Breakout Edu!

Have you ever done an escape room? If not, Google that and find one to do with a group of friends! They are so much fun and challenging. Even better? Making one yourself!

Breakout Edu is an awesome platform that turns your classroom into an escape room. If you purchase a kit, you will be given a set of physical locks, a large and small box, and few other supplies that allows you to build out the game. You can use the website's already made games by teacher around the world, or like I did, create your own. There is even a feature to use digital locks, so you do not have to buy a kit!

The Importance of Creating Significant Learning Environments

It's been a few months since I have received my Master's Diploma, had a baby, and started back up in the classroom again. I'm exhausted, yet I still can't help but to hold high standards for myself in the way I design my learning environment. I find it important now, more than ever, to create significant learning environments (CSLE) for my students. 

Within my IB program, the Diploma Candidates that are in biology, chemistry, and physics are required to complete something called "The Group 4 Project." Many times these projects are simple research projects: gather information on a topic, put it on a PowerPoint presentation, show it to your classmates, and call it a day. B O R I N G !!

SmartScopes in Science

Our science department recently received SmartScopes from Smart School Systems and we are just in love with them! We have the iGo that connects directly to the iPad. It's easy to set up. The app itself allows for images and video of what you are looking at that drop into the camera roll.

Exploring the thread on a purse.

Implementation Challenge Reflection

I was given the challenge to find a way to use my physical space to enhance my digital learning environment. Our school is now 1:1 iPad, so we have so much flexibility in our learning ways!

You can see my before and after of my seating arrangement in the videos below.

Year 2 of flipping: What I've Learned

This year my district has invited any teachers to join in on professional development called "Unlocking Your Genius." I decided to join in--desiring to learn more, at my own pace and with my own choice in learning, and to reflect on the transformation my classroom and curriculum is undergoing. 

I was asked to talk about why I flip my classroom (check out the video, I'm the 2nd teacher in the interviews!)

2 and 1 and Summer!

Yup. It happened. Summer!

I can't believe my 1st year is totally over! 

Did you learn anything? You betcha. I'll have to recap this over the next few weeks (cause boy, did I learn some things!)

I'm gonna miss my kiddos, but especially my seniors (ya know, I won't get to see them for a LONG time!---they better invite me to their weddings! haha)

4 and 3

So close! Last week of school!

[4]

Tuesday

Biology Review

visits from my amazing seniors! :)

senior graduation practice

(yup...I'm in charge of row 1 baby!)

6 and 5

[6]

Thursday

heart-felt goodbyes to my seniors
(can you find me in this picture? I blend in! ha)

8 and 7

Closer and closer to the final week of school...

[8]

Tuesday

test administration-so, so exciting

and so, so sarcastic :)

8 more weeks!

I hope my lack of posts does not make you feel ignored, my fellow teacher readers. I'm sure you understand by now, it's been a busy year :)

I'm down to 8 more weeks of school! I think it's gonna fly by faster for me than it will for the students.

Even teachers take tests too..

Forgive me for my lack of posting. I've been so incredibly busy! And when I have down time, all I want to do is veg or sleep.  Eek.

Well, an update in my world of biology...

Science Fair came to an end 2 weeks ago!

Cheek Cells and Clinical Simulations

It has been quite a busy season! Can you believe November is next week!? WOO! I get a week off for Thanksgiving and I just can't wait!

School has been kickin' my tail. Everything is good...real good, but I will admit I had that "what am I doing here-this is overwhelming" moment last week. Phew. I survived.

My Pre-AP Biology classes just went through a PBL (project based learning) where they diagnosed a patient of a "cell organelle" related disease. Yeah, I went all science on you! ;)

My students have looked at cheek cells and onion cells...

 Actual Cheek cells from lab