Hydraulic Fracturing a.k.a. Fracking, is a very poorly understood and yet, much-feared process. It strikes dread into many hearts but most people don't even know what it is. The process of fracking begins by drilling a well vertically to the depth of the oil and gas reserves which are usually found 1 - 2 miles (1.6 – 3.2 km) below the surface. Once the vertical column has been opened, the drill is turned 90 degrees and drilling continues in the horizontal direction for thousands of feet. Once … [Read more...] about What is Fracking and how does it work?
Don’t look like an idiot in front of your students + 7 other things not to do as a teacher
1) Don't look like an idiot in front of your students! Know your stuff, keep your credibility The fastest way to lose your students is for them to think you're an idiot. Why would they pay attention to someone who knows less than they do? This is the biggest mistake I find most new teachers make. They come in only a few years out from University thinking they know everything when they don't. Research your topic, review your notes, answer your own problems before you ask your students to. My … [Read more...] about Don’t look like an idiot in front of your students + 7 other things not to do as a teacher
Famous Scientists – How would the world be different without them?
Where would we be without the men and women who pioneered the science we now rely on? Would we have lights without Edison or Tesla? Space travel and GPS without Einstein? Maybe, maybe not. Yes or no, the world would be a different place without them. To help others better understand their contributions, I've created multiple Famous Scientist readings. I use them to help tackle literacy in my class by having my students read and answer questions from these articles. The questions include … [Read more...] about Famous Scientists – How would the world be different without them?
School’s Out … Almost! Dealing With The End of School-Year Craziness
What's the best way to manage the end of year craziness that always ensues just before any school break but especially prior to summer? I've asked around and this is what teachers told me. I've broken the responses down by grade level. K - 5: I make sure to schedule time with friends or family towards the end of the year! So, then I don't stay at school all night and I get a break to breathe and relax! -The Friendly Teacher! I deal with the end of school craziness by moving the … [Read more...] about School’s Out … Almost! Dealing With The End of School-Year Craziness
The Effects of Stress on the Brain
Can you recall feeling restless, having trouble sleeping, being irritated and moody? There was probably something exciting (good or bad) going on in your life that you were stressed about. Stress is literally a reaction of your body to a challenge – any challenge or demand at all. In daily life, people use the word stress to state that they feel overwhelmed and/or not in control. It is usually related to an unhealthy and undesirable state of mind. Whether this is true depends on the duration of … [Read more...] about The Effects of Stress on the Brain
Order In The Classroom: Behavior Management Strategies
Student behavior problems are the foe of almost every teacher, no matter the grade or subject. How do you discipline a student who doesn’t seem to care? They ignore you, don’t hand in their work, talk constantly, and you are left dealing with a kid whose parents may be either indifferent or just as incapable of controlling them at home as you are at school. I remember being in teachers college and asking my professor, “How do you deal with a student who simply has no interest in behaving himself … [Read more...] about Order In The Classroom: Behavior Management Strategies