Nov. 9, 2015

The November 2015 issue of Science & Children focuses on writing in science.  There are two articles that we will look at in PLCs. One is called MAP IT-THEN WRITE IT which focuses on primary grades.  The 3rd-5th grade article called SCIENCE FOR TWO VOICES shows how to use poetry to reinforce students' understanding by comparing two related concepts.  These cross-curricular connections allow students the opportunity to strengthen their skills when we embed grade level writing expectations with our content.

Sept. 14, 2015

As I listened to several of you talk about parent conferences that have already been set up and I think about some of the questions I fielded on curriculum night, I find it interesting the same comment I hear each year from parents.  “I was not good a math either.”  “He/she is NOT a math person.” 

In the English/Language Arts worlds there are several gurus, Penny Kettle and Donalyn Miller whose passion is to teach students to FALL IN LOVE WITH BOOKS.  My personal beliefs align with both Kettle & Miller I feel that helping students find their passion is reading very tangible.  But how do we teach students to find their PASSION in math?

I read an article from August issue of STEM Magazine discussing how students perceive their relationship with math.  Often students, even those who are confident about math, do not arrive at a LOVE for math.  Professor Zahra Hazari states, “If we want to empower students and provide access to STEM careers, it can’t just be about confidence and performance.  Attitudes and personal motivation matters immensely.”  Once again MIND-SET plays a roll in being able to develop a math identity!!!  Please take time to read this article. 

FYI:  We receive this resource in an email from Candi Amos that says: 

Here is the August STEM Magazine ready for distribution as you wish.

Remember, it's PDF printable and you have unlimited distribution.



STEM Magazine August 2015 Issue

April 27, 2015

On Saturday, April 25th, we had the privilege of hosting a CODE.ORG class thanks to Cindy Walling and the Aspire TEAM.  There were about 26 educators in attendance with 10 being from Cannon and one of our Instructional Coaches Janie Stach. It was exciting to meet and hear the excitement of one of our GMS STEM teachers-Lilly Monson.

We learned how to teach computer science skills such as critical thinking, logic, persistence and creativity in problem-solving aligned to all subjects areas. Each course is a combination of "unplugged" activities (not on the computer) and online activities as well. Like most things, learning the layout/logic of the lessons and resources is the biggest hurdle to master but the lessons are engaging and higher level that build on each other. 

Patrick was immediately envisioning ways to use this resource in our specials classes and we will be putting a place a school wide student account system with picture passwords.  If you have the opportunity to take this in the future, I think it would a great tool to possess.  Trisha has been to this class previously and is our own in-house expert so please seek her expertise.

www.code.org

April 13, 2015

This week I would like to share a resource from the National Environmental Education Week website. If you have never been to their website please visit it soon and enjoy the GREENING STEM section!

Many of you have discussed wanting to learn more about STEM in general. The webinars, future and archived ones, provide you a great opportunity to learn deeper about many STEM topics. It is important that we arm ourselves with the bigger picture of what students will be learning in higher grade levels so we can teach the foundational concepts accurately and with fidelity. You will find the webinars located under the ENGAGE & EXPLORE <Educators <Webinars.