Science Magazine- Mosquitos, Viruses and the Immune System

Interesting article that highlights a symbiotic nature... with a virus...which isn't living.... Definitely more for older students (high school). Great representation of a scientific article.
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/06/mosquito-spit-helps-viruses-make-us-sick?utm_campaign=news_daily_2016-06-21&et_rid=17056523&et_cid=576463

classroom job applications

I keep running across articles talking about teaching kids life skills in school. What if students had to apply for jobs in the classroom? Write a cover letter, fill out an application, answer basic interview questions and then get hired or hear feedback for why they didn't get hired. Also, science offers a unique place where you can write an abstract, which is basically telling people why they should read your article.... easily equatable to a cover letter where you spell out why you should be hired. Additionally, it adds to classroom culture and student ownership of their learning

6th Grade Science:
Note-taker for students who are out sick

Zootopia Review

I live in a relatively small town and one of the coolest things about small town life happened this week. I substitute teach in the area and I have subbed consistently in one particular 5th grade class. As a school reward, the fifth grade had the opportunity to go to the movies during school in a small venue downtown. I happen to live 3 blocks from the theater and I was invited by one of the fifth grade teachers to tag along. I walked down and met the fifth grade to watch Zootopia.

I LOVED IT. The story kept my attention, there is SO MUCH humor and the characters are well developed. I would show this movie from 3rd grade up through high school. There is one portion of the movie where a "nudist colony" is visited and the animals are... well... nude. The kids thought it was SO scandalous. It wasn't. It was HILARIOUS.
Lesson Ideas:
What do the "predators" vs. "prey" represent in the human culture?
Is it realistic that the predators and prey can coexist?
What sort of accommodations did businesses come up with to cater to various creatures?

Summer Goals

2016 Summer Goals:
READ!
I have gotten out of the habit of reading and instead binge watch any show I possibly can. My mind is sluggish and I partially blame my lack of reading.

WORK ON CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM
I used to LOVE chemistry. I haven't taught it in so long and I feel a little rusty.

EXERCISE CONSISTENTLY
I was feeling so strong and good getting ready for my trip and then walking ~20,000steps/day on my trip but I have slacked off lately:/

GET OUTSIDE
Sometimes with my freetime I end up hanging out inside working on crafts or projects in my house. Even though those projects are great (and necessary) I want to keep my tan and enjoy the beautiful place I live.

EXPERIENCE JOY
Getting caught up in "what's next" and "where is my life going??" can be so easy. This summer I want to take the time to open doors for my next steps, but enjoy where I am and the freedom I have RIGHT NOW.