Open Post

You can make comments on this post on any subject you would like and they will be available for everyone else to see.  If you would like me to re-post them as a separate post I will.  I believe this is the only way for everyone else to contribute since I am the author of the blog.  If there are any blog masters out there, please correct me if I am wrong!
Thanks!

High School Limits Bathroom Breaks for Students

I just saw this this afternoon and found it very interesting, see what you think.

http://www.journal-news.com/lifestyle/high-school-sets-bathroom-visit-limit-for-students-1270433.html

Patty Blake

The Future of Textbooks

I have begun to receive textbook material from publishers since we are entering our curriculum revision and textbook adoption  years.  One thing I have noticed recently (with two kids in college) about textbooks is that many are turning to ebooks or online versions.  This seems to be the future of textbok adoption and we are most likely going to be faced with this version of information delivery whether we like it or not.  Maybe not this adoption cycle but most likely soon after.  What are your thoughts?  Do you have any ideas on how we should approach this change?  How about the use of tablets (ipads/itouch) as a way of delivering the textbooks?  What about the kids who cannot afford this type of delivery system?  What questions or doubts do you have?  Is this an inevitable change?  Please comment and I will repost if you would like.
Thanks,
Bruce

Interesting Article!

The modern day "Scarlet Letter" but probably a bad idea for public relations.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/california-tells-high-school-color-coded-ids-based-140944053.html

The Mind's Eye...Literally!

http://mashable.com/2011/09/23/scientists-brain-visual-memories/

I saw this today and was amazed at the possibilities this might have in the future.  Its like something out of "A Brave New World."  Comments anyone?
Have a great Weekend,
Lanham

OGT Vocabulary

One thing we are trying this year at Taylor is exposing all freshmen and sophmores to a weekly list of science words that could potentially be found on the OGT test.  Some of the words are in the current content we are studying in class, others aren't.  I use these as a source for bonus points on my tests in the ninth grade integrated science classes while Wendy Burt and Sue DeGroot give a short quiz each week on the list. The goal is to get them used to hearing these words over an extended period of time instead of just once or twice in a lesson being taught.  We have also asked Tom and Trish to create a poster sized copy of these words each week to post in places that are outside the science classroom (lunchroom, hallway, etc.)  I believe teaching the "language of science" is an important part of helping students understand scientific concepts.  What do you think?  Is this something that could be done with 7th and 8th graders at the Middle School also?  Can you think of any ways to improve on this idea?  Please post your comments!