Week of January 15

Thursday Thoughts January 15

I didn't watch the big game on Monday night.  I knew that the Oregon quarterback won the Heisman but I didn't know anything about the Ohio State quarterback, Cardale Jones. In fact, I am not sure that many people knew alot about him prior to Ohio's win over Alabama in the playoff.  But Monday night changed all of that.  Now Cardale Jones is a household name.  The fact that a third string quarterback could garner a win over a team like Oregon is impressive enough, however even more impressive is this young man's mindset shift regarding the importance of his education.  You see just two years ago, he made headlines for the tweet above.  At that time, he was coasting through school and close to being tossed out of college.     But he hung in there and was held accountable for his grades and actions.  The expectations were set and if he wanted to stay at Ohio State, he had to rise to them.  The rest is history.

As educators we have a responsibility to make sure that we don't allow students to coast.  High expectations and holding students accountable will have great results even if we are not present to see them.  I am sure that we have future BCS champions, politicians and even actors sitting in our classrooms.   But before they can fulfill their dreams, we have to make sure that we set the stage for that to happen.

 

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Janie Massey.  Janie does a remarkable job of working with students who are just below grade level proficiency. She is constantly seeking resources and materials that will help students succeed.  She prepares written progress updates for each of her students in the SST process and has often offered to participate in the meetings to brainstorm additional strategies that can be put in place for the child.  Janie has students that enter and exit EIP throughout the year, yet she never complains about how many students she has to serve without assistance.   Janie not only shares her expertise with homeroom teachers, but she also works directly with the teachers new to Medlock.  We appreciate all that Janie does to support Medlock students as well as teachers. 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

Step by Step: Designing Personalized Learning Experiences For Students

Katrina Schwartz     November 28, 2014 

   

The phrase “personalized learning” gets tossed around a lot in education circles. Sometimes it’s used in the context of educational technology tools that offer lessons keyed to the academic level of individual students. Other times it’s referring to the personal touch of a teacher getting to know a student, learning about their interests and tailoring lessons to meet both their needs and their passion areas. As with most education jargon, the phrase isn’t fixed, but it usually connects to the idea that not all students need the same thing at the same time. It implies choice, multiple pathways to learning, many ways to demonstrate competency and resists the notion that all students learn the same way.

 

 

 

 

Technology Tidbits

ClassResponder - Real Time Student Response System

ClassResponder is a service that provides a nice way for teachers to distribute quizzes to students and gather results as soon as students answer the quiz questions. ClassResponder can be used through your web browser or through their free iPad apps. There is an app for teachers and an app for students. Students don't have to create accounts to participate. Students simply enter your classroom code to join your ClassResponder activities.

ClassResponder offers pre-made quizzes that teachers can use. The quizzes are designed for elementary school students. The pre-made quizzes are aligned to ELA Common Core standards. You don't have to use ClassResponder's pre-made quizzes. You can create your own multiple choice, true/false, and short answer quizzes in your ClassResponder account.

Applications for Education

ClassResponder, like other student response systems, could provide a good way to deliver short review quizzes to your students. You can use the service to make quizzes to use at the end of a lesson to quickly check for your students' understanding of your lesson's main points. You can turn on ClassResponder's instant feedback option for your students so that they don't have to wait until everyone is done before they see their own scores.

 

 

News & Notes

I would like to welcome Kris McBride to MBES.  She is an Instructional Technology Coach from the iTeach Center at Kennesaw State University.  Kris will be working closely with our teachers this semester as we embark upon our Personalized Learning journey.  You will see Kris visiting classrooms, meeting with grade levels and providing support in many ways.  Kris is a former teacher and is serving in a support role for our school.  She has multiple schools; however when she is at Medlock, she will have an "office" in the Media Center.  You can reach her anytime via email: McBrideK2@fultonschools.org

 

 

Week of January 8

Thursday Thoughts January 8

 

 

 

I truly needed the time off and relished every moment of it. I enjoyed spending time with extended family and was able to spend quality time with my husband and children.   However, I must say that it felt good to come back this week and connect with my Medlock Family.  By now, you should know me well enough to know that I believe in putting family first.  I enjoy hearing about your family and I thank you for listening to the stories about mine.   But when I refer to the Medlock Family, I am alluding to a genuine bond that has been formed among the staff.  We are more than a group of people who come to work everyday and work with kids.  We are more than just a team.  We are a family.  We celebrate when others are successful.  We hurt when our colleagues hurt.  We share in the ups and downs of this job. We do what we can to lighten each other's load.  The cartoon Lilo and Stitch gives one of the best definitions of family that I can find.  In our Medlock Family, nobody gets left behind or forgotten. 

 

 Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Lindsay Padgett and Jaya Kottamasu.  Lindsay had the great fortune (or misfortune depending on how you look at it) of being my first 30 minute observation.  I want to applaud them for the creativity and instructional best practices that are being implemented in the classroom.  Not only was there alot of music and visual aides during the lesson, but there was also the use of technology and an overall focus on student engagement.  If you don't know, their students can start in the classroom at age three and are eligible to attend due to their special needs.  Our Pre K students don't attend specials and Lindsay's class does not even eat lunch in the cafeteria.  Therefore, Lindsay and Jaya are in the classroom with their students ALL day.   Each afternoon at dismissal, I see Lindsay walk some of her students to the front office to meet the parents where she engages in conversation about their day.  I know that parents can be a bit uneasy about sending their babies to "big kid" school but Lindsay puts their minds at ease.  Many thanks to Lindsay and Jaya for all they do for our youngest Mustangs.

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

The Right & Wrong Way To Use Technology For Learning

07/09/2013, TeachThought Staff,

So much in learning is subjective, which makes sense because so much in life itself is also subjective, and we learn in order to live. So it’s natural.
Grey areas abound–the usefulness and quality of the Common Core Standards. The importance of curiosity in learning. The evaluation of technology in learning. The utility of letter grades. (And alternatives to letter grades.)
For every educator dead-set on personalizing learning through technology in an outcomes-based K-12 classroom, there is another educator working to develop new learning models that extract the potential of self-directed learning, the role of play in learning, and better understanding the different levels of integration of technology in the learning process itself.
And it’s all good work.
What exactly technology does in learning is also subjective. We’ve offered a clumsy analogy in the past, but sometimes a simple T-chart clarifying “good and bad” is helpful, which is what Bill Ferriter of the wonderful Tempered Radical blog has done with the following image.
The Right & Wrong Way To Use Technology For Learning
Ferriter’s image begins simply enough, with a statement so many of your already believe (based on comments we’ve seen across social media and here on TeachThought as well).
Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome. (Learning is not about technology, mind you.)
But for those that need examples, it goes further, saying no to “developing apps” and “publishing animotos,” and yes to more general functions like “Raising Awareness” and “Starting Conversations.” (Our favorite is helping students find answers to their questions.)
Certainly it’s not true–in our grey area of our own we’re creating here–that creating animoto videos is “wrong” or producing videos is “bad,” but rather that technology should ideally function in pursuit of that awareness and that conversation, not the app or “the animoto.”

Of course you probably already know that, but here’s to clarifying.

 Technology Tidbits

http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.html- good site for additional grammer practice. 

News & Notes

Congratulations Medlock Bridge!  We have been approved to participate in Cohort 1 in the FCS Personalized Learning Process (classroom tablets).  I wish I could say that the tablets will be in our classrooms before the end of the school year, but that does not appear to be the case.  We are starting the process which means that we will be one of the first schools to receive tablets, however there is much work to be done before we get them.  I will keep you posted.

 

Week of December 18

Thursday Thoughts December 18 

 

 

 

 

 

At the beginning of the year, we agreed to stop making resolutions for the new school year and focus on one word.  I hope you came up with a word and have been able to think on it throughout the semester.  My word is "thankful".  I didn't realize at the beginning of the year how often I would focus on my word but it has now become a daily reflection for me.  I am thankful for my family who show love and patience toward me when I come home grouchy.  I am thankful for our students who come to school excited and eager to learn.  I am thankful for parents who want what's best for their kids and trust us enough to provide it.  And I am thankful for you, a staff who cares for one another and gives your all everyday.  As we enter into a time of rest and reflection, I hope that you have an opportunity to think on your word.  More importantly, I hope that you have an opportunity to relish every moment with your family and friends.  That is what matters.

 

 

 

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Poonam Bhavinani.  I have always been amazed that there is only one person taking care of the technology needs of a school; however with the district's focus on technology, Poonam's job has become all the more difficult.  Not only has she taken care of the laptop refresh, but she is also preparing for the highly anticipated interactive projectors.  Meanwhile she is troubleshooting everything from dying laptops to a malfunctioning visitor log in system.  If you are like me, when technology is not working, you need her to fix it immediately.  I can only imagine what is on the horizon with the classroom tablets.  With all of this going on, you would think that Poonam would be too busy to focus on the Technology Fair.  We know better!  She is full speed ahead with leading the charge to get our students ready to compete.  Poonam, like so many other staff members, is a one person department whose role is vital to our school's overall function.  She has dedicated many years to Medlock and she has no plans of slowing down.  Poonam, thank you for the work that you do to keep us "connected".   

 

 

1 C: Comedy 

 

 

 

 

 

 Enjoy your time off!!!

Week of December 11

Thursday Thoughts December 4

 

 

 

The graphic above reflects how I feel about who we are as a school team at Medlock.  We go through good and bad times.  We have ups and downs.  We work hard and we play hard.  During this holiday season, make sure you take the time to fellowship with and enjoy the people who are on your team. You can't do this work alone!  I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow at the holiday party.  Thanks for what you do for the team!

 

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Patty Neumeister.  Patty's energy and love for teaching and learning is contagious.  She is constantly seeking to improve her practices through various professional development opportunities and will serve as the Professional Learning Facilitator for our school.  Without hesitation, she allows her classroom to serve as a model for effective instructional reading strategies for new teachers.  Patty is a cheerleader for Medlock and encourages others to see the glass as half full.    Many thanks to Patty for being a team player and her ability to make everyone she comes in contact with feel special.

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

 

This Is What I Need From You

12/03/2014, Jennifer Nichols

 

As educators, we have a huge responsibility towards each child entrusted to us.
It is our duty to try our best to meet the needs of the students in our classroom and to help them become productive members of our communities. Sometimes we need to step out of our ‘teacher shoes’ and step into the shoes of a student to help us better understand them, since they are not always very adept at verbalizing their thoughts. Here are ten things you would learn from their point of view.

Teachers: This Is What I Need From You
1. I need to feel important.
I will notice if you always call on someone else more, praise them more, smile at them more, or talk to them more. I might not say anything about it, but I will think about it and feel less valued in your class. I will know that I am not your favourite and this will help to shape the way that I feel about myself as a person and as a learner. I need to feel like I belong in your class and in my school.
Even if I don’t always understand my academics very well, how you make me feel can be the difference it takes for me to stay in school and keep trying. I need to feel that I am part of the community and that I would be missed if I weren’t there.
2. I need you to care about me.
Please show an interest in the things that I share with you. You want me to show an interest in the things that you share, and I would like to know that you would do the same for me. Besides, the things that I share with you are important to me and help us to bond. Knowing that you care about those things will help me remember that I trust you and like you the next time I am having a bad day.
3. I need to care about my future.
I might not listen all the time or do what I should, but I want to live a happy life. Instead of making me feel like I am doomed for failure, please help me to feel like I have a place in this world and that I am worthy. I need you to believe in me more than you may realize. I sometimes tell myself how bad I am… please don’t agree with me, it would validate my negative thoughts. Also, don’t forget that I can hear you when you talk about me to others. Be kind.
4. I need to see past the work.
I’m sorry that I might not appreciate the ‘classics’, and haven’t been reading the chapters you have been assigning. That might be your favorite book, but for me it is destined to become ‘that book my teacher forced us to read’. Instead of making me feel like there is something wrong with me for not finding the material interesting, please try and teach me the value of learning about this instead.
Teach me to understand that it’s normal not to like everything, and tell me about the skills that I will gain from doing the work that aren’t related to enjoying the story.
5. I need to understand why.
I will ask you about the rules and why we need to follow them. Helping me to understand the reasons behind the rules will help me to see the value in them, and will help me to follow them even when I don’t really want to. When I break the rules and get into trouble, please help me to understand why my behaviour was wrong and help me to figure out alternatives for the next time. It may take practice, but I’ll try my best to be good even when it isn’t easy.
Sometimes I’ll fail. When I do, please don’t punish me in a way that makes me feel like you hate me, or in a way that embarrasses me and makes me feel ostracized. My punishment should help me, not hurt me.
6. I need you to protect me.
When my peers don’t like me and call me names, I need to know that I can come to you. Being bullied can hurt me, but it hurts even more to feel like I am alone in it. I know that you can’t always be there to stand between me and a bully, but I need to know that you will always be there to listen to me and to help me deal with things.
I know that you might not be able to stop the others from being mean to me, but I need to see you try. I need to hear you tell them that it is not acceptable and that you will not tolerate it. Please react when it happens in class, it will make me feel safer there. I don’t want to feel alone and unprotected.
7. I need you to make learning fun.
I want school to be an enjoyable and fun place to be. When teaching, can you please try to incorporate things that will be interesting to me? I love games, so maybe we could collect points or badges, or even progress to higher ‘levels’. It would be great if we could do lessons using games sometimes. You may never see me collaborate in a team better than when building a team ‘house’ in Minecraft!
Or maybe, if you can, would you bring in cool things for us to touch and figure out? I love to learn through play and exploration. I want to look forward to coming to class to hear what you have for us to do, as this will help me to build my future as a lifelong learner. I will continue to be curious when I leave your class.
8. I need you to be a model for me.
Actions speak louder than words. Please show me how you interact with others and conduct yourself in different situations. React to things the way you would like for me to react to them, because I am watching you and might reflect your behaviour when something similar happens to me. Don’t let me hear you talk about others in a negative way. You tell me that’s bullying and not to do it – it’s confusing to me when I see you doing it.
Above all, please teach me respect. I need to know how to respect other people, my school, my materials, the environment, and above all… myself. It may be one of the greatest lessons I learn.
9. I need to know that I can be myself.
I might not like the same things as most other people. The games I play and the stories I like to write might seem horrible or silly to other people, but they are not horrible or silly to me. If you make me feel like it is bad to like the things that I do, I will not stop liking them; but will instead feel guilty about liking them and stop sharing my ideas. Instead of making me feel like I am wrong or strange, please encourage me to be the best that I can be without having to completely change who I am.
Teach me about why things are considered appropriate or not, and how to judge what will be acceptable in different situations. You will have more success in teaching me how to embrace my likes and hobbies without offending others than you would in getting me to change what I like.
10. I need to build skills for my future.
Whatever it is I choose to do in my life, there are skills that I will need to be successful. Please do your best to teach me the things that I need to learn. I won’t always make your job easy, but I will appreciate your efforts when I am older. When I don’t understand, don’t give up on me. If you keep trying, I will too. Don’t let me get too discouraged by failure. Instead, teach me that failure is a normal part of life and that it doesn’t define who I am as a student or as a person.
Teach me to be resourceful. I will need to figure things out for myself in life. I might never achieve perfectly, but every step you help me to take now will make me that much more capable later.
I am worth it.

 

 

Technology Tidbits

https://www.gonoodle.com/#dashboard Great site for giving students "brain breaks" during class through educational and fun activities/videos. Sign up is free.  ***Coach Rogers this would be a great resource for you in PE

 

News & Notes:

FCBOE approved an increase in the pay rates - effective December 5, 2014 - for the substitute teaching position only (other substitute categories may be considered during the regular budget planning cycle). The new pay rates are $100 (daily) and $120 (long-term).  Please let me know if you know of anyone who is interested in going through the FCS process to become a substitute teacher.

 

 

 

Week of December 4

Thursday Thoughts December 4

This week I learned something about myself.  I have difficulty living in the moment.  I am always reflecting on what I should have done or planning what should happen next.  Some of you may be able to relate.  I am slowly realizing that life is too short to miss the many moments, big or small, that we can not get back.  I can truly say that I enjoyed our celebration this morning.  I was living in the moment.  I enjoyed the smiles on students' faces, the high fives that the older children gave our little ones in the hall and the excitement that erupted when the students saw their classmates on video.  Because today was a monumental occasion, it was fairly easy to live in the moment.  However, my goal, and I challenge you to do this as well, is to find something to enjoy everyday.  I plan to find a moment each day that makes me thankful for the day.  Fretting about tomorrow is pointless (trust me....it is) and reflection is good as long as you don't dwell on the past.  Thank you for participating in today's events in order to create moments that our students will remember for years to come.

 

Staff Spotlight

I couldn't let this week go by without recognizing Paula Bell and the many hats that she wears.  When we learned about the Blue Ribbon Ceremony, I immediately turned to Paula and said, "OK-what are we going to do?"  She took the lead on creating the invitations, programs and stickers, while ordering the banners and working with numerous other staff members to make sure everything was perfect.  When an unexpected dignitary arrived for the ceremony today, she was able to quickly create a name sign and slip it onto the stage without even batting an eye.   This attention to detail is how she has been able to win accolades from the County for her bookkeeping abilities and it is how we, as a staff, have been able to depend on her to help us do just about everything.  Lunch today is yet another example of how she takes care of the details.  Paula, thank you for taking care of the staff at MBES.  We appreciate you!

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

11 Simple Ways To Start Using Technology In Your Classroom

By Jeff Dunn on September 19, 2014

If you’re on the education technology fence, you probably can’t decide which device or app is the best one to really use. You aren’t sure if you want to jump into the edtech pool with Evernote, Moodle, an iPad, a Chromebook, or some other hot new product or service. That’s because there are an overwhelmingly large number of options out there. Seriously. Take a gander at the Apple iTunes App Store and click on the education category after you’re done on Edudemic. It’s an almost limitless number of apps that could potentially help you.
And that’s just the apps. There are so many more resources out there worth taking a look at. But you’re a busy teacher and you barely have time to use your own iPad to play a quick round of Angry Birds.
What if there was some sort of time-saving handy visual that could help you dream up nearly a dozen new ways to use technology in your classroom? That’s exactly what you’ve got with this fabulous graphic below. It’s designed by the folks at Really Good Stuff to be simple to read, understand, and implement.

 

Technology Tidbits
http://statisticsonline.org/subtangent/mathionaire.swf- 
This game is great practice for 4th & 5th graders because it provides practice on a variety of math skills.  It has the same format as the Who Wants to be a Millionare gameshow.
 

News & Notes

The playgrounds are ready as of next Monday!!!!  Of course there is a catch....your students CAN NOT play on the sod surrounding the playscapes.  This is the agreement that I made so that we could use the playscapes before winter break.  The orange fencing will remain up until February because it serves as the barrier to keep students off of the sod.  Right now there is only one access/entry point for each playscape (due to the fencing).  The playscape nearest the K/1 windows is for Kindergarten through 2nd grade students.  The farther playscape is for 3rd-5th grade.  Please have students play on the structure designed for their grade level.  You may also play on the field or have students use the benches.  Of course only one grade level may go out to the play area at a time.  Please see me on Monday if you have questions.

Week of November 13

Thursday Thoughts November 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week it was amazing to interact with so many other school representatives from all over the country.  I was able to have roundtable discussions with principals from as far away as California, Alaska and even Germany ( schools for the children of our service men and women are in Germany and other countries).  The common theme among the schools was the commitment of teachers and staff to put students' needs above all else. This is something that Medlock Bridge has done for years.   You put children first each and everyday without any expectation of recognition. It was a great honor to represent you in Washington.  Please know that every opportunity I get, I will share the awesome things that you are doing in your classrooms with whoever will listen.  I thank you for your trust and can't wait to celebrate our Blue Ribbon recognition here with you on December 4th.

   

Staff Spotlight 

 This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Carrie Halron.  Carrie is new to Medlock but she has years of teaching experience.  She loves to share with others and is open to learning from colleagues.  Carrie's teaching style is one that engages students and gets them excited about reading and writing.  Being new to a school can be challenging, but Carrie is making the most of this new experience by helping in any way possible.  This week, Carrie's expertise in the Writer's Workshop was welcome as we begin our writing cohort.  Carrie, thank you for what you are doing for kids and I appreciate your willingness to share with and learn from colleagues.

 

   

 4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

27 Teacher Actions That Help Promote Valid Assessment Data

10/21/2014, by Teach Thought Staff

 

 

There is often talk about assessment–its forms, frequency, and the integration of gleaned data to revise planned instruction. Formative versus assessment, rigor, and the evasive nature of understanding are also areas for exploration.
But rarely is there discussion about the kinds of things teachers can do–literal actions and concrete strategies–to help streamline the assessment process, and hopefully produce purer results you can trust.
In the infographic below, Mia MacMeekin offers her now familiar “27 ways” format, this time teacher actions that are conducive to more valid assessment results–and thus data you can trust. Coupled with our 10 Assessments You Can Perform In 90 Seconds Or Less, that’s several dozen simple formative assessment forms and strategies to add to your teacher tool set.
As with any list, some are better than others, but a few stand out:
Evaluate
Having the student evaluate the format helps bring them closer to the actual process of learning
Seconds
Or thirds, fourths, and fifths. What matters is that they prove they understand, no?
Match
Align assessment forms so that the form isn’t the barrier.
Limit & Relax
This is especially true for struggling readers and younger students. If you ever don’t believe it, give the same test under multiple circumstances, and watch the data jump all over the place. On a Monday. A rainy day. The day a student broke up with their boyfriend. Early in the morning. After lunch.
Prep
Or as described below, model. Model what you expect so that students are clear. You can make it open-ended and creative, but don’t be surprised when the data is “problematic.”

Technology Tidbits

http://scorescience.humboldt.k12.ca.us/fast/kids.htm-  website that gives you access to numerous (about 50) Science websites for students.

News & Notes

State Board of Education proposes revisions to CCGPS standards in ELA, math; proposed changes posted for public comment for 60 days- Read the attached link for more information.

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/Proposed-English-Language-Arts-and-Mathematics-Standards-Kindergarten-through-High-School.aspx

 

 

Week of November 6

 

Thursday Thoughts November 6

 

When meeting with our School Board Member, Linda McCain, on Tuesday, I began a discussion about the college and career ready seeds that we plant in our students at the elementary level.  She was amazed that we started talking to children about college in elementary school.  I was amazed that she was amazed by that.  But then I got to thinking about what age I was when my parents starting talking to me about college.  I can tell you that it wasn't in elementary school.  I think I remember my mother telling me to make good grades in middle school so that I could get into a college.  That was the extent of the conversation until 10th grade.  Then it became a race to make sure that I was taking all the right courses.  I am sure that we could argue the case of what age is too early to start talking to children about college.  But I think the bigger issue is making sure that we aren't so focused on what kids will be when they grow up that we forget what they are now...KIDS.  Exposure to many different things is the best way that we can get our kids ready for college and/or careers right now.  Let's spark their interests and show them the possibilities of the future.

   

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Dana Thornton and Abigail Holder.  Dana has made a huge jump from assisting in a special needs classroom last year to serving as a Pre K teacher this year.  She is creative, nurturing and makes learning fun for her students.  When visiting her classroom, you immediately notice that she has a lively bunch.  Her calm demeanor and patience are two qualities that are crucial to teaching Pre K.  In addtion, Dana welcomes feedback and suggestions on how she can best meet the needs of her students.  But Dana can not do the job alone. 

Abigail joined us this year and has been a tremendous asset to the program.  Abigail always has a positive attitude and serves as a team player.  She works closely with Dana to ensure that every child has a great day in Pre K.  She seeks ways to support the instruction and she plays an important part in the success of  the class.  I am proud of our Pre K program at Medlock and I thank Dana and Abigail for what they do each day.

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 10 Creative Careers That Rely on Science and Math

Knowledge of STEM subjects isn't just essential for physicists or computer engineers. Fashion designers, zookeepers, and deep-sea divers also use it every day.

Alexandra Ossola Oct 31, 2014

 

Scuba divers must exhibit a proficiency in physics. (U.S. Navy/Flickr)
          

You probably know someone working in science: People in STEM fields accounted for about 6 percent of American workers in 2011. That may not sound like a high percentage, but it’s growing; the U.S. Department of Commerce anticipates that STEM jobs will grow 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, almost double the growth projected for the rest of the economy. Some of those jobs are in predictable fields—computer technicians, pharmaceutical developers—but others may be more surprising. STEM topics blend harmoniously with art, nature, construction, and other areas, making those fields more precise and enabling the creation and discovery of things far greater than the sum of their parts.

 

1. Meteorologist

Today, most people picture a meteorologist as the person gesturing to a map on the local news. But although this field started when early scientists diligently observed weather patterns, it became much more rigorous when they started trying to understand and forecast future conditions. Now, weather prediction requires the calculation of complex vectors, drawing on knowledge of physics, calculus, and earth science.

2. Taxidermist

Part biology, part artistry, preserving animal bodies requires an intimate knowledge of several different scientific disciplines. The taxidermist should understand an animal’s habitat in order to create accurate dioramas. The tanning of the animal’s hide also requires comprehension of the chemical processes necessary to keep it from decaying. Only once the hide is properly tanned and re-sewn can the aesthetic work begin.

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3. Animator

The time-consuming, paper-based animation techniques of Disney’s golden years are a thing of the past. Today, most animators use computer programs to render the worlds of movies and TV shows. Often, young animators get into the field armed with a background in computer science and an affinity for art. Many animators also emphasize the advantage of mastering multiple types of computer platforms and software.

4. Fashion Designer

Clothes of different cuts, sizes, and fabrics don’t just magically drape themselves on the human body. To create the initial pattern, a designer must craft a 3-D garment on 2-D fabric, which requires a knowledge of geometry. Of course, the garment has to fit the model in all the right places and be scaled up appropriately for different sizes, which means it also involves algebra and arithmetic. And in order to make a profit, the designer has to calculate the cost of the fabric and labor, then determine how much he or she should charge for a piece of clothing.

5. Park Ranger

Custodians of our national parks don’t have to be as frustrated as Ranger Smith, constantly arguing with Yogi Bear. Their work is made easier by strong backgrounds in forestry and conservation, and an intimate knowledge of the delicate ecosystems they work to protect. Employing their knowledge of botany and biology, they are sometimes called upon to help fight forest fires or take care of injured animals in the park.

6. Cartographer

Back in the days of the explorers, cartographers made maps using sundials, compasses, and telescopes, pinpointing and drawing out different locations with all the information available to them (which, in the early days of mapmaking, wasn’t very much). Today, cartographers use aerial imagery and digital databases to make maps, sometimes indicating three dimensions on paper or a screen. Even though computers now help with many calculations, cartographers need to know algebra, calculus, trigonometry, geology, and statistics.

7. Carpenter

When a carpenter starts to make a set of stairs, how does she determine how many to make? With math, of course! Carpenters use geometry to determine the dimensions for what they build, as well as during the building process. No one likes a slanted set of stairs!

8. Zookeeper

Although zookeepers have the awesome privilege of hanging out with exotic animals like lions and elephants, most of their time is spent caring for these creatures. Much like a veterinarian tends to a cat or dog, zookeepers care for the physical and mental wellbeing of the animals. They achieve this through careful observation and by using their training in biology and life science to treat any illnesses the animals may have.

9. Ship Captain

Even in these days of high-speed travel, the seas are filled with ships, many of them delivering cargo from one side of the world to another. When setting the course, a ship captain must make some sophisticated calculations, taking into account a vessel’s position, wind speed, current, tide, and cargo weight. The advent of GPS has aided this somewhat, but captains must still be able to use older technologies like maritime charts in case computers fail at sea. In addition to a knowledge of physics and computer science, a captain has to know how to work all the machinery on board, and will often be asked to log the ship’s pollution.

10. Diver

Scuba divers have some great job perks, like interacting with incredible wildlife and seeing the world in a new way. But they couldn’t do so safely without an intimate knowledge of math and physics. For even the simplest plunges, divers need to calculate the rate at which they should rise to the surface to avoid decompression sickness. They also need to know the laws of physics to determine how long their oxygen tanks will last given the water pressure at various depths.

 

 Technology Tidbits

 

http://www.visualfractions.com/- Site that can be used for fraction help

 http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx -Students can use this site to create graphs

 

 

News & Notes

Check out the Advanced Strategies Lab at State Bridge.  We are headed in a similar direction!

http://statebridgeadvancedstrategieslab.weebly.com/