Some of you know that February is Black History Month. As we learned through the QR activity, there are times when women and minorities did not receive the recognition of their discoveries that they deserved because of social biases, prejudices, discrimination, bigotry, etc. This month, we're going ways that African Americans have given to the field of science, through their discoveries or inventions. So to begin, watch this video clip of a very famous scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver. Comments are welcome and check Edmodo for assignments related to this topic.
Okay Gang, it's time to get started! I know some of you are excited about working on a science fair project and others of you... well, you'd like to do other things with your time. But this is a great experience for all of you. This will challenge and engage you about what science is and how science is a part of your everyday life. The first step is choosing a topic and I know this step is a big one for some of you, which is why I want to help. First of all, choose an area of science that interests YOU! It doesn't matter if you like plants, animals, cosmetics, extreme sports, art, math, engineering, video games...the list goes on and on. There is a topic of interest for EACH of you. So DON'T GIVE UP! Here's a link that will be a great resource for taking that very first step. Check it out. After you have, go to Edmodo to take a quick poll I've designed for you. If you have any questions, send them my way! http://www.sciencebuddies.org It's the wave of the future, but it's actually happening now. Different forms of technology and social media are everywhere. From cell phones to laptops to iPhones to iPads...it's hard to escape its use in our society. There are positives and negatives to the integration of technology. Can you think of some? (Send me a comment to reply.) When I was in middle and high school (and NO, it wasn't that long ago!), we typically went to the media center to use computers. By the time I was in high school, there was one computer in our home. Now, each of my parents has a computer, my father has an iPad and both have cell phones with texting, internet access and photo-taking capabilities. We cannot escape it, but we can learn how to use interactive technology wisely and for the right purposes. I know some of you have struggled getting on Edmodo and/or Twitter. Keep trying. You all are doing great! I am so proud of your eagerness to try something different to engage in learning in and out of the classroom. Keep the questions coming if it's not quite working for you. I'll do what I can to answer you accurately and quickly. And remember, you're going to be way ahead of the game when you enter high school and college and/or the workforce. You're learning a skill that can take you far. Be wise, smart and appropriate in the techno world. Don't be ruled by it (we don't live in the Matrix) , but use it enhance who you are, grow your mind and increase your desire to learn. I hope all of you are excited to go on a science exploration with me this year. And, YES, in many ways, all of you are already scientists. You think and observe things in and around you all the time. This is huge in Life Science, so you're already on the journey! We'll ask and answer a lot of questions that you may never have even thought of before. Like, "How is the cell like a city?", "Why are my eyes blue but my parents' eyes are brown?", "Can a muscle get so big that it explodes?". Through scientific experimentation (for example, science fair), labs, hands-on and interactive technology-based activities, and projects, you'll learn quite a bit and hopefully gain enjoyment in exploring the world even more. I am excited to be teaching you and am looking forward to the challenging questions you ask and the creative thought- filled ways you search to find the answers. Just remember: come to class prepared, ready to learn, ready to grow and eager to work with your classmates. Respect each other, myself and yourself. Make it your goal, as it is mine, to make your class as successful as I know it can be! |
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February 2013
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