Declo STEM Day

I am finally ready to post pictures and thoughts from our STEM Day for 5th graders.  A few weeks ago, we gathered an army of parents to host a day full of great classes.  I am so grateful for the presenters and chaperones and a supportive staff that made the day so worthwhile.   Power dads Joey and Jon presented for Idaho Power, we made bridges with an engineer, and glow in the dark slime was our chemistry class.  I brought microscopes for the kids to see their cheek cells, and an audiologist talked about hearing science.  The kids loved the robotics demonstration from the Declo FLL team members.  This day was supported by the Idaho Farm Bureau Womens' Committee and materials were sent from beoutsideidaho.com.  Thanks to all!!!

Robotics Workshop at CSI Herrett Center next week!

Just in case you are not attending the TF Science Camp...can't imagine that scenario, but it could happen, then this is also a GREAT activity and it supports some great kids!

What an awesome day in Moscow, ID!!

Where do I start?   We have had a great time at the University of Idaho at the FIRST Lego League State Competition.  About 60 teams from all over Idaho came to share their projects and show off their mad programming and robot design skills.  Our boys, the Hotwired and RoboRebel Teams, did great in all categories.  The RoboRebels ended the day at 7th overall in the robot competition...so awesome!  Hotwired is taking home a First Place Trophy in Research...which is because they learned so much about cross-contamination.  They also finished 13th in robot competition...thanks STEVE (Robot name)  We are so proud of all the kids who represented not just Mini-Cassia, but Magic Valley.  The RoboSpuds from Rupert took home a 2nd place trophy in Innovative Solutions and the Kimberly Bacon Bits got 2nd Place in Overall CHAMPION!  WOW!

After the awards ceremony, our Declo teams met with Dr. Ed Galindo, a scientist and awesome science dude here at U of I.  We learned about his NASA research, toured his fish-naut lab, and had a great dinner.  Thanks Ed!  It was great to see you again!

Magic Valley Winners

The Burton Christmas Card?  Thanks for everything, Carrie!

Outreach and Grant News

As I wrap up my CSI classes for another semester, I wanted to share one of my favorite websites for you to explore over the break.  In the last few weeks, I have visited about 8 schools to substitute for math and science classes, and I have used my favorite genetics and cell site several times.  Learn.genetics.utah.edu is a great site to cover cells, heredity, DNA, and current examples of all things genetics.  I use the virtual labs to introduce students to real labs they will be doing.  Whether I am teaching my college students or HS students, we always cover gel electrophoresis, blood typing, and/or  DNA extraction and I  learn something new each time.  The website is very user friendly, and it is sponsored by the University of Utah.

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

I also got good news this morning.  I wrote a grant this Fall to Target to help fund a field trip to Boise so the students could go to the Discovery Center, and we were chosen to receive the money.  I am so excited for our Fourth graders!  So keep looking for funding opportunities...there are so many available!

Tomorrow morning my son and I leave for the State Robotics Competition.  I will post updates throughout the competition...there are at least 5 Magic Valley teams going...and I am sure we will all have a great time! 

Burley Junior High Science and Invention Fair

Last night BJHS showed their commitment to STEM by hosting a Science and Invention Fair, combined with CO2 racing cars built by students, and a friendly FLL Robitics Competition.  Thanks to Reda and Rick and all the science teachers at BJHS for your dedication to STEM and your students.  It was a great night!

Members from 3 FLL Robotics teams ready to compete

Michael making last minute modifications

The helium-filled remote controlled shark watches over the projects!

                                         Real life angry birds~too funny~

The egg cracking and cooking machine

My kids making Rocket Racers

CO2 Race Cars, designed and built by BJHS students

Members of the Rupert team make a plan

Go RoboSpuds!  Girl Power~

FLL Robotics teams from Declo, Minidoka, and BJHS

The Marshmallow Grinder...just for fun, the student said!

Twin Falls FLL Robotics Competition...What a DAY!

Well, how fun was that?  We are so proud of our Declo teams for doing so well and qualifying for State Competition in December.  Thanks to Darcy at the Herrett Center and all the CSI organizers and judges for helping our kids have a great day!  Thanks coaches and parents for supporting your kids.  These teams were judged on team work, presentation and research, programming and design, and robotic missions.  The theme this year is Food Safety and they have learned a lot.

               Hotwired presenting their project to the judges.

             Cassia Teams...BJH Bobocats, RoboRebels, and Hotwired

RoboRebels in competition!

Hotwired preparing to compete!

Our Mascot, Nash

Three of the best judges...Sue, Bill, and Dan

BJH Bobcat Team...good job!