Chemistry: Finals Study Plan!
Kristen's post speaks for itself - one of the year's best!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Interesting Article Regarding Climate Change
Yahoo News posted a fascinating article on how climate change has already spelled the death of one of history's great civilizations - the Egyptians. It's an interestnig read that lends some perspective on how it might affect us.
http://news.yahoo.com/huge-ancient-civilization-collapse-explained-123449804.html
http://news.yahoo.com/huge-ancient-civilization-collapse-explained-123449804.html
Friday, May 11, 2012
Blog Post(s) of the Week
Well I missed a week of student blogs because we had two back to back on some pretty important issues. Up first was the conclusion of the year-long global warming epic, and every student had some valuable input to chime in with. The global warming post of the week will have to go to Fernanda N. though, because aside from creating a well writte piece, she tied information about her family's hybrid car purchase into her conclusions, which was a really great touch.
This week, students sounded off about internet privacy and the post of the week was actually a paper copy that wins because it got me laughing extremely hard. Lydia C. wrote, after doing some of her own research on how pirating websites can be shut down extremely easily, "And while I don't approve of priacy, other than the swashbuckling kind, this whole ordeal seems a bit much." Hilarious! Great job Lydia and Fernanda!
Only a few more weeks of school left. Keep your eyes peeled for the extra credit blogging epic!
This week, students sounded off about internet privacy and the post of the week was actually a paper copy that wins because it got me laughing extremely hard. Lydia C. wrote, after doing some of her own research on how pirating websites can be shut down extremely easily, "And while I don't approve of priacy, other than the swashbuckling kind, this whole ordeal seems a bit much." Hilarious! Great job Lydia and Fernanda!
Only a few more weeks of school left. Keep your eyes peeled for the extra credit blogging epic!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Third Quarter Update
It's hard to believe, but there is only one quarter left in school! This has been by far the most eventful quarter all year, with the CAPT testing going on, all of the excitement about my contest, and, most importantly, some of the incredible efforts put in by a great many students this quarter. It's humbling to see so many of the stories you're about to see every day.
First round of props go to our two students of the marking period from Practical Chemistry: Kary A. and Henry R. These students have put in remarkable efforts and changes to their academic routine that saw them propel themselves to academic success the likes of which they've never seen before. Kary's efforts elevated her grade from a C last quarter to an A+ this quarter and Henry took his failing grade last quarter and changed it into a B+. These students did this with a large dose of responsibility, maturity, and hard work; three qualities that will get you far in life no matter which career you choose. Huge congratulations must be awarded to these two students. Sporting similar turnarounds were Jose V., Victoria L., Gordon H. and George H. Great job to all!
We had some real excitement in the past marking period with the contest I was nominated to participate in. In case you weren't aware, I was nominated as one of ten finalists in GOOD Magazine's Great American Teach-Off, a competition to find America's most innovative teachers. This contest involved production of several videos which many students helped me out in. Part of what makes my job so incredibly rewarding is the enthusiasm shared by my students about this humbling honor. Students from last year offered to help, almost every class had ideas of how to participate in the videos, and about twenty students volunteered to be interviewed on camera for this video. I look back on this contest (which I didn't win, but it was still incredible to even be in it) and still feel as though I walked out with the greatest prize of them all - the opportunity to share such an exciting time with the students. I have to offer my personal gratitude to everyone who helped make those videos. Thank you.
Next quarter is the start of some really exciting chemistry. For Practical Chemistry, we have begun work on our spaceship project, something that I started last year that runs throughout the whole quarter. Last year, we had students making ships out of legos, marshmallows, and wood. This is a great opportunity for students to show their creative and imaginative side while learning a whole lot about environmental chemistry in the process. In Chemistry, we have begun to really dig into the "scary" part of chemistry, which involves a lot of math. Typically the chemistry student's least favorite subject, stoichiometry is vital to being able to perform quantitative research, which is the goal of any science class. We started it off a little differently this year, however, by having student create posters displaying their favorite mole pun. I've had a serious belly laugh at multiple points this week reading some of those.
The last quarter is here and it's only a matter of time until summer arrives and final exams loom large. I now offer the best advice a teacher ever gave me: "Never look for the finish line until it's behind you." With that said, let's...mole...through it with speed and alacrity!
First round of props go to our two students of the marking period from Practical Chemistry: Kary A. and Henry R. These students have put in remarkable efforts and changes to their academic routine that saw them propel themselves to academic success the likes of which they've never seen before. Kary's efforts elevated her grade from a C last quarter to an A+ this quarter and Henry took his failing grade last quarter and changed it into a B+. These students did this with a large dose of responsibility, maturity, and hard work; three qualities that will get you far in life no matter which career you choose. Huge congratulations must be awarded to these two students. Sporting similar turnarounds were Jose V., Victoria L., Gordon H. and George H. Great job to all!
We had some real excitement in the past marking period with the contest I was nominated to participate in. In case you weren't aware, I was nominated as one of ten finalists in GOOD Magazine's Great American Teach-Off, a competition to find America's most innovative teachers. This contest involved production of several videos which many students helped me out in. Part of what makes my job so incredibly rewarding is the enthusiasm shared by my students about this humbling honor. Students from last year offered to help, almost every class had ideas of how to participate in the videos, and about twenty students volunteered to be interviewed on camera for this video. I look back on this contest (which I didn't win, but it was still incredible to even be in it) and still feel as though I walked out with the greatest prize of them all - the opportunity to share such an exciting time with the students. I have to offer my personal gratitude to everyone who helped make those videos. Thank you.
Next quarter is the start of some really exciting chemistry. For Practical Chemistry, we have begun work on our spaceship project, something that I started last year that runs throughout the whole quarter. Last year, we had students making ships out of legos, marshmallows, and wood. This is a great opportunity for students to show their creative and imaginative side while learning a whole lot about environmental chemistry in the process. In Chemistry, we have begun to really dig into the "scary" part of chemistry, which involves a lot of math. Typically the chemistry student's least favorite subject, stoichiometry is vital to being able to perform quantitative research, which is the goal of any science class. We started it off a little differently this year, however, by having student create posters displaying their favorite mole pun. I've had a serious belly laugh at multiple points this week reading some of those.
The last quarter is here and it's only a matter of time until summer arrives and final exams loom large. I now offer the best advice a teacher ever gave me: "Never look for the finish line until it's behind you." With that said, let's...mole...through it with speed and alacrity!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Journal 17 Posts of the Week - Skepticism
A lot of people have some really great things to say about the article involving Linsanity and asian stereotypes in american culture and college admissions today. There are two papers that I'd like to highlight as posts of the week though, for different reasons. First is Kristen R.'s, for displaying excellent writing technique and revision. Her paper is flawless, really, and she has made and defended her point very clearly, with a vivid description of the study she would conduct to verify the results in the AVID weekly article.
Second is first time post of the week winner Viviana M., who was one of a very small group of students to really probe the reading and uncover some real issues with the data presented. Viviana bluntly presented one of the most underrated yet obvious reasons why this is true: the data in the survey referenced in the article is 20 years old. A lot has changed in 20 years - before any claims are made they should at least be made off of relevant data.
Hannah K. deserves an honorable mention for really highlighting another major issue with the survey referenced in the article: it only was conducted at two schools. Hardly a relevant sample size.
These pieces illuminate an important fact of student learning because many people are engaging in probing thought like this. You are thinking in a way that is questioning content you're reading. This is a vital skill for success in college, and most importantly, life. Keep it up.
Second is first time post of the week winner Viviana M., who was one of a very small group of students to really probe the reading and uncover some real issues with the data presented. Viviana bluntly presented one of the most underrated yet obvious reasons why this is true: the data in the survey referenced in the article is 20 years old. A lot has changed in 20 years - before any claims are made they should at least be made off of relevant data.
Hannah K. deserves an honorable mention for really highlighting another major issue with the survey referenced in the article: it only was conducted at two schools. Hardly a relevant sample size.
These pieces illuminate an important fact of student learning because many people are engaging in probing thought like this. You are thinking in a way that is questioning content you're reading. This is a vital skill for success in college, and most importantly, life. Keep it up.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Post of the Week: Unplug Week
A lot of people enjoyed reading the article this week for good reason, it was about a college student who undertook an interesting challenge. If I had to unplug from all my electronics for three months, aside from failing you all as a teacher, I would probably play a lot more guitar and hockey, and get some more sleep.
These two students had a great suggestion and I think it might be worth pursuing making it an official "week" at GHS. Virginia and Ashley suggested that everyone try to do this for a week. Wouldn't it be an interesting experiment to try to get everyone at GHS to unplug the phones and social media for a week? In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this type of thing becomes more prevalent across schools as we adopt more and more social media. What do you think? Post a comment to discuss!
These two students had a great suggestion and I think it might be worth pursuing making it an official "week" at GHS. Virginia and Ashley suggested that everyone try to do this for a week. Wouldn't it be an interesting experiment to try to get everyone at GHS to unplug the phones and social media for a week? In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this type of thing becomes more prevalent across schools as we adopt more and more social media. What do you think? Post a comment to discuss!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Midterm Update
Hello chemistry students and parents,
It's hard to believe that the year is halfway over already, but it certainly is. In just five short weeks, the CAPT exams will be upon us, which is always a stressful time for teachers. But without looking too far ahead, let's take some time to reflect on the first quarter. We'll do that by checking out some data from the midterm.
The averages are pretty consistent, which is nice to see. I am pleased with the way the test went, as a great exam is designed to be an accurate measure of student learning, but also a challenge to complete. A middle C is a perfect average score and a lot of students had great results on this exam. No students in particular impressed me as much as my block 5 class. During the first quarter exam, this practical chemistry class had 6 students fail. On this test however, not only did they excel, but zero students failed. Major congratulations must go out to Hector E., Andrew C., Will S., Amaly H., Kary A., and Henry R. for really turning it around. In addition, it's important to celebrate excellence, and Phoebe P., Stephanie C., Katie F., David F., Cameron K., Gordon H., Will H., Patrice D., Albert L., Fernanda N., and Andre P. for all scoring an A- or above on their test. Quite an accomplishment indeed.
Moving on to some other awards, I feel that it would be wrong not to honor some pretty unexpected discoveries made in our classes this year. First, we have to highlight the day when Michael M. got up in front of his whole class and wowed everyone with his great singing voice during a few of our songs. I'm not sure anyone expected that. We should also take the time to honor our most improved students of the year so far. While there exist many honorable mentions, none surpass Nicole V., who took her grade from extremely poor in the first quarter to a B- in the second quarter. As teachers, we see a lot of students struggle, but then give up before they can right their own ship. Nicole showed perseverence, courage, and a strong work ethic to turn her grade around, and it deserves strong congratulations. Last, we have to recognize students with perfect attendance. We all know how hard it is to get to class on time when you have to walk the marathon to the science wing, and these students have been on time and present every single day of the year so far. Congratulations are in order for Phoebe P., Ahmed R., Jack B., Kristen R., and Ashley R. What an accomplishment.
Third quarter will be a quarter of some really exciting chemistry. Students will be learning about chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and preparing themselves for the CAPT exams in march. There will be new explosions, (many) new songs, and more corny jokes in store. This is always my favorite time of the year, because the pace picks up a bit, as our sophomores have really hit their stride. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
It's hard to believe that the year is halfway over already, but it certainly is. In just five short weeks, the CAPT exams will be upon us, which is always a stressful time for teachers. But without looking too far ahead, let's take some time to reflect on the first quarter. We'll do that by checking out some data from the midterm.
Midterm Averages | ||||
Class | Practical - 2 | Practical - 5 | Chemistry - 4 | Chemistry - 6 |
Average | 76 | 76 | 75.4 | 75.8 |
The averages are pretty consistent, which is nice to see. I am pleased with the way the test went, as a great exam is designed to be an accurate measure of student learning, but also a challenge to complete. A middle C is a perfect average score and a lot of students had great results on this exam. No students in particular impressed me as much as my block 5 class. During the first quarter exam, this practical chemistry class had 6 students fail. On this test however, not only did they excel, but zero students failed. Major congratulations must go out to Hector E., Andrew C., Will S., Amaly H., Kary A., and Henry R. for really turning it around. In addition, it's important to celebrate excellence, and Phoebe P., Stephanie C., Katie F., David F., Cameron K., Gordon H., Will H., Patrice D., Albert L., Fernanda N., and Andre P. for all scoring an A- or above on their test. Quite an accomplishment indeed.
Moving on to some other awards, I feel that it would be wrong not to honor some pretty unexpected discoveries made in our classes this year. First, we have to highlight the day when Michael M. got up in front of his whole class and wowed everyone with his great singing voice during a few of our songs. I'm not sure anyone expected that. We should also take the time to honor our most improved students of the year so far. While there exist many honorable mentions, none surpass Nicole V., who took her grade from extremely poor in the first quarter to a B- in the second quarter. As teachers, we see a lot of students struggle, but then give up before they can right their own ship. Nicole showed perseverence, courage, and a strong work ethic to turn her grade around, and it deserves strong congratulations. Last, we have to recognize students with perfect attendance. We all know how hard it is to get to class on time when you have to walk the marathon to the science wing, and these students have been on time and present every single day of the year so far. Congratulations are in order for Phoebe P., Ahmed R., Jack B., Kristen R., and Ashley R. What an accomplishment.
Third quarter will be a quarter of some really exciting chemistry. Students will be learning about chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and preparing themselves for the CAPT exams in march. There will be new explosions, (many) new songs, and more corny jokes in store. This is always my favorite time of the year, because the pace picks up a bit, as our sophomores have really hit their stride. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
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