When I teach refraction in my optics unit I find the students have a really hard time understanding why the waves change direction. I explain that it’s because one side starts moving slower relative to the other causing it turn, similar to what occurs when a car has its two right wheels on the shoulder. This analogy is hard for them since most don’t drive yet. This year I decided to do something different and since students love visuals and demonstrations, I came up with one that turned out … [Read more...] about Refraction Demonstration – Scooter Style
Educators Reference Section
I know going through Teachers College and even into my own teaching career, I've always wanted a convenient place to access reputable teaching materials and references. I remember thinking that it would be great to have a book full of demonstrations, activities and lessons that I could use to jump start my teaching career. Many of you know about Teachers Pay Teachers but this is different. I wanted to go beyond lessons and into something more. To fill this need I've created a collection of high … [Read more...] about Educators Reference Section
The Home-School Connection
This article was published by Scholastic.com. As a parent, you are the major provider of your child's education from birth through adolescence. You guide the development of her character and mental health and help form the foundation from which she'll develop lifelong attitudes and interests. And because your home is the primary environment in which your child's potential and personality will take shape, it's important to make sure that you create a positive, open atmosphere that will not … [Read more...] about The Home-School Connection
Technology for Teachers
Came across this great site which overviews a variety of technologies teachers can utilize in the classroom. … [Read more...] about Technology for Teachers
Science In The News
I really like to get my students connecting what we are learning in class with the real world. This creates engagement and further answers the question I addressed prior of "Why are we learning this? We will never use it in real life". One way that I do this is by getting them to review different types of news articles which relate directly to the curriculum. To that end I have created this page which indexes recent news articles which I have used in my classroom. Help your kids become … [Read more...] about Science In The News
How to Expel Hurtful Stereotypes from Classrooms across the Country
This article was published by Scientific American and was written by Geoffrey L. Cohen, Julio Garcia and Ferris Jabr on May 22nd, 2013 In this month's Scientific American science writer Ed Yong explores new research on stereotype threat—the fear of confirming derogatory stereotypes about one's social group. Such anxiety can undermine people's performance in school, sports and the workplace. A girl in an advanced math class, for example, might worry that she will not test as well as the boys, … [Read more...] about How to Expel Hurtful Stereotypes from Classrooms across the Country