news & tips for teachers
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Exit Through the Art World
February 28th, 2011
Street art has always existed on the periphery of the art world, almost daring spectators to determine whether it has a rightful position as art or if it is just subversive vandalism. It is found in every city of the world, and …
Benefiting from the NEA
February 19th, 2011
Last week President Obama spoke about reducing the national deficit by cutting unnecessary spending. One of the cuts he proposed was a $21 million cut to the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent agency of the federal government that extends support …
ISTE NETS*A Part 3: Excellence in Professional Practice
January 31st, 2011
After two sets of articles on the National Educational Technology Standards for both students and teachers, I’m now in my most ambitious series yet: the standards for administrators. I have been a student most of my life, and I have been a …
A New Virtual Reality
January 30th, 2011
I have a friend who teaches in an area of New Jersey that has been hit with several snowstorms. So far, twenty eight days into the new year they have used six of their eight allotted snow days already. What happens when …
Energy from Cow to Hamburger
January 11th, 2011
A wonderful test item from way back in the 80’s asked the students to track the energy of a hamburger from grass to cow to plate. It seems pretty straightforward but takes a lot of science thinking to explain fully. Food is …
Encouraging Top Science Talent
December 28th, 2010
One Christmas I remember a neighbor got a chemistry set as a gift. He was interested in the set for a few days and then it became the toy that several of us played with for weeks on end. We continued to …
Transparent Time Management
December 7th, 2010
It is that time of year when we all run out of time. The curriculum gets crunched with concepts we want to cover before vacation and our classes are interrupted with a hundred different events. The secret to holiday sanity and good …
The World of Nanotechnology
November 16th, 2010
I admit that the tiny world of nanotechnology sounds like so much science fiction that it caught me off guard to find out how much nanotechnology is in our everyday lives. That kind of concept integration should be a part of some …
ISTE NETS*A Part 2: Digital Age Learning Culture
November 9th, 2010
After two sets of articles on the National Educational Technology Standards for both students and teachers, we embark on my most ambitious series yet: the standards for administrators. I have been a student most of my life, and I have been a …
What is IB Art?
November 7th, 2010
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is an international educational foundation …
Remembering Our Essence
October 21st, 2010
There is a story about a stream that flowed around many obstacles until it arrived at a desert. The stream tried to cross, but its waters disappeared into the sand. The stream heard a voice. It said, “The wind crosses the desert. …
ISTE NETS*A Part 1: Visionary Leadership
October 10th, 2010
After two sets of articles on the National Educational Technology Standards for both students and teachers, we embark on my most ambitious series yet: the standards for administrators. I have been a student most of my life, and I have been a …
From Shortage to Glut
September 29th, 2010
I stumbled upon a Newsweek magazine dated October 2, 2000. The two inch headline posted across the cover posed the question: “Who Will Teach Our Kids?” Written in smaller print underneath: “Half of All Teachers Will Retire By 2010”. Well, well, well. …
The Great Pandemic
September 21st, 2010
A while back a colleague and I did a wonderful unit in which we took kids to a local cemetery and asked them to look at the patterns they saw in the numeric data on the gravestones. As it turns out this …
Losing Our Edge
September 16th, 2010
In 1992 I decided to write my masters thesis on creativity. My thesis advisors protested against the topic arguing that assessing creativity was difficult if not impossible. I proceeded anyway because I felt that the single most important component of an educational …
ISTE NETS*T Part 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
August 26th, 2010
This is the fifth in a series of five articles about the NETS*T (National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers) from ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education). We are accustomed to thinking about standards for student achievement. But we can really raise …
The Great Migration
August 25th, 2010
I was watching the kids in my neighborhood wander in small groups to the bus stop on the annual migration back to school. This made me think of the possibilities in teaching more about animal migrations in my classes. The two are …
ISTE NETS*T Part 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
July 30th, 2010
This is the fourth in a series of five articles about the NETS*T (National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers) from ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education). We are accustomed to thinking about standards for student achievement. But we can really raise …
When is a Rolex Like a Work of Art?
July 19th, 2010
Imagine a program, similar to those of the Renaissance, where young artists who wish to refine their craft can have an opportunity to study with a master artist. Individual, one on one training and experience with someone who is considered a luminary …
Important Questions
July 13th, 2010
When the weather turns warm and the kids next door become tired of what they are doing they turn to neighbors and begin to ask questions. The first question is “what are you doing?” Those who are not teachers would miss this …
ISTE NETS*T Part 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
July 5th, 2010
This is the third in a series of five articles about the NETS*T (National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers) from ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education). We are accustomed to thinking about standards for student achievement. But we can really raise …
Healthy Eating
July 5th, 2010
I watched a neighbor place a plate of veggies in front of a group of 3rd and 4th graders and then, to my amazement, they attacked it as though it was ice cream. My neighbor must have noticed because she began to …
Art and Design
July 5th, 2010
At the 59th street stop on the Number 4 subway, the doors of the train open and release a stream of teens plugged into their ipods, talking and texting on their phones, laughing and joking with each other. They walk a few …
Seeing Rightly
June 10th, 2010
When I first opened my art studio I was fortunate enough to have a young man who was blind enrolled in classes. Both he and his twin brother (who was not visually impaired) started classes with me when they were seven. It …
Summer Science Fun
June 10th, 2010
I know that the last thing on your mind is what will your students be doing to extend the science learning you have begun. I do think we miss a lot of solid connections and collaboration between those of us in the …
Summer Idea Notebook
June 7th, 2010
It is a week into summer and my batteries are beginning to recharge. When that happens my mind starts to think of great things to do next year. In order to remember these brilliant ideas I keep a notebook handy and jot …
Summer Idea Notebook
June 7th, 2010
It is a week into summer and my batteries are beginning to recharge. When that happens my mind starts to think of great things to do next year. In order to remember these brilliant ideas I keep a notebook handy and jot …
ISTE NETS*T Part 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
June 7th, 2010
This is the second in a series of five articles about the NETS*T (National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers) from ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education). We are accustomed to thinking about standards for student achievement. But we can really raise …
Showing Appreciation
May 21st, 2010
Last week, California celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. It passed without so much as a universal email from our district office thanking us for the job that we all do. A job that has been made so much harder due to their financial …
ISTE NETS*T Part 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
May 18th, 2010
I recently completed a series of articles on the NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students) from ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). As a technology teacher, I appreciate how these standards highlight the goals we have for our students and …
ISTE NETS*S Part 6: Technology Operations and Concepts
May 12th, 2010
This is my sixth article in a series of six about ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students). The sixth standard is “Technology Operations and Concepts.” Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. …
Exploding Colors of Milk
May 7th, 2010
At this time of year I like to push my students to think deeper and connect more science ideas. I know they always push back when I do this in the spring. Her minds are outside in the warm weather. We do …
ISTE NETS*S Part 5: Digital Citizenship
May 3rd, 2010
This is my fifth article in a series of six about ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students). The fifth standard is “Digital Citzenship.” Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical …
The Ever Expanding Class Size
April 26th, 2010
The reports are saying that class sizes are going to increase as schools reduce the numbers of teachers through attrition or lay-offs. In any case the news is not good for science. But, those of us left in the classroom will have …
The Ever Expanding Class Size
April 20th, 2010
The reports are saying that class sizes are going to increase as schools reduce the numbers of teachers through attrition or lay-offs. In any case the news is not good for science. But, those of us left in the classroom will have …
ISTE NETS*S Part 4: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
April 19th, 2010
This is my fourth article in a series of six about ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students). The fourth standard is “Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.” Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills …
The Art and Integrity of Graffiti
March 31st, 2010
“Staring at the buildings; they are bare. Staring at the spaces; they are boring. All the while the artist ‘s energy and blood is seething with stories to tell…” Edward “Scape” Martinez Can graffiti be taught? Should graffiti be taught? Edward “Scape” …
ISTE NETS*S Part 3: Research and Information Fluency
March 31st, 2010
This is my third article in a series of six about ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students). The third standard is “Research and Information Fluency.” Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students: …
ISTE NETS*S Part 2: Communication and Collaboration
March 16th, 2010
My last article was the first in a series of six about ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students). The second standard is “Communication and Collaboration.” Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including …
Youth Art Month
March 14th, 2010
Saint Patrick ‘s Day isn ‘t the only celebration that takes place in March. Since 1961, March has been deemed Youth Art Month as a way to showcase the talent and potential of student artists, express support for art educators and emphasize …
Recording Data
March 10th, 2010
My students are in full, “we are tired of winter” mode. When that comes on it produces lots of interesting side effects. One that has appeared this year is a dip in their attention to detail when recording data. I often provide …
A Lesson from the Great Depression
March 4th, 2010
I was listening to a radio program which featured a discussion on what will happen after the “Great Recession”. The conversation specifically focused on California ‘s Silicon Valley. Several of the commentators spoke about how pivotal Silicon Valley is, not only to California ‘s …
Time to Revisit Gardner
February 24th, 2010
The catch phrase in education today is to “close or narrow the achievement gap”. Consultants are brought in from various educational professional organizations; educators are steeped in professional development and programs are implemented all with the same goal — to increase performance …
ISTE NETS*S Part 1: Creativity and Innovation
February 24th, 2010
Are you familiar with ISTE’s NETS*S (National Educational Technology Standards for Students)? They represent a framework for the skills we want today’s generation of students to have as they emerge from their years of schooling. There are six standards, so I thought …
Signs of Spring
February 24th, 2010
I know that many are tired of winter by February. Some are tired of winter by early January. When this happens in the classroom we find ways to cope with the cabin fever. But, there are signs of the coming spring all …
A Dramatic Difference
February 16th, 2010
Teachers work hard to keep classroom drama to minimum. But what if adding some drama to your class actually helped you to develop a greater connection with your students and aided in classroom management as well? What can we borrow from theatre …
Bicycles and Hiking Poles are Technology, Too!
February 16th, 2010
If you haven’t heard of “nature-deficit disorder,” a term coined by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods, it’s really something you may want to look into – especially if (like me) you’re an educator and/or a parent …
What Can You Do with Science Knowledge?
February 16th, 2010
I send out a questionnaire to my former students and try to find out what they thought was the most valuable part of my class. The information is humbling and insightful. These last few years I have heard back from a variety …
The Classroom Olympics
February 3rd, 2010
I have posted some ideas about using the Olympics in the science blog. It is simply too big a teaching opportunity to limit my comments to just the blog. Every four years there is an exceptional opportunity to teach the students some science, sportsmanship, …
A Read to Rejuvenate your Teaching
February 3rd, 2010
Several years ago the National Science Teachers Association published the first of a series of books called Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. After a long line of science-specific books (with math easily embedded) they published a …
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