Quick and Dirty book reviews

I'm holding up at least one of my summer goals.... reading more books! For the books that I read, I will post one or two lines on why I liked the book. Most of my books come from amazon. I would love to chat about any or all of them:)

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.

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.