That's right, the floor!  Here's the plan.