Classroom Reveal 2015

I am entering my second year of teaching. I did a total room makeover with both the layout and the boards. I AM LOVING IT! Everything is so much brighter, and stands out against the pale blue walls.

This was taken on Monday, before the boards were truly "complete".

Also done on Monday. The top board is my "Scientific Method" board.

My Religious Board with Bible Verses.

Probably my favorite board. "Bee" a Reader! The students will track their 40 Book Challenge here.

Where we will write down our homework...and just PART of my massive classroom library.

I've moved my computer since last year, but this is my desk and computer area.

A better picture of the massive library.

My Reading, Science and Writing boards are done!

Our Writing Process Clothesline.

Slightly better picture of mailboxes, book shelf, and Scientific Method Board.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOARD!! Outside my classroom, this welcomes my students to the "Launchpad".

A better view. Loving Apollo 815 =)

My "Welcome" sign for 5-21.

Same inside the door as outside.

The posters above my closets, my closets (mostly organized), and the posters on the doors. One of the posters is a calendar of events and important dates.

Review: Maitland Simmons Summer Institute 2015

About a month ago, I was a scholar at the Maitland Simmons Summer Institute at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. From July 27 until July 31, I spent time with 20 other educators learning about the ocean, climate, and various ocean organisms. While my curriculum does not require a unit on marine science, it was still an amazing experience. We were able to connect the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to the various activities done during the week.

While there, we had the opportunity to take a boat ride. This was not just an enjoyable ride down the river, but one where we got to actively participate in trawling for various organisms. We did 6 trawls at three different sites. We also did a plankton trawl. We were then able to count, measure, and identify the various organisms. We also went seining. Seining is where you take a huge net and go out 80 feet from the shoreline, and gather organisms to count and measure. We did three different seins at various locations. It was a lot of fun.

The best part of any professional development, and especially this one, is the connections I make with the other participants. I am so blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful group. I am anxiously awaiting our reunion in October at the NJ Science Teacher Convention.


Click the link below for a video summarizing the events.
https://animoto.com/play/8i0G108kQtmMht7po1P6Vg