Wow, I can't believe it's all coming to an end. We've got only a half day tomorrow and then it's off to the airport to fly home. I'm anxious to get started in making some big changes in the third grade science and math!
Today, we started with a lesson called Origami Box. We actually had to make several different sized origami boxes. The paper was pre-cut to exact sizes. After we made them, we had to do some estimation on how many lima beans would fit in each one. We looked for patterns in the box sizes, made estimations, counted, made estimations again, and graphed our results! It was really interesting.
Today, we started with a lesson called Origami Box. We actually had to make several different sized origami boxes. The paper was pre-cut to exact sizes. After we made them, we had to do some estimation on how many lima beans would fit in each one. We looked for patterns in the box sizes, made estimations, counted, made estimations again, and graphed our results! It was really interesting.
After that session, we went to a whole group session with a person who was one of the writers of the Next Generation Science Standards. Those are lists of ideas of science for schools to teach. I learned a lot about the standards and am anxious to get back to the classroom.
During lunch, ExxonMobil drove up several scientists and engineers from their company to sit and have lunch with us so we could ask them questions. They also brought their robot which was walking around the room talking to everyone. The robot was controlled by another employee 50 miles away!
During lunch, ExxonMobil drove up several scientists and engineers from their company to sit and have lunch with us so we could ask them questions. They also brought their robot which was walking around the room talking to everyone. The robot was controlled by another employee 50 miles away!
After lunch (no picture, sorry), we had another lesson on pendulums. Pendulums are the things that hang down and swing freely, like swings. We studied how many times pendulums swing in 30 seconds. We changed all different kinds of things about the pendulum and studied the results again. We graphed the results, and they blew us away. We were all so surprised. We then had to create a pendulum that had an EXACT number of swings in 30 seconds. Everyone got a different number of swings. We also decorated them and created a short commercial trying to sell them.
After lunch, we had a speaker come and talk to us about motivating students and being proud of being a teacher. His name was Dr. Calvin Mackey. He grew up not believing he could ever go to college and now has a doctorate degree from a college! He created a company that integrate science and math education. He was very inspirational and made me feel good about my future teaching children… like you!
After Dr. Mackey, I went to the gift shop to find a few things for the classroom. The academy gave us all $10 gift cards and 7 or 8 teacher books! They are always handing things to us to use in the classroom because research shows that by 5th grade kids who are turned off to science and math do not ever get into the field. So, the focus of the academy is to better teaching at these levels.
A short time later, we had an amazing supper as part of our closing banquet. We recognized our wonderful teachers throughout the week and met many folks from the National Science Teachers Association, Math Solutions, and ExxonMobil who support this program. Many of them hold very, very important jobs at their companies. Every speaker emphasized that their companies were "Investing a lot of money for the future… and the future starts here," meaning that they support providing teachers with experiences like this.
A short time later, we had an amazing supper as part of our closing banquet. We recognized our wonderful teachers throughout the week and met many folks from the National Science Teachers Association, Math Solutions, and ExxonMobil who support this program. Many of them hold very, very important jobs at their companies. Every speaker emphasized that their companies were "Investing a lot of money for the future… and the future starts here," meaning that they support providing teachers with experiences like this.
Even after listening to the many amazing speakers, I just have to tell you that the highlight of the night for me was meeting astronaut Barbara Morgan! She shared a digital presentation of her experiences being an astronaut, including a trip to the International Space Station! She thanked the teachers for doing the job they do, and said what important work it was.
During the after party, I had this picture taken of some friends I made throughout the week. So many neat and inspiring folks here!
I have never felt so appreciated being a teacher as I have this week with the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher Academy. They truly treated us like kings and queens during our entire stay!
Until tomorrow! Hope you're loving the blog as much as I am!
Until tomorrow! Hope you're loving the blog as much as I am!