That was AWKWARD...

Last week as we rounded out rotation 6, I had to answer some really strange questions from my students.Yes, it is fantstic that the students are asking questions. No, I do not always know exactly how to answer them. On this particular day the questions came from the students working in the Alternative Energy module. The goal on this day was to conduct a fermentation experiment to explore biomass energy. The students placed syrup & water in the first test tube. They placed syrup, yeast, and water in the next test tube. Finally they placed yeast and water in the third test tube to see which combination generated the most biomass energy. The students were directed at the begining of the experiment to wear disposable gloves. In two different class periods I had a male student ask "Mrs. Winston will I get a yeast infection if I don't wear gloves?" I'm sure they could tell by the look on my face that I was at a loss for words. When I replied "No", I'm sure you can guess what the next question was.............. "Well, how do you get a yeast infection Mrs. Winston".........AWKWARD! The 7th grade guys who asked me these questions were very sincere, and were not at all joking. I really did not know how to answer that second question, so I used a techinique that I sometimes use at home with my own daughter......... I acted like I did not hear them!

It's Google Time...

Our district is transforming into a "Google District", and I'm really excited about it. Staff and students have access to Google Apps via their EChalk accounts. Collaborative learning and student engagement will increase dramatically with the addition of Google Apps. Most importantly for me, all student will have access to productivity tools via Google. I'm also excited about cutting down on paper use! 

Pitsco Modules

We are almost done with Rotation 4 of our Pitsco modules. In the above photo, students are working on programming robots, soldering electronics, and flight simulators.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

We are currently exploring desktop publishing. This is an exciting and creative adventure for the students. Our first deliverable is creating a Fight Card with a partner. We are using Microsoft Publisher for this assignment. We used an actual picture of the students, and even assigned our selves boxing nicknames! Don't get intimidated just yet, the only thing we plan to knockout is this unit!

For Your Viewing Pleasure.

Today we watched all of the completed PSA's. I regret not getting any pictures, but we had so much fun viewing the PSA's I didn't even think to grab the camera. After watching the PSA's, the students completed an individual reflection on our EChalk class page discussion board. I am overjoyed at how successful each group was with this unit. If you are a Holub Hawk, you can view the PSA's on the student common, in the "Winston" folder. Have a great 3 day weekend!

Editing..... The Final Countdown

Today, we were busy finishing up our PSA's today. We used Window's Movie Maker to edit our PSA's to perfection. Once everyone got the hang of Movie Maker, I noticed some very creative PSA's. We had a few groups that did not finish, but we will all present tomorrow! The countdown is on to the premiere of our PSA's!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Today was a big day for the students, they had the oppurtunity to film footage for their PSA. The storyboards, scripts, and location request were instrumental in making today a success. Overall the students made realistic actors. Practicing their scene, getting serious, and getting their giggles out was hard for others. I am super proud of the hard work put in today, and was happy to see various group members step up and take control!