Adventures In Science: February 2008

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Borax

First, my apologies that last week's object turned out to be a bit of a dud. Okay, a lot of a dud to date. I do have a popsicle stick project I want to link to, but at the moment am having a hard time locating the information I need. Look for it to be coming soon.

Hopefully this week will be a bit more inspiring...

Borax!

I will immediately post some ideas to get the ball rolling. Hope to hear from lots of you out there!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Popsicle Sticks

So simple, so basic, what a great starting point for a variety of science fun!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Pasta - Noodles - Macaroni

Whatever the shape, size, or name.... tell us about it!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Eggs

Last week's object (marbles) was a bit geared to the physics set, so we'll go in a completely different direction this week...

Eggs...

...I'll share a few ideas and hope there are lots more out there to learn about.

How It Works:

Every week (typically on Thursday) I post a new mystery object.

If you have a science lesson that uses the object (in any capacity), please post it as a comment. It could be a lab, it could be an intro activity, it could be an assessment. It could be a multi-day experience, it could be a five minute zinger.

When you post, please make sure you do your best to give credit to the source of your idea.

How To Post:
At the bottom of the original post, you'll find the word 'Comments' (usually preceded by a number). Click on 'Comments' and you will be taken to a page where you can read what everyone else has had to say, as well as add your own suggestion.

Questions?
Email me at adventures.in.science@gmail.com

How this came to be:

Before taking time off from teaching to spend with my son, I taught 6th grade earth science, 7th grade life science, 8th grade physical science, and a 4th grade hands-on lab (actually, I taught 3 of those courses at a time...). In a mere four years in the science classroom, I accumulated boxes and boxes and boxes filled with binders, books, and assembled activities.

Now that I am at home with my son, I feel the need to put all those materials to good use, in order to justify the time I spent gathering it all and the physical space they now take up in my house (not to mention the work required to move them from one residence to another).

I was going to be an "Independent Science Education Consultant" - a title I thought I made up, but it seems that it isn't entirely unheard of! My name's out there... at least in this region of upstate New York I now call home... but no hits yet. If you're reading this and you're interested in my services... email me... PLEASE! I'll travel!

I was going to write a book. Turns out, most of the great things I do in my classroom have been borrowed (or stolen) from great teachers and aren't actually mine to publish!

I recently learned the San Francisco Exploratorium holds an Iron Science Teacher competition for local science teachers and those who attend their Summer Institutes. So cool, but I don't live in San Fran and even if I could afford to spend several weeks in California, I don't think the young boy would look so favorably on the idea.

So here I am, creating my own virtual version. It's not live, it's not a competition, but it should result in a great community of sharing and some fantastic ideas for us all to share. Please consider participating!

Adventures In Science