Common Core: Key Details

Key Ideas and Details:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.

Honestly, I have no idea how to interpret this. Does anybody have any insight into what a lesson might look like to cover 6-8.1?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

 The "Tree Octopus" article would be a great way to teach 6-8.2. Prior knowledge and opinion would dictate that octopi don't live in trees, but the article concludes that they do. Teaching kids to provide evidence directly from the article to support the conclusion. 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

Achieved with any laboratory procedure. Make sure to include an experiment with measurements and daily observations during the year. 

Five weeks of packing

I put together a collection of clothes and accessories that I packed. I spent a LOOONGGG time putting together a packing list and as a result I wore everything I brought at least twice. You may not be, but I am very impressed with myself!
A few comments:

**The ONLY regret I have- I didn't bring the right pants for Africa (Kenya, Malawi, Zambia or Morocco). What you need to be comfortable in Africa is FLOWY pants. Culturally it isn't acceptable to wear shorts or short skirts so if you want to be culturally sympathetic and not be labeled an obnoxious tourist, bring flowy pants. 

***The purse I have in most of these photos was an anti-theft purse. I really liked it but ended up buying a leather purse in Marrakesh (real leather, $26 USD, what??) and ended up sending the anti-theft one home with my Dad. 

**** I didn't really wear make-up in Kenya, Malawi or Zambia. It was too effin hot.

***** Toe photo included to show off my gnarly sandal tan. Thank you Teva's! 

Lisbon, Portugal and Rome, Italy (pretty mild, but sunny)

Prague, Czech Republic and Madrid, Spain (Prague was a bit chilly and Madrid was beautiful!)

South Luangwa, Zambia, Nairobi, Kenya and Mzuzu, Malawi (Hot.)

Paris, France (warm but cooled off at night)

 

Pants: 2 pairs of leggings 2 pairs of jeans 1 pair black pants running shorts 2 pairs of jean shorts	Shirts: White and black short sleeves White and black long sleeves striped sweater an assortment of tank tops
Overwear: 1 grey cardigan 1 lightweight jacket (I had to do surgery on this early on in my trip.... I suggest buying a better quality version than I did!) 1 rainjacket 1 sporty pullover 1 chambray button-up	Dresses: 2 long sleeve thin cotton dresses 1 halter style thin black dress
Accessories: 1 swimsuit 4 pairs no-show socks 4 pairs of shoes (2 pairs of tennies-grey and white, 1 pair of Old Navy flip flops, Teva sandals) 3 scarves (one of my scarves doubled as a skirt several times) black spandex blowdryer (probably could have done without. Don't tell my friends that though!) Straightener (really glad I had this a few times!)

Hope these comments and lists were helpful in any of your upcoming packing plans. Also, Teva has no idea who I am.

Visiting the Baby Elephants

After I had decided to travel to Malawi to visit my best friend, I realized I would only be about 1000 miles from the Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I grew up loving elephants and my mom and I have followed the progress made through the Trust for years.
Dame Daphne Sheldrick is one of those people who animals trust. Since she was little animals have allowed her to care for them.
Elephants in particular have had a rough time due to the illegal ivory trade and the Trust works diligently to end elephant poaching.
The Trust raises these elephants after they have lost their families. Elephants are incredibly emotional and there are a few elephants that are visibly depressed. As hard as that is to watch, The evidence of the keepers' love is tangible. You can read more about the Trust and the progress of the elephants here.

I love this picture because it shows the care taken for the grounds. This is a garden surrounding a house. I'm not sure what the house is used for, but it is right in the middle of everything and representative of how all the houses and structures are loved on the grounds. 

A Keeper took this picture for me. He noticed me trying to capture the little one sleeping and he offered to take a few for me due to his angle advantage inside the pen.

I ended up sponsoring 4 elephants Roi, Kamok (for my Mom), Kora (for my Dad) and Mbegu. These elephants all have unique stories that you can view if you select their names from the drop-down menu on the website linked above.

I also had the opportunity to meet Pea and Pod the ostriches, Kiko the baby giraffe, and Maxwell the blind, black rhino.

Visiting the Trust and the baby elephants was an amazing experience. The Keepers are steadfast and incredibly helpful. They are willing to talk to the public and answer questions or help you get the best shot of the sleeping babies. They clearly love their charges and their jobs.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to go see these amazing creatures and the beautiful haven created just for them.

P.S. DSWT has no idea who I am or that I wrote this blog post. All pictures taken by either myself or my Dad. 

Travel Diary: Intro

I just got back from the trip of a lifetime. Here are some of the places I visited. Over the next few weeks I will be posting highlights from different aspects of my travels.

• Prague
• Lisbon
• Rome
• Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation
• Lilongwe, Malawi
• Marrakesh Morocco
• Spain
• The Louvre
• London

I plan on creating several blog posts highlighting my packing list, comments on several of the places above, modes of transportation and what it was like to travel with several different types of people. Normally a blog to store my thoughts on education, this seems like the best forum to capture my thoughts and opinions of these travel experiences!