I am loving seventh grade! That's the grade I want to focus on. I am teaching on Saturdays at Willow International. Everything is melding together, I am a little frazzled with all my classes that I have to take and all the assignments due though.
Your class was so great to observe, the kids too. Hope you are doing well.

I'm at Computech with Mark Kirste.

I might see you at Science Olympiad, I am judging the robo-cross tournament.

So how did your group/school fair at the Olympiad?? I had fun.

Well I got an internship with Parlier Jr High School. I'll be teaching 7th life science, and 8th physical science (which I have nothing for!!). I'm happy and relieved, but a little annoyed in the fact that I will be teaching physical science, I wasn't told that prior to signing the contract. But its a contract though!! :-)

I was there Friday turning in a final for one of my classes. Yeah my student teaching is over, but I'm still 'volunteering' my time with him, still teaching my two classes, the kids have bonded with me and won't let me leave. We have a big field trip towards the end of the year which will be fun, its in the Mojave desert!

Well you know, after this week I have to say this is the MOST useful workshop I've ever been to and that's a lot. If you asked me last week

I would have said oh no let me stop listening to the socratic method. So thank you, this led to the great earth science lesson planning we've done.

This really surprised me. I was so frustrated I didn't think I belonged. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you a workshop full of inspiration. I am anxious to start the year and try whiteboards, etc. This is how I have always wanted to teach science but was unable to break through the 'this is how we always do it' mode at my school and in myself.

I am taking any resources I can get now! I am starting to be okay about it, turns out that the physical science at Parlier is not that in depth, due to the fact that the students don't have much prior science taught to them, nor the knowledge. So in some aspects its like teaching from scratch.
I am going to a chemistry workshop on Monday, are you by chance teaching that? Hopefully I'll get some good ideas!
How are you doing by the way? Do you start school on the 17th too?

I would love to go to the workshops, they are probably on Saturdays? I teach on sat 8-2 for the fall semester.
I would love to take a look at the book too.

hi brenda,
I wanted to let you know that I will not be able to come to the first modeling follow up. I have a work shop for the teacher internship program. If you need some one to talk about the Keep toolkit and things let Jaime know and he can ask one of the others that are working on that project to help. I wish I could be there.

Hope things are well
Thanks
Sara

Hi Brenda, My summer was too amazing. All downhill after the workshop though :) This is the first time in a long time that I have had the time and freedom to travel and see family and friends for extended periods of time. I got my polo and got to talk to John and he said that the second week went really well everyone was really doing some extreme thinking, which is great to hear. When I click on the Modeling Science group it says I have to request to join, so I will do that now. Did you and your family enjoy San Luis?

I am so glad to hear it. We have an amazing stretch of coast. Thanks again for everything. This workshop really opened my eyes to the potential that we have in making education so incredibly stimulating and engaging for students. I am grateful for your above and beyond efforts to teach teachers your methods. Hopefully we'll see you soon.

Thanks. Things are going well so far. I lucked out and have 2 periods of general and 3 Honors! I have decided to go ahead with the modeling materials with the honors classes. They are starting to pick it up and its great because most have taken physics and biology so I can tie those things in as well.
I'm finding it a little hard to introduce the labs. I am trying not to give things away but sometimes it is hard. We are in the middle of the mass and change labs so I'm not that far in yet. I'm starting to get the hang of Socratic dialogue but its definitely a challenge.

Thank you

Brenda, there are quite a few science educators like you who go on to become faculty at institutions of higher education. There are quite a few jobs for people with science teaching experience who then get a doctorate. We would like to learn more about these faculty with education specialties who are in science departments at institutions of higher education. With some of my colleagues, we have conducted and published an initial study of SFES in the California State University system. That study was recently published in the journal, Science (visit http://sepal.sfsu.edu/about-sfes.html). From this study, it became clear that there is a need for a greater understanding of SFES across the nation. As a result, we are now conducting a National Search for faculty who may be a Science Faculty with an Education Specialty (SFES). This search is a prelude to planning a national study of SFES who are working at different types of higher education institutions. If you are an SFES or think you might be an SFES, please complete our brief, 3-5 minute survey at the link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/National-SFES-Search

Please feel free to pass on this invitation! Thank you! - Nancy

Ms. Royce

the info is flowing now.... I am ready to "connect"

Armando Garica
wawona middle school

Hi Brenda-

Thanks for your offer. I was just able to check today, my school blocks the site. Could I try calling next weekend, or will you be at the Fresno Workshop?

We could also do an email dialogue, which might be easier. I'm laura.e.jewett@gmail.com. I'd love to hear some thoughts. Hope things are well!

Laura

Brenda--when can I come see you do "modeling in action", David and Mark also? Tuesdays are best for me, does that work for you? Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17?
Rob Nobles
Yosemite HS

Brenda,
Enjoyed our little chat today. It was nice to have another opportunity to share with everyone. I learn something new each time. I guess that's the idea, right? Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your well-deserved time off.
Tina :-)