tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37857988229158092152024-03-05T16:26:13.647-08:00USAEDUCATIONGreg Reiva is a master science teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Greg completed a program to obtain his Doctoral in Educational Leadership at Roosevelt University.greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-13337394164469016232024-01-03T21:28:00.000-08:002024-01-04T08:54:36.292-08:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p>JANUARY 2024</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> JANUARY 2024</b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This new year begins with an
urgent need to revitalize education and fuel progressive efforts to safeguard
schools, protect the environment and preserve our democracy and way of life. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Education is power</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">, and with this power we can
help bring forth a more just and equitable society.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> When we</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> revitalize
education, we develop more effective means to generate needed changes in our world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methodologies employed to educate our youth have
always been tightly associated with social, cultural and technological changes in our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the responsibility and duty of educators to keep pace with these
changes and to develop curriculum that lends well to challenging and dynamic learning
environments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inspirational engagement, motivated participation and challenging real-world problem solving are foundations of
education that can deliver <b><u>21<sup>st</sup> century learning in the classroom</u>.</b> Student
engagement in the learning process includes creative and critical
thinking, effective communication of ideas and solutions and an open-mindedness
to new ways of thinking and collaborative teamwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conceptual understanding of core principles in
math, sciences and social sciences learned by students help solve <i>real-world problems</i> and inspire new ideas that address <i>real-world concerns and issues</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students embracing a purpose to learn, while also having intellectual resources to accomplish objectives, are fundamental elements for success at school.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Project-based models of learning provide the
means for students to orchestrate and encapsule this learning process which helps them to become more learned individuals. In the <u><b>21<sup>st</sup> century
classroom</b></u> i</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">t is important that students stay engaged and focused on this learning
process.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Distractions in the classroom and non-school priorities
are challenges faced by teachers and students that can inhibit learning.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Teachers and students committed to delivering
project outcomes, dealing with real-world problems, provide the emphasis and
direction necessary for students to remain focused and continue to be inspired, motivated and accepting of new challenges. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Momentum in education and the learning process is an inspirational experience. It provides the means and opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, experience failures, embrace success and solidify a mindset of growth. Education is a unique experience that students truly rely upon as they grow intellectually with problem solving abilities in hand.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-67577929500618854762023-06-17T18:11:00.010-07:002023-06-18T07:14:12.964-07:00<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WILDFIRES AND FADING MAJESTIC BLUE SK<span>IES </span>OVER CHICAGO</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The sky across Chicago this summer is hazy. This phenomenon is
caused by high altitude smoke drifting south out of central Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This smoke causes deep blue skies over the Chicago
skyline, on a sunny day, to turn opaque and take on a whiteish hue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Geoengineers once proposed dumping tons of sulfur dioxide
into the atmosphere, at these same high altitudes, to turn the sky white and reflect
quantities of solar radiation back to outer space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, by default through nature’s actions, we are
experiencing these same outcomes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cost of this wildfire event, to the ecosystem, is an
increase in the tonnage of carbon dioxide gas spewing into the atmosphere from the burning
of trees, the loss of vegetation sequestering carbon dioxide out of the
atmosphere and the reduced cooling effect these lost trees would have had upon terrestrial
surface of our planet.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The deluge of smoke produced from the burning of the Boreal
forests is a direct consequence of climate change and it is fueled by continued
heating of Earth’s atmosphere. The proposed sulfur dioxide global experiment was
intended to reduce the impact of climate change on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nature’s actions like this burning of trees add
to this crisis even as humans continually <b><u>plan</u></b> to resolve this problem
by extraordinary means. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If this is a race for the survival of the human species on Earth,
with human effort trying to exceed nature’s consequences, then humans at
this juncture are losing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This afternoon I sat near a public pool and viewed another
summer ritual, people swimming together in celebration of summer vacation. The sky
is not as majestic blue as it once was, but people continue to live their
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The science tells us that we can
expect that the number of wildfires, world-wide, to increase by factors of 4 times to 16 times as the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere pushes past a 2-degree
Celsius increase heading to a 3-degree Celsius increase by the end of the
century.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today is now a historic inflection point, which is laid bare against an
intensely red colored setting sun. It is a turning point where we live now on a planet
that will no longer tolerate species that are excessively extractive of
resources without showing regenerative efforts and that over consume well beyond any reasonable level
of sustainability.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe the consistent smoke clouded skies, this summer, will be a reminder to people, like when they write on posted notes, to make an
engagement that is critical. You are telling yourself not to forget and do not just
blow this off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The consequences of not
responding to this problem, with urgency, will only magnify the Earthly consequences we face from here on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-58679325234988584372023-05-01T18:47:00.000-07:002023-05-01T18:47:21.965-07:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT SCHOOL</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was
Kindergarteners’ that voiced the most emotion as we rallied-up after the Earth
Day parade. Chanting <span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Save the Planet”</span>
repeatedly as the voice of optimism amongst this future generation that will be
most impacted by the rath of climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was the crescendo
of a most exciting day at St. Thomas the Apostle School with students participating
in multitude of activities and experiences that send the message loud and clear
to save the planet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kindergarteners,
caught up in the moment, sent the message to older generations to act now and
help preserve and protect our life-giving ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A play,
presented to address the melting of artic habitat, Bingo games emphasizing environmental
stewardship and the making of wind energy products and science experiment displays
became the trappings of an extraordinary Earth Day celebration and advocation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Students in
Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science worked the entire year on
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Earth Stewardship Projects</b></span> that encompass regenerative agriculture, Green
Infrastructure, experimental growth of organic crops and green energy
alternatives to fossil fuels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
foundation of the middle school science curriculum is grounded in environmental
stewardship and personal value of being committed to and being held account for
the well-being of others. The urgency of the environmental and social issues that
will face this generation is taxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taxing on educators working to prepare students for the reality of environmental
change and taxing on learners wanting to be successful and prosperous in their
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The cry of
Kindergarteners, from the rear of this generation, is a cry for unity and
collaboration needed for success during trying times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emotions are first to be expressed and then not
far behind comes intellectual understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The marriage of these human traits will be the salvation of this generation
as they forge a world that will support equity among everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Students
must be given opportunities to express themselves in ways that can be heard dealing
with important real-world issues that impact their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abilities and skills can only be extended by
implementing investigation and actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Saving the Planet"</span> is one of those urgent actions needed to help hone
their talents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><p></p>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-83444926997521022352023-01-01T11:59:00.002-08:002023-01-01T23:26:50.540-08:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><b style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 20pt; text-align: center;"> 23<sup>rd</sup> Year into the 21<sup>st</sup>
Century</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration
can be found in big and small measures throughout educational processes in
schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These measures evolve from
dynamic curriculum, motivating leadership and innovative thinking by teachers and school administrators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is aspirational thinking determined to create a safe environment, prosperous future and a fulfilling
livelihood for everyone in our society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Modeling resilience
and fortitude by teachers to help students achieve goals and objectives, is a
<i>measure of inspiration</i> that is part of the education process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Educators bring forth learning opportunities, in the classroom, that lead to accomplishments in the real-world. It develops personal attributes like confidence, empathy and a sense of worth, while sustaining long-term educational gains.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Collaborative
and cooperative learning opportunities provide another <i>measure of inspiration</i> as
students access advanced world-wide digital platforms to communicate with peers and utilize interactive online software resources. The goal is to gather data, analyze experimental results and present conclusions or discoveries.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> It is the hallmark of 21<sup>st</sup>
century education to push the envelope of achievement by integrating a wealth
of knowledge, online, and utilize this sophisticated scientific analysis to manage
projects, develop experimentation, quantify outcomes and communicate results
to international audiences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Large
measures of inspiration</i> are based upon working toward achieving large goals. These goals are reached by experiencing learning
opportunities in schools that provide challenges to solve real-world problems like <span style="color: red;">climate change,
desertification, availability of fresh water and food security into the future.</span>
Efforts by students to address these critical issues, while
learning critical life experiences, is the foundation of 21<sup>st</sup> century education.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Teachers and administrators that
address <i>inspirational measures in school classrooms</i> acknowledge the need for
developing <u>critical thinking skills in all students.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are developed skills and abilities that
dictate success into the future for everyone. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Analyzing data, questioning
outcomes, recognizing problems and formulating solutions are the learned
critical thinking skills that students must cognitively develop</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Group collaborative effort is the essential pedagogy needed in the classroom, and it is <b>curriculum</b> that delivers the means for students to
become involved in this dynamic 21st century learning process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I am
looking forward to this inspirational and dynamic new year in our school!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><b>HAPPY NEW
YEAR!</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><br /><p></p>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-16682814269679378952022-05-21T10:49:00.003-07:002022-05-21T10:53:38.089-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">REFLECTION
ON NATIONAL KIDWIND CHALLENGE 2022 IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS</span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNFoCGlLNy2QGSd9XXRa6jV6notT1rl1E8j7vC3O7WSrHd6Y0CyP5ZmUM-ma0FfzqLRa_UbzHZDKHfND45P75DDv7iEr9qhDRKCGXQvjFSJrYfCVJJTyZRYiN0BIBcuCLOh93ZPRhWe1pG27sr7eFju70z-5WIXzemJqSwxvZFJYpBsbrl4uD2VYM/s3024/san%20antonio%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNFoCGlLNy2QGSd9XXRa6jV6notT1rl1E8j7vC3O7WSrHd6Y0CyP5ZmUM-ma0FfzqLRa_UbzHZDKHfND45P75DDv7iEr9qhDRKCGXQvjFSJrYfCVJJTyZRYiN0BIBcuCLOh93ZPRhWe1pG27sr7eFju70z-5WIXzemJqSwxvZFJYpBsbrl4uD2VYM/s320/san%20antonio%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig43sD7fHid6W6N1GK9cOoDDROaskvUEbEtLDcTveq6HaaMIJq8W_F28lFF7bQjN0YX4wP_GGklWinWV5euKHd01AtuUKfukhojHC9jRFHPjJoi73hiSE9k_3pdf5EhZ7IDA3lvPfr-yheAtELIXVgFZnAXVaZEEbiNE8-_HVlo9I8SEWLUgeOKrPn/s3024/san%20antonio%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig43sD7fHid6W6N1GK9cOoDDROaskvUEbEtLDcTveq6HaaMIJq8W_F28lFF7bQjN0YX4wP_GGklWinWV5euKHd01AtuUKfukhojHC9jRFHPjJoi73hiSE9k_3pdf5EhZ7IDA3lvPfr-yheAtELIXVgFZnAXVaZEEbiNE8-_HVlo9I8SEWLUgeOKrPn/s320/san%20antonio%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqp2nRvLTDwBH5VPmRAHFKZCshI7fwIG4uU3HIWYSx-S3_qO_zYPAraLQwRlnfbN8bXh6HL3o28L19Asyvx9j8fHNvp-KjyDsvnDLqlil2ZK_USvI3UVk4bKWb2H0n7ygehHnyM8HeDUicsK71kJLHMlljvE-5NECHv3-ns27leQoa30UuUQdldFM/s3024/san%20antonio%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqp2nRvLTDwBH5VPmRAHFKZCshI7fwIG4uU3HIWYSx-S3_qO_zYPAraLQwRlnfbN8bXh6HL3o28L19Asyvx9j8fHNvp-KjyDsvnDLqlil2ZK_USvI3UVk4bKWb2H0n7ygehHnyM8HeDUicsK71kJLHMlljvE-5NECHv3-ns27leQoa30UuUQdldFM/s320/san%20antonio%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I head home to Chicago, I wanted to share a reflection to the staff at KidWind, about the <span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>National KidWind Challenge</b></span> and the experiences we had
being involved with this event.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was amazing to view such imaginative ingenuity of
students and their products from elementary school through college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just witnessing the results of so many
students’ mindsets to solve problems related to energy generation makes me more
hopeful for our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The future of
the human species on this pale blue planet.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The absolute wealth of imagination, ideas, and
problem-solving, that I witnessed at this KidWind event, is a true testament to
the powerful influence that KidWind, as an organization, has upon education in
the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
efforts to pull together such a dynamic and inspiring engineering-based project
will resonate for years to come with these students, teachers, and their
schools!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even after months of research, testing and problem-solving
at our school, we had to faced-down several obstacles and challenges in the
performance of our machine in the testing tunnels on Tuesday and Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My students, experienced in manipulating their
machine, were quick to diagnosis and brainstorm solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students and coaches faced down these
problems, but it does generate a stressful situation that can only be successfully
addressed with a calm and thoughtful response.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was our first venture to the <span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>National KidWind Event</b></span>,
and I must admit I was really stressed out for a good portion of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after 3 years of involvement in KidWind,
I feel like I still stumble and bumble along sometimes and just guess as to
what to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With time, I know that
this process becomes less hectic and more manageable, but it really tries my patience
at times, to the breaking point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
been teaching for 27 years with education at the doctoral level, but this
process, from the regional competition and through the national competition,
taxes my ingenuity to its limit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Last year, students at St. Thomas participated in the virtual
national event with two teams of 6<sup>th</sup> grade students (11 students),
but this year I had high hope for my top-flight 8<sup>th</sup> grade team of
two students to do well at this in-person event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, I felt was the real test to see
how we measure up with teams from across the nation after participating for
three years with KidWind.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have time now to reflect and analyze what we could have
done better and what worked well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
a sobering effort, but it needs to be done to get better for next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw teams with a lot of technology employed
in their design and then I saw team with the similar technology that our team
had, but they surpass these high-tech studs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It gets down to finding the sweet spot in design that delivers maximum
performance (energy), while integrating blade design and gear ratios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the event this week, I saw superior blade
design exceed benefits of the size of gear ratios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a team consistently reaches the <u>maximum
output possible for the small KidWind turbine</u>, then they can focus on delivering
a superior judge presentation and doubling down on knowledge and experience of the
challenges.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks again for all your efforts and the time commitment to
the KidWind organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward
to participating next year with a new group of students that will stretch their
imaginations to the limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the
essential 21<sup>st</sup> century skills and abilities that our students need
to master to successfully solve problems we face in energy production and in
dealing with the social issues of our time.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-24745616837450522252020-05-26T13:20:00.004-07:002020-05-26T13:20:44.325-07:00<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Educating the Mind in the 21<sup>st</sup>
Century<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Across America the pandemic has
amplified the deficits we face as a society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From health care to the food we consume to income inequality and
education the pandemic attacked with a level of stress and strain that our
current capitalistic system of commerce and political democracy struggle to defend
against. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as the biology of the coronavirus
exploits the immunological weaknesses of its victims, so too do these disruptions
of our society, caused by social and economic turmoil, render segments of our communities
damaged, unusable and unable to cope left to waste away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Changes in our society can cause upheavals
that will tax our ability to render judgement upon solutions or to clearly define
acceptable pathways forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education
is in the cross-hairs of these demanding and challenging changes taking place, especially
under the tyrannical rule of a killer virus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Education is a foundational pillar helping to carry our nation forward
with understanding and with the developed ability to think critically under
extreme and chaotic situations like we face today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Peoples abilities to solve problems
come from their experience and opportunities to fail at trying. It is not enough
to say that it OK to know but not OK to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What you have learned can only be valued by your increased ability to now
use it creating judgement to solve problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The spread of knowledge is the first essential premise for any educated
society, but without taking on and surmounting challenges that tax this
understanding, then the effort becomes an exercise in distraction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Projects in education critically matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a learning strategy for long-lasting
methods of teaching with students being able to diagnosis and solve problems
that are critical to the wellbeing of the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students are given an opportunity to develop
relationships and trust of other students, then implement inquiry-driven methods
to explore and develop deep understand of science, social science and artistic and
cultural expression.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Educational platforms like the
International Educational and Resource Network (iEARN) provide educators with
scaffolding that is necessary to bring forth 21<sup>st</sup> century collaborative
project-based educational initiatives the hallmark of modern education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Projects help to ensure that students develop
needed skills and abilities to be rational thinkers, develop logical and
organized strategies for implementation of projects and to use their critical
thinking skills to assess crucial experimental evidence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-5150224422141819712020-04-18T11:16:00.003-07:002020-04-18T11:20:27.261-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><b>Pandemic and American Education</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
March 7, 2020 and the word comes
down from the school administration that the school is closing for the
indefinite future because of the encroaching national and global pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is 2:00 pm and school ends in 40 minutes and
we will not be coming back for the rest of the school year. The disorientation
is immense, and students express a mixed feel of exhilaration, fear, anxiety
and unsettledness.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Why not feel a bit disoriented?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a living situation not faced by nearly
every living person on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
our 21<sup>st</sup> century epidemic, bringing to all of us, social, political
and economic upheaval and death.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Every aspect of what you do from
here on out will be from a distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will physically distance yourself from humanity and Teachers will distance themselves
from their students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is called
distance-learning and everything you as an educator have fashioned together in
your bag of curriculum and experience and projects will have to be digitized
and placed “online”.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The conveying of experiences, knowledge,
understanding and problem-solving to students will now be done at a digital
distance with technology, programs, multimedia tools, internet websites and
interactive programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a teacher you
have passed completely through the looking-glass of education and find yourself
in an alternative universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ways of
measuring learning will forever be masked behind a computer screen and true
understanding defaults to a measure how self-driven student are now more than ever
before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Not that students were not
self-driven in the physical classroom with direct human to human contact, they
were motivated but with a healthy dose of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now students gather digitally for learning
sake and for understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Student
motivation to access resources on the Internet and within computerized programs
has never been more important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
in this alternative universe of school, motivated self-directed student
learning has taken command like a coup takes over a government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is complete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, those most motivated and supported with
the greatest access to technology will be the most successful.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
If American schools, over the
century, have held our society together in a form delivering prescribed commonality
of things learned, with a good dose of systematic segregation, then this
digital divide will clearly separate us to a far greater extent than can be
comprehended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Access to technology will
dictate who are the winners and who are the losers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Access, support, specialized teaching and enriching
opportunities will go to the most well connect and in America that usually
means those at the top of the financial economy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-28384508112387610902019-11-16T20:51:00.001-08:002019-11-17T06:01:57.182-08:00<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>LEARNING</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">To become <span style="color: red;">more
knowledgeable, more understanding, more enlightened </span>is what it means to be a
learned person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is an accepted
premise, for me, as I begin the school year delivering an educational process designed
to meet these expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">George
Washington Carver, the famous American born-into-slavery botanist and inventor,
who <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Time</span></em>
magazine in 1941 called the “Black Leonardo da Vinci.” He said: “Education is
the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” The learning process that we
call education is really a transitory means by which people fulfill their own
expectations of themselves, while providing a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pathway to become loving and loveable people
within our society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
diversity of students’ abilities to learn, comprehend and articulate is as
widely dispersed as grains of sands on a beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To hold students accountable in the classroom to learn is like piling up
buckets of sand with each new disbursement as impactful as the previous one and
at the same time disruptive to final outcomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each new idea, new concept and new resolution to problems leads to
further questions, more changes in mindsets of people and increased intrinsic motivations
to want to know more. Learning is a physiological and psychological disruptive
process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But it
is learning. It is what we work toward for our children and for our own
well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To become learned opens
doors of opportunities and it leaves us with a greater awareness of our measure
in life with respect to all that has been given to us and with respect to the
people that fill our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
ability to think critically and solve problems is not innate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a certain level of both understanding
and experience, together, to be able to perform when called upon to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education and the learning that takes place in
the classroom lays a foundation for students to develop self-efficacy and move
forward with confidence and with a sense of resoluteness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Next
generation science standards provide a framework for science teachers to
operate and design curriculum with, but it is not a substitute for measuring real
learning in the classroom. Real learning is a human endeavor as diverse as the
population it serves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning reflects
the broad composition of human experiences with its complexities and its
uniqueness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Twenty-first
century education models in science are doubling-down on standards-based curriculum
as a method of documenting student performance, but it is the diversity of our
student population, driven by social economic factors in our society, that ultimately
determine true outcomes in student performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Learning
is a human endeavor that demands continual vigilance and fortitude on the part
of the teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal is to deliver a
curriculum to students that provide them the means and opportunity to develop and express
understanding and knowledge, to solve problems and to increase their awareness of the
universe that surrounds us all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-70099759424828851302019-10-20T14:04:00.000-07:002019-10-20T14:04:56.684-07:00<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Fate vs. Destiny</b></span></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="color: blue;">A
quote by S.L. Scott, New York Times BestSELLING AUTHOR:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>Fate</i></span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the life you lead if you never put yourself in the path of
greatness. That’s the direction your life moves in without any effort on your
part. That’s your fate.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: purple;">“Destiny</span></span></u></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: purple;"> is your potential waiting to happen. It’s the top tier in the
grand scheme of possibilities and where your dreams come true. You have to be
willing to take that first step to reach your potential, even if it’s a risk.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Fall always visually presents these two
dynamics (fate vs. destiny) with me in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The transformation witnessed every day, in the peak of the fall color
season, is the fate of all vegetation progressing into the winter months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet there is always a sense of renewal in
the springtime and a feeling of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is the destiny I seek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
possibility for change that nourishes the soul and stimulates the mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The fall colors, brilliant and stunning,
leave me with a feeling of inevitability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This course of events leads us into winter, and I witness these changes
taking place in the environment as a bystander present outside of it without applying
any effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is fate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The flood of colors in the peak fall season
washes over us and it makes me rejoice over the beauty of life and the
exquisite gift to be alive on this planet! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Destiny provides the opportunity for all of us
to live the fullest life possible in the shortest amount of time we have in
this world. To truly appreciate the gift of life is to embrace destiny as a way
of living every day.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-53027445509888978252019-10-15T18:50:00.000-07:002019-10-15T18:50:07.179-07:00<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>EARTH STEWARDSHIP PROJECT</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2019</div>
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<span style="background: white;">The initial stages of the project is associated
with students taking account of the soil in their community and its vitality as
a means to grow crops.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Soil is a mixture of <b>clay, silt, sand and
organic material</b>. The composition of these substances determines soil
composition and overall density.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">It is important that students begin to
scientifically evaluate the quality of the soil within the community.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Soil quality is critical not only for the
production of food and also for dealing effectively with climate change.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Analysis of soil quality begins with both
percent composition and resulting density. Students will designate three
locations outside the building and then begin to collect samples at each
location. </span><br />
<br />
<b>A. Enough mass of soil at each location is collected so each student can
accumulate and test three 90 ml samples of soil.</b><br />
<br />
<b>B. Also students need to collect enough soil to fill at least three glass
jars half-full so they can add another half-full of water and mix up the entire
suspended mixture. As the substances in the glass jars settle out they
will move into specific layers (clay, silt, sand and organic matter).</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The mass of soil in each cup (90ml) is measured
to the nearest tenth of a gram of mass.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Knowing the volume and mass of each cup,
students will be able to calculate the density of soil in each cup. An
average density is determined from analyzing these three cups.</span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Students working in groups of 3 to 4 persons will
collaborate, share their findings and determine an overall classroom
density of soil.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good soil densities can range from 0.9 to 1.3
grams/ml.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Students will be able to compare their findings of
density of local soils to the range of known good soil densities.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once students become knowledgeable of soil densities
they can create their own superior soil density samples. These
designed samples can be tested by planting basil and vegetables and
allowing them to grow and prosper within their soils</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Therefore there are many opportunities for
students to investigate, test, analyze and create. With knowledge and
information comes power and increased self-efficacy of all students.
Students begin to think out of the box and pursue solutions to regenerate the
soil in their community. Since students know the composition of good soils and
they can look at environmental and societal impacts upon the soil in our
community.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Students will begin to promote </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>square
foot gardening</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #444444;"> as the means to increase
the urban agriculture to help support the community's food resilience into a
climate change threatening future. </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Square foot
gardening</b></span><b style="color: #444444;"> </b><span style="background: white; color: #444444;">at the local level is an
essential final stage of this project to implement what has been learned and
discovered and creating a viable productive facility to grow food.
Students can help manage the garden and they can continue to perform scientific
studies and work to maximize the growth of these plants.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-19645286533147221192019-10-13T08:30:00.000-07:002019-10-15T18:50:31.517-07:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Reflecting upon a moral imperative<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It can be said that to be <b>Christian </b>is to have an innate desire
and motivation to bring forth social justice in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equity stems from a belief in sharing natural
resources like food, water, energy and providing equal opportunities to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For the past 200 years, p</span>ublic and private education have been the
hallmark of our democracy continually carrying our society forward as we take
on challenges of an evolving future.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Rick Wormeli, on Friday at Boylan High School, presented to educators
gathered from across the Archdiocese of Rockford, a moral imperative of change
in the educational system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is nothing
less than the genesis of a more equitable, more thoughtful and more fair means
to facilitate learning in the 21<sup>st</sup> century classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The change that Wormeli advocated is a process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes time and it takes sustained effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leadership to bring about this change will rise from
committed school administrators, teachers and students. This imperative for change stems
from a belief that to be educated is to be viable in our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be viable is to be knowledgeable and to have self-efficacy to take on challenges that arise through the course of
events in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This</span> comes down to preparing our
children for a dynamic changing future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Human ingenuity is the outcome that results from thoughtful and reasoned
thinking. This is what educators strive to achieve in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability of our kids to solve problems
through logic, evidence-based reasoning and with a degree of creativity that
can, at times, be outside accepted norms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Albert Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with
the same level of thinking that created them.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make the changes needed in education is to
move progressively toward a model of education where learning is primary and
away from strict interpretations of grades given as compensation for student
effort. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">One key component of Wormeli’s presentation was the fact that
as educators we can not achieve these needed outcomes unless we are willing to readdress
the learning process in the classroom and be progressive in how we communicate,
to parents, the ability of their child to carry forward what they have learned
into their lives. The experience of the child in the classroom is about chasing
learning not chasing grades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grades are
not a form of compensation for our students, they are a means to communicate to
parents a measure as to what their child has learned<b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The education goal is 90 percent competency
in what has been taught.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also
means that what has been taught is now carried forward by students in their thinking
process. The focus by teachers needs to be directed upon teaching to accepted
standards in education and then commit to documenting and advocating for
evidence-based models of learning as part of the curriculum design in the classroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In science class we always talk about discovery being a
process not an outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science is the
continuation of learning that is unending. So too is education in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As educators we build upon "best practices" and
we strive to solidly prepare our students for a future that continues to change
along with the demands for knowledge and understanding to deal with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wormeli thoughts open an avenue for change
that I believe is a guide to bring forth progressive educational models in the classroom by keeping the focus
upon doing right by the children that we teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This becomes the goal of educators to adapt learning to the needs of our students to be successful in a changing world. </span>It is the moral thing to do!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-69221168456420310362019-07-15T13:16:00.000-07:002019-07-15T13:16:00.018-07:00<br />
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<o:p> LAUREN UNDERWOOD Representative from the 14th congressional district of Illinois</o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Greg,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for your
message in support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. Like you, I believe
that our country has an urgent responsibility to act to address the
challenges of climate change head-on. That is why I proudly cosponsored and
voted for this bill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you know, H.R. 9
prohibits any federal funds from being used towards the withdrawal of the
United States from the Paris Climate Accord. It also requires the
Administration to develop a plan for how the United States will meet our
commitment to reduce pollution and grow the green energy and technology
sectors, which create good-paying jobs for American workers. I am happy to inform
you that H.R. 9 was passed by the House of Representatives on May 2, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are already
feeling the impacts of climate change in northern Illinois, as extreme
weather and flooding devastate homeowners and farmers in our community. You
can count on me to continue to fight for policies that take strong action
against climate change on behalf of Illinois’ 14<sup>th</sup> District.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you again for
your message. I value hearing from you on these important issues that impact
our community. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further thoughts
or concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sincerely,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lauren Underwood</div>
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Climate Change as an Issue<o:p></o:p></div>
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To Lauren Underwood:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you for your response to my concern with respect
to climate change with the explanation of actions you have taken in the
House of Representatives to address this problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This year I will be teaching Earth Science, Life Science
and Physical Science to middle school students and climate change will be
circulated throughout these formative curriculum to inspire and motivate
young minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The physics and the
chemistry fueling global warming and its effect upon climate change does
not abdicate to political winds and political agendas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I work to enlighten the minds of these
students I will not dismiss their understanding of the true onslaught of
changes, driven by climate change, to upend and degrade the ecosystem and
the biodiversity of the world that we live in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a society, we need to move progressively and champion
bold and serious measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to a point
where we live in a carbon-neutral world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a world where any carbon dioxide emissions would be linked
to equivalent carbon dioxide sequestration efforts. Carbon-neutral
environments will put the world on a trajectory toward a viable solution to
stop the rise of global temperatures to not more than 1.5 degree Celsius
this century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Levels of carbon dioxide gas concentrated in the Earth’s
atmosphere must be reduced to 350 parts per million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This concentration would be down from the
current level of over 410 parts per million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The historic level of carbon dioxide concentrations
in the atmosphere over the past 10,000 years were about 285 parts per
million up and until the beginning of the industrial revolution in the
early 1800’s. Since that time there has been a steady and relentless climb
in the quantity of carbon dioxide gas in the Earth’s atmosphere as a result
of humankind burning coal, oil and natural gas to fuel the energy needs of
modern society.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If our nation moves robustly, as a world leader, to cap
carbon dioxide emissions then other nations will follow suite and a truly united
global effort will evolve to save the planet as we know today. The current “business
as usual” situation allows for over 30 billion tons of additional carbon
dioxide gas to be emitted <u>each year</u> resulting in high levels of
carbon dioxide gas concentrations in our atmosphere for centuries to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 3 trillion tons of carbon dioxide
has already been spewed into the atmosphere since the dawn of the
industrial revolution and the acceleration of this polluting effort
continues to today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over time, the <u>hockey stick curve</u> of exponential
growth of carbon dioxide gas concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere will
rain havoc upon the ecosystems of the world and to the extreme determent of
human life on this planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>This
is what I will convey to my students this year in science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless the immediacy of the problem is
clearly recognized now, then we can expect a degradation of human life on
this planet into the future.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no more time to get ready for this change. It
is upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what can we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I think the reverse question is why
have we done so little?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an
educator I can help learned minds to embrace the reality of this situation,
but I can only hope that this realization permeates into society from family
to family and from community to community. It is a moral imperative begging
for action as we witness the destruction of the world we live in and desperately
look for alternatives to the way we can change how we conduct our lives and
the degree that we appreciate the nurturing biodiversity of our planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My final comment is that as an educator I have two
choices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I can continue to
teach children about the efforts and the science behind reducing carbon
dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and possible new designs of
alternative energy producing sources like solar panels, wind turbines and new
electricity storage technologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
second option, considering the reality descending upon us, is that I could teach
resiliency and the art of preparing ourselves to survive the coming waves
of catastrophic changes to our environment that will put immense pressure
on the sustainability of human existence on this planet into the 22<sup>nd</sup>
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The close proximity of an environmental
tipping point (less than a decade away), that we as a society are careening
toward, with just a smattering degree of urgency, is actually now making this
decision for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-1914053629815290752019-03-26T09:11:00.000-07:002019-03-26T09:34:39.112-07:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Science for All</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the April
publication of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Science Teacher Magazine</i>,
Steve Metz, field editor, made the following comments and observations about
opportunities to learn in the science classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Improving schools and
providing equitable education for all students.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Promoting excellence
and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Overcoming persistent
academic achievement gaps with ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, physical disabilities, limited English-language proficiency, and learning
differences.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> “Crowded, racially segregated and underfunded
inner-city schools.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This has
been my mission as a teacher, my motivation to make the most out of every
opportunity delivering the best learning experience for students in the
classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember
once when I was in class at Roosevelt University pursuing my teaching certification
and I had constructed an atmospheric barometer out of a coffee can and
balloons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher looked at it and
said that I would do fine as a teacher in the science classroom. I was struck by the feeling
that while I was trying to construct the make-shift science instrument, I was so involved with the process that I forgot that students would benefit from
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when I realized that my enthusiasm
for science would serve me well in this new career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Enthusiasm
for science is the catalyst for great teaching, excellence, innovation and
learning for all.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Focusing
upon the learning taking place in the classroom is an emphasis that brings
great science education to children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
constant effort to create a better learning environment helps provide more opportunities for students to become inquisitive,
innovative and problem-solving individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science can
provide the means to connect with student interests, thereby motivating and challenging
them to learn new skills and develop new abilities to perform.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
teachers implement progressive curriculum initiatives, an
important ideal to embrace is to make this process work by helping students
achieve goals having real-world implications to their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project-based
science initiatives, within the science curriculum, is the means by which
to get students engaged in learning, while they are immersed in three-dimensional learning environments that Next Generation Science Standards advocate (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">practices, cross-cutting concepts and disciplinary
core ideas</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The case for
“Science for All” must include coordinated and consistent efforts to meet the
needs of students by being creative, innovative and experimenting with new
learning strategies employed in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leadership on these venues has to emerge from the grassroots as American science
educators explore the means to create meaningful and engaging curriculum
for students in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Across
America we witness a broad inequitable range of resources being provided to schools and students and in many
cases these resources are based upon the social economics of local populations, the
level of wealth within the community and political influence upon how school district boundaries are defined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is
necessary for every concerned citizen, every stakeholder in education, every parent of school-aged
children to demand that this process of doing science in the classroom be
consistent with respect to best practices, be fairly funded when providing adequate resources for a modern classroom and embracing new progressive ideas on how to, most effectively, meet the needs of students to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-66789808927394909782019-02-17T20:20:00.000-08:002019-02-18T07:47:16.930-08:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">There is no plan B
planet!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Climate change and the inevitable physics and chemistry that
drives this occurrence is a consequence of a fossil-fuel dependent society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The exponential increases in carbon dioxide concentration in
the atmosphere, the four-fold increase in the rate of melting of the polar ice
caps and the forecasted rise in planetary temperatures to levels threatening the
existence of the human species, is the genesis of a modern-day world war that is now
raging, with its outcome determining the future of all humanity on this planet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">To mobilize steady, linear, incremental changes in sustainability
and resilience of our society, and how we live, is a sad testament to our
realization and understanding of the true consequences of exponential changes occurring in our
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We live on a planet suspended within the void of an endless and
chaotic outer space. This world in which we prosper upon can not be replicated. It is
our only home and our only refuge within a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>hostile to life</u></i> universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is no plan B planet. We live on all the plan B planets
you can possibly imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not going to
trash this one and move off to the Moon, Mars or go through some galactic
vortex to a new beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
destined to live and die here. On Earth. Whether we make the choices now or
later to change how we live is of no consequence to the outcomes of the physics
and chemistry that is now degrading our life-giving ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We live and die here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Acceptance of science as a truth begins here on the Earth,
whether you believe in saving our society from the ravages of climate change or
if you simply embrace Armageddon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will prosper or perish together as one species on this gift of a planet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This planet is ours to embrace and secure for the future and
it is ours to trash and destroy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one
common denominator is that it is our only refuge in the mist of cosmic violence
and chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will remain, always, our
only refuge until the end of our lives on this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-54729204268447326282018-12-27T10:17:00.000-08:002018-12-27T10:31:03.962-08:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>A Reverence for the Truth<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The essence of science education is a clear working
understanding of the scientific method of solving problems along with the belief
in a system that strives for over-whelming consensus leading to objective
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>This the kind of truth that
stands the test of time whether you believe in it or not.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Climate change and associated environmental ramifications is
one such example of an objective truth. Climate change is grounded in physics
and chemistry and its evidence-based vindication rests upon the belief and
reverence for truth that science brings forth in our modern world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To deny science is to turn your back on the renaissance of
logical rational thought based upon evidence and solidified with societal
consensus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science
becomes the means by which to communicate in a word besieged with
misinformation, bigotry, illogical thinking and denial of basic facts related to
the universe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the public-school, students as young as 5 years old and
up to adulthood embrace the pursuit of knowledge that becomes, for them, their
fundamental belief system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science, in
its purest form, challenges these voyagers to push the envelope of
understanding as far as possible; this is the possibilities even with
limitations in students’ abilities to performing investigation processes, a
classroom proliferation of diverse abilities to think cognitively and the existence
of various levels of personal inspiration and motivation to seek knowledge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome to the American classroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under guided mentoring of experienced public-school educators,
there is no better place for children to expand positive influences upon their lives and upon the lives of people around them. This
pursuit of truth in science becomes an incubator for the development of students' cognitive
abilities and self-efficacy. Both of these abilities are powerful tools needed to reach self-actualization in a person's life. Learning environments, in our schools, foster both innovative thinking and problem solving abilities within our children to effectively change the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the long-term the pursuit of science impacts upon the
ability of people to form rational thoughts, to justify meanings and beliefs on
problems and solutions and to champion causes that affect their lives and the
lives of people throughout society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the short-term the study of science helps to breed inquiry, greater
understanding and an increased appreciation for life on this planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will not progress as a society unless we embrace, with
reverence, the objective truths brought to us by science. Technology, scientific knowledge and
understanding have pushed back the envelop of <b>famine, plague and wars</b> that has mercilessly
dogged humankind from the day we emerged from caves and began to walk this planet. <b><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red;">To develop our humanity, we must keep vigilant
the struggle and the pursuit of greater scientific inquiry, increased applications
to technology and destined shared elevated standards of living for all people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-79804481801508670952018-12-02T16:06:00.003-08:002018-12-03T08:17:57.854-08:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>An Existential Threat</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i>advocating for climate change curriculum</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i>in the science classroom</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Climate change is an existential threat to the survival of our society as we know it. With such extreme consequences on the line, why is it that humankind cannot effectively rally together (politically, socially and economically) and abate this threat?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To address problems associated with this threatening situation caused by carbon dioxide emissions and the resulting global warming, unifying, contentious and forceful actions need to be employed throughout society to stifle the encroaching catastrophe.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In the United States, political, environmental and scientific organizations and institutions, across our country, are coming together to create a unified front opposing a "business as usual" attitude when dealing with issues related to climate change. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Science educators in high schools across America can unite in coordinated efforts to bring climate change curriculum into subject matters of chemistry, physics and biology. It can also be argued that climate science could stand alone as a discipline in high school science education. Students could spend a full year studying and researching problems and solutions related to climate change and the onslaught of serious environmental and biological catastrophic concerns for life on this planet.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Energy conservation, alternative energy sources, soil chemistry, hydroponics and aquaponics food growth systems and a host of plans to help structure communities to be more resilient into the 21st century are examples of emphasis in climate change curriculum. This preparation could produce plans to achieve zero-emission communities, promoting local organic farming and generating electrical energy locally through utilizing solar panels and wind turbines.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Water quality, food quality and the preservation of ecosystems, that support a diversity of plant and animal life within communities, will be the primary emphasis within climate change curriculum initiatives designed to motivate and engage learning in the science classroom.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Project-based science, as a proven pedagogy employed by educators to spur intrinsic motivation of student to learn, is the perfect medium through which deep and engaged learning and understanding by students can be achieved. These outcomes are based on student-project-performance and have real-world implications to help society survive into the future.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It is critical today that people become involved and work with possibilities that can be employed to help save the planet. Otherwise, feelings of ineptness and loss of empathy, in efforts to solve these climate altering problems, will continue to prevail throughout our society. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Example of the introduction to a climate change curriculum intitiative:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Climate Change Project<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To repair humanity’s relationship with nature<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Climate Change Project is an
educational initiative that addresses the problem caused by the steady
relentless heating of the atmosphere of the planet because of human-society produced
carbon dioxide pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Utilizing knowledge and understanding
of the </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">chemistry and physics
of climate change</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> is an essential first step to bring
forth <u>solutions necessary to make our community more sustainable and more
resilient into the future.<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Students involved in this project
become immersed in a project-based and design thinking effort to address
problems such as energy conservation, clean energy production, growing food
locally and living a lifestyle that is less environmentally destructive</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Students referencing both the<span style="color: #0070c0;"> <i>Streamwood 2018
Comprehensive Development Plan</i> and <i>The
Climate Realty Project 100% Emissions Campaign </i></span>will develop
innovative prototypes and action-plans contributing to increasing the
sustainability and resilience of our community into the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After utilizing resources to address
and analyze problems associated with climate change and using guidelines to
implement real solutions to mitigate this problem, teams of students will work to
design prototypes and create plans-of-action that </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">yield solutions to solving climate change issues.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nobel
Effort:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Working with
people to help them <u>do a job better</u>, learn more effectively, or acquire
good values takes time, thought, effort and courage…reconfigure schools and the
workplace so that people are more likely to <u>want to show up.</u>”</span></i></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #806000; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alfie Kohn
lecture in human behavior and education opinion essay New York Times 10-27-18.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-17682551728976806852018-11-07T09:06:00.002-08:002018-11-07T10:29:10.064-08:00<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Engaging students begin with</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b> intrinsic motivation and valued results</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><i>It begins with effort,put forth by teachers, to engage students in the learning process creating learning environments that touch students intrinsically to want to succeed. If students visualize, embrace and value what they have accomplished, then this goes a long way toward reforming the course of education in our schools.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Projects-based learning is a pedagogy, if employed in the classroom, would help create such learned environments and provide needed academic catalyst for greater academic achievement.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Presented below is an introduction to a project that can provide the means to reach the goal of teaching to a classroom of self-motivated learners solving problems and sharing their solutions with the community. This is the essence of being of service to family, friends and neighbors!</i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The
Climate Change Project</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The <span style="color: #274e13;">Climate Change Project </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">is an
educational initiative that addresses the problem caused by the steady
relentless heating of the atmosphere of the planet because of human-society
carbon dioxide pollution.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Utilizing knowledge and understanding
of the</span> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">chemistry and physics
of climate change</span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"> </span>is <span style="color: #a64d79;">an essential first step to bring
forth </span><u><span style="color: #a64d79;">solutions necessary to make our community more sustainable and more
resilient into the future.</span><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Students become immersed in a
project-based and design thinking effort to address problems such as energy
conservation, clean energy production, growing food locally and living a
lifestyle that is less environmentally destructive.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Students referencing both the</span><span style="color: #0070c0;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Streamwood 2018
Comprehensive Development Plan</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Climate Realty Project 100% Emissions Campaign </i></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">will begin to develop
innovative prototypes and action-plans to contribute to increasing the
sustainability and resilience of our community into the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><b>Projects, like this one, are built upon a sense of urgency to solve problems. Students gain a feeling that what they have achieved in the classroom has real meaning. This sense of being valued by what you accomplish, as a person, can only lead to greater self-efficacy and resilience to persevere and achieve no matter what challenges lie ahead. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Projects related to progressive changes in the community to increase the quality of our lives into this century would be the standard and framework from which to build upon into the future. Students become more engaged in this learning process and increases in student academic achievement would follow.</b></i></div>
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<b></b>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-68775832645586439742018-11-05T05:28:00.002-08:002018-11-05T05:28:49.672-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">DELIVERING THE TRUTH
ABOUT PROJECT-BASED SCIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The delivery
of project-based science, in the high school classroom, is the hallmark of
progressive educational reform in our schools. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Effective models of learning in the science
classroom should include the following aspect as presented by the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Buck Institute for Education <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>(http://www.bie.org/about/what_is_pbl/)</u>:</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“In Project
Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in
response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some
degree of student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are <u>carefully
planned, managed, and assessed</u> to help students learn key academic content,
practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication &
critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products &
presentations.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Buck Institute
outlines essential components of <u>Project-Based Learning</u> in the Science
Classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">is intended to teach significant content.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Goals for student learning are explicitly derived
from content standards and key concepts at the heart of academic
disciplines.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">requires <u>critical thinking, problem solving,
collaboration</u>, and various forms of communication.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> To answer a Driving Question and create
high-quality work, students need to do much more than remember
information. They need to use higher-order thinking skills and learn to
work as a team. They must listen to others and make their own ideas clear
when speaking, be able to read a variety of material, write or otherwise
express themselves in various modes, and make effective presentations.
These skills, competencies and habits of mind are often known as “21st
century skills,” because they are prerequisite for success in the 21st
century workplace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">requires inquiry as part of the <u>process of
learning </u>and creating something new.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Students ask questions, search for answers,
and arrive at conclusions, leading them to construct something new: an
idea, an interpretation, or a product.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">is organized around an open-ended <u>Driving
Question</u>.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> This
focuses students’ work and deepens their learning by framing important
issues, debates, challenges or problems.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">creates a need to know <u>essential content</u> and
skills. </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Project
Based Learning reverses the order in which information and concepts are
traditionally presented. A typical unit with a “project” add-on begins by
presenting students with knowledge and concepts and then, once gained,
giving students the opportunity to apply them. Project Based Learning begins
with the vision of an end product or presentation. This creates a context
and reason to learn and understand the information and concepts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">allows some degree of student <u>voice and choice</u>.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Students learn to work independently and take
responsibility when they are asked to make choices. The opportunity to
make choices, and to express their learning in their own voice, also helps
to increase students’ educational engagement.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">includes processes for <u>revision and reflection</u>.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Students learn to give and receive feedback in
order to improve the quality of the products they create, and are asked to
think about what and how they are learning.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo8; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">involves a <u>public audience</u>.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Students present their work to other people,
beyond their classmates and teacher – in person or online. This “ups the
stakes,” increasing students’motivation to do high-quality work, and adds
to the authenticity of the project.</span></i></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Student intrinsic motivation to learn</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> is by far the most benefited aspect
of this methodology employed in the classroom to learn science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process (doing science) demands
commitment by both teachers and students to seize opportunities for knowledge,
creating new avenues to learn, and foster greater understanding while solving
real-world problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The genius
of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Earth Stewardship Project</b> stems
from years of research and design of new educational pedagogy that most
effectively addresses the learning of concepts in science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new project involves student research
and experimentation into the physical and chemical conditions necessary to
optimize plant growth while utilizing natural organic fertilizers and
carbon-free sources of energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal
of the project is to find the best means by which to produce organically grown
herbs and vegetables. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A number of
innovative methodologies will be pursued by students conducting experiments during
this year-long project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The essential
components of the project are the following<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">:
Developing hydroponics plant systems, designing aquaponic fish- plant systems, creating
multiple greenhouse plant production units and cultivating the production of
vermicompost from worm farms.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another PBL
educational initiative is the scientific investigation into the use of
alternative sources of energy and the conservation of energy<span style="color: red;"> (wind, solar, biomass and fuel cell technologies)</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Introduction:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The use of alternative energy sources is an avenue to clean energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scientific investigation will include
literature readings on the topic of interest and designing a model of an
experimental research project that will lead to greater understanding of the
concepts of energy production, consumption and the transfer process involved in
delivering energy to specific locations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Design Models:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The experimental design problems will include one the following sources
of energy output:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1. Solar panels technology producing electrical energy
output.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2. Wind Turbines technology producing electrical energy
output.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3. Fuel Cells powered by hydrogen gas producing electrical
energy output.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">4. Design of Storage Mediums allowing for the capture and
retention of sources of energy for future use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Storage mediums will include <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>batteries,
hydrogen gas and potential energy of water, air or other forms of mass.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">5. Transfer of light radiation energy and the biochemical
energy of macronutrients and micronutrients from vermicompost into biochemical
energy held within the structure of plants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Students working on these PBL assignments begin by brainstorming
new ideas for long-term scientific research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the goals of the project is to address the need to increase <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">carbon-free</b> sources of energy when
producing electricity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students also seize
upon the opportunity to grow crops in the classroom without a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">carbon-footprint</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenges faced by students working to
solve these problems provides the model for learning science that increases
students’ understanding while helping to fosters higher levels of intrinsic
motivation to learn and achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For weeks students in physics and physical science classes at
Streamwood High School have learned fundamental concepts on the physical and
chemical nature of matter. Innovation and inspired problem solving have quickly
become their focus as they employ learned skills and abilities to produce electrical
energy from non-carbon means and to grow organic herbs and vegetables in the
classroom carbon-free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The challenge is to rise to the level of leadership,
innovation and collaboration necessary for success in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century classroom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A glimpse of this sacred
effort by PBL driven teachers executing PBL based curriculum, is expressed by
Thomas Friedman in the book called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hot,
Flat and Crowded</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his book he
notes that being a world leader in the 21<sup>st</sup> century means leading in
the innovation of clean power and energy efficiency. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It means inspiring an ethic of conservation toward the natural world
which is increasingly imperiled.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Educational initiatives in science education can be the
ground-zero genius of this innovation and discovery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where America can unite and be
propelled socially and economically by a common purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This commonality is expressed in
Project-based learning models fueling the driving questions, while becoming the
catalyst for discovery and solutions to problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-27507738271578674302018-10-20T13:34:00.001-07:002018-10-20T13:52:23.987-07:00<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>COUNTDOWN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">"To live and to learn"</span>, that is an old saying that always rings true. Life itself is a learning experience that is well beyond the walls of school, but learning in school (education) can sure make the road we go down in life smoother, straighter and help provide a pathway to somewhere wonderful!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Laying in a hospital bed, post hip surgery, I really wonder where life is taking me. I am on a countdown to retirement and now I have to factor in physical recovery along with worrying about my students and their progress through the science curriculum at school this year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This physical setback can throttle things for me as a professional, but it is the idea of "what is next" that now stirs my emotions. I know what I have accomplished over the past 25 years as an educator, but now what do I want to achieve going forward as I leave the public school arena.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I entered the field of science education during a time of great need for innovative and courageous new curriculum initiatives and now I plan to leave, 25 years later, at a time of great need for science teachers to innovate and take courage! The value society places upon the premise of <b><span style="color: blue;">"education for all"</span></b>, has always been a perplexing application of reasoned logical thought that support methods and means to reach for this idealized goal. The struggle to deliver <b><span style="color: red;">"best practices"</span></b> in science education, through guidance now provided by <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Next Generation Science Standards</b></span>, has never been more challenging than it is today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How we restructure our schools to accommodate learning in the 21st century, how we devise effective plans to infuse technology into the learning process and how we relate to each other in a loving manner are problems that need solutions today. Future generations of students need to be learned so they can deliver solutions that are complex, politically viable and scientifically conclusive. A dynamic new learning environment that caters to providing students with these skills and abilities to solve problems and think critically, is an essential step toward making learning in the 21st century viable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have always wanted to be an <span style="color: red;"><b><u>agent of change</u> </b></span>in this world and teaching has been my vehicle, my means to truly express my thoughts, beliefs and understanding to a craving and dynamic audience, the youth of our country.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I return to the classroom this semester, for the final months of this school year, I will act upon these last opportunities to </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">influence, motivate, inspire, guide and model good behavior in the classroom, </i><span style="font-size: large;">while bringing forth an impassioned cry for my students to</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> learn, learn and </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">learn! </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-64384517872500449252018-06-06T09:16:00.000-07:002018-06-06T14:44:23.356-07:00<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , serif; line-height: 107%;">“Be the change that you wish to see in the
world.” </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">― </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5810891.Mahatma_Gandhi">Mahatma Gandhi</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #001144; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">design,
develop, and implement</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #001144; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></u></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of a school year one can look back on the process that
dictates education in our public schools and from this retrospective position
get a clear sense of the events that were brought forth and that fashioned the
learning in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over the past decade business associates and education officials,
I have been associated with, have been impressed with the increasing cultural
diversity within our schools. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 21<sup>st</sup>
century, diversity has become central to what constitutes our public
schools. Racial and ethnic diversity along with divergent social economics are critical
factors determining culture within learning environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Academic gains, in the new century, depend
upon education professionals reconstructing the goals, means and ends that are
empathetic to a changing world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, this process of learning becomes a cluster of diverse
procedures employed by educators around the acquisition and utilization of
knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Twenty-first century capabilities include the following: abilities to form
evidence-based perception of situations, delivering effective communication
skills, loving and supporting peers, implementing critical decision-making
abilities, effective problem-solving skills, perform creative innovative
thought and support and uphold values that define our democratic institutions. </i>Education
professionals, working to make our learning institutions viable into the future,
must cast a weary eye upon existing avenues or entrenched methods to deliver this
opportunity to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If learning is at
the core or what schools are all about, then a restructuring of how we deliver
learning opportunities must be addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching students to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">learn
how to learn</b> are achievable goals for students in classrooms, while capitalizing upon cultural
diversity of student populations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
structure of learning institutions, like our schools, need to lend well to the development
of these 21<sup>st</sup> century abilities by students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Project-based models in learning bring maximum
flexibility to this effort of moving forward with instructional priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Open-ended
process orientated curriculum</b> (Project-based models of learning) is readily
adaptable to these diverse student populations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being adaptable to alternative settings, brought about by open-ended
curriculum models, will motivate and engage students in more divergent means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will lead to creating learning
environments that promote utilizing prior knowledge and experience in ways to
help solve problems and lead to greater understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting tools for decision-making into the hands of students is
fundamental to developing, redesigning and implementing learning experiences
that are experimental and linked closely to the needs of local communities and
society at large.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To put real value back
into learning experiences is to design schools where students can help to fulfill
the needs and provide support for members of their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Student will begin to see their influence and
how they can support both the cultural aspects and situational needs of the
world they live in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each new school year provides new opportunities for educators
to become more dynamic in their thinking of how to get students to achieve
these 21<sup>st</sup> century skills and abilities that will be so important for
success in their lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reflecting now on
what has been done is a good starting point to help eventually bring real change
to our schools by making them more student-centered, supportive and academically viable for all
of our children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-88633073365299935352018-04-04T08:20:00.004-07:002018-04-04T12:31:42.249-07:00<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Designing a Mini
Greenhouse</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">An engineering challenge</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The purpose of this engineering
challenge involves research, investigation, design and construction to help <u>maximize
thermal energy contained within a plant growing system given a constant source
of light radiation.<o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The transfer of light radiation into
thermal energy, surrounding a growing plant, can be control through the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>design and construction</u></i> of a
<i>plant housing unit </i>that provides greater insulation ability than a standard
plastic unit current employed in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The design of a mini greenhouse is
limited to the size of plants and the area covering a flat surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Materials used in this design needs to be a good
insulator resisting the transfer of thermal energy through surfaces.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The physical dimensions (circle,
square, triangular hexagonal and parabolic) and the sturdiness of material
(cardboard, plastic, paper ceramic) can be utilized to maximize thermal energy
retention.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Research on the design of mini
greenhouses helps to spur innovative thought and development of ideas
witnessed online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can modify a known
design or create a new design based upon experience in physics and knowledge base.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is important to be conscientious
of the limitations or <u>constraints </u>that you face when designing mini
greenhouses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size of the greenhouse
and its ability to be integrated into existing environmental conditions, is a
critical aspect of this engineering challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><i>The engineering design process:</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ASK</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">: </span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What is
the problem? How have others approached it? What are your constraints?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">IMAGINE</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">: </span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. Choose the best one.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">PLAN</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">: </span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Draw a
diagram. Make lists of materials you will need.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">CREATE</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">: </span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Follow your plan and create something. Test it out!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">IMPROVE</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">: </span></strong><b><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What
works? What doesn't? What could work better? Modify your design to make it
better. Test it out!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Students access a wealth of material resources and begin construction on new plant growth systems that are expected</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b> to increase thermal energy within plant housing units during germination.</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b>Students are engineering a new mini greenhouse that traps greater amounts of thermal energy within the plant housing unit. The original prototype model, featured above, poorly insulates the environment around germinating seeds.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><span style="color: #474747;">After completing the </span><span style="color: red;">imagine and planning stages </span><span style="color: #474747;">of the engineering </span></b><span style="color: #474747; font-size: 21.3333px;"><b>process</b></span><b style="color: #474747; font-size: 21.3333px;">, students begin to create their new mini greenhouse based upon specific design considerations and constraints.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Students turn paper and pencil design into reality. They imagine the possibilities and then implement practical applications to solve a problem. The success of this project is dependent upon the <u><span style="color: red;">heat retention ability</span></u> of newly designed mini greenhouses.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-6508304088392906012018-03-26T09:51:00.000-07:002018-03-28T06:33:16.048-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Fundamental Learning <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the science classroom</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by Greg Reiva<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Quality, quantity, rich content and
engaging student performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> has been my passion, aspiration and vocation, as a science educator, for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Student writing ability, articulation, focus and commitment
on quality and completeness, during the learning process, are benchmarks that I
strive to bring forth from the genesis of my science curriculum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">This school year I have committed to increase student autonomy,
where students work toward taking greater responsibility for their own
learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is witnessed as students
become more engaged in research, experimentation and problem solving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are skills and abilities that students
need to develop within themselves so they can become more successful in school
and in the workplace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Project-based science, geared toward solving real problems,
is an essential and critical framework for any curriculum that helps to
facilitate learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working in teams, students
determine different options or pathways to proceed as they pursue effective
solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students will formalize
ideas, innovate, develop rational and logical arguments and help support
evidence-based problem solving. These efforts in research, experimentation,
critical assessment and engaging presentation of results provide the gateway to
knowledge and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><u><span style="color: blue;">Autonomy in the science classroom</span></u> becomes more evident as
decision-making by students become evidence-based facilitated through
experimental design, prioritizing data and focusing upon relevant details to
minimize experimental error.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reliability
and predictability of experimental findings take on a pressing need by
students to succeed, which reflects their personal commitment and their developed
skills and abilities in critical thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Autonomy in the classroom</u></span> is a catalyst for innovation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students become more engaged, think deeply
about concepts, problems and possible solutions and develop a sense of urgency
to be able to rationalize their findings which are support by experimental
fact-finding effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Students construct hot air balloons to study the force of buoyancy upon lighter-than -air-ships.<br />
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Students test in the hallway the motion of propeller driven electric cars.</div>
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Constructed prototype electric car model.</div>
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Working collaboratively, students complete construction of catapults.</div>
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Students testing the thermal energy absorption ability of carbon dioxide gas</div>
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Experimental apparatus designed for the testing of greenhouse gases</div>
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Cooperative efforts to complete construction of catapults used to test the velocity, acceleration and force applied to projectiles.</div>
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Understanding the physics of motion and the transfer of energy from electrical to mechanical energy and ultimately into the kinetic energy of motion.</div>
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<br />greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-58702358223303791172018-01-01T10:44:00.000-08:002018-01-01T11:06:18.025-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Taking Baby Steps at 60 Years Old</b></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ringing in the New Year, for me, not only marks the start of
a new year, but also the start of another year of living. My birthday is January 2<sup>nd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some time ago, I hitched my career wagon onto the education train
and have been heading down that line of track for 24 years. Oh, the sights I have seen along this pathway
and the communities and cultures I have experienced! The beginning of a new year always gives me
pause, but this year, at the 60-year mark in life, I find this reflection to be
more<span style="color: blue;"> <u>emotional, more compelling and more focused</u>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I remember when I turned 40, I made a video resume of how I
had ascended to where I was, and with on-camera reference to the outstanding opportunities
that lie ahead. <b>This year I am not
inclined to repeat this, but I feel compelled to emotionally dig deep and discover
what it is that I now truly value.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I can not imagine moving beyond this point in life without taking
mental account of who I am and where it is that I go from here. Mortality stares more astutely at me than
ever before and I want to know what it is I can do to make life on this planet
more fulfilling and rewarding. This is not a selfish endeavor, but a necessary
means through which self-realization can be achieved even at the ripe old age
of 60. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As a teacher in the science classroom, I am a witness to
budding young and inspired generations of students and mindful of the new challenges
and opportunities that they will face in the modern world. Every day is a reminder of the necessity of
the struggle that we all will face, together, to create a world of exciting opportunities
and achievement for all. This belief is penned
by a ”true liberal” inspired by the evolution
of new ideas and innovative solutions that support and enhance the welfare of our
society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Witnessing baby steps, as I recall from my young parenting days,
was an exciting event holding an element of hazard, but at the same time it was
a physical expression of progress! Moving forward literally! I see these events reflected in the learning taking
place in the science classroom where students are increasingly challenged to
use their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems and exhibit
high levels of performance. Project-based aspect of learning is now the
preferred education model that this sixty-year-old, reflecting and mortality
challenging teacher, has intimately embraced as the most promising track
forward. This metaphorical train is
still barreling into the future, and I continue to help facilitate students’ transition
from academics (pencil and paper) to application (prototype modeling). It is a deliciously excruciating baby-step experience
as students struggle to model events mathematically and scientifically and then
apply these abstractions to concrete engineered solutions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I think that from now on life for me will be a baby-step
process, like my students, moving forward as I embrace the reality of getting
old, but remind myself of the need to work for progress. Even if progress is, at times, incremental it
is laced with progressive values that show empathy for people in their struggles.
With personal self-realization I know I can make a difference in peoples’ lives
in ways that I can only begin to imagine.
So, I am up for challenges I will face this new year and the reality of turning
60 years old. <b><span style="color: red;">Bring it on!</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-31699903732170095562017-12-27T08:01:00.000-08:002017-12-27T09:00:45.721-08:00<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A Scientifically Literate
Public<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The ability to think critically and problem solve are key
contributing factors to the development of peoples’ propensity to deal
effectively with challenges faced in life.
Education, in our public schools, has no higher ideal than to prepare
students to lead personally fulfilling and responsible lives. Scientific habits of the mind, as a
performance-based standard for learning, leads to individuals having the
ability to solve problems that involve evidence-based decision making,
quantitative considerations, logical thinking and development of an aptitude
for sound judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Astronaut and former middle school teacher <span style="background-color: white;"><b>Ricky Arnold</b></span>
stated the following in the current issue of <i>NSTA Report Publication</i>,<i> “The only
way we are going to address the very real issues that this planet is
collectively facing is with a scientifically literate public. Sadly, this is a
very real problem in the country that landed the first humans on the Moon. The only way to address it is through
education…as teachers we have the very unique privilege to share with our
students our passion for STEM fields.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Science literacy, as a model for learning, strives for quality
of understanding over quantity of coverage and helps to develop an appreciation
for the interconnectedness of the natural world to all living things. Scientifically literate students embrace the
complexities of life with a real sense of understanding. The Framework to Next Generation Science
Standards for K-12 Science Education help deliver understanding of these complexities
through curriculum based upon, practice, crosscutting concepts and core ideas. This
sets the stage for an emphasis on preparing our children for a demanding and
dynamic future filled with countless opportunities and immeasurable challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Engineering challenges provide a learning experience and
opportunity to fully engage in and deliver a performance that is closely linked
to knowledge-base and understanding of science.
These challenges, embedded within a project-based model for learning science,
delivers an excellent learning opportunity for students in the classroom,
thereby capitalizing upon their intrinsic motivation and intense focus to solve
real-world problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The <span style="color: red;">Electric Car Project</span>, in the physics classroom, is a
hands-on and project-based model for learning allowing students to employ core
concepts in science and in scientific reasoning. This project creates for students a framework
through which they can collaboratively engage in solving problems and where
solutions are based on sound judgement with logical and critical thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The <span style="color: red;">Electric Car Project</span> is an engineering challenge providing the opportunity for students
to solve problems through redesigning of standard prototype models. The goal of
the project is for students to develop an innovative approach to solving
problems, while at the same time working to produce new designs that increase
the level of the car’s performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">An electric car prototype model is tested to determine its
initial performance, then redesigned in a manner to increase this level of
performance. The electric car has an energy source that originates in the
chemistry of a battery, then is transferred into electrical energy and finally
is delivered as mechanical energy to the body of the car. The constant force generated by the spinning propeller
is a direct consequence of the delivery of this final mechanical energy. The force that is generated drives the car
down a horizontal track with acceleration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The constant force produced by a propeller creates <i><u>constant acceleration motion</u></i>. The electric car moves with increasing
velocity and experiences exponential changes in displacement. <b>The
physics of motion defines the performance of the vehicle. <u>The performance of the electric car
determines the success of the engineering design challenge.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Students develop a
method of organizing data, they define a hypothesis, they test variables and produce
evidence-based solutions. This process of
scientific investigation leads to increased performance of the electric vehicles.
Through investigation, students document key factors like <i><u>force, acceleration, velocity and displacement</u></i>, which providing
evidence for their decision-making and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Participation in these learning environments require
students to strive to fulfill project goals while solving problems. This
process requires autonomy in thinking, reliance upon cooperative and collaborative
learning to take place in the classroom and it also demands a good dose of personal
intrinsic motion. Each additional
successful implementation of engineering challenges in the science curriculum helps provide a catalyst for the <b><i>revolution of science education in our schools,</i></b>
with a renewed commitment to fully prepare our children for a robust and challenging
world that they will inherit in this new century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-WvzCJRRTIypgwdTMmbLyR8f5FwzP_HKm5uTcY0hNuSlHxwJkI8doTG9qd09uaVLMoUwgdgpAy4LnyKlXVX88n1Dt_1ZjANHtiiH_10rZQUlryYi7N9j35OjhBWs2Ag3kiHtjHPPAD4/s1600/picA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-WvzCJRRTIypgwdTMmbLyR8f5FwzP_HKm5uTcY0hNuSlHxwJkI8doTG9qd09uaVLMoUwgdgpAy4LnyKlXVX88n1Dt_1ZjANHtiiH_10rZQUlryYi7N9j35OjhBWs2Ag3kiHtjHPPAD4/s320/picA.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b>The engineering project begins with students constructing the original prototype model</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEE2KWArIpSIHlNpc0CYgGu2rK0dz3KJo0__7pnUt35brlc4BRif48dUuCDRlTeGPKQagObIktBfWtHhEXMWVmIloqJkASaNSpZQjVAKE9AOUQdXeEMDbc5U7FLrZN3JMVos0aWnhDoI/s1600/picB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEE2KWArIpSIHlNpc0CYgGu2rK0dz3KJo0__7pnUt35brlc4BRif48dUuCDRlTeGPKQagObIktBfWtHhEXMWVmIloqJkASaNSpZQjVAKE9AOUQdXeEMDbc5U7FLrZN3JMVos0aWnhDoI/s320/picB.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b>Testing the prototype model develops a base of knowledge about the performance of the electric vehicle.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYrgzQes6FbBt8zGm4T7kNQj9vJMuF9cz5HGUL9BkPMLTbh3QmqixAvrg9FeFAcDARyjwHs3690_dkCghJaTGz1P41qkmSL5TtT84k-sdjHqkxfbgmUOW41EXnRfBIDwtEcepEOhGZy0/s1600/picC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYrgzQes6FbBt8zGm4T7kNQj9vJMuF9cz5HGUL9BkPMLTbh3QmqixAvrg9FeFAcDARyjwHs3690_dkCghJaTGz1P41qkmSL5TtT84k-sdjHqkxfbgmUOW41EXnRfBIDwtEcepEOhGZy0/s320/picC.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>Sophisticated analysis of the motion of the vehicle and the net forces applied by the propeller is supported by using motion sensors and force probes</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2iazN39qNgCcpSLiLEeoh40JT45bhOh3vy2n7OdusoKRRNKQVCm1FLsBWinxPt3MSQ2OIdX_E0yaM_eL4zr0xj_45-QRhRPmpDDJgAp0JcMdTHY_h_JSxTEdoVwvcGuVbdDqdEgQO6Q/s1600/picD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2iazN39qNgCcpSLiLEeoh40JT45bhOh3vy2n7OdusoKRRNKQVCm1FLsBWinxPt3MSQ2OIdX_E0yaM_eL4zr0xj_45-QRhRPmpDDJgAp0JcMdTHY_h_JSxTEdoVwvcGuVbdDqdEgQO6Q/s320/picD.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<b>Testing and analysis of vehicles sets the stage for advanced redesign of the car to significantly increase performance outcomes.</b></div>
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<b>Computer analysis of data adds to the knowledge and understanding spurring creative and innovative thinking.</b></div>
greducationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11906728372423899895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3785798822915809215.post-51648207623415673992017-11-23T12:37:00.002-08:002017-11-24T11:06:22.884-08:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">LETTER TO A FRIEND IN INDIA</span></b></h2>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b>Hi Shephali</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I wanted to elaborate on what I published on November 12th about Project-based
science in both India and in the USA.
For years I have advocated and created curriculum initiatives in science
education that move progressive education reform in a direction that will
benefit students well into the future years of their lives.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Like you, I have wrestled with this issue of adapting the
realities of life that challenge our students and society and the delivery of
learning experiences in the classroom that positively impact our students.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In the twilight of my career as an educator, I find that
opportunities for our students to engage in more profound learning experiences,
that dwell upon project-based models of learning, are not in general increasing. In America with the implementation of <i>Next Generation Science Standards</i>, it
seems to me it would be logical that this transition would favor new
educational innovations that motivate and inspire learning. But this reality has been elusive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Today, in our schools, being a Teacher facilitator, not the sage
on the stage, requires a change in the mindset of the educator. It means that a teacher must stop rote
dispensation of information during a school day and move toward the creation of
learning opportunities stressing knowledge and understanding. It can be an exhausting venture requiring
intense focus upon the <u>timely and urgent implementation of curriculum
initiatives</u>, while at the same time coordinating lab experiences that lead to
students developing real-world solutions to problems we face in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Zero Waste Zone
Project at K.v.bhandup school in Mumbai India</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <i>(https://www.facebook.com/KVBHANDUP/),</i>
that you have developed over the past few years, is an excellent example of the
type of science project that can help stimulate students’ intrinsic motivation to
learn. It is a project that provides a
wealth of opportunities for student to pursue and learn concepts in
science. Students come to realize their true
potential as they apply knowledge and understanding to help improve society!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You need to be both fearless and driven as an educator to
bring forth the best learning experience for our times. I experience a sense of urgency to design
curriculums that meets the educational needs of students. Years of experience
is a great asset because you can envision the reality that your want to create
in the classroom. Educational reform has positive inferences because it is tied
to making thinking better. As a master
teacher I am sure you deal with the challenge of thinking out of the box and being
unconventional. Conventional wisdom in
educations stresses control over learning, but if you really believe in the
kids and you worry about their future, then you will give them the needed autonomy
in your classroom, so they can to excel to their fullest potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Engineering challenges is one of the many means that I employ
in class to get to the essence of learning by having students apply what they
have learned to solve problems. Challenge
is expressed through redesign and improvement of prototype models. This process inspires a focused effort by students
increasing their intrinsic motivation to produce and to perform. The world we live in is fraught with problems
and crisis that will need creative and critical thought to bring forth
solutions. In our schools, students can
develop these skills and abilities becoming problem solvers and ready to adapt
to a changing world with its new reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What projects have you most recently developed to get
students motivated to learn? Masters
teachers take advantage of time frames, within the curriculum, where students
can apply what they have learned and produce real-world results. For our students this is a very satisfying
experience adding to their self-efficacy and becoming productive members of our
society. It is all good!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> That is why
teaching has never been a job to me it is a vocation because I believe it
strives beyond the sheer process that we go through in school. It is really about the creation of a modern
society. To use a baseball metaphor, I
am a teacher in the batter’s box and I must hit the fast ball to move the game
along. I am not looking to take a walk,
I am swinging for the fences! I am going to do whatever it takes to move my
students along in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Students complete the construction of a 9 feet tall hot air balloon that will utilize the force of buoyancy to accelerate up into the atmosphere with increasing velocity.<br />
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Teams of students collaborate utilizing individual skills and abilities to produce a final product.<br />
The final product will be tested to determine its performance during flight.<br />
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Design and testing of a Pitsco catapult leads to greater understanding and interest in the physics of motion.<br />
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Students analysis the growth rate of basil plants planted in different mediums of soil.<br />
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Students work in teams to share their knowledge, understanding and experiences to solve problems in engineering.<br />
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Students engaged in experimental research developing skills, abilities and understanding to solve problems, be creative and become innovative thinkers.<br />
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