”I told them a thousand times, those stupid kids.”

How being overwhelmed affects the best of us, and what might work better Or how not to be a bitch.

Rearranging the furniture for fun.

More effective than the deck chairs on the Titanic for learning thermodynamics.

Turning off kids with tough concepts… or not.

Physical science textbooks, gnashing of teeth.

Bullying for Bystanders

These Dateline clips are making a huge difference to the level of compassion in our school…

Actual “Backwards Planning”

Being forced to plan backwards from the assessment is I hate to admit, a GOOD thing, just like everyone said. Lots of resources included: some lab sheets with teacher notes plus a couple of tested assessments. Enjoy!

Re-engaging to Save the Civil in Civilization

Happy New Year? Let’s go!

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,600 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

What if “As if..”

The umbrella resolution?

Nasty Cocktails: Density of Liquids Lab

Adding to the excitement of the approaching holiday, we had pajama day and worked out which layers to float on what in a nasty density cocktail. I’m sharing the exact instructions in case you’d like to try this stand-alone and engaging activity with your students in the new year. Hopefully not in your pajamas. Remember to get dressed before going to school

Trails and Tribulations: Lessons from Riding

Horse back riding —–(wiggly line) —–> teaching middle school