Online GPS Course this Saturday

So one of my favorite new resources is coming out of this NASA class I am taking.  Teachers from all over the country are sharing their backgrounds and connections with each other, and we have just added a place on our page to share events like this.  I know this is coming up in just 2 days, but I wanted to share anyway.  I might be able to fit it in myself.  How fun!  You know I like to letterbox, but I am not really confident using GPS in lesson plans.

Introduction to GPS (Grades 5-9)

Saturday November 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. AZ (10:00 Eastern)

The Global Positioning System is an engaging educational tool for teaching students science, mathematics, and technology. This session will introduce teachers to the science behind GPS, will contain engaging activities including determining the size of the Earth, and will cover associated NASA resources to aid in teaching GPS to students. Presented by: Todd Ensign - NASA IV&V ERC This is an online workshop. You only need an internet connection and a computer with the capability to receive audio to participate. Email deveaus@erau.edu to register. Registered participants will receive login instructions via email prior to the workshop and a certificate of participation following the workshop.

CSI Education Technology Article

Here is an article about my friend Dave Makings. I am enjoying the SeTEM class that I get to observe at CSI. I am also enjoying my first true online course through NASA and Georgia Tech. Last night I learned how to scan a QR Code and download documents to read. Very cool!

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http://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/future-teachers-prepare-for-classrooms-filled-with-new-technology/article_265c4d71-a53f-592b-8267-f3d25b5acc83.html

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!

Idaho EPSCoR Newsletter

I am very grateful for EPSCoR and their willingness to team up with and support CSI and STEM Outreach.  If you scroll down their summer newsletter, you will see a couple of our Declo Science Events from last Spring.  I am thrilled that our work was mentioned in their newsletter.

https://mail.csi.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=09792c81c3904d618f2a2ecbbe73794c&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.idahoepscor.org%2fUploads%2fEpscorNewssummer20111.pdf

So much happening in STEM!

My head is spinning with all the opportunities out there.  Last night I toured a local milk facility that makes powdered milk from local dairies, and I am never going to look at milk the same way again.  We take so much for granted when it comes to our food supply!  I was visiting with my son's robotics team so they could learn about food safety.  Their competition is THIS Saturday at the Herrett Center at CSI.  So much to do!

Also, I spent the day at the Junior High with the best 6th graders in Idaho.  I have known some of these kids since preschool, and we have a lot of fun doing science experiments.  It was their first time with the black box, and it went really well.  ( I will post pix tomorrow!)

Finally, I started an online course through Georgia Tech today.  I applied in the summer after I got an email from NEON, and I am excited to communicate with teachers all over the country about online education.  This course is free, and I am earning 2 credits if I am successful with all the requirements.   So teachers, keep an eye out for these kinds of classes, because they can really help us stay up on technology.

Scary Trees for Halloween

This was a fun post on the PLT website...thanks Michelle!  I enjoyed the examples in this collection of scary trees through time!  Enjoy and Happy November!

http://webecoist.com/2010/09/07/deadwood-30-scary-creepy-bizarre-trees/

Fun NASA Contest Winners...

I came across this today while reading the online edition of USA Today.  I wanted to share the essays and art that was recognized as winning entries.

http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-gallery/

The Shuttle Program is a generational marker for parents like me, and I will miss it.  I am grateful we took our kids several times to the Kennedy Space Center, and we even saw one of the Mars Rovers launch from Cape Canaveral in 2003.  I really need to convert my old photographs to digital...I could show you the cutest pix of my kids at KSC.