Reflection & Refraction

What is the difference between reflection and refraction? Can you give me some examples of each?

Saturation

This week we have tested the solubility and saturation amounts of kosher salt, epsom salt and citric acid.

What have you learned about these substances?

Mixtures and Solutions

For the last couple of weeks we have been focusing on the differences between mixtures and solutions. We have discussed properties of matter such as solubility and made saturated solutions with salt and citric acid.

Thinking back on what we have done for the last few weeks, what information do you think was MOST important to remember?

Did you learn anything new?

Welcome Back!

It is so good to be back! I am excited for all this year has in store. We started the year working on our physical science unit. We are half way through the unit and the kids are doing a great job! Please read the science newsletter each week and review the vocabulary and questions with your students.

Wrapping it all up!

• What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I think the best part was all of the resources I now have bookmarked on Delicious. I cant wait to play more and actually put these things to use! 

• How has this program affected your lifelong learning goals?

I love technology and my goal for this year was to complete more staff development in that area so I could bring it to my classroom.

• Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
  

I had heard so many great things about this course that I expected great things! 

• If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
  

Absolutely. I love this kind of learning. 

• How will what you have learned influence your practice as a teacher or school librarian?

It will reinforce my goals and help me bring more technology in to my classroom. 

• How do you plan to keep up with new developments in web 2.0? Recommend a way that you have found to be useful.

I think I will just keep practicing and playing. I have all of the sites bookmarked and want to revisit them so I don't lose my new knowledge! 

Thing #23

I am a Myspace and Facebook user. I have ventured out recently and tried Twitter, but I was really excited when I got on Classroom 2.0. Finally a networking site where I can go for information and advice for teaching! One particular topic I looked into was the Smartboard/Promethean topics. Lots of people were wondering about the slate which I am not a fan of! I thought it was interesting to read others' opinions as well as read tips. The 23thingers on ning was also really cool. I really wish we would have started this before the last "thing." 

I would love to use some of these things in the classroom but I worry about the maturity of my 5th graders. I have an immature group and I am not sure they could handle this type of thing. I was planning on starting a science club in the future so maybe that is something I can do with that group since it will be a smaller number of students and easier to monitor. I could see how this would be very beneficial in the upper grades. 

Thing #22

Social networking is so addicting. I have had a Myspace account for several years and about a year ago I started Facebook. My Myspace account was found by several students who soon requested to be my friend. I had a huge problem with this. I know my page and my comments are clean, but I cannot control the people that are my friends. So I made a Facebook which is strictly adults only. No students allowed! Since I dont use my Myspace that much I edited to where I have to approve comments left on my page, deleted people who send me inappropriate things, and accepted my students as friends. It is a great way to keep in touch with former students. I even have students who send me messages about homework help. 

My Myspace

My Facebook