Kevin: How a lab supply turned into a class "pet"

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Teaching

photo 1This past Wednesday, I ran into the local grocery store on my way to school to pick up a small potted plant for an erosion lab I had planned for the day. One of the stations called for the plant to be taken out of its pot so students could observe the root structure’s ability to hold onto soil and prevent erosion.

During my final class of the day, one of my students decided to name the plant Kevin. Another student asked if he could be in charge of watering Kevin. By Thursday, Kevin and a decorated sign so everyone knew his name. On Friday, Kevin was wearing a necklace and a paper Santa hat. He also had a birthday card to celebrate getting a name.

My kids love Kevin. In the short span of a couple of days, Kevin the Kalanchoe has become a member of our class. If I had known that my students would love a little potted plant this much, I would have gotten one much sooner. I hope Kevin is a member of our class for a long time to come!

photo 2

Finding Passions

Posted on By Mrs. Wilson No Comments on Finding Passions
Teaching
One of my many rough sketches as I brainstorm ideas.
One of my many rough sketches as I brainstorm ideas.

This year, I’ve been trying to ignite my students’ passions through a project based learning program I have had the privilege to start with some amazing teammates. The process of working on a project became real to me as I have been taking an online class for hand lettering I started a couple of days ago. The platform is project based, with instructional videos and assignments. You upload your progress to your project page.

Because hand lettering is something I’ve really wanted to become better at, I’ve been working a lot on this project the past few days. (It’s a great change from my normal daily activities.) As I have been working though, I have wondered how I can instill this same sense of passion and motivation to succeed in my students. It’s probably not an easy answer, but I know it has to do with uncovering passions. The tricky thing is linking those passions to the standards I need to teach. Of course this means more thinking and brainstorming!

(If you’re interested in checking out my work-in-progress, it’s over on Skillshare.)

First Day Jitters

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Teaching

firstdayFirst day jitters – do you get them? I’m pretty sure most if not all teachers do. The excitement and anticipation of meeting 130 plus students for the first time can be a little overwhelming. Plus, I want everything to be perfect so that my students have a fabulous first day experience. And I try to plan an exciting, hands on, problem solving activity so my students get a clear picture of what class with me is like.

But you know what? I always forget a detail and scramble to find the supply I need. And it’s okay and never turns out to be a big deal. Why is that important? I want my brand new students to see that we all have the first day jitters. I teach the sixth graders, and starting middle school is a BIG change. Some students are very anxious about navigating the hallways, changing classes, and having lockers. At the end of the day, the first day of school is just about helping us all get to know each other and settle in. Don’t sweat the details! Instead, make beautiful memories with your students – since we only have one chance to make that first impression.

STEM: Astronomy style for back to school

Posted on By Mrs. Wilson No Comments on STEM: Astronomy style for back to school
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My friend Krissy at Venspired posted some great Back to School STEM Style finds. I wanted to share some of my own fun finds with you, too. These are especially for the female STEM teacher who loves space but still needs to put forth a professional image. (I am loving that galaxy style is all the rage right now!)

back to stem

  • Blue Flight Suit (jumping and jet not required). I’ll be wearing this tomorrow at open house to greet parents and students. Still need one? I hear there are great buys on Nomex flight suits on eBay.
  • Galactic Jewel top from Delia’s. I’ll admit I was a little embarrassed walking into Delia’s (where my students shop) to purchase this shirt, but I am so glad I did! Wear your science love loud and proud!
  • Galactic Top also from Delia’s. Another fun galaxy-esque shirt. I have already gotten a few compliments wearing it.
  • Galaxy Starry Print Skirt by Romwe. I found this at Amazon and loved the Magellanic Cloud print. It’s an awesome skirt. (The underskirt is a little short, and the main skirt is shear. I fixed it with a longer slip.)
  • Keep Calm and Dream On wallet by Hot Topic. I was looking for a smaller space-y wallet, and this fit the bill perfectly! Especially in my new purse.
  • Space Mod-ity dress from Modcloth. Modcloth has amazingly cool, retro clothes – and a large collection of space prints. I was so excited to see this dress 50% off today. I can’t wait to get this dress with rockets printed all over it!
  • Custom “Dream” purse from Artscow. I love this quote from Van Gogh, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” I created the image from a Hubble photo and Photoshopped some text for what is now my favorite accessory ever!
  • Nebula shoes by me. This is my second pair of space shoes I have made for myself. I wore these during my microgravity adventure, and even got compliments from astronauts. You can make your own, and I am hoping to open an Etsy shop for orders once school gets going. Even though they are technically “tennis shoes”, I am planning to wear them to school in the name of science!

There are lots of other amazing science and space clothes out there. It’s cool that being geeky is going so mainstream! I know I’ll be adding to my collection, and I’d love to hear some of your favorites. The next thing I’d really like to add to my science teacher wardrobe is a cool lab coat.